"On the contrary, that coiffure suits the princess very well,"said Prince Vasili.

　　"Now you, young prince, what's your name?" said Prince Bolkonski,turning to Anatole, "come here, let us talk and get acquainted."

　　"Now the fun begins," thought Anatole, sitting down with a smilebeside the old prince.

　　"Well, my dear boy, I hear you've been educated abroad, not taughtto read and write by the deacon, like your father and me. Now tell me,my dear boy, are you serving in the Horse Guards?" asked the oldman, scrutinizing Anatole closely and intently.

　　"No, I have been transferred to the line," said Anatole, hardly ableto restrain his laughter.

　　"Ah! That's a good thing. So, my dear boy, you wish to serve theTsar and the country? It is wartime. Such a fine fellow must serve.Well, are you off to the front?"

　　"No, Prince, our regiment has gone to the front, but I amattached... what is it I am attached to, Papa?" said Anatole,turning to his father with a laugh.

　　"A splendid soldier, splendid! 'What am I attached to!' Ha, ha, ha!"laughed Prince Bolkonski, and Anatole laughed still louder. SuddenlyPrince Bolkonski frowned.

　　"You may go," he said to Anatole.

　　Anatole returned smiling to the ladies.

　　"And so you've had him educated abroad, Prince Vasili, haven't you?"said the old prince to Prince Vasili.

　　"I have done my best for him, and I can assure you the educationthere is much better than ours."

　　"Yes, everything is different nowadays, everything is changed. Thelad's a fine fellow, a fine fellow! Well, come with me now." He tookPrince Vasili's arm and led him to his study. As soon as they werealone together, Prince Vasili announced his hopes and wishes to theold prince.