"After the thud I knew nothing," replied Suvaroff.
"The thud?"
"He fell from his chair."
"Of course. That was to be expected. Just so."
"You see for yourself what you have done? Fancy, this man has a mother!"
"See, it is just as I said. Already you are dragging this dead thing about, chained to your wrist. Come, forget it. I should have killed him, anyway."
"That is not the point. The point is—My God! Tell me, in what fashion do these people laugh at you? Tell me how it is done."
"Laughter cannot be taught, my friend."
"Then Heaven help me! for I should like to laugh at you. If I could but laugh at you, all would be over."
"Ah!" said the hunchback. "I see."