" Prince Andrew, who had evidently wished to tone down the awkwardness of Pierre's remarks, rose and made a sign to his wife that it was time to go.

Suddenly Prince Hippolyte started up making signs to everyone to attend, and asking them all to be seated began: "I was told a charming Moscow story today and must treat you to it.

Excuse me, Vicomte--I must tell it in Russian or the point will be lost....

" And Prince Hippolyte began to tell his story in such Russian as a Frenchman would speak after spending about a year in Russia.

Everyone waited, so emphatically and eagerly did he demand their attention to his story.