Vicomte told a very nice joke about the fact that the Duke of England secretly went to Paris to meet with m-lle George 14 and that there he met with Bonaparte, who also enjoyed the graces of the famous actress, and that there, Having met the Duke, Napoleon accidentally fainted in the faint to which he was subjected and was in the power of the Duke, which the Duke did not take advantage of, but that Bonaparte later on for this generosity and avenged the death of the Duke.
The story was very nice and interesting, especially in the place where the rivals suddenly recognized each other, and the ladies seemed to be in excitement.
- Charmant 15," said Anna Pavlovna, looking back at the little princess.
- Charmant," the little princess whispered, sticking a needle in her work, as if to show that the interest and charm of the story prevent her from continuing her work.
Viscount appreciated this silent praise and, smiling thankfully, began to continue; but at this time, Anna Pavlovna, who was all looking at the terrible for her young man, noticed that he was talking to the abbot too hot and loudly, and hurried to help to the dangerous place. Indeed, Pierre managed to start a conversation with the abbot about the political balance and the abbot, apparently interested in the simple fervor of the young man, developed before him his favorite idea. Both listened and talked too much and too naturally, and Anna Pavlovna did not like it.
- The tool is the European balance and droit des gens 16," said the abbot. - If one powerful state, like Russia, famous for its barbarity, becomes the head of a union with the aim of balancing Europe, it will save the world!
- How will you find such a balance? - Pierre began; but at that time, Anna Pavlovna approached and, looking strictly at Pierre, asked the Italians how he was coping with the climate here. The Italian's face suddenly changed and took on an offensively pretend-sweet expression, which seemed to be his usual way of talking to women.
- I'm so fascinated by the charms of the mind and education of society, especially the female one, into which I was lucky enough to be accepted that I didn't have time to think about the climate yet," he said.
Without releasing the abbot and Pierre, Anna Pavlovna attached them to a common mug for ease of observation.
At this time a new face entered the living room. The new face was a young prince Andrey Bolkonsky, the husband of the little princess. Prince Bolkonsky was a little tall, very handsome young man with certain and dry features. Everything in his figure, from the tired, bored look to a quiet measured step, was the sharpest contrast with his little lively wife. Apparently, all the people who were in the living room not only knew him, but he was tired of looking at them and listening to them was very boring. Of all the faces that bore him, the face of his pretty wife seemed to be the most annoying. He turned his back on her with a makeup that spoiled his beautiful face. He kissed Anna Pavlovna's hand and, squinting, looked at the whole society.
- Vous vous enrôlez pour la guerre, mon prince? 17 - said Anna Pavlovna.
- Le général Koutouzoff," said Bolkonsky, hitting the last zoff syllable like a Frenchman, "a bien voulu de moi pour aide-de-camp... 18
- Et Lise, votre femme? 19
- She's going to the village.
- How can you not sin to deprive us of your lovely wife?
- André," said his wife, speaking to her husband in the same coquettish tone as she did to outsiders, "what a story the viscount told us about m-lle Georges and Bonaparte!
Prince Andrei frowned and turned his back. Pierre, who since Prince Andrei's entry into the living room had not let go of his joyful, friendly eyes, came up to him and took his hand. Prince Andrew, without looking back, wrinkled his face in a grimace, which expressed frustration at the one who touched his hand, but when he saw the smiling face of Pierre, he smiled unexpectedly kind and pleasant smile.
- That's how!... And you are in the big light! - He told Pierre.
- I knew you would," Pierre replied. - I'll come and have dinner with you," he added, quietly so as not to disturb the Viscount, who continued his story. - May I?
- No, you can't," said Prince Andrei, laughing, shaking his hand to let Pierre know it wasn't necessary to ask. He wanted to say something else, but at that time Prince Vasily and his daughter got up, and the men stood up to give them the way.
- Forgive me, my dear Vicomte," said Prince Vasily to the Frenchman, gently pulling him by the arm down to the chair so that he wouldn't get up. - This unhappy holiday at the messenger deprives me of pleasure and interrupts you. I am very sad to leave your delightful evening," he said to Anna Pavlovna.
His daughter, Princess Helen, slightly holding the folds of the dress, walked between the chairs, and the smile shone even brighter on her beautiful face. Pierre looked almost frightened, delighted eyes at this beauty as she walked past him.
- Very good," said Prince Andrei.
- Very much," said Pierre.
Passing by, Prince Vasily grabbed Pierre by the hand and addressed Anna Pavlovna.
- Make me this bear," he said. - Here he is.