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Influence in society, however, is a capital which has to be

economized if it is to last. Prince Vasili knew this, and having

once realized that if he asked on behalf of all who begged of

him, he would soon be unable to ask for himself, he became chary

of using his influence. But in Princess Drubetskaya's case he

felt, after her second appeal, something like qualms of

conscience. She had reminded him of what was quite true; he had

been indebted to her father for the first steps in his career.

Moreover, he could see by her manners that she was one of those

women-mostly mothers-who, having once made up their minds, will

not rest until they have gained their end, and are prepared if

necessary to go on insisting day after day and hour after hour,

and even to make scenes. This last consideration moved him.