This ceremony can not go on.

I must carry to you this young lady's wish that you depart.

She can not see you." There arose in my heart a sort of feeling of horror, as though something was wrong, I could not tell what.

All at once I felt a swift revulsion.
There came over me the reaction, an icy calm.

I felt all ardor leave me.
I was cold as stone.
"Gentlemen," said I slowly, "what you tell me is absolutely impossible and absurd.