When Prince Andrew entered the room Magnitski's words were again crowned by laughter.

Stolypin gave a deep bass guffaw as he munched a piece of bread and cheese.

Gervais laughed softly with a hissing chuckle, and Speranski in a high-pitched staccato manner.

Still laughing, Speranski held out his soft white hand to Prince Andrew.

"Very pleased to see you, Prince," he said.