Everything seemed so simple and clear in Speranski's exposition that Prince Andrew involuntarily agreed with him about everything.

If he replied and argued, it was only because he wished to maintain his independence and not submit to Speranski's opinions entirely.

Everything was right and everything was as it should be: only one thing disconcerted Prince Andrew.

This was Speranski's cold, mirrorlike look, which did not allow one to penetrate to his soul, and his delicate white hands, which Prince Andrew involuntarily watched as one does watch the hands of those who possess power.