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In Petersburg, as in Moscow, Pierre found the same atmosphere of

gentleness and affection. He could not refuse the post, or rather

the rank (for he did nothing), that Prince Vasili had procured

for him, and acquaintances, invitations, and social occupations

were so numerous that, even more than in Moscow, he felt a sense

of bewilderment, bustle, and continual expectation of some good,

always in front of him but never attained.