The prince actually felt glad that he had been interrupted⁠—and might return the letters to his pocket. He was glad of the respite.

“Well,” said Colia, plunging in medias res , as he always did, “here’s a go! What do you think of Hippolyte now? Don’t respect him any longer, eh?”

“Why not? But look here, Colia, I’m tired; besides, the subject is too melancholy to begin upon again. How is he, though?”

“Asleep⁠—he’ll sleep for a couple of hours yet. I quite understand⁠—you haven’t slept⁠—you walked about the park, I know. Agitation⁠—excitement⁠—all that sort of thing⁠—quite natural, too!”

“How do you know I walked in the park and didn’t sleep at home?”