Les félicitations étaient terminées. The congratulations were over. Tous, en se retirant, causaient des dernières nouvelles, des décorations accordées ce jour-là, des mutations de quelques hauts fonctionnaires. 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.
— Il ferait beau voir la comtesse Marie Borissovna au ministère de la guerre et la princesse Vatkovsky chef de l’état-major, disait d’une voix douce un petit vieillard grisonnant en uniforme chamarré, à une grande et belle demoiselle d’honneur qui le questionnait sur les nouveaux changements. "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.
— Votre poste est déjà trouvé. "Your place is already settled. Vous êtes aux Cultes et on vous donne pour aide Karénine. You are to have charge of the department of religions, and Karenin is to be your assistant."