The cold, austere tone of this man, whom he had almost always before met at balls, amiably smiling in the society of the most brilliant women, surprised Pierre.

“Yes, I do wish it,” said he.

Willarski bowed his head.

“One more question, Count,” he said, “which I beg you to answer in all sincerity⁠—not as a future Mason but as an honest man: have you renounced your former convictions⁠—do you believe in God?”

Pierre considered.

“Yes⁠ ⁠… yes, I believe in God,” he said.

“In that case⁠ ⁠…” began Willarski, but Pierre interrupted him.

“Yes, I do believe in God,” he repeated.

“In that case we can go,” said Willarski. “My carriage is at your service.”