“I am an admirer of Montesquieu,” replied Prince Andréy, “and his idea that le principe des monarchies est l’honneur me paraît incontestable. Certains droits et privilèges de la noblesse me paraissent être des moyens de soutenir ce sentiment. ” 59

The smile vanished from Speránski’s white face, which was much improved by the change. Probably Prince Andréy’s thought interested him.

“ Si vous envisagez la question sous ce point de vue ,” 60 he began, pronouncing French with evident difficulty, and speaking even slower than in Russian but quite calmly.