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The princess gave no reply and did not even smile, but left the

room as Anna Mikhaylovna took off her gloves and, occupying the

position she had conquered, settled down in an armchair, inviting

Prince Vasili to take a seat beside her.

"Boris," she said to her son with a smile, "I shall go in to see

the count, my uncle; but you, my dear, had better go to Pierre

meanwhile and don't forget to give him the Rostovs' invitation.

They ask him to dinner. I suppose he won't go?" she continued,

turning to the prince.

"On the contrary," replied the prince, who had plainly become

depressed, "I shall be only too glad if you relieve me of that

young man.... Here he is, and the count has not once asked for

him."

He shrugged his shoulders. A footman conducted Boris down one

flight of stairs and up another, to Pierre's rooms.

CHAPTER XVI