e! Ah, Rogojin! I've just
been dreaming about him, prince," he added, frowning. "Yes, by the by,"
starting up, "where's the orator? Where's Lebedeff? Has he finished?
What did he talk about? Is it true, prince, that you once declared that
'beauty would save the world'? Great Heaven! The prince says that beauty
saves the world! And I declare that he only has such playful ideas
because he's in love! Gentlemen, the prince is in love. I guessed it the
moment he came in. Don't blush, prince; you make me sorry for you. What
beauty saves the world? Colia told me that you are a zealous Christian;
is it so? Colia says you call yourself a Christian."

The prince regarded him attentively, but said nothing.

"You don't answer me; perhaps you think I am very fond of you?" added
Hippolyte, as though the words had been drawn from him.

"No, I don't think that. I know you don't love me."

"What, after yesterday? Wasn't I honest with you?"

"I knew yesterday that you didn't love me."

"Why so? why so? Because I envy you, eh? You always think that, I know.
But do you know why I am saying all this? Look here! I must have some
more champagne--pour me out some, Keller, will you?"

"No, you're not to drink any more, Hippolyte. I won't let you." The
prince moved the glass away.

"Well perhaps you're right," said Hippolyte, musing. "They might
say--yet, devil take them! what does it matter?--prince, what can it
matter what people will say of us THEN, eh? I believe I'm half asleep.
I've had such a dreadful dream--I've only just remembered it. Prince, I
don't wish you such dreams as that, though sure enough, perhaps, I DON'T
love you. Why wish a man evil, though you do not love him, eh? Give
me your hand--let me press it sincerely. There--you've given me your
hand--you must feel that I DO press it sincerely, don't you? I don't
think I shall drink any more. What time is it? Never mind, I know the
time. The time has come, at all events. What! they are laying supper
over there, are they? Then this table is free? Capital, gentlemen!
I--hem! these gentlemen are not listening. Prince, I will just read over
an article I have here. Supper is more interesting, of course, but--"

Here Hippolyte suddenly, and most unexpectedly, pulled out of his
breast-pocket a large sealed paper. This imposing-looking document he
placed upon the table before him.

The effect of this sudden action upon the company was instantaneous.
Evgenie Pavlovitch almost bou