And that gesture, too, seemed unnatural to Prince Andrew.

The men remained at table over their port--English fashion.

In the midst of a conversation that was started about Napoleon's Spanish affairs, which they all agreed in approving, Prince Andrew began to express a contrary opinion.

Speranski smiled and, with an evident wish to prevent the conversation from taking an unpleasant course, told a story that had no connection with the previous conversation.

For a few moments all were silent.