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The story was very pretty and interesting, especially at the

point where the rivals suddenly recognized one another; and the

ladies looked agitated.

"Charming!" said Anna Pavlovna with an inquiring glance at the

little princess.

"Charming!" whispered the little princess, sticking the needle

into her work as if to testify that the interest and fascination

of the story prevented her from going on with it.

The vicomte appreciated this silent praise and smiling gratefully

prepared to continue, but just then Anna Pavlovna, who had kept a

watchful eye on the young man who so alarmed her, noticed that he

was talking too loudly and vehemently with the abbe, so she

hurried to the rescue. Pierre had managed to start a conversation

with the abbe about the balance of power, and the latter,

evidently interested by the young man's simple-minded eagerness,

was explaining his pet theory. Both were talking and listening

too eagerly and too naturally, which was why Anna Pavlovna

disapproved.