Page 794 - the-idiot

Lizabetha Prokofievna had liked it also, but was too pre-
occupied to take much notice. The prince remarked that
Aglaya looked attentively at him two or three times, and
seemed to be satisfied with his behaviour.
Little by little he became very happy indeed. All his late
anxieties and apprehensions (after his conversation with
Lebedeff) now appeared like so many bad dreams—impos-
sible, and even laughable.
He did not speak much, only answering such questions
as were put to him, and gradually settled down into un-
broken silence, listening to what went on, and steeped in
perfect satisfaction and contentment.
Little by little a sort of inspiration, however, began to stir
within him, ready to spring into life at the right moment.
When he did begin to speak, it was accidentally, in response
to a question, and apparently without any special object.