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This was true. The architect had told him that it was necessary,

and Pierre, without knowing why, was having his enormous

Petersburg house done up.

"That's a good thing, but don't move from Prince Vasili's. It is

good to have a friend like the prince," she said, smiling at

Prince Vasili. "I know something about that. Don't I? And you are

still so young. You need advice. Don't be angry with me for

exercising an old woman's privilege."

She paused, as women always do, expecting something after they

have mentioned their age. "If you marry it will be a different

thing," she continued, uniting them both in one glance. Pierre

did not look at Helene nor she at him. But she was just as

terribly close to him. He muttered something and colored.