Vladimir Nabokov. Ultima Thule
Vladimir Nabokov. ULTIMA THULE
Then the following conversation began between us; total recall, rather than shorthand notes, now allows me to transcribe it exactly.
"I wanted to see you, Falter," I said (actually addressing him by first name and patronymic, but, in narration, his timeless image does not tolerate any conjunction of the man with a definite country and a genetic past), "I wanted to see you in order to have a frank talk with you. I wonder if you would consider it possible to ask your relatives to leave us alone."
"They do not count," abruptly observed Falter. "When I say 'f