His Majesty the Emperor has deigned to send your excellency a project submitted by me..." "You see, my dear sir, I have read your project," interrupted Arakcheev, uttering only the first words amiably and then--again without looking at Prince Andrew--relapsing gradually into a tone of grumbling contempt.

" You are proposing new military laws? There are many laws but no one to carry out the old ones.

Nowadays everybody designs laws, it is easier writing than doing.

" "I came at His Majesty the Emperor's wish to learn from your excellency how you propose to deal with the memorandum I have presented," said Prince Andrew politely.

"I have endorsed a resolution on your memorandum and sent it to the committee.