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There was now no one in the reception room except Prince Vasili

and the eldest princess, who were sitting under the portrait of

Catherine the Great and talking eagerly. As soon as they saw

Pierre and his companion they became silent, and Pierre thought

he saw the princess hide something as she whispered:

"I can't bear the sight of that woman."

"Catiche has had tea served in the small drawing room," said

Prince Vasili to Anna Mikhaylovna. "Go and take something, my

poor Anna Mikhaylovna, or you will not hold out."

To Pierre he said nothing, merely giving his arm a sympathetic

squeeze below the shoulder. Pierre went with Anna Mikhaylovna

into the small drawing room.