“Oh, leave off, you always talk nonsense and keep putting things off⁠—and this is what comes of it!” said Prince Andréy in an exasperated whisper, evidently meaning to wound his sister.

“My dear, really⁠ ⁠… it’s better not to wake him⁠ ⁠… he’s asleep,” said the princess in a tone of entreaty.

Prince Andréy got up and went on tiptoe up to the little bed, wineglass in hand.

“Perhaps we’d really better not wake him,” he said hesitating.

“As you please⁠ ⁠… really⁠ ⁠… I think so⁠ ⁠… but as you please,” said Princess Márya, evidently intimidated and confused that her opinion had prevailed. She drew her brother’s attention to the maid who was calling him in a whisper.