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And he sat down again, paying no more attention to his daughter,

who was reduced to tears.

"On the contrary, that coiffure suits the princess very well,"

said Prince Vasili.

"Now you, young prince, what's your name?" said Prince Bolkonski,

turning to Anatole, "come here, let us talk and get acquainted."

"Now the fun begins," thought Anatole, sitting down with a smile

beside the old prince.

"Well, my dear boy, I hear you've been educated abroad, not

taught to read and write by the deacon, like your father and me.

Now tell me, my dear boy, are you serving in the Horse Guards?"

asked the old man, scrutinizing Anatole closely and intently.

"No, I have been transferred to the line," said Anatole, hardly

able to restrain his laughter.

"Ah! That's a good thing. So, my dear boy, you wish to serve the

Tsar and the country? It is wartime. Such a fine fellow must

serve. Well, are you off to the front?"