It may very well be, I repeat, that my words seem to you utterly unnecessary and out of place; it may be that they are called forth by my mistaken impression.

In that case, I beg you to forgive me.

But if you are conscious yourself of even the smallest foundation for them, then I beg you to think a little, and if your heart prompts you, to speak out to me..." Alexey Alexandrovitch was unconsciously saying something utterly unlike what he had prepared.

"I have nothing to say.

And besides," she said hurriedly, with difficulty repressing a smile, "it's really time to be in bed.