" I know all about it, and I can tell you positively that Helene is as innocent before you as Christ was before the Jews.

" Pierre was about to reply, but Prince Vasili interrupted him.

"And why didn't you simply come straight to me as to a friend? I know all about it and understand it all," he said.

" You behaved as becomes a man who values his honor, perhaps too hastily, but we won't go into that.

But consider the position in which you are placing her and me in the eyes of society, and even of the court," he added, lowering his voice.