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.