Prince Andrew followed Speranski's every word and movement with particular attention.

As happens to some people, especially to men who judge those near to them severely, he always on meeting anyone new--especially anyone whom, like Speranski, he knew by reputation--expected to discover in him the perfection of human qualities.

Speranski told Kochubey he was sorry he had been unable to come sooner as he had been detained at the palace.

He did not say that the Emperor had kept him, and Prince Andrew noticed this affectation of modesty.

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