Pagina 227 de 3800

Pierre's mind was in such a confused state that the word "stroke"

suggested to him a blow from something. He looked at Prince

Vasili in perplexity, and only later grasped that a stroke was an

attack of illness. Prince Vasili said something to Lorrain in

passing and went through the door on tiptoe. He could not walk

well on tiptoe and his whole body jerked at each step. The eldest

princess followed him, and the priests and deacons and some

servants also went in at the door. Through that door was heard a

noise of things being moved about, and at last Anna Mikhaylovna,

still with the same expression, pale but resolute in the

discharge of duty, ran out and touching Pierre lightly on the arm

said:

"The divine mercy is inexhaustible! Unction is about to be

administered. Come."