“Well, really, you know”⁠—(silence)⁠—“of course, you know all this is very strange, if true, which I cannot deny; but”⁠—(silence).⁠—“But, on the other hand, if one looks things in the face, you know⁠—upon my honour, the prince is a rare good fellow⁠—and⁠—and⁠—and⁠—well, his name, you know⁠— your family name⁠—all this looks well, and perpetuates the name and title and all that⁠—which at this moment is not standing so high as it might⁠—from one point of view⁠—don’t you know? The world, the world is the world, of course⁠—and people will talk⁠—and⁠—and⁠—the prince has property, you know⁠—if it is not very large⁠—and then he⁠—he⁠—” (Continued silence, and collapse of the general.)

Hearing these words from her husband, Lizabetha Prokofievna was driven beside herself.