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"In a moment. A propos," she added, becoming calm again, "I am

expecting two very interesting men tonight, le Vicomte de

Mortemart, who is connected with the Montmorencys through the

Rohans, one of the best French families. He is one of the genuine

emigres, the good ones. And also the Abbe Morio. Do you know that

profound thinker? He has been received by the Emperor. Had you

heard?"

"I shall be delighted to meet them," said the prince. "But tell

me," he added with studied carelessness as if it had only just

occurred to him, though the question he was about to ask was the

chief motive of his visit, "is it true that the Dowager Empress

wants Baron Funke to be appointed first secretary at Vienna? The

baron by all accounts is a poor creature."

Prince Vasili wished to obtain this post for his son, but others

were trying through the Dowager Empress Marya Fedorovna to secure

it for the baron.