“One can’t everywhere say all one thinks, mon cher . Well, have you at last decided on anything? Are you going to be a guardsman or a diplomatist?” asked Prince Andréy after a momentary silence.

Pierre sat up on the sofa, with his legs tucked under him.

“Really, I don’t yet know. I don’t like either the one or the other.”

“But you must decide on something! Your father expects it.”