“Oh, she is mad!” cried the prince, wringing his hands.
“Who knows? Perhaps she is not so mad after all,” said Rogojin, softly, as though thinking aloud.
The prince made no reply.
“Well, goodbye,” said Rogojin. “I’m off tomorrow too, you know. Remember me kindly! By the by,” he added, turning round sharply again, “did you answer her question just now? Are you happy, or not?”
“No, no, no!” cried the prince, with unspeakable sadness.
“Ha, ha! I never supposed you would say ‘yes,’ ” cried Rogojin, laughing sardonically.
And he disappeared, without looking round again.