Young Rostov's ecstatic voice could be heard above the three hundred others.

He nearly wept.

" To the health of our Sovereign, the Emperor!" he roared, "Hurrah!" and emptying his glass at one gulp he dashed it to the floor.

Many followed his example, and the loud shouting continued for a long time.

When the voices subsided, the footmen cleared away the broken glass and everybody sat down again, smiling at the noise they had made and exchanging remarks.