Pagina 140 di 3800

"I am glad I was able to do you a service, my dear Anna

Mikhaylovna," said Prince Vasili, arranging his lace frill, and

in tone and manner, here in Moscow to Anna Mikhaylovna whom he

had placed under an obligation, assuming an air of much greater

importance than he had done in Petersburg at Anna Scherer's

reception.

"Try to serve well and show yourself worthy," added he,

addressing Boris with severity. "I am glad.... Are you here on

leave?" he went on in his usual tone of indifference.

"I am awaiting orders to join my new regiment, your excellency,"

replied Boris, betraying neither annoyance at the prince's

brusque manner nor a desire to enter into conversation, but

speaking so quietly and respectfully that the prince gave him a

searching glance.

"Are you living with your mother?"

"I am living at Countess Rostova's," replied Boris, again adding,

"your excellency."

"That is, with Ilya Rostov who married Nataly Shinshina," said

Anna Mikhaylovna.