But the prefect saw quickly that Rouletabille was not fooling and had no mockery in his manner.
“Monsieur,” he insisted, “since you speak seriously, I certainly wish to understand—”
“It is useless,” said Rouletabille. “It is very necessary that you should not understand.”
“But at least...”
“No, no, I can’t tell you anything.”
“When, then, will you tell me something to explain your unbelievable conduct?”
Rouletabille stopped in his tracks and declared solemnly:
“Monsieur Koupriane, recall what Natacha Feodorovna as she raised her lovely eyes to heaven, replied to her father, when he, also, wished to understand: ‘Never.’”