Hubert took the little card and read the inscribed names:
"Well, sacrifice one of these persons for me, the Russian for example. That would be specially agreeable."
"No," said Sixtine, "that is not possible."
"I see that you take to the man, even more than to his portrait."
"What portrait?"
"That one signed with initials which belongs to your name, and which was dedicated, still in abbreviation, to Monsieur Sabas Moscowitch...."
"Ah! that amusement of a rainy afternoon?... Is my past not sacred to you, then?"
"It dismays me. What I do not know bewilders me ... I want to know."
"But what do you gain by tormenting me thus? And by what right do you ask such questions? You are wicked to make me suffer in my soul and flesh. Leave me, or I shall tell you cruel things ..."
"I can listen to them."