, has outlived its time, has existed too long, and is only fit to die⁠—and yet is dying with petty, spiteful warring against that which is destined to supersede it and take its place⁠—hindering the Coming Men, and knowing not that itself is in a dying condition. I did not fully believe in this view even before, for there never was such a class among us⁠—excepting perhaps at court, by accident⁠—or by uniform; but now there is not even that, is there? It has vanished, has it not?”

“No, not a bit of it,” said Ivan Petrovitch, with a sarcastic laugh.

“Good Lord, he’s off again!” said Princess Bielokonski, impatiently.

“ Laissez-le dire! He is trembling all over,” said the old man, in a warning whisper.

The prince certainly was beside himself.