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He did not, for instance, say to himself: "This man now has

influence, I must gain his confidence and friendship and through

him obtain a special grant." Nor did he say to himself: "Pierre

is a rich man, I must entice him to marry my daughter and lend me

the forty thousand rubles I need." But when he came across a man

of position his instinct immediately told him that this man could

be useful, and without any premeditation Prince Vasili took the

first opportunity to gain his confidence, flatter him, become

intimate with him, and finally make his request.