"The vicomte knew the duc personally,"
whispered Anna Pavlovna to of the guests.
"The vicomte is a wonderful raconteur,"
said she to another.
"How evidently he belongs to the best society,"
said she to a third;
and the vicomte was served up to
the company in the choicest and most advantageous style,
like a well-garnished joint of roast beef on a hot dish.
The vicomte wished to begin his story
and gave a subtle smile.
"Come over here, Helene, dear,"
said Anna Pavlovna to the beautiful young princess
who was sitting some way off,
the center of another group.