Gervais gave a long account of an official revision, remarkable for the stupidity of everybody concerned.

Stolypin, stuttering, broke into the conversation and began excitedly talking of the abuses that existed under the former order of things--threatening to give a serious turn to the conversation.

Magnitski starting quizzing Stolypin about his vehemence.

Gervais intervened with a joke, and the talk reverted to its former lively tone.

Evidently Speranski liked to rest after his labors and find amusement in a circle of friends, and his guests, understanding his wish, tried to enliven him and amuse themselves.