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Although the hall porter saw someone's carriage standing at the

entrance, after scrutinizing the mother and son (who without

asking to be announced had passed straight through the glass

porch between the rows of statues in niches) and looking

significantly at the lady's old cloak, he asked whether they

wanted the count or the princesses, and, hearing that they wished

to see the count, said his excellency was worse today, and that

his excellency was not receiving anyone.

"We may as well go back," said the son in French.

"My dear!" exclaimed his mother imploringly, again laying her

hand on his arm as if that touch might soothe or rouse him.

Boris said no more, but looked inquiringly at his mother without

taking off his cloak.