They all sat like 'a parish priest's wife visiting' (as the old Prince Shcherbatsky expressed it), evidently puzzled as to why they were all assembled there, and forcing out words in order not to remain silent.
Stavano tutti seduti come figli di pope in visita (così diceva il vecchio principe), visibilmente perplessi come mai fossero capitati là, spremendo le parole per non star zitti.