Alexey Alexandrovitch ordered tea to be sent him, sat down to the table, and taking the guidebook, began considering the route of his journey.

"Two telegrams," said his manservant, coming into the room.

" I beg your pardon, your excellency; I'd only just that minute gone out.

" Alexey Alexandrovitch took the telegrams and opened them.

The first telegram was the announcement of Stremov's appointment to the very post Karenin had coveted.