"Ah, my dear prince! I could not have a more welcome visitor," said Bilibin as he came out to meet Prince Andrew.

" Franz, put the prince's things in my bedroom," said he to the servant who was ushering Bolkonski in.

" So you're a messenger of victory, eh? Splendid! And I am sitting here ill, as you see.

" After washing and dressing, Prince Andrew came into the diplomat's luxurious study and sat down to the dinner prepared for him.

Bilibin settled down comfortably beside the fire.