This appears to me a most attractive prospect; especially seeing that the only alternative is an inglorious, nay, a shameful ruin; for such a prospect, I should be willing to sacrifice a prejudice which I had never really possessed.

I am well aware, Lorenzi," he added quickly, as if expecting contradiction and desiring to forestall it, "I am well aware, that you have no more prejudices than I have or ever had.

What I am going to ask of you is merely what I should in your place under like circumstances be willing to do, without a moment's hesitation.

Indeed, I have never hesitated, at the call of destiny or as the outcome of caprice, to commit a rascality, or rather, that to which fools give such a name.
Like you, Lorenzi, I have ever been ready to hazard my life for less than nothing, and to call it quits.

I am ready to do so now, if my proposal prove inacceptable.