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.

But their gaiety seemed to Prince Andrew mirthless and tiresome.

Speranski's high-pitched voice struck him unpleasantly, and the incessant laughter grated on him like a false note.