"Your remarks please me as they always did" he continued. "In those words I see the clever triumphant and above all things cynical friend of former days. Only Russians have the faculty of combining within themselves so many opposite qualities. Yes most men love to see their best friend in abasement; for generally it is on such abasement that friendship is founded. All thinking persons know that ancient truth. Yet on the present occasion I assure you I am sincerely glad to see that you are not cast down. Tell me are you never going to give up gambling?"