"what on earth does all this mean? what’s he going to read?" muttered several voices. others said nothing; but one and all sat down and watched with curiosity. they began to think something strange might really be about to happen. vera stood and trembled behind her father’s chair, almost in tears with fright; colia was nearly as much alarmed as she was. lebedeff jumped up and put a couple of candles nearer to hippolyte, so that he might see better.