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"Has Prince Vasili aged much?" asked the countess. "I have not

seen him since we acted together at the Rumyantsovs' theatricals.

I expect he has forgotten me. He paid me attentions in those

days," said the countess, with a smile.

"He is just the same as ever," replied Anna Mikhaylovna,

"overflowing with amiability. His position has not turned his

head at all. He said to me, 'I am sorry I can do so little for

you, dear Princess. I am at your command.' Yes, he is a fine

fellow and a very kind relation. But, Nataly, you know my love

for my son: I would do anything for his happiness! And my affairs

are in such a bad way that my position is now a terrible one,"

continued Anna Mikhaylovna, sadly, dropping her voice. "My

wretched lawsuit takes all I have and makes no progress. Would

you believe it, I have literally not a penny and don't know how

to equip Boris." She took out her handkerchief and began to cry.

"I need five hundred rubles, and have only one twenty-five-ruble

note. I am in such a state.... My only hope now is in Count Cyril

Vladimirovich Bezukhov. If he will not assist his godson-you know

he is Bory's godfather-and allow him something for his

maintenance, all my trouble will have been thrown away....