Arakcheev's eyes turned toward him.

"Sit down," said he.

" Prince Bolkonski?" "I am not petitioning about anything.

His Majesty the Emperor has deigned to send your excellency a project submitted by me..." "You see, my dear sir, I have read your project," interrupted Arakcheev, uttering only the first words amiably and then--again without looking at Prince Andrew--relapsing gradually into a tone of grumbling contempt.