Prince Andréy spoke so earnestly that Pierre could not help thinking that these thoughts had been suggested to Prince Andréy by his father’s case.

He did not reply.

“So that’s what I’m sorry for⁠—human dignity, peace of mind, purity, and not the serfs’ backs and foreheads, which, beat and shave as you may, always remain the same backs and foreheads.”

“No, no! A thousand times no! I shall never agree with you,” said Pierre.

In the evening Andréy and Pierre got into the open carriage and drove to Bald Hills. Prince Andréy, glancing at Pierre, broke the silence now and then with remarks which showed that he was in a good temper.

Pointing to the fields, he spoke of the improvements he was making in his husbandry.

Pierre remained gloomily silent, answering in monosyllables and apparently immersed in his own thoughts.