"You must excuse me, dear Vicomte," said Prince Vasili to the Frenchman, holding him down by the sleeve in a friendly way to prevent his rising.
" This unfortunate fete at the ambassador's deprives me of a pleasure, and obliges me to interrupt you.
I am very sorry to leave your enchanting party," said he, turning to Anna Pavlovna.
His daughter, Princess Helene, passed between the chairs, lightly holding up the folds of her dress, and the smile shone still more radiantly on her beautiful face.
Pierre gazed at her with rapturous, almost frightened, eyes as she passed him.