—But....

—Yes—I know: we will not say to whom; we will say: from the suffering of whom.... For understand and do not forget that your gain came from my misfortune....

—But....

—Do not cavil, I beg you. Between your gain and my trouble there is a relation; I do not quite know which, but there is a relation....

—But, sir....

—Do not call me sir.

—But, my dear Cocles.

—Say simply Cocles.

—But once again, my best Cocles....

—No, sir,—no, Damocles,—and it is no use your talking, for I still wear the mark of the blow on my cheek ... it is a wound that I will show you at once.