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"No, Prince, our regiment has gone to the front, but I am

attached... what is it I am attached to, Papa?" said Anatole,

turning to his father with a laugh.

"A splendid soldier, splendid! 'What am I attached to!' Ha, ha,

ha!" laughed Prince Bolkonski, and Anatole laughed still louder.

Suddenly Prince Bolkonski frowned.

"You may go," he said to Anatole.

Anatole returned smiling to the ladies.

"And so you've had him educated abroad, Prince Vasili, haven't

you?" said the old prince to Prince Vasili.

"I have done my best for him, and I can assure you the education

there is much better than ours."

"Yes, everything is different nowadays, everything is changed.

The lad's a fine fellow, a fine fellow! Well, come with me now."

He took Prince Vasili's arm and led him to his study. As soon as

they were alone together, Prince Vasili announced his hopes and

wishes to the old prince.