“Yes, exactly, exactly—an experiment. You see he—he wanted to know if—(you must pardon me for what I am about to propose; it is Doctor Fargeas’s idea)—You see—if—if—she should see—(I suppose—these are not my words)—if she should see you again at Doctor Sims’s establishment—the emotion—the—the—Well, I don’t know exactly what Doctor Fargeas does hope; but I have repeated to you his words—I am simply, quite simply, his messenger.”
“The doctor,” said Andras, calmly, “would like—your niece to see me again?”
“Yes, yes; and speak to you. You see, you are the only one for whom—”
The Prince interrupted the General, who instantly became as mute as if he were in the presence of the Czar.
“It is well. But what Doctor Fargeas asks of me will cause me intense suffering.”
Vogotzine did not open his lips.
“See her again? He wishes to revive all my sorrow, then!”
Vogotzine waited, motionless as if on parade.
After a moment or two, Andras saying no more, the General thought that he might speak.
“I understand. I knew very well what your answer would be. I told the doctor so; but he replied, ‘It is a question of humanity. The Prince will not refuse.’”