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"I shall scarcely be able to avail myself of your hospitality,

gentlemen, it is already time for me to go," replied Prince

Andrew looking at his watch.

"Where to?"

"To the Emperor."

"Oh! Oh! Oh!"

"Well, au revoir, Bolkonski! Au revoir, Prince! Come back early

to dinner," cried several voices. "We'll take you in hand."

"When speaking to the Emperor, try as far as you can to praise

the way that provisions are supplied and the routes indicated,"

said Bilibin, accompanying him to the hall.

"I should like to speak well of them, but as far as I know the

facts, I can't," replied Bolkonski, smiling.

"Well, talk as much as you can, anyway. He has a passion for

giving audiences, but he does not like talking himself and can't

do it, as you will see."

CHAPTER XII