Anna Pavlovna smiled and promised to
take Pierre in hand.
She knew his father to be a connection of
Prince Vasili's.
The elderly lady who had been sitting with the
old aunt rose hurriedly and overtook
Prince Vasili in the anteroom.
All the affectation of interest she had
assumed had left her kindly and tearworn face
and it now expressed only anxiety and fear.
"How about my son Boris, Prince?" said she,
hurrying after him into the anteroom.
"I can't remain any longer in Petersburg.
Tell me what news I may take back to my poor boy."
Although Prince Vasili listened reluctantly
and not very politely to the elderly lady,
even betraying some impatience,
she gave him an ingratiating and appealing smile,
and took his hand that he might not go away.