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The general frowned. Though there was no definite news of an

Austrian defeat, there were many circumstances confirming the

unfavorable rumors that were afloat, and so Kutuzov's suggestion

of an Austrian victory sounded much like irony. But Kutuzov went

on blandly smiling with the same expression, which seemed to say

that he had a right to suppose so. And, in fact, the last letter

he had received from Mack's army informed him of a victory and

stated strategically the position of the army was very favorable.

"Give me that letter," said Kutuzov turning to Prince Andrew.

"Please have a look at it"-and Kutuzov with an ironical smile

about the corners of his mouth read to the Austrian general the

following passage, in German, from the Archduke Ferdinand's

letter: