When conversation turned on her husband Helene assumed a dignified expression, which with characteristic tact she had acquired though she did not understand its significance.

This expression suggested that she had resolved to endure her troubles uncomplainingly and that her husband was a cross laid upon her by God.

Prince Vasili expressed his opinion more openly.

He shrugged his shoulders when Pierre was mentioned and, pointing to his forehead, remarked: "A bit touched--I always said so.

" "I said from the first," declared Anna Pavlovna referring to Pierre, "I said at the time and before anyone else" (she insisted on her priority) "that that senseless young man was spoiled by the depraved ideas of these days.