“The only thing that is hard for me⁠ ⁠… I will tell you the truth, André⁠ ⁠… is Father’s way of treating religious subjects. I don’t understand how a man of his immense intellect can fail to see what is as clear as day, and can go so far astray. That is the only thing that makes me unhappy. But even in this I can see lately a shade of improvement. His satire has been less bitter of late, and there was a monk he received and had a long talk with.”

“Ah! my dear, I am afraid you and your monk are wasting your powder,” said Prince Andréy banteringly yet tenderly.

“Ah! mon ami , I only pray, and hope that God will hear me. André⁠ ⁠…” she said timidly after a moment’s silence, “I have a great favor to ask of you.”

“What is it, dear?”