"Ah, that is just what I tell him!" said she.
"I don't understand it;
I don't in the least understand
why men can't live without wars.
How is it that we women don't want anything of the kind,
don't need it? Now you shall judge between us.
I always tell him: Here he is Uncle's aide-de-camp,
a most brilliant position. He is so well known,
so much appreciated by everyone.
The other day at the Apraksins' I heard a lady asking,
'Is that the famous Prince Andrew?' I did indeed."
She laughed. "He is so well received everywhere.
He might easily become aide-de-camp to the Emperor.
You know the Emperor spoke to him most graciously.
Annette and I were speaking of how to arrange it.
What do you think?"
Pierre looked at his friend and,
noticing that he did not like the conversation,
gave no reply.