Why that's preposterous ! Lirat ! Remember what you told me about her. . . think of the beautiful things which you had planted in my soul. This despicable woman! Why she is good only for one like me who am lost. But you ! You are an honorable man, you are a great artist! Is it to revenge yourself on me that you are doing this? A man like you does not revenge himself in such a manner ! He does not besmirch himself! If I did not come to see you it was because I feared to incur your anger ! Come, speak to me, Lirat. Answer me ! "

Lirat was silent. Juliette was calling him in the hallway :

"Well, are you coming?"

I seized Lirat's hands:

" Look here Lirat. . . she is mocking you. Don't you understand it? One day she said to me: ' I shall revenge myself on Lirat for his contempt, for his arrogant harshness ! And that will be a farce ! ' She is having that revenge now. You are going into her house, aren't you. . . and tomorrow, tonight, this very minute, perhaps, she will chase you out in disgrace! Yes, that is what she is after, I can swear ! Ah ! Now I understand it all! She has pursued you! Foolish as she is, infinitely inferior to you as she is, she has known how to turn your head. She has a genius for evil, and you are chaste in body and mind ! She has poured poison into your veins. But you are strong ! You can't do this after all that has taken place between us. ... or else you are a depraved man, a dirty pig, you whom I admire! You are a dirty pig! Come now ! "

Lirat suddenly wriggled out of my hold, and, pushing me away with his two clenched fists:

" Well, yes ! " he shouted, " I am a dirty pig ! Leave me