Capt. Herman Suvorin: [he surprises the Old Countess] Don't cry out! Don't be alarmed, please, don't be alarmed. I don't mean you any harm. I've come to ask a favour of you. That's all. A favour. It'll cost you nothing. But to me, it will bring happiness for the rest of my life. I want the secret of the cards. That's all. Come, what is it? The three cards. The names of the three cards. Please! Oh, it's no use pretending you don't know anything about it. I know you were given the secret. And I know who gave it to you. Please! Just think those three words aloud. And I'll trouble you no more. I'll go. What good is the secret to you? For whom are you keeping it? For your grandson? He's rich enough. What would another fortune mean to him, a wastrel and a spendthrift? But I'm not a man of that sort. I know the value of money. I could do great things, I tell you. Great things! If only I had money.

Capt. Herman Suvorin: [sinking to his knees, he continues] For the love of God! If you've any human feeling in your breast, you can't refuse me. I beg. I beseech you. I know why you won't speak. The secret is connected with some terrible sin. That's it, isn't it? I'll make a bargain with you; tell me your secret and I'll take your sin upon my soul. Do you hear me? I mean it. A bargain. I'll take your sin upon my own soul. Oh, speak! Speak to me! You old sphinx.

Capt. Herman Suvorin: [he brandishes a pistol and continues] By God, I'll make you. I ask for the last time, are you going to tell me the secret of the cards? Or are you not?