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But neither Anna Mikhaylovna nor the footman nor the coachman,

who could not help seeing these people, took any notice of them.

"It seems to be all right," Pierre concluded, and followed Anna

Mikhaylovna. She hurriedly ascended the narrow dimly lit stone

staircase, calling to Pierre, who was lagging behind, to follow.

Though he did not see why it was necessary for him to go to the

count at all, still less why he had to go by the back stairs, yet

judging by Anna Mikhaylovna's air of assurance and haste, Pierre

concluded that it was all absolutely necessary. Halfway up the

stairs they were almost knocked over by some men who, carrying

pails, came running downstairs, their boots clattering. These men

pressed close to the wall to let Pierre and Anna Mikhaylovna pass

and did not evince the least surprise at seeing them there.

"Is this the way to the princesses' apartments?" asked Anna

Mikhaylovna of one of them.