The guests began to disperse, some without taking leave of Helene.

Some, as if unwilling to distract her from an important occupation, came up to her for a moment and made haste to go away, refusing to let her see them off.

The diplomatist preserved a mournful silence as he left the drawing room.

He pictured the vanity of his diplomatic career in comparison with Pierre's happiness.

The old general grumbled at his wife when she asked how his leg was.