"Yes. And if you look at yourself in the glass, you will see that my wildest declarations are far behind the reality. Your answer shines in every color."
"Listen to me, Carmen," said the banker, in a tender voice. "It is time you dropped the subject. I am not an Adonis, and as you have rightly suspected, I have seen a great deal and gone through many troubles, but in spite of all that—"
"Well, in spite of all that?"
"I do not deserve your unjust accusations. Can you, for instance, reproach me for the hunger which bothers me continually?"
"No, only I should like to learn the cause."
"The cause?" repeated Larsagny.
"Yes."
"Then listen. I will tell you everything, even though you should laugh at me. Years ago I was travelling in Italy, and as I had a large sum of money in my pocket, I was attacked by robbers. The wretches locked me in a cell and let me starve. One day I asked for food, and to mock me they made the bandit who guarded me eat his meal in my presence.
"'Can I get a meal here?' I asked of the bandit, who was swallowing some peas.