chiefly on the political news. It became particularly animated toward the end of the evening when the rewards bestowed by the Emperor were mentioned.
“You know N⸺ N⸺ received a snuffbox with the portrait last year?” said “the man of profound intellect.” “Why shouldn’t S⸺ S⸺ get the same distinction?”
“Pardon me! A snuffbox with the Emperor’s portrait is a reward but not a distinction,” said the diplomatist—“a gift, rather.”
“There are precedents, I may mention Schwarzenberg.”
“It’s impossible,” replied another.
“Will you bet? The ribbon of the order is a different matter. …”
When everybody rose to go, Elèn who had spoken very little all the evening again turned to Borís, asking him in a tone of caressing significant command to come to her on Tuesday.
“It is of great importance to me,” she said, turning with a smile toward Anna Pávlovna, and