Theofficers，asusual，livedintwosandthreesintheroofless，half—ruinedhouses。Theseniorstriedtocollectstrawandpotatoesand，ingeneral，foodforthemen。Theyoungeronesoccupiedthemselvesasbefore，someplayingcardstherewasplentyofmoney，thoughtherewasnofood，somewithmoreinnocentgames，suchasquoitsandskittles。Thegeneraltrendofthecampaignwasrarelyspokenof，partlybecausenothingcertainwasknownaboutit，partlybecausetherewasavaguefeelingthatinthemainitwasgoingbadly。
　　Rostovlived，asbefore，withDenisov，andsincetheirfurloughtheyhadbecomemorefriendlythanever。DenisovneverspokeofRostov’sfamily，butbythetenderfriendshiphiscommandershowedhim，Rostovfeltthattheelderhussar’slucklessloveforNatashaplayedapartinstrengtheningtheirfriendship。DenisovevidentlytriedtoexposeRostovtodangerasseldomaspossible，andafteranactiongreetedhissafereturnwithevidentjoy。Ononeofhisforagingexpeditions，inadesertedandruinedvillagetowhichhehadcomeinsearchofprovisions，RostovfoundafamilyconsistingofanoldPoleandhisdaughterwithaninfantinarms。Theywerehalfclad，hungry，tooweaktogetawayonfootandhadnomeansofobtainingaconveyance。Rostovbroughtthemtohisquarters，placedtheminhisownlodging，andkeptthemforsomeweekswhiletheoldmanwasrecovering。Oneofhiscomrades，talkingofwomen，beganchaffingRostov，sayingthathewasmorewilythananyofthemandthatitwouldnotbeabadthingifheintroducedtothemtheprettyPolishgirlhehadsaved。Rostovtookthejokeasaninsult，flaredup，andsaidsuchunpleasantthingstotheofficerthatitwasallDenisovcoulddotopreventaduel。Whentheofficerhadgoneaway，Denisov，whodidnothimselfknowwhatRostov’srelationswiththePolishgirlmightbe，begantoupbraidhimforhisquicknessoftemper，andRostovreplied：
　　"Saywhatyoulike……Sheislikeasistertome，andIcan’ttellyouhowitoffendedme……because……well，forthatreason……"
　　DenisovpattedhimontheshoulderandbeganrapidlypacingtheroomwithoutlookingatRostov，aswashiswayatmomentsofdeepfeeling。
　　"Ah，whatamadbweedyouWostovsare！"hemuttered，andRostovnoticedtearsinhiseyes。
　　BK5CH16
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　InAprilthetroopswereenlivenedbynewsoftheEmperor’sarrival，butRostovhadnochanceofbeingpresentatthereviewheheldatBartenstein，asthePavlogradswereattheoutpostsfarbeyondthatplace。
　　Theywerebivouacking。DenisovandRostovwerelivinginanearthhut，dugoutforthembythesoldiersandroofedwithbranchesandturf。Thehutwasmadeinthefollowingmanner，whichhadthencomeintovogue。Atrenchwasdugthreeandahalffeetwide，fourfeeteightinchesdeep，andeightfeetlong。Atoneendofthetrench，stepswerecutoutandtheseformedtheentranceandvestibule。Thetrenchitselfwastheroom，inwhichtheluckyones，suchasthesquadroncommander，hadaboard，lyingonpilesattheendoppositetheentrance，toserveasatable。Oneachsideofthetrench，theearthwascutouttoabreadthofabouttwoandahalffeet，andthisdiddutyforbedsteadsandcouches。Theroofwassoconstructedthatonecouldstandupinthemiddleofthetrenchandcouldevensituponthebedsifonedrewclosetothetable。Denisov，whowaslivingluxuriouslybecausethesoldiersofhissquadronlikedhim，hadalsoaboardintheroofatthefartherend，withapieceofbrokenbutmendedglassinitforawindow。Whenitwasverycold，embersfromthesoldiers’campfirewereplacedonabentsheetofirononthestepsinthe"receptionroom"—asDenisovcalledthatpartofthehut—
　　anditwasthensowarmthattheofficers，ofwhomtherewerealwayssomewithDenisovandRostov，satintheirshirtsleeves。
　　InApril，Rostovwasonorderlyduty。Onemorning，betweensevenandeight，returningafterasleeplessnight，hesentforembers，changedhisrain—soakedunderclothes，saidhisprayers，dranktea，gotwarm，thentidiedupthethingsonthetableandinhisowncorner，and，hisfaceglowingfromexposuretothewindandwithnothingonbuthisshirt，laydownonhisback，puttinghisarmsunderhishead。Hewaspleasantlyconsideringtheprobabilityofbeingpromotedinafewdaysforhislastreconnoiteringexpedition，andwasawaitingDenisov，whohadgoneoutsomewhereandwithwhomhewantedatalk。
　　SuddenlyheheardDenisovshoutinginavibratingvoicebehindthehut，evidentlymuchexcited。Rostovmovedtothewindowtoseewhomhewasspeakingto，andsawthequartermaster，Topcheenko。
　　"IorderedyounottoletthemthatMashkawootstuff！"Denisovwasshouting。"AndIsawwithmyowneyeshowLazarchukbwoughtsomefwomthefields。"
　　"Ihavegiventheorderagainandagain，yourhonor，buttheydon’tobey，"answeredthequartermaster。
　　Rostovlaydownagainonhisbedandthoughtcomplacently："Lethimfussandbustlenow，myjob’sdoneandI’mlyingdown—capitally！"
　　HecouldhearthatLavrushka—thatsly，boldorderlyofDenisov’s—wastalking，aswellasthequartermaster。Lavrushkawassayingsomethingaboutloadedwagons，biscuits，andoxenhehadseenwhenhehadgoneoutforprovisions。
　　ThenDenisov’svoicewasheardshoutingfartherandfartheraway。
　　"Saddle！Secondplatoon！"
　　"Wherearetheyofftonow？"thoughtRostov。
　　Fiveminuteslater，Denisovcameintothehut，climbedwithmuddybootsonthebed，lithispipe，furiouslyscatteredhisthingsabout，tookhisleadedwhip，buckledonhissaber，andwentoutagain。
　　InanswertoRostov’sinquirywherehewasgoing，heansweredvaguelyandcrosslythathehadsomebusiness。
　　"LetGodandourgweatmonarchjudgemeafterwards！"saidDenisovgoingout，andRostovheardthehoofsofseveralhorsessplashingthroughthemud。HedidnoteventroubletofindoutwhereDenisovhadgone。Havinggotwarminhiscorner，hefellasleepanddidnotleavethehuttilltowardevening。Denisovhadnotyetreturned。Theweatherhadclearedup，andnearthenexthuttwoofficersandacadetwereplayingsvayka，laughingastheythrewtheirmissileswhichburiedthemselvesinthesoftmud。Rostovjoinedthem。Inthemiddleofthegame，theofficerssawsomewagonsapproachingwithfifteenhussarsontheirskinnyhorsesbehindthem。Thewagonsescortedbythehussarsdrewuptothepicketropesandacrowdofhussarssurroundedthem。
　　"Therenow，Denisovhasbeenworrying，"saidRostov，"andherearetheprovisions。"
　　"Sotheyare！"saidtheofficers。"Won’tthesoldiersbeglad！"
　　AlittlebehindthehussarscameDenisov，accompaniedbytwoinfantryofficerswithwhomhewastalking。
　　Rostovwenttomeetthem。
　　"Iwarnyou，Captain，"oneoftheofficers，ashortthinman，evidentlyveryangry，wassaying。
　　"Haven’tItoldyouIwon’tgivethemup？"repliedDenisov。
　　"Youwillanswerforit，Captain。Itismutiny—seizingthetransportofone’sownarmy。Ourmenhavehadnothingtoeatfortwodays。"
　　"Andminehavehadnothingfortwoweeks，"saidDenisov。
　　"Itisrobbery！You’llanswerforit，sir！"saidtheinfantryofficer，raisinghisvoice。
　　"Now，whatareyoupestewingmefor？"criedDenisov，suddenlylosinghistemper。"Ishallanswerforitandnotyou，andyou’dbetternotbuzzaboutheretillyougethurt。Beoff！Go！"heshoutedattheofficers。
　　"Verywell，then！"shoutedthelittleofficer，undauntedandnotridingaway。"Ifyouaredeterminedtorob，I’ll……"
　　"Gotothedevil！quickma’ch，whileyou’resafeandsound！"andDenisovturnedhishorseontheofficer。
　　"Verywell，verywell！"mutteredtheofficer，threateningly，andturninghishorsehetrottedaway，joltinginhissaddle。
　　"Adogastwideafence！Awealdogastwideafence！"shoutedDenisovafterhimthemostinsultingexpressionacavalrymancanaddresstoamountedinfantrymanandridinguptoRostov，heburstoutlaughing。
　　"I’vetakentwansportsfromtheinfantwybyforce！"hesaid。
　　"Afterall，can’tletourmenstarve。"
　　Thewagonsthathadreachedthehussarshadbeenconsignedtoaninfantryregiment，butlearningfromLavrushkathatthetransportwasunescorted，Denisovwithhishussarshadseizeditbyforce。Thesoldiershadbiscuitsdealtouttothemfreely，andtheyevensharedthemwiththeothersquadrons。
　　ThenextdaytheregimentalcommandersentforDenisov，andholdinghisfingersspreadoutbeforehiseyessaid：
　　"ThisishowIlookatthisaffair：Iknownothingaboutitandwon’tbeginproceedings，butIadviseyoutorideovertothestaffandsettlethebusinessthereinthecommissariatdepartmentandifpossiblesignareceiptforsuchandsuchstoresreceived。Ifnot，asthedemandwasbookedagainstaninfantryregiment，therewillbearowandtheaffairmayendbadly。"
　　Fromtheregimentalcommander’s，Denisovrodestraighttothestaffwithasinceredesiretoactonthisadvice。IntheeveninghecamebacktohisdugoutinastatesuchasRostovhadneveryetseenhimin。Denisovcouldnotspeakandgaspedforbreath。WhenRostovaskedwhatwasthematter，heonlyutteredsomeincoherentoathsandthreatsinahoarse，feeblevoice。
　　AlarmedatDenisov’scondition，Rostovsuggestedthatheshouldundress，drinksomewater，andsendforthedoctor。
　　"Twymeforwobbewy……oh！Somemorewater……Letthemtwyme，butI’llalwaysthwashscoundwels……andI’lltelltheEmpewo’……
　　Ice……"hemuttered。
　　Theregimentaldoctor，whenhecame，saiditwasabsolutelynecessarytobleedDenisov。Adeepsaucerofblackbloodwastakenfromhishairyarmandonlythenwasheabletorelatewhathadhappenedtohim。
　　"Igetthere，"beganDenisov。"’Nowthen，where’syourchief’squarters？’Theywerepointedout。’Pleasetowait。’’I’vewiddentwentymilesandhavedutiestoattendtoandnotimetowait。
　　Announceme。’Vewywell，sooutcomestheirheadchief—alsotookitintohisheadtolectureme：’It’swobbewy！’—’Wobbewy，’Isay，’isnotdonebymanwhoseizespwovisionstofeedhissoldiers，butbyhimwhotakesthemtofillhisownpockets！’’Willyoupleasebesilent？’’Vewygood！’Thenhesays：’Goandgiveaweceipttothecommissioner，butyouraffairwillbepassedontoheadquarters。’Igotothecommissioner。Ienter，andatthetable……whodoyouthink？
　　No，butwaitabit！……Whoisitthat’sstarvingus？"shoutedDenisov，hittingthetablewiththefistofhisnewlybledarmsoviolentlythatthetablenearlybrokedownandthetumblersonitjumpedabout。"Telyanin！’What？Soit’syouwho’sstarvingustodeath！Isit？Takethisandthis！’andIhithimsopat，stwaightonhissnout……’Ah，whata……what……！’andIsta’tedfwashinghim……
　　Well，I’vehadabitoffunIcantellyou！"criedDenisov，gleefulandyetangry，hisshowingunderhisblackmustache。"I’dhavekilledhimiftheyhadn’ttakenhimaway！"
　　"Butwhatareyoushoutingfor？Calmyourself，"saidRostov。"You’vesetyourarmbleedingafresh。Wait，wemusttieitupagain。"
　　Denisovwasbandagedupagainandputtobed。Nextdayhewokecalmandcheerful。
　　ButatnoontheadjutantoftheregimentcameintoRostov’sandDenisov’sdugoutwithagraveandseriousfaceandregretfullyshowedthemapaperaddressedtoMajorDenisovfromtheregimentalcommanderinwhichinquiriesweremadeaboutyesterday’soccurrence。
　　Theadjutanttoldthemthattheaffairwaslikelytotakeaverybadturn：thatacourt—martialhadbeenappointed，andthatinviewoftheseveritywithwhichmaraudingandinsubordinationwerenowregarded，degradationtotherankswouldbethebestthatcouldbehopedfor。
　　Thecase，asrepresentedbytheoffendedparties，wasthat，afterseizingthetransports，MajorDenisov，beingdrunk，wenttothechiefquartermasterandwithoutanyprovocationcalledhimathief，threatenedtostrikehim，andonbeingledouthadrushedintotheofficeandgiventwoofficialsathrashing，anddislocatedthearmofoneofthem。
　　InanswertoRostov’srenewedquestions，Denisovsaid，laughing，thathethoughtherememberedthatsomeotherfellowhadgotmixedupinit，butthatitwasallnonsenseandrubbish，andhedidnotintheleastfearanykindoftrial，andthatifthosescoundrelsdaredattackhimhewouldgivethemananswerthattheywouldnoteasilyforget。
　　Denisovspokecontemptuouslyofthewholematter，butRostovknewhimtoowellnottodetectthatwhilehidingitfromothersathearthefearedacourt—martialandwasworriedovertheaffair，whichwasevidentlytakingabadturn。Everyday，lettersofinquiryandnoticesfromthecourtarrived，andonthefirstofMay，Denisovwasorderedtohandthesquadronovertothenextinseniorityandappearbeforethestaffofhisdivisiontoexplainhisviolenceatthecommissariatoffice。OnthepreviousdayPlatovreconnoiteredwithtwoCossackregimentsandtwosquadronsofhussars。Denisov，aswashiswont，rodeoutinfrontoftheoutposts，paradinghiscourage。A
　　bulletfiredbyaFrenchsharpshooterhithiminthefleshypartofhisleg。PerhapsatanothertimeDenisovwouldnothavelefttheregimentforsoslightawound，butnowhetookadvantageofittoexcusehimselffromappearingatthestaffandwentintohospital。
　　BK5CH17
　　CHAPTERXVII
　　InJunethebattleofFriedlandwasfought，inwhichthePavlogradsdidnottakepart，andafterthatanarmisticewasproclaimed。Rostov，whofelthisfriend’sabsenceverymuch，havingnonewsofhimsinceheleftandfeelingveryanxiousabouthiswoundandtheprogressofhisaffairs，tookadvantageofthearmisticetogetleavetovisitDenisovinhospital。
　　ThehospitalwasinasmallPrussiantownthathadbeentwicedevastatedbyRussianandFrenchtroops。Becauseitwassummer，whenitissobeautifuloutinthefields，thelittletownpresentedaparticularlydismalappearancewithitsbrokenroofsandfences，itsfoulstreets，tatteredinhabitants，andthesickanddrunkensoldierswanderingabout。
　　Thehospitalwasinabrickbuildingwithsomeofthewindowframesandpanesbrokenandacourtyardsurroundedbytheremainsofawoodenfencethathadbeenpulledtopieces。Severalbandagedsoldiers，withpaleswollenfaces，weresittingorwalkingaboutinthesunshineintheyard。
　　DirectlyRostoventeredthedoorhewasenvelopedbyasmellofputrefactionandhospitalair。OnthestairshemetaRussianarmydoctorsmokingacigar。ThedoctorwasfollowedbyaRussianassistant。
　　"Ican’ttearmyselftopieces，"thedoctorwassaying。"CometoMakarAlexeevichintheevening。Ishallbethere。"
　　Theassistantaskedsomefurtherquestions。
　　"Oh，dothebestyoucan！Isn’titallthesame？"ThedoctornoticedRostovcomingupstairs。
　　"Whatdoyouwant，sir？"saidthedoctor。"Whatdoyouwant？Thebulletshavingsparedyou，doyouwanttotrytyphus？Thisisapesthouse，sir。"
　　"Howso？"askedRostov。
　　"Typhus，sir。It’sdeathtogoin。Onlywetwo，MakeevandI"hepointedtotheassistant，"keeponhere。Somefiveofusdoctorshavediedinthisplace……Whenanewonecomesheisdoneforinaweek，"
　　saidthedoctorwithevidentsatisfaction。"Prussiandoctorshavebeeninvitedhere，butouralliesdon’tlikeitatall。"
　　RostovexplainedthathewantedtoseeMajorDenisovofthehussars，whowaswounded。
　　"Idon’tknow。Ican’ttellyou，sir。Onlythink！Iamaloneinchargeofthreehospitalswithmorethanfourhundredpatients！It’swellthatthecharitablePrussianladiessendustwopoundsofcoffeeandsomelinteachmonthorweshouldbelost！"helaughed。
　　"Fourhundred，sir，andthey’realwayssendingmefreshones。Therearefourhundred？Eh？"heasked，turningtotheassistant。
　　Theassistantlookedfaggedout。Hewasevidentlyvexedandimpatientforthetalkativedoctortogo。
　　"MajorDenisov，"Rostovsaidagain。"HewaswoundedatMolliten。"
　　"Dead，Ifancy。Eh，Makeev？"queriedthedoctor，inatoneofindifference。
　　Theassistant，however，didnotconfirmthedoctor’swords。
　　"Ishetallandwithreddishhair？"askedthedoctor。
　　RostovdescribedDenisov’sappearance。
　　"Therewasonelikethat，"saidthedoctor，asifpleased。"Thatoneisdead，Ifancy。However，I’lllookupourlist。Wehadalist。
　　Haveyougotit，Makeev？"
　　"MakarAlexeevichhasthelist，"answeredtheassistant。"Butifyou’llstepintotheofficers’wardsyou’llseeforyourself，"headded，turningtoRostov。
　　"Ah，you’dbetternotgo，sir，"saidthedoctor，"oryoumayhavetostayhereyourself。"
　　ButRostovbowedhimselfawayfromthedoctorandaskedtheassistanttoshowhimtheway。
　　"Onlydon’tblameme！"thedoctorshoutedupafterhim。
　　Rostovandtheassistantwentintothedarkcorridor。ThesmellwassostrongtherethatRostovheldhisnoseandhadtopauseandcollecthisstrengthbeforehecouldgoon。Adooropenedtotheright，andanemaciatedsallowmanoncrutches，barefootandinunderclothing，limpedoutand，leaningagainstthedoorpost，lookedwithglitteringenviouseyesatthosewhowerepassing。Glancinginatthedoor，Rostovsawthatthesickandwoundedwerelyingontheflooronstrawandovercoats。
　　"MayIgoinandlook？"
　　"Whatistheretosee？"saidtheassistant。
　　But，justbecausetheassistantevidentlydidnotwanthimtogoin，Rostoventeredthesoldiers’ward。Thefoulair，towhichhehadalreadybeguntogetusedinthecorridor，wasstillstrongerhere。Itwasalittledifferent，morepungent，andonefeltthatthiswaswhereitoriginated。
　　Inthelongroom，brightlylitupbythesunthroughthelargewindows，thesickandwoundedlayintworowswiththeirheadstothewalls，andleavingapassageinthemiddle。Mostofthemwereunconsciousandpaidnoattentiontothenewcomers。Thosewhowereconsciousraisedthemselvesorliftedtheirthinyellowfaces，andalllookedintentlyatRostovwiththesameexpressionofhope，ofrelief，reproach，andenvyofanother’shealth。Rostovwenttothemiddleoftheroomandlookingthroughtheopendoorsintothetwoadjoiningroomssawthesamethingthere。Hestoodstill，lookingsilentlyaround。Hehadnotatallexpectedsuchasight。Justbeforehim，almostacrossthemiddleofthepassageonthebarefloor，layasickman，probablyaCossacktojudgebythecutofhishair。Themanlayonhisback，hishugearmsandlegsoutstretched。Hisfacewaspurple，hiseyeswererolledbacksothatonlythewhiteswereseen，andonhisbarelegsandarmswhichwerestillred，theveinsstoodoutlikecords。Hewasknockingthebackofhisheadagainstthefloor，hoarselyutteringsomewordwhichhekeptrepeating。Rostovlistenedandmadeouttheword。Itwas"drink，drink，adrink！"Rostovglancedround，lookingforsomeonewhowouldputthismanbackinhisplaceandbringhimwater。
　　"Wholooksafterthesickhere？"heaskedtheassistant。
　　Justthenacommissariatsoldier，ahospitalorderly，cameinfromthenextroom，marchingstiffly，anddrewupinfrontofRostov。
　　"Goodday，yourhonor！"heshouted，rollinghiseyesatRostovandevidentlymistakinghimforoneofthehospitalauthorities。
　　"Gethimtohisplaceandgivehimsomewater，"saidRostov，pointingtotheCossack。
　　"Yes，yourhonor，"thesoldierrepliedcomplacently，androllinghiseyesmorethaneverhedrewhimselfupstillstraighter，butdidnotmove。
　　"No，it’simpossibletodoanythinghere，"thoughtRostov，loweringhiseyes，andhewasgoingout，butbecameawareofanintenselookfixedonhimonhisright，andheturned。Closetothecorner，onanovercoat，satanold，unshaven，gray—beardedsoldierasthinasaskeleton，withasternsallowfaceandeyesintentlyfixedonRostov。Theman’sneighborononesidewhisperedsomethingtohim，pointingatRostov，whonoticedthattheoldmanwantedtospeaktohim。Hedrewnearerandsawthattheoldmanhadonlyonelegbentunderhim，theotherhadbeenamputatedabovetheknee。Hisneighborontheotherside，wholaymotionlesssomedistancefromhimwithhisheadthrownback，wasayoungsoldierwithasnubnose。
　　Hispalewaxenfacewasstillfreckledandhiseyeswererolledback。Rostovlookedattheyoungsoldierandacoldchillrandownhisback。
　　"Why，thisoneseems……"hebegan，turningtotheassistant。
　　"Andhowwe’vebeenbegging，yourhonor，"saidtheoldsoldier，hisjawquivering。"He’sbeendeadsincemorning。Afterallwe’remen，notdogs。"
　　"I’llsendsomeoneatonce。Heshallbetakenaway—takenawayatonce，"saidtheassistanthurriedly。"Letusgo，yourhonor。"
　　"Yes，yes，letusgo，"saidRostovhastily，andloweringhiseyesandshrinking，hetriedtopassunnoticedbetweentherowsofreproachfulenviouseyesthatwerefixeduponhim，andwentoutoftheroom。
　　BK5CH18
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　Goingalongthecorridor，theassistantledRostovtotheofficers’wards，consistingofthreerooms，thedoorsofwhichstoodopen。Therewerebedsintheseroomsandthesickandwoundedofficerswerelyingorsittingonthem。Somewerewalkingabouttheroomsinhospitaldressinggowns。ThefirstpersonRostovmetintheofficers’wardwasathinlittlemanwithonearm，whowaswalkingaboutthefirstroominanightcapandhospitaldressinggown，withapipebetweenhisteeth。Rostovlookedathim，tryingtorememberwherehehadseenhimbefore。
　　"Seewherewe’vemetagain！"saidthelittleman。"Tushin，Tushin，don’tyouremember，whogaveyoualiftatSchonGrabern？AndI’vehadabitcutoff，yousee……"hewentonwithasmile，pointingtotheemptysleeveofhisdressinggown。"LookingforVasiliDmitrichDenisov？Myneighbor，"headded，whenheheardwhoRostovwanted。
　　"Here，here，"andTushinledhimintothenextroom，fromwhencecamesoundsofseverallaughingvoices。
　　"Howcantheylaugh，orevenliveatallhere？"thoughtRostov，stillawareofthatsmellofdecomposingfleshthathadbeensostronginthesoldiers’ward，andstillseemingtoseefixedonhimthoseenviouslookswhichhadfollowedhimoutfrombothsides，andthefaceofthatyoungsoldierwitheyesrolledback。
　　Denisovlayasleeponhisbedwithhisheadundertheblanket，thoughitwasnearlynoon。
　　"Ah，Wostov？Howareyou，howareyou？"hecalledout，stillinthesamevoiceasintheregiment，butRostovnoticedsadlythatunderthishabitualeaseandanimationsomenew，sinister，hiddenfeelingshoweditselfintheexpressionofDenisov’sfaceandtheintonationsofhisvoice。
　　Hiswound，thoughaslightone，hadnotyethealedevennow，sixweeksafterhehadbeenhit。Hisfacehadthesameswollenpallorasthefacesoftheotherhospitalpatients，butitwasnotthisthatstruckRostov。WhatstruckhimwasthatDenisovdidnotseemgladtoseehim，andsmiledathimunnaturally。Hedidnotaskabouttheregiment，noraboutthegeneralstateofaffairs，andwhenRostovspokeofthesemattersdidnotlisten。
　　RostovevennoticedthatDenisovdidnotliketoberemindedoftheregiment，oringeneralofthatotherfreelifewhichwasgoingonoutsidethehospital。Heseemedtotrytoforgetthatoldlifeandwasonlyinterestedintheaffairwiththecommissariatofficers。OnRostov’sinquiryastohowthematterstood，heatonceproducedfromunderhispillowapaperhehadreceivedfromthecommissionandtheroughdraftofhisanswertoit。HebecameanimatedwhenhebeganreadinghispaperandspeciallydrewRostov’sattentiontothestingingrejoindershemadetohisenemies。Hishospitalcompanions，whohadgatheredroundRostov—afresharrivalfromtheworldoutside—
　　graduallybegantodisperseassoonasDenisovbeganreadinghisanswer。Rostovnoticedbytheirfacesthatallthosegentlemenhadalreadyheardthatstorymorethanonceandweretiredofit。Onlythemanwhohadthenextbed，astoutUhlan，continuedtositonhisbed，gloomilyfrowningandsmokingapipe，andlittleone—armedTushinstilllistened，shakinghisheaddisapprovingly。Inthemiddleofthereading，theUhlaninterruptedDenisov。
　　"ButwhatIsayis，"hesaid，turningtoRostov，"itwouldbebestsimplytopetitiontheEmperorforpardon。Theysaygreatrewardswillnowbedistributed，andsurelyapardonwouldbegranted……"
　　"MepetitiontheEmpewo’！"exclaimedDenisov，inavoicetowhichhetriedhardtogivetheoldenergyandfire，butwhichsoundedlikeanexpressionofirritableimpotence。"Whatfor？IfIwereawobberIwouldaskmercy，butI’mbeingcourt—martialedforbwingingwobberstobook。Letthemtwyme，I’mnotafwaidofanyone。I’veservedtheTsarandmycountwyhonowablyandhavenotstolen！AndamI
　　tobedegwaded？……Listen，I’mw’itingtothemstwaight。ThisiswhatIsay：’IfIhadwobbedtheTweasuwy……’"
　　"It’scertainlywellwritten，"saidTushin，"butthat’snotthepoint，VasiliDmitrich，"andhealsoturnedtoRostov。"Onehastosubmit，andVasiliDmitrichdoesn’twantto。Youknowtheauditortoldyouitwasabadbusiness。
　　"Well，letitbebad，"saidDenisov。
　　"Theauditorwroteoutapetitionforyou，"continuedTushin，"andyououghttosignitandaskthisgentlemantotakeit。Nodoubthe"
　　indicatingRostov"hasconnectionsonthestaff。Youwon’tfindabetteropportunity。"
　　"Haven’tIsaidI’mnotgoingtogwovel？"Denisovinterruptedhim，wentonreadinghispaper。
　　RostovhadnotthecouragetopersuadeDenisov，thoughheinstinctivelyfeltthatthewayadvisedbyTushinandtheotherofficerswasthesafest，andthoughhewouldhavebeengladtobeofservicetoDenisov。Heknewhisstubbornwillandstraightforwardhastytemper。
　　WhenthereadingofDenisov’svirulentreply，whichtookmorethananhour，wasover，Rostovsaidnothing，andhespenttherestofthedayinamostdejectedstateofmindamidDenisov’shospitalcomrades，whohadroundhim，tellingthemwhatheknewandlisteningtotheirstories。Denisovwasmoodilysilentalltheevening。
　　Lateintheevening，whenRostovwasabouttoleave，heaskedDenisovwhetherhehadnocommissionforhim。
　　"Yes，waitabit，"saidDenisov，glancingroundattheofficers，andtakinghispapersfromunderhispillowhewenttothewindow，wherehehadaninkpot，andsatdowntowrite。
　　"Itseemsit’snouseknockingone’sheadagainstawall！"hesaid，comingfromthewindowandgivingRostovalargeenvelope。InitwasthepetitiontotheEmperordrawnupbytheauditor，inwhichDenisov，withoutalludingtotheoffensesofthecommissariatofficials，simplyaskedforpardon。
　　"Handitin。Itseems……"
　　Hedidnotfinish，butgaveapainfullyunnaturalsmile。
　　BK5CH19
　　CHAPTERXIX
　　HavingreturnedtotheregimentandtoldthecommanderthestateofDenisov’saffairs，RostovrodetoTilsitwiththelettertotheEmperor。
　　OnthethirteenthofJunetheFrenchandRussianEmperorsarrivedinTilsit。BorisDrubetskoyhadaskedtheimportantpersonageonwhomhewasinattendance，toincludehiminthesuiteappointedforthestayatTilsit。
　　"Ishouldliketoseethegreatman，"hesaid，alludingtoNapoleon，whomhithertohe，likeeveryoneelse，hadalwayscalledBuonaparte。
　　"YouarespeakingofBuonaparte？"askedthegeneral，smiling。
　　Borislookedathisgeneralinquiringlyandimmediatelysawthathewasbeingtested。
　　"Iamspeaking，Prince，oftheEmperorNapoleon，"hereplied。Thegeneralpattedhimontheshoulder，withasmile。
　　"Youwillgofar，"hesaid，andtookhimtoTilsitwithhim。
　　BoriswasamongthefewpresentattheNiemenonthedaythetwoEmperorsmet。Hesawtheraft，decoratedwithmonograms，sawNapoleonpassbeforetheFrenchGuardsonthefartherbankoftheriver，sawthepensivefaceoftheEmperorAlexanderashesatinsilenceinatavernonthebankoftheNiemenawaitingNapoleon’sarrival，sawbothEmperorsgetintoboats，andsawhowNapoleon—
　　reachingtheraftfirst—steppedquicklyforwardtomeetAlexanderandheldouthishandtohim，andhowtheybothretiredintothepavilion。
　　SincehehadbeguntomoveinthehighestcirclesBorishadmadeithishabittowatchattentivelyallthatwentonaroundhimandtonoteitdown。AtthetimeofthemeetingatTilsitheaskedthenamesofthosewhohadcomewithNapoleonandabouttheuniformstheywore，andlistenedattentivelytowordsspokenbyimportantpersonages。AtthemomenttheEmperorswentintothepavilionhelookedathiswatch，anddidnotforgettolookatitagainwhenAlexandercameout。Theinterviewhadlastedanhourandfifty—threeminutes。Henotedthisdownthatsameevening，amongotherfactshefelttobeofhistoricimportance。AstheEmperor’ssuitewasaverysmallone，itwasamatterofgreatimportance，foramanwhovaluedhissuccessintheservice，tobeatTilsitontheoccasionofthisinterviewbetweenthetwoEmperors，andhavingsucceededinthis，Borisfeltthathenceforthhispositionwasfullyassured。Hehadnotonlybecomeknown，butpeoplehadgrownaccustomedtohimandacceptedhim。TwicehehadexecutedcommissionstotheEmperorhimself，sothatthelatterknewhisface，andallthoseatcourt，farfromcold—shoulderinghimasatfirstwhentheyconsideredhimanewcomer，wouldnowhavebeensurprisedhadhebeenabsent。
　　Borislodgedwithanotheradjutant，thePolishCountZhilinski。
　　Zhilinski，aPolebroughtupinParis，wasrich，andpassionatelyfondoftheFrench，andalmosteverydayofthestayatTilsit，FrenchofficersoftheGuardandfromFrenchheadquarterswerediningandlunchingwithhimandBoris。
　　Ontheeveningofthetwenty—fourthofJune，CountZhilinskiarrangedasupperforhisFrenchfriends。Theguestofhonorwasanaide—de—campofNapoleon’s，therewerealsoseveralFrenchofficersoftheGuard，andapageofNapoleon’s，ayoungladofanoldaristocraticFrenchfamily。Thatsameday，Rostov，profitingbythedarknesstoavoidbeingrecognizedinciviliandress。cametoTilsitandwenttothelodgingoccupiedbyBorisandZhilinski。
　　Rostov，incommonwiththewholearmyfromwhichhecame，wasfarfromhavingexperiencedthechangeoffeelingtowardNapoleonandtheFrench—whofrombeingfoeshadsuddenlybecomefriends—thathadtakenplaceatheadquartersandinBoris。Inthearmy，BonaparteandtheFrenchwerestillregardedwithmingledfeelingsofanger，contempt，andfear。Onlyrecently，talkingwithoneofPlatov’sCossackofficers，RostovhadarguedthatifNapoleonweretakenprisonerhewouldbetreatednotasasovereign，butasacriminal。
　　Quitelately，happeningtomeetawoundedFrenchcolonelontheroad，RostovhadmaintainedwithheatthatpeacewasimpossiblebetweenalegitimatesovereignandthecriminalBonaparte。RostovwasthereforeunpleasantlystruckbythepresenceofFrenchofficersinBoris’lodging，dressedinuniformshehadbeenaccustomedtoseefromquiteadifferentpointofviewfromtheoutpostsoftheflank。
　　AssoonashenoticedaFrenchofficer，whothrusthisheadoutofthedoor，thatwarlikefeelingofhostilitywhichhealwaysexperiencedatthesightoftheenemysuddenlyseizedhim。HestoppedatthethresholdandaskedinRussianwhetherDrubetskoylivedthere。
　　Boris，hearingastrangevoiceintheanteroom，cameouttomeethim。AnexpressionofannoyanceshoweditselfforamomentonhisfaceonfirstrecognizingRostov。
　　"Ah，it’syou？Veryglad，verygladtoseeyou，"hesaid，however，comingtowardhimwithasmile。ButRostovhadnoticedhisfirstimpulse。
　　"I’vecomeatabadtimeIthink。Ishouldnothavecome，butIhavebusiness，"hesaidcoldly。
　　"No，Ionlywonderhowyoumanagedtogetawayfromyourregiment。
　　Dansunmomentjesuisavous，"*hesaid，answeringsomeonewhocalledhim。
　　*"InaminuteIshallbeatyourdisposal。"
　　"IseeI’mintruding，"Rostovrepeated。
　　ThelookofannoyancehadalreadydisappearedfromBoris’face：
　　havingevidentlyreflectedanddecidedhowtoact，heveryquietlytookbothRostov’shandsandledhimintothenextroom。Hiseyes，lookingserenelyandsteadilyatRostov，seemedtobeveiledbysomething，asifscreenedbybluespectaclesofconventionality。SoitseemedtoRostov。
　　"Oh，comenow！Asifyoucouldcomeatawrongtime！"saidBoris，andheledhimintotheroomwherethesuppertablewaslaidandintroducedhimtohisguests，explainingthathewasnotacivilian，butanhussarofficer，andanoldfriendofhis。
　　"CountZhilinski—leComteN。N。—leCapitaineS。S。，"saidhe，naminghisguests。RostovlookedfrowninglyattheFrenchmen，bowedreluctantly，andremainedsilent。
　　ZhilinskievidentlydidnotreceivethisnewRussianpersonverywillinglyintohiscircleanddidnotspeaktoRostov。Borisdidnotappeartonoticetheconstraintthenewcomerproducedand，withthesamepleasantcomposureandthesameveiledlookinhiseyeswithwhichhehadmetRostov，triedtoenliventheconversation。OneoftheFrenchmen，withthepolitenesscharacteristicofhiscountrymen，addressedtheobstinatelytaciturnRostov，sayingthatthelatterhadprobablycometoTilsittoseetheEmperor。
　　"No，Icameonbusiness，"repliedRostov，briefly。
　　RostovhadbeenoutofhumorfromthemomenthenoticedthelookofdissatisfactiononBoris’face，andasalwayshappenstothoseinabadhumor，itseemedtohimthateveryoneregardedhimwithaversionandthathewasineverybody’sway。Hereallywasintheirway，forhealonetooknopartintheconversationwhichagainbecamegeneral。Thelooksthevisitorscastonhimseemedtosay："Andwhatishesittingherefor？"HeroseandwentuptoBoris。
　　"Anyhow，I’minyourway，"hesaidinalowtone。"ComeandtalkovermybusinessandI’llgoaway。"
　　"Oh，no，notatall，"saidBoris。"Butifyouaretired，comeandliedowninmyroomandhavearest。"
　　"Yes，really……"
　　TheywentintothelittleroomwhereBorisslept。Rostov，withoutsittingdown，beganatonce，irritablyasifBorisweretoblameinsomewaytellinghimaboutDenisov’saffair，askinghimwhether，throughhisgeneral，hecouldandwouldintercedewiththeEmperoronDenisov’sbehalfandgetDenisov’spetitionhandedin。WhenheandBoriswerealone，RostovfeltforthefirsttimethathecouldnotlookBorisinthefacewithoutasenseofawkwardness。Boris，withonelegcrossedovertheotherandstrokinghislefthandwiththeslenderfingersofhisright，listenedtoRostovasagenerallistenstothereportofasubordinate，nowlookingasideandnowgazingstraightintoRostov’seyeswiththesameveiledlook。EachtimethishappenedRostovfeltuncomfortableandcastdownhiseyes。
　　"IhaveheardofsuchcasesandknowthatHisMajestyisverysevereinsuchaffairs。IthinkitwouldbebestnottobringitbeforetheEmperor，buttoapplytothecommanderofthecorps……Butingeneral，Ithink……"
　　"Soyoudon’twanttodoanything？Wellthen，sayso！"Rostovalmostshouted，notlookingBorisintheface。
　　Borissmiled。
　　"Onthecontrary，IwilldowhatIcan。OnlyIthought……"
　　AtthatmomentZhilinski’svoicewasheardcallingBoris。
　　"Wellthen，go，go，go……"saidRostov，andrefusingsupperandremainingaloneinthelittleroom，hewalkedupanddownforalongtime，hearingthelightheartedFrenchconversationfromthenextroom。
　　BK5CH20
　　CHAPTERXX
　　RostovhadcometoTilsitthedayleastsuitableforapetitiononDenisov’sbehalf。HecouldnothimselfgotothegeneralinattendanceashewasinmuftiandhadcometoTilsitwithoutpermissiontodoso，andBoris，evenhadhewishedto，couldnothavedonesoonthefollowingday。Onthatday，June27，thepreliminariesofpeaceweresigned。TheEmperorsexchangeddecorations：AlexanderreceivedtheCrossoftheLegionofHonorandNapoleontheOrderofSt。AndrewoftheFirstDegree，andadinnerhadbeenarrangedfortheevening，givenbyabattalionoftheFrenchGuardstothePreobrazhenskbattalion。TheEmperorsweretobepresentatthatbanquet。
　　RostovfeltsoillateaseanduncomfortablewithBoristhat，whenthelatterlookedinaftersupper，hepretendedtobeasleep，andearlynextmorningwentaway，avoidingBoris。Inhiscivilianclothesandaroundhat，hewanderedaboutthetown，staringattheFrenchandtheiruniformsandatthestreetsandhouseswheretheRussianandFrenchEmperorswerestaying。Inasquarehesawtablesbeingsetupandpreparationsmadeforthedinner；hesawtheRussianandFrenchcolorsdrapedfromsidetosideofthestreets，withhughmonogramsAandN。Inthewindowsofthehousesalsoflagsandbuntingweredisplayed。
　　"Borisdoesn’twanttohelpmeandIdon’twanttoaskhim。That’ssettled，"thoughtNicholas。"Allisoverbetweenus，butIwon’tleaveherewithouthavingdoneallIcanforDenisovandcertainlynotwithoutgettinghislettertotheEmperor。TheEmperor！……Heishere！"thoughtRostov，whohadunconsciouslyreturnedtothehousewhereAlexanderlodged。
　　Saddledhorseswerestandingbeforethehouseandthesuitewereassembling，evidentlypreparingfortheEmperortocomeout。
　　"Imayseehimatanymoment，"thoughtRostov。"IfonlyIweretohandtheletterdirecttohimandtellhimall……couldtheyreallyarrestmeformycivilianclothes？Surelynot！Hewouldunderstandonwhosesidejusticelies。Heunderstandseverything，knowseverything。Whocanbemorejust，moremagnanimousthanhe？Andeveniftheydidarrestmeforbeinghere，whatwoulditmatter？"thoughthe，lookingatanofficerwhowasenteringthehousetheEmperoroccupied。"Afterall，peopledogoin……It’sallnonsense！I’llgoinandhandthelettertotheEmperormyselfsomuchtheworseforDrubetskoywhodrivesmetoit！"Andsuddenlywithadeterminationhehimselfdidnotexpect，Rostovfeltfortheletterinhispocketandwentstraighttothehouse。
　　"No，Iwon’tmissmyopportunitynow，asIdidafterAusterlitz，"hethought，expectingeverymomenttomeetthemonarch，andconsciousofthebloodthatrushedtohisheartatthethought。"Iwillfallathisfeetandbeseechhim。Hewillliftmeup，willlisten，andwilleventhankme。’IamhappywhenIcandogood，buttoremedyinjusticeisthegreatesthappiness，’"Rostovfanciedthesovereignsaying。
　　Andpassingpeoplewholookedafterhimwithcuriosity，heenteredtheporchoftheEmperor’shouse。
　　Abroadstaircaseledstraightupfromtheentry，andtotherighthesawacloseddoor。Below，underthestaircase，wasadoorleadingtothelowerfloor。
　　"Whomdoyouwant？"someoneinquired。
　　"Tohandinaletter，apetition，toHisMajesty，"saidNicholas，withatremorinhisvoice。
　　"Apetition？Thisway，totheofficertheofficeronduty"hewasshownthedoorleadingdownstairs，"onlyitwon’tbeaccepted。"
　　Onhearingthisindifferentvoice，Rostovgrewfrightenedatwhathewasdoing；thethoughtofmeetingtheEmperoratanymomentwassofascinatingandconsequentlysoalarmingthathewasreadytorunaway，buttheofficialwhohadquestionedhimopenedthedoor，andRostoventered。
　　Ashortstoutmanofaboutthirty，inwhitebreechesandhighbootsandabatisteshirtthathehadevidentlyonlyjustputon，standinginthatroom，andhisvaletwasbuttoningontothebackofhisbreechesanewpairofhandsomesilk—embroideredbracesthat，forsomereason，attractedRostov’sattention。Thismanwaswasspeakingtosomeoneintheadjoiningroom。
　　"Agoodfigureandinherfirstbloom，"hewassaying，butonseeingRostov，hestoppedshortandfrowned。
　　"Whatisit？Apetition？"
　　"Whatisit？"askedthepersonintheotherroom。
　　"Anotherpetitioner，"answeredthemanwiththebraces。
　　"Tellhimtocomelater。He’llbecomingoutdirectly，wemustgo。"
　　"Later……later！Tomorrow。It’stoolate……"
　　Rostovturnedandwasabouttogo，butthemaninthebracesstoppedhim。
　　"Whomhaveyoucomefrom？Whoareyou？"
　　"IcomefromMajorDenisov，"answeredRostov。
　　"Areyouanofficer？"
　　"LieutenantCountRostov。"
　　"Whataudacity！Handitinthroughyourcommander。Andgoalongwithyou……go，"andhecontinuedtoputontheuniformthevalethandedhim。
　　Rostovwentbackintothehallandnoticedthatintheporchthereweremanyofficersandgeneralsinfullparadeuniform，whomhehadtopass。
　　Cursinghistemerity，hisheartsinkingatthethoughtoffindinghimselfatanymomentfacetofacewiththeEmperorandbeingputtoshameandarrestedinhispresence，fullyalivenowtotheimproprietyofhisconductandrepentingofit，Rostov，withdowncasteyes，wasmakinghiswayoutofthehousethroughthebrilliantsuitewhenafamiliarvoicecalledhimandahanddetainedhim。
　　"Whatareyoudoinghere，sir，inciviliandress？"askedadeepvoice。
　　ItwasacavalrygeneralwhohadobtainedtheEmperor’sspecialfavorduringthiscampaign，andwhohadformerlycommandedthedivisioninwhichRostovwasserving。
　　Rostov，indismay，beganjustifyinghimself，butseeingthekindly，jocularfaceofthegeneral，hetookhimasideandinanexcitedvoicetoldhimthewholeaffair，askinghimtointercedeforDenisov，whomthegeneralknew。HavingheardRostovtotheend，thegeneralshookhisheadgravely。
　　"I’msorry，sorryforthatfinefellow。Givemetheletter。"
　　HardlyhadRostovhandedhimtheletterandfinishedexplainingDenisov’scase，whenhastystepsandthejinglingofspurswereheardonthestairs，andthegeneral，leavinghim，wenttotheporch。ThegentlemenoftheEmperor’ssuiterandownthestairsandwenttotheirhorses。Hayne，thesamegroomwhohadbeenatAusterlitz，leduptheEmperor’shorse，andthefaintcreakofafootstepRostovknewatoncewasheardonthestairs。Forgettingthedangerofbeingrecognized，Rostovwentclosetotheporch，togetherwithsomeinquisitivecivilians，andagain，aftertwoyears，sawthosefeaturesheadored：thatsamefaceandsamelookandstep，andthesameunionofmajestyandmildness……AndthefeelingofenthusiasmandloveforhissovereignroseagaininRostov’ssoulinallitsoldforce。IntheuniformofthePreobrazhenskregiment—whitechamois—leatherbreechesandhighboots—andwearingastarRostovdidnotknowitwasthatoftheLegiond’honneur，themonarchcameoutintotheporch，puttingonhisglovesandcarryinghishatunderhisarm。Hestoppedandlookedabouthim，brighteningeverythingaroundbyhisglance。Hespokeafewwordstosomeofthegenerals，and，recognizingtheformercommanderofRostov’sdivision，smiledandbeckonedtohim。
　　AllthesuitedrewbackandRostovsawthegeneraltalkingforsometimetotheEmperor。
　　TheEmperorsaidafewwordstohimandtookasteptowardhishorse。AgainthecrowdofmembersofthesuiteandstreetgazersamongwhomwasRostovmovednearertotheEmperor。Stoppingbesidehishorse，withhishandonthesaddle，theEmperorturnedtothecavalrygeneralandsaidinaloudvoice，evidentlywishingtobeheardbyall：
　　"Icannotdoit，General。Icannot，becausethelawisstrongerthanI，"andheraisedhisfoottothestirrup。
　　Thegeneralbowedhisheadrespectfully，andthemonarchmountedandrodedownthestreetatagallop。Besidehimselfwithenthusiasm，Rostovranafterhimwiththecrowd。
　　BK5CH21
　　CHAPTERXXI
　　TheEmperorrodetothesquarewhere，facingoneanother，abattalionofthePreobrazhenskregimentstoodontherightandabattalionoftheFrenchGuardsintheirbearskincapsontheleft。
　　AstheTsarrodeuptooneflankofthebattalions，whichpresentedarms，anothergroupofhorsemengallopeduptotheoppositeflank，andattheheadofthemRostovrecognizedNapoleon。Itcouldbenooneelse。Hecameatagallop，wearingasmallhat，ablueuniformopenoverawhitevest，andtheSt。Andrewribbonoverhisshoulder。HewasridingaveryfinethoroughbredgrayArabhorsewithacrimsongold—embroideredsaddlecloth。OnapproachingAlexanderheraisedhishat，andashedidso，Rostov，withhiscavalryman’seye，couldnothelpnoticingthatNapoleondidnotsitwellorfirmlyinthesaddle。Thebattalionsshouted"Hurrah！"and"Vivel’Empereur！"NapoleonsaidsomethingtoAlexander，andbothEmperorsdismountedandtookeachother’shands。Napoleon’sfaceworeanunpleasantandartificialsmile。Alexanderwassayingsomethingaffabletohim。
　　InspiteofthetramplingoftheFrenchgendarmes’horses，whichwerepushingbackthecrowd，RostovkepthiseyesoneverymovementofAlexanderandBonaparte。ItstruckhimasasurprisethatAlexandertreatedBonaparteasanequalandthatthelatterwasquiteateasewiththeTsar，asifsuchrelationswithanEmperorwereaneverydaymattertohim。
　　AlexanderandNapoleon，withthelongtrainoftheirsuites，approachedtherightflankofthePreobrazhenskbattalionandcamestraightuptothecrowdstandingthere。ThecrowdunexpectedlyfounditselfsoclosetotheEmperorsthatRostov，standinginthefrontrow，wasafraidhemightberecognized。
　　"Sire，IaskyourpermissiontopresenttheLegionofHonortothebravestofyoursoldiers，"saidasharp，precisevoice，articulatingeveryletter。
　　ThiswassaidbytheundersizedNapoleon，lookingupstraightintoAlexander’seyes。Alexanderlistenedattentivelytowhatwassaidtohimand，bendinghishead，smiledpleasantly。
　　"Tohimwhohasbornehimselfmostbravelyinthislastwar，"
　　addedNapoleon，accentuatingeachsyllable，aswithacomposureandassuranceexasperatingtoRostov，heranhiseyesovertheRussianranksdrawnupbeforehim，whoallpresentedarmswiththeireyesfixedontheirEmperor。
　　"WillYourMajestyallowmetoconsultthecolonel？"saidAlexanderandtookafewhastystepstowardPrinceKozlovski，thecommanderofthebattalion。
　　Bonapartemeanwhilebegantakingthegloveoffhissmallwhitehand，toreitindoingso，andthrewitaway。Anaide—de—campbehindhimrushedforwardandpickeditup。
　　"Towhomshallitbegiven？"theEmperorAlexanderaskedKoslovski，inRussianinalowvoice。
　　"TowhomeverYourMajestycommands。"
　　TheEmperorknithisbrowswithdissatisfactionand，glancingback，remarked：
　　"Butwemustgivehimananswer。"
　　KozlovskiscannedtheranksresolutelyandincludedRostovinhisscrutiny。
　　"Canitbeme？"thoughtRostov。
　　"Lazarev！"thecolonelcalled，withafrown，andLazarev，thefirstsoldierintherank，steppedbrisklyforward。
　　"Whereareyouoffto？Stophere！"voiceswhisperedtoLazarevwhodidnotknowwheretogo。Lazarevstopped，castingasidelonglookathiscolonelinalarm。Hisfacetwitched，asoftenhappenstosoldierscalledbeforetheranks。
　　Napoleonslightlyturnedhishead，andputhisplumplittlehandoutbehindhimasiftotakesomething。Themembersofhissuite，guessingatoncewhathewanted，movedaboutandwhisperedastheypassedsomethingfromonetoanother，andapage—thesameoneRostovhadseenthepreviouseveningatBoris’—ranforwardand，bowingrespectfullyovertheoutstretchedhandandnotkeepingitwaitingamoment，laidinitanOrderonaredribbon。Napoleon，withoutlooking，pressedtwofingerstogetherandthebadgewasbetweenthem。ThenheapproachedLazarevwhorolledhiseyesandpersistentlygazedathisownmonarch，lookedroundattheEmperorAlexandertoimplythatwhathewasnowdoingwasdoneforthesakeofhisally，andthesmallwhitehandholdingtheOrdertouchedoneofLazarev’sbuttons。ItwasasifNapoleonknewthatitwasonlynecessaryforhishandtodeigntotouchthatsoldier’sbreastforthesoldiertobeforeverhappy，rewarded，anddistinguishedfromeveryoneelseintheworld。NapoleonmerelylaidthecrossonLazarev’sbreastand，droppinghishand，turnedtowardAlexanderasthoughsurethatthecrosswouldadherethere。Anditreallydid。
　　Officioushands，RussianandFrench，immediatelyseizedthecrossandfastenedittotheuniform。Lazarevglancedmoroselyatthelittlemanwithwhitehandswhowasdoingsomethingtohimand，stillstandingmotionlesspresentingarms，lookedagainstraightintoAlexander’seyes，asifaskingwhetherheshouldstandthere，orgoaway，ordosomethingelse。Butreceivingnoorders，heremainedforsometimeinthatrigidposition。
　　TheEmperorsremountedandrodeaway。ThePreobrazhenskbattalion，breakingrank，mingledwiththeFrenchGuardsandsatdownatthetablespreparedforthem。
　　Lazarevsatintheplaceofhonor。RussianandFrenchofficersembracedhim，congratulatedhim，andpressedhishands。Crowdsofofficersandciviliansdrewnearmerelytoseehim。ArumbleofRussianandFrenchvoicesandlaughterfilledtheairroundthetablesinthesquare。Twoofficerswithflushedfaces，lookingcheerfulandhappy，passedbyRostov。
　　"Whatd’youthinkofthetreat？Allonsilverplate，"oneofthemwassaying。"HaveyouseenLazarev？"
　　"Ihave。"
　　"Tomorrow，Ihear，thePreobrazhenskiswillgivethemadinner。"
　　"Yes，butwhatluckforLazarev！Twelvehundredfrancs’pensionforlife。"
　　"Here’sacap，lads！"shoutedaPreobrazhensksoldier，donningashaggyFrenchcap。
　　"It’safinething！First—rate！"
　　"Haveyouheardthepassword？"askedoneGuards’officerofanother。
　　"Thedaybeforeyesterdayitwas’Napoleon，France，bravoure’；
　　yesterday，’Alexandre，Russie，grandeur。’OnedayourEmperorgivesitandnextdayNapoleon。TomorrowourEmperorwillsendaSt。George’sCrosstothebravestoftheFrenchGuards。Ithastobedone。Hemustrespondinkind。"
　　Boris，too，withhisfriendZhilinski，cametoseethePreobrazhenskbanquet。Onhiswayback，henoticedRostovstandingbythecornerofahouse。
　　"Rostov！Howd’youdo？Wemissedoneanother，"hesaid，andcouldnotrefrainfromaskingwhatwasthematter，sostrangelydismalandtroubledwasRostov’sface。
　　"Nothing，nothing，"repliedRostov。
　　"You’llcallround？"
　　"Yes，Iwill。"
　　Rostovstoodatthatcornerforalongtime，watchingthefeastfromadistance。adistance。Inhismind，apainfulprocesswasgoingonwhichhecouldnotbringtoaconclusion。Terribledoubtsroseinhissoul。NowherememberedDenisovwithhischangedexpression，hissubmission，andthewholehospital，witharmsandlegstornoffanditsdirtanddisease。Sovividlydidherecallthathospitalstenchofdeadfleshthathelookedroundtoseewherethesmellcamefrom。Nexthethoughtofthatself—satisfiedBonaparte，withhissmallwhitehand，whowasnowanEmperor，likedandrespectedbyAlexander。Thenwhythoseseveredarmsandlegsandthosedeadmen？……ThenagainhethoughtofLazarevrewardedandDenisovpunishedandunpardoned。Hecaughthimselfharboringsuchstrangethoughtsthathewasfrightened。
　　ThesmellofthefoodthePreobrazhenskiswereeatingandasenseofhungerrecalledhimfromthesereflections；hehadtogetsomethingtoeatbeforegoingaway。Hewenttoahotelhehadnoticedthatmorning。
　　Therehefoundsomanypeople，amongthemofficerswho，likehimself，hadcomeincivilianclothes，thathehaddifficultyingettingadinner。Twoofficersofhisowndivisionjoinedhim。Theconversationnaturallyturnedonthepeace。Theofficers，hiscomrades，likemostofthearmy，weredissatisfiedwiththepeaceconcludedafterthebattleofFriedland。TheysaidthathadweheldoutalittlelongerNapoleonwouldhavebeendonefor，ashistroopshadneitherprovisionsnorammunition。Nicholasateanddrankchieflythelatterinsilence。Hefinishedacoupleofbottlesofwinebyhimself。Theprocessinhismindwentontormentinghimwithoutreachingaconclusion。Hefearedtogivewaytohisthoughts，yetcouldnotgetridofthem。Suddenly，ononeoftheofficers’sayingthatitwashumiliatingtolookattheFrench，Rostovbeganshoutingwithuncalled—forwrath，andthereforemuchtothesurpriseoftheofficers：
　　"Howcanyoujudgewhat’sbest？"hecried，thebloodsuddenlyrushingtohisface。"HowcanyoujudgetheEmperor’sactions？Whatrighthavewetoargue？WecannotcomprehendeithertheEmperor’sorhisactions！"
　　"ButIneversaidawordabouttheEmperor！"saidtheofficer，justifyinghimself，andunabletounderstandRostov’soutburst，exceptonthesuppositionthathewasdrunk。
　　ButRostovdidnotlistentohim。
　　"Wearenotdiplomaticofficials，wearesoldiersandnothingmore，"
　　hewenton。"Ifweareorderedtodie，wemustdie。Ifwe’repunished，itmeansthatwehavedeservedit，it’snotforustojudge。IftheEmperorpleasestorecognizeBonaparteasEmperorandtoconcludeanalliancewithhim，itmeansthatthatistherightthingtodo。Ifoncewebeginjudgingandarguingabouteverything，nothingsacredwillbeleft！ThatwayweshallbesayingthereisnoGod—nothing！"
　　shoutedNicholas，bangingthetable—verylittletothepointasitseemedtohislisteners，butquiterelevantlytothecourseofhisownthoughts。
　　"Ourbusinessistodoourduty，tofightandnottothink！That’sall……"saidhe。
　　"Andtodrink，"saidoneoftheofficers，notwishingtoquarrel。
　　"Yes，andtodrink，"assentedNicholas。"Hullothere！Anotherbottle！"heshouted。
　　In1808theEmperorAlexanderwenttoErfurtforafreshinterviewwiththeEmperorNapoleon，andintheuppercirclesofPetersburgtherewasmuchtalkofthegrandeurofthisimportantmeeting。
　　BK5CH22
　　CHAPTERXXII
　　In1809theintimacybetween"theworld’stwoarbiters，"asNapoleonandAlexanderwerecalled，wassuchthatwhenNapoleondeclaredwaronAustriaaRussiancorpscrossedthefrontiertoco—operatewithouroldenemyBonaparteagainstouroldallytheEmperorofAustria，andincourtcirclesthepossibilityofmarriagebetweenNapoleonandoneofAlexander’ssisterswasspokenof。Butbesidesconsiderationsofforeignpolicy，theattentionofRussiansocietywasatthattimekeenlydirectedontheinternalchangesthatwerebeingundertakeninallthedepartmentsofgovernment。
　　Lifemeanwhile—reallife，withitsessentialinterestsofhealthandsickness，toilandrest，anditsintellectualinterestsinthought，science，poetry，music，love，friendship，hatred，andpassions—wentonasusual，independentlyofandapartfrompoliticalfriendshiporenmitywithNapoleonBonaparteandfromalltheschemesofreconstruction。
　　BOOKSIX：1808—10
　　CHAPTERI
　　PrinceAndrewhadspenttwoyearscontinuouslyinthecountry。
　　AlltheplansPierrehadattemptedonhisestates—andconstantlychangingfromonethingtoanotherhadneveraccomplished—werecarriedoutbyPrinceAndrewwithoutdisplayandwithoutperceptibledifficulty。
　　HehadinthehighestdegreeapracticaltenacitywhichPierrelacked，andwithoutfussorstrainonhispartthissetthingsgoing。
　　Ononeofhisestatesthethreehundredserfswereliberatedandbecamefreeagriculturallaborers—thisbeingoneofthefirstexamplesofthekindinRussia。Onotherestatestheserfs’compulsorylaborwascommutedforaquitrent。AtrainedmidwifewasengagedforBogucharovoathisexpense，andapriestwaspaidtoteachreadingandwritingtothechildrenofthepeasantsandhouseholdserfs。
　　PrinceAndrewspenthalfhistimeatBaldHillswithhisfatherandhisson，whowasstillinthecareofnurses。Theotherhalfhespentin"BogucharovoCloister，"ashisfathercalledPrinceAndrew’sestate。DespitetheindifferencetotheaffairsoftheworldhehadexpressedtoPierre，hediligentlyfollowedallthatwenton，receivedmanybooks，andtohissurprisenoticedthatwhenheorhisfatherhadvisitorsfromPetersburg，theveryvortexoflife，thesepeoplelaggedbehindhimself—whoneverleftthecountry—inknowledgeofwhatwashappeninginhomeandforeignaffairs。
　　Besidesbeingoccupiedwithhisestatesandreadingagreatvarietyofbooks，PrinceAndrewwasatthistimebusywithacriticalofsurveyourlasttwounfortunatecampaigns，andwithdrawingupaproposalforareformofthearmyrulesandregulations。
　　Inthespringof1809hewenttovisittheRyazanestateswhichhadbeeninheritedbyhisson，whoseguardianhewas。
　　Warmedbythespringsunshinehesatinthecalechelookingatthenewgrass，thefirstleavesonthebirches，andthefirstpuffsofwhitespringcloudsfloatingacrosstheclearbluesky。Hewasnotthinkingofanything，butlookedabsent—mindedlyandcheerfullyfromsidetoside。
　　TheycrossedtheferrywherehehadtalkedwithPierretheyearbefore。Theywentthroughthemuddyvillage，pastthreshingfloorsandgreenfieldsofwinterrye，downhillwheresnowstilllodgednearthebridge，uphillwheretheclayhadbeenliquefiedbytherain，paststripsofstubblelandandbushestouchedwithgreenhereandthere，andintoabirchforestgrowingonbothsidesoftheroad。Intheforestitwasalmosthot，nowindcouldbefelt。Thebircheswiththeirstickygreenleavesweremotionless，andlilac—coloredflowersandthefirstbladesofgreengrasswerepushingupandliftinglastyear’sleaves。Thecoarseevergreencolorofthesmallfirtreesscatteredhereandthereamongthebircheswasanunpleasantreminderofwinter。Onenteringtheforestthehorsesbegantosnortandsweatedvisibly。
　　Peterthefootmanmadesomeremarktothecoachman；thelatterassented。Butapparentlythecoachman’ssympathywasnotenoughforPeter，andheturnedontheboxtowardhismaster。
　　"Howpleasantitis，yourexcellency！"hesaidwitharespectfulsmile。
　　"What？"
　　"It’spleasant，yourexcellency！"
　　"Whatishetalkingabout？"thoughtPrinceAndrew。"Oh，thespring，Isuppose，"hethoughtasheturnedround。"Yes，reallyeverythingisgreenalready……Howearly！Thebirchesandcherryandalderstooarecomingout……Buttheoaksshownosignyet。Ah，hereisoneoak！"
　　Attheedgeoftheroadstoodanoak。Probablytentimestheageofthebirchesthatformedtheforest，itwastentimesasthickandtwiceastallasthey。Itwasanenormoustree，itsgirthtwiceasgreatasamancouldembrace，andevidentlylongagosomeofitsbrancheshadbeenbrokenoffanditsbarkscarred。Withitshugeungainlylimbssprawlingunsymmetrically，anditsgnarledhandsandfingers，itstoodanaged，stern，andscornfulmonsteramongthesmilingbirchtrees。Onlythedead—lookingevergreenfirsdottedaboutintheforest，andthisoak，refusedtoyieldtothecharmofspringornoticeeitherthespringorthesunshine。
　　"Spring，love，happiness！"thisoakseemedtosay。"Areyounotwearyofthatstupid，meaningless，constantlyrepeatedfraud？Alwaysthesameandalwaysafraud？Thereisnospring，nosun，nohappiness！
　　Lookatthosecrampeddeadfirs，everthesame，andatmetoo，stickingoutmybrokenandbarkedfingersjustwheretheyhavegrown，whetherfrommybackormysides：astheyhavegrownsoI
　　stand，andIdonotbelieveinyourhopesandyourlies。"
　　AshepassedthroughtheforestPrinceAndrewturnedseveraltimestolookatthatoak，asifexpectingsomethingfromit。Undertheoak，too，wereflowersandgrass，butitstoodamongthemscowling，rigid，misshapen，andgrimasever。
　　"Yes，theoakisright，athousandtimesright，"thoughtPrinceAndrew。"Letothers—theyoung—yieldafreshtothatfraud，butweknowlife，ourlifeisfinished！"
　　Awholesequenceofnewthoughts，hopelessbutmournfullypleasant，roseinhissoulinconnectionwiththattree。Duringthisjourneyhe，asitwere，consideredhislifeafreshandarrivedathisoldconclusion，restfulinitshopelessness：thatitwasnotforhimtobeginanythinganew—butthathemustliveouthislife，contenttodonoharm，andnotdisturbinghimselfordesiringanything。
　　BK6CH2
　　CHAPTERII
　　PrinceAndrewhadtoseetheMarshaloftheNobilityforthedistrictinconnectionwiththeaffairsoftheRyazanestateofwhichhewastrustee。ThisMarshalwasCountIlyaRostov，andinthemiddleofMayPrinceAndrewwenttovisithim。
　　Itwasnowhotspringweather。Thewholeforestwasalreadyclothedingreen。Itwasdustyandsohotthatonpassingnearwateronelongedtobathe。
　　PrinceAndrew，depressedandpreoccupiedwiththebusinessaboutwhichhehadtospeaktotheMarshal，wasdrivinguptheavenueinthegroundsoftheRostovs’houseatOtradnoe。Heheardmerrygirlishcriesbehindsometreesontherightandsawgroupofgirlsrunningtocrossthepathofhiscaleche。Aheadoftherestandnearertohimranadark—haired，remarkablyslim，prettygirlinayellowchintzdress，withawhitehandkerchiefonherheadfromunderwhichlooselocksofhairescaped。Thegirlwasshoutingsomethingbut，seeingthathewasastranger，ranbacklaughingwithoutlookingathim。
　　Suddenly，hedidnotknowwhy，hefeltapang。Thedaywassobeautiful，thesunsobright，everythingaroundsogay，butthatslimprettygirldidnotknow，orwishtoknow，ofhisexistenceandwascontentedandcheerfulinherownseparate—probablyfoolish—
　　butbrightandhappylife。"Whatisshesogladabout？Whatisshethinkingof？NotofthemilitaryregulationsorofthearrangementoftheRyazanserfs’quitrents。Ofwhatisshethinking？Whyisshesohappy？"PrinceAndrewaskedhimselfwithinstinctivecuriosity。
　　In1809CountIlyaRostovwaslivingatOtradnoejustashehaddoneinformeryears，thatis，entertainingalmostthewholeprovincewithhunts，theatricals，dinners，andmusic。HewasgladtoseePrinceAndrew，ashewastoseeanynewvisitor，andinsistedonhisstayingthenight。
　　Duringthedullday，inthecourseofwhichhewasentertainedbyhiselderlyhostsandbythemoreimportantofthevisitorstheoldcount’shousewascrowdedonaccountofanapproachingnameday，PrinceAndrewrepeatedlyglancedatNatasha，gayandlaughingamongtheyoungermembersofthecompany，andaskedhimselfeachtime，"Whatisshethinkingabout？Whyisshesoglad？"
　　Thatnight，aloneinnewsurroundings，hewaslongunabletosleep。Hereadawhileandthenputouthiscandle，butrelitit。Itwashotintheroom，theinsideshuttersofwhichwereclosed。HewascrosswiththestupidoldmanashecalledRostov，whohadmadehimstaybyassuringhimthatsomenecessarydocumentshadnotyetarrivedfromtown，andhewasvexedwithhimselfforhavingstayed。
　　Hegotupandwenttothewindowtoopenit。Assoonasheopenedtheshuttersthemoonlight，asifithadlongbeenwatchingforthis，burstintotheroom。Heopenedthecasement。Thenightwasfresh，bright，andverystill。Justbeforethewindowwasarowofpollardtrees，lookingblackononesideandwithasilverylightontheother。Beneaththetreesgrewsomekindoflush，wet，bushyvegetationwithsilver—litleavesandstemshereandthere。Fartherbackbeyondthedarktreesaroofglitteredwithdew，totherightwasaleafytreewithbrilliantlywhitetrunkandbranches，andaboveitshonethemoon，nearlyatitsfull，inapale，almoststarless，springsky。PrinceAndrewleanedhiselbowsonthewindowledgeandhiseyesrestedonthatsky。
　　Hisroomwasonthefirstfloor。Thoseintheroomsabovewerealsoawake。Heheardfemalevoicesoverhead。
　　"Justoncemore，"saidagirlishvoiceabovehimwhichPrinceAndrewrecognizedatonce。
　　"Butwhenareyoucomingtobed？"repliedanothervoice。
　　"Iwon’t，Ican’tsleep，what’stheuse？Comenowforthelasttime。"
　　Twogirlishvoicessangamusicalpassage—theendofsomesong。
　　"Oh，howlovely！Nowgotosleep，andthere’sanendofit。"
　　"Yougotosleep，butIcan’t，"saidthefirstvoice，comingnearertothewindow。Shewasevidentlyleaningrightout，fortherustleofherdressandevenherbreathingcouldbeheard。
　　Everythingwasstone—still，likethemoonanditslightandtheshadows。PrinceAndrew，too，darednotstir，forfearofbetrayinghisunintentionalpresence。
　　"Sonya！Sonya！"heagainheardthefirstspeaker。"Oh，howcanyousleep？Onlylookhowgloriousitis！Ah，howglorious！Dowakeup，Sonya！"shesaidalmostwithtearsinhervoice。"Therenever，neverwassuchalovelynightbefore！"
　　Sonyamadesomereluctantreply。
　　"Dojustcomeandseewhatamoon！……Oh，howlovely！Comehere……Darling，sweetheart，comehere！There，yousee？Ifeellikesittingdownonmyheels，puttingmyarmsroundmykneeslikethis，strainingtight，astightaspossible，andflyingaway！Likethis……"
　　"Takecare，you’llfallout。"
　　HeheardthesoundofascuffleandSonya’sdisapprovingvoice：
　　"It’spastoneo’clock。"
　　"Oh，youonlyspoilthingsforme。Allright，go，go！"
　　Againallwassilent，butPrinceAndrewknewshewasstillsittingthere。Fromtimetotimeheheardasoftrustleandattimesasigh。
　　"OGod，OGod！Whatdoesitmean？"shesuddenlyexclaimed。"Tobedthen，ifitmustbe！"andsheslammedthecasement。
　　"ForherImightaswellnotexist！"thoughtPrinceAndrewwhilehelistenedtohervoice，forsomereasonexpectingyetfearingthatshemightsaysomethingabouthim。"Theresheisagain！Asifitwereonpurpose，"thoughthe。
　　Inhissoultheresuddenlyarosesuchanunexpectedturmoilofyouthfulthoughtsandhopes，contrarytothewholetenorofhislife，thatunabletoexplainhisconditiontohimselfhelaydownandfellasleepatonce。
　　BK6CH3
　　CHAPTERIII
　　Nextmorning，havingtakenleaveofnoonebutthecount，andnotwaitingfortheladiestoappear，PrinceAndrewsetoffforhome。
　　ItwasalreadythebeginningofJunewhenonhisreturnjourneyhedroveintothebirchforestwherethegnarledoldoakhadmadesostrangeandmemorableanimpressiononhim。Intheforesttheharnessbellssoundedyetmoremuffledthantheyhaddonesixweeksbefore，fornowallwasthick，shady，anddense，andtheyoungfirsdottedaboutintheforestdidnotjaronthegeneralbeautybut，lendingthemselvestothemoodaround，weredelicatelygreenwithfluffyyoungshoots。
　　Thewholedayhadbeenhot。Somewhereastormwasgathering，butonlyasmallcloudhadscatteredsomeraindropslightly，sprinklingtheroadandthesappyleaves。Theleftsideoftheforestwasdarkintheshade，therightsideglitteredinthesunlight，wetandshinyandscarcelyswayedbythebreeze。Everythingwasinblossom，thenightingalestrilled，andtheirvoicesreverberatednownear，nowfaraway。
　　"Yes，hereinthisforestwasthatoakwithwhichIagreed，"thoughtPrinceAndrew。"Butwhereisit？"heagainwondered，gazingattheleftsideoftheroad，andwithoutrecognizingithelookedwithadmirationattheveryoakhesought。Theoldoak，quitetransfigured，spreadingoutacanopyofsappydark—greenfoliage，stoodraptandslightlytremblingintheraysoftheeveningsun。Neithergnarledfingersnoroldscarsnorolddoubtsandsorrowswereanyoftheminevidencenow。Throughthehardcentury—oldbark，evenwheretherewerenotwigs，leaveshadsproutedsuchasonecouldhardlybelievetheoldveterancouldhaveproduced。
　　"Yes，itisthesameoak，"thoughtPrinceAndrew，andallatoncehewasseizedbyanunreasoningspringtimefeelingofjoyandrenewal。
　　Allthebestmomentsofhislifesuddenlyrosetohismemory。
　　Austerlitzwiththeloftyheavens，hiswife’sdeadreproachfulface，Pierreattheferry，thatgirlthrilledbythebeautyofthenight，andthatnightitselfandthemoon，and……allthisrushedsuddenlytohismind。
　　"No，lifeisnotoveratthirty—one！"PrinceAndrewsuddenlydecidedfinallyanddecisively。"ItisnotenoughformetoknowwhatIhaveinme—everyonemustknowit：Pierre，andthatyounggirlwhowantedtoflyawayintothesky，everyonemustknowme，sothatmylifemaynotbelivedformyselfalonewhileotherslivesoapartfromit，butsothatitmaybereflectedinthemall，andtheyandImayliveinharmony！"
　　OnreachinghomePrinceAndrewdecidedtogotoPetersburgthatautumnandfoundallsortsofreasonsforthisdecision。AwholesericsofsensibleandlogicalconsiderationsshowingittobeessentialforhimtogotoPetersburg，andeventore—entertheservice，keptspringingupinhismind。Hecouldnotnowunderstandhowhecouldeverevenhavedoubtedthenecessityoftakinganactiveshareinlife，justasamonthbeforehehadnotunderstoodhowtheideaofleavingthequietcountrycouldeverenterhishead。Itnowseemedcleartohimthatallhisexperienceoflifemustbesenselesslywastedunlessheappliedittosomekindofworkandagainplayedanactivepartinlife。Hedidnotevenrememberhowformerly，onthestrengthofsimilarwretchedlogicalarguments，ithadseemedobviousthathewouldbedegradinghimselfifhenow，afterthelessonshehadhadinlife，allowedhimselftobelieveinthepossibilityofbeingusefulandinthepossibilityofhappinessorlove。Nowreasonsuggestedquitetheopposite。AfterthatjourneytoRyazanhefoundthecountrydull；hisformerpursuitsnolongerinterestedhim，andoftenwhensittingaloneinhisstudyhegotup，wenttothemirror，andgazedalongtimeathisownface。ThenhewouldturnawaytotheportraitofhisdeadLise，whowithhaircurledalagrecquelookedtenderlyandgailyathimoutofthegiltframe。