" But... in short, the fact is... you know yourself that last winter the count made a will by which he left all his property, not to us his direct heirs, but to Pierre.

" "He has made wills enough!" quietly remarked the princess.

" But he cannot leave the estate to Pierre.

Pierre is illegitimate.

" "But, my dear," said Prince Vasili suddenly, clutching the little table and becoming more animated and talking more rapidly: "what if a letter has been written to the Emperor in which the count asks for Pierre's legitimation? Do you understand that in consideration of the count's services, his request would be granted?..." The princess smiled as people do who think they know more about the subject under discussion than those they are talking with.