this vile Moravian hole, it is more difficult, and I beg you all for assistance. We must do him the honour of Bränn. You undertake the theatre and I will undertake society; you, Ippolit, of course, the ladies.”

“We ought to let him see Amélie; she’s exquisite!” said one of les nôtres. kissing his finger-tips.

“Altogether,” said Bilibin, “we must turn this bloodthirsty rnan to more humane interests.”

“I fear I can hardly take advantage of your hospitality, gentlemen; it’s time I was off even now,” said Bolkonsky, glancing at his watch.

“Where to?”

“To the Emperor!”

“Oh! oh! oh!”

“Well, au revoir, Bolkonsky! Au revoir, prince! Come early to dinner,” said voices. “We reckon upon you.”

“Try to make the most of the good discipline of the troops, in the provisioning of supplies and on the lines of march, when you talk to the Emperor,” said Bilibin, accompanying Bolkonsky to the hall.

“I should like to speak well of it, but as far as my observation goes, I can’t,” answered Bolkonsky, smiling.

“Well, talk as much as you can, any way. Audiences are his passion, but he doesn’t like talking himself, and can’t talk either, as you will see.”