“Absolutely in confidence! But God strike me dead if I⁠ ⁠… But as for telling it here⁠ ⁠… what does it matter? Are we strangers, even Alexey Nilitch?”

“I don’t share that attitude. No doubt we three here will keep the secret, but I’m afraid of the fourth, you, and wouldn’t trust you in anything.⁠ ⁠…”