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Anna Pavlovna's drawing room was gradually filling. The highest

Petersburg society was assembled there: people differing widely

in age and character but alike in the social circle to which they

belonged. Prince Vasili's daughter, the beautiful Helene, came to

take her father to the ambassador's entertainment; she wore a

ball dress and her badge as maid of honor. The youthful little

Princess Bolkonskaya, known as la femme la plus seduisante de

Petersbourg, * was also there. She had been married during the

previous winter, and being pregnant did not go to any large

gatherings, but only to small receptions. Prince Vasili's son,

Hippolyte, had come with Mortemart, whom he introduced. The Abbe

Morio and many others had also come.

* The most fascinating woman in Petersburg.