“He is the sort of man,” he continued, “who won’t give up his object, you know; he is not like you and me, prince⁠—he belongs to quite a different order of beings. If he sets his heart on a thing he won’t be afraid of anything ⁠—” and so on.

Hippolyte was very ill, and looked as though he could not long survive. He was tearful at first, but grew more and more sarcastic and malicious as the interview proceeded.

The prince questioned him in detail as to his hints about Rogojin. He was anxious to seize upon some facts which might confirm Hippolyte’s vague warnings; but there were none; only Hippolyte’s own private impressions and feelings.

However, the invalid⁠—to his immense satisfaction⁠—ended by seriously alarming the prince.