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"I knew you would be here," replied Pierre. "I will come to

supper with you. May I?" he added in a low voice so as not to

disturb the vicomte who was continuing his story.

"No, impossible!" said Prince Andrew, laughing and pressing

Pierre's hand to show that there was no need to ask the question.

He wished to say something more, but at that moment Prince Vasili

and his daughter got up to go and the two young men rose to let

them pass.

"You must excuse me, dear Vicomte," said Prince Vasili to the

Frenchman, holding him down by the sleeve in a friendly way to

prevent his rising. "This unfortunate fete at the ambassador's

deprives me of a pleasure, and obliges me to interrupt you. I am

very sorry to leave your enchanting party," said he, turning to

Anna Pavlovna.