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"Ah, that is just what I tell him!" said she. "I don't understand

it; I don't in the least understand why men can't live without

wars. How is it that we women don't want anything of the kind,

don't need it? Now you shall judge between us. I always tell him:

Here he is Uncle's aide-de-camp, a most brilliant position. He is

so well known, so much appreciated by everyone. The other day at

the Apraksins' I heard a lady asking, 'Is that the famous Prince

Andrew?' I did indeed." She laughed. "He is so well received

everywhere. He might easily become aide-de-camp to the Emperor.

You know the Emperor spoke to him most graciously. Annette and I

were speaking of how to arrange it. What do you think?"

Pierre looked at his friend and, noticing that he did not like

the conversation, gave no reply.

"When are you starting?" he asked.