“The doubt is flattering,” said “the man of profound intellect,” with a subtle smile.

“We must distinguish between the Vienna cabinet and the Emperor of Austria,” said Mortemart. “The Emperor of Austria can never have thought of such a thing, it is only the cabinet that says it.”

“Ah, my dear vicomte,” put in Anna Pávlovna, “ L’Urope ” (for some reason she called it “ Urope as if that were a specially refined French pronunciation which she could allow herself when conversing with a Frenchman), L’Urope ne sera jamais notre alliée sincère. ” 51

After that Anna Pávlovna led up to the courage and firmness of the King of Prussia, in order to draw Borís into the conversation.