CHAPTER XXIV
The congratulations were over. As the visitors who had met at court went away, they talked about the latest news of the day, the rewards that had been bestowed, and the changed positions of some high functionaries.
"What should you say if the Countess Marya Borisovna was made minister of war, and the Princess Vatkovskaya, chief of staff?" asked a little, gray-haired old man, in a gold-embroidered uniform, who was talking with a tall, handsome maid of honor about the recent changes.
"In that case, I should be made one of the emperor's aides," replied the freïlina.
"Your place is already settled. You are to have charge of the department of religions, and Karenin is to be your assistant."
"How do you do, prince?" said the little old man, shaking hands with some one who came along.
"Were you speaking of Karenin?" asked the prince.
"Yes; he and Putyatof have been decorated with the order of Alexander Nevsky."
"I thought he had it already."
"No; look at him," said the little old man, pointing with his gold-laced hat toward Karenin, who was standing in the doorway, talking with one of the influential members of the Imperial Council; he wore the court uniform, with his new red ribbon across his shoulder. "Happy and contented as a copper kopek!" he added, pausing to press the hand of a handsome, athletic chamberlain passing by.
"No; he has grown old," said the chamberlain.
"With cares. He spends all his time writing projects. He, the unfortunate man, will not let go until he has explained everything point by point."
"What, grown old? Il fait des passions. I think the Countess Lidia is jealous now of his wife."
