" I know all about it, and I can tell you positively that Helene is as innocent before you as Christ was before the Jews.

" Pierre was about to reply, but Prince Vasili interrupted him.

"And why didn't you simply come straight to me as to a friend? I know all about it and understand it all," he said.

" You behaved as becomes a man who values his honor, perhaps too hastily, but we won't go into that.