“Perhaps it is,” said Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch, with a faint smile.

“Ah, you agree⁠—I’m very glad; I knew beforehand that it was your own opinion.⁠ ⁠… You needn’t trouble, I am not annoyed, and I didn’t describe myself in that way to get a flattering contradiction from you⁠—no, you’re not stupid, you’re clever.⁠ ⁠… Ah! you’re smiling again!⁠ ⁠… I’ve blundered once more. You would not have said ‘you’re clever,’ granted; I’ll let it pass anyway. Passons