Nekhludoff replied that he had only lately arrived.
“Is the Princess, your mother, well?”
“My mother is dead.”
“Forgive me; I am very sorry. My son told me he had met you.”
The General’s son was making the same kind of career for himself that the father had done, and, having passed the Military Academy, was now serving in the Inquiry Office, and was very proud of his duties there. His occupation was the management of Government spies.
“Why, I served with your father. We were friends—comrades. And you; are you also in the Service?”
“No, I am not.”
The General bent his head disapprovingly.
“I have a request to make, General.”
“Very pleased. In what way can I be of service to you?”