you know, Maman ,” Nikoláy interposed, knowing how to translate things into his mother’s language, “Prince Alexander Nikoláevich Golítsyn has founded a society and in consequence has great influence, they say.”
“Arakchéev and Golítsyn,” incautiously remarked Pierre, “are now the whole government! And what a government! They see treason everywhere and are afraid of everything.”
“Well, and how is Prince Alexander Nikoláevich to blame? He is a most estimable man. I used to meet him at Márya Antónovna’s,” said the countess in an offended tone; and still more offended that they all remained silent, she went on:
“Nowadays everyone finds fault. A Gospel Society! Well, and what harm is there in that?”
and she rose (everybody else got up too) and with a severe expression sailed back to her table in the sitting room.
The melancholy silence that followed was broken by the sounds of the