He gathered up the papers and with a bow to both, stepped softly over the carpet and went out into the waiting room.

Though not much time had passed since Prince Andrew had left Russia, he had changed greatly during that period.

In the expression of his face, in his movements, in his walk, scarcely a trace was left of his former affected languor and indolence.

He now looked like a man who has time to think of the impression he makes on others, but is occupied with agreeable and interesting work.