Kochubey said a few words about the reception Arakcheev had given Bolkonski.

Speranski smiled more markedly.

"The chairman of the Committee on Army Regulations is my good friend Monsieur Magnitski," he said, fully articulating every word and syllable, "and if you like I can put you in touch with him.

" He paused at the full stop.

" I hope you will find him sympathetic and ready to co-operate in promoting all that is reasonable.