But, with the womanly and courtierlike quickness and tact habitual to her, Anna Pavlovna wished both to rebuke him (for daring to speak he had done of a man recommended to the Empress) and at the same time to console him, so she said: "Now about your family.

Do you know that since your daughter came out everyone has been enraptured by her? They say she is amazingly beautiful.

" The prince bowed to signify his respect and gratitude.