‘‘Well, I don’t, I can’t,’’ said Nikolay, looking coldly at the baby. ‘‘Just a morsel of flesh. Come along, Pierre.’’

‘‘The great thing is, that he is really a devoted father,’’ said Countess Marya, apologising for her husband, ‘‘but only after a year or so …’’

‘‘Oh, Pierre is a capital nurse,’’ said Natasha; ‘‘he says his hand is just made for a baby’s back. Just look.’’

‘‘Oh yes, but not for this,’’ Pierre cried laughing, and hurriedly snatching up the baby, he handed him back to his nurse.