This set, consisting almost exclusively of diplomats, evidently had its own interests which had nothing to do with war or politics but related to high society, to certain women, and to the official side of the service. These gentlemen received Prince Andrew as one of themselves, an honor they did not extend to many. From politeness and to start conversation, they asked him a few questions about the army and the battle, and then the talk went off into merry jests and gossip. Prince Hippolyte was lolling in a lounge chair with his legs over its arm. He began to laugh.
Woman is man's companion.
He sat down beside Hippolyte and wrinkling his forehead began talking to him about politics. Prince Andrew and the others gathered round these two. Finally one cannot impute the nonreceipt of our dispatch of November 18. That is how it will end. And he released Bolkonski's arm to indicate that he had now quite finished.