is not that true? is it not true? you all have a passion for beauty and distinction in outward forms; that is all you care for, isn’t it? i have suspected for a long time that you cared for nothing else! well, let me tell you that perhaps there is not one of you who loved your mother as burdovsky loved his. as to you, prince, i know that you have sent money secretly to burdovsky’s mother through gania. well, i bet now," he continued with an hysterical laugh, "that burdovsky will accuse you of indelicacy, and reproach you with a want of respect for his mother! yes, that is quite certain! ha, ha, ha!"