“I can’t tell you how much I have lived through since then. I hardly know myself again.”

“Yes, we have altered much, very much, since then,” said Prince Andréy.

“Well, and you? What are your plans?”

“Plans!” repeated Prince Andréy ironically. “My plans?” he said, as if astonished at the word. “Well, you see, I’m building. I mean to settle here altogether next year.⁠ ⁠…”

Pierre looked silently and searchingly into Prince Andréy’s face, which had grown much older.

“No, I meant to ask⁠ ⁠…” Pierre began, but Prince Andréy interrupted him.

“But why talk of me?⁠ ⁠… Talk to me, yes, tell me about your travels and all you have been doing on your estates.”