At the end of the meeting the Grand Master with irony and ill-will reproved Bezukhov for his vehemence and said it was not love of virtue alone, but also a love of strife that had moved him in the dispute.

Pierre did not answer him and asked briefly whether his proposal would be accepted.

He was told that it would not, and without waiting for the usual formalities he left the lodge and went home.

Again Pierre was overtaken by the depression he so dreaded.