That was when people entered his cell.

He did not even imagine that this visit meant that it was time to go to the execution; he simply saw the people and was frightened like a child.
"I will not do it! I will not do it!" he whispered inaudibly with his livid lips and silently retreated to the depth of the cell, even as in childhood he shrank when his father lifted his hand.
"We must start." The people were speaking, walking around him, handing him something.

He closed his eyes, he shook a little,--and began to dress himself slowly.
His consciousness must have returned to him, for he suddenly asked the official for a cigarette.

And the official generously opened his silver cigarette-case upon which was a chased figure in the style of the decadents..