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"The means are ... the balance of power in Europe and the rights

of the people," the abbe was saying. "It is only necessary for

one powerful nation like Russia-barbaric as she is said to be-to

place herself disinterestedly at the head of an alliance having

for its object the maintenance of the balance of power of Europe,

and it would save the world!"

"But how are you to get that balance?" Pierre was beginning.

At that moment Anna Pavlovna came up and, looking severely at

Pierre, asked the Italian how he stood Russian climate. The

Italian's face instantly changed and assumed an offensively

affected, sugary expression, evidently habitual to him when

conversing with women.

"I am so enchanted by the brilliancy of the wit and culture of

the society, more especially of the feminine society, in which I

have had the honor of being received, that I have not yet had

time to think of the climate," said he.