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Though he was certainly rather bigger than the other men in the

room, her anxiety could only have reference to the clever though

shy, but observant and natural, expression which distinguished

him from everyone else in that drawing room.

"It is very good of you, Monsieur Pierre, to come and visit a

poor invalid," said Anna Pavlovna, exchanging an alarmed glance

with her aunt as she conducted him to her.

Pierre murmured something unintelligible, and continued to look

round as if in search of something. On his way to the aunt he

bowed to the little princess with a pleased smile, as to an

intimate acquaintance.

Anna Pavlovna's alarm was justified, for Pierre turned away from

the aunt without waiting to hear her speech about Her Majesty's

health. Anna Pavlovna in dismay detained him with the words: "Do

you know the Abbe Morio? He is a most interesting man."

"Yes, I have heard of his scheme for perpetual peace, and it is

very interesting but hardly feasible."