Pagina 447 di 3800

His thin, worn, sallow face was covered with deep wrinkles, which

always looked as clean and well washed as the tips of one's

fingers after a Russian bath. The movement of these wrinkles

formed the principal play of expression on his face. Now his

forehead would pucker into deep folds and his eyebrows were

lifted, then his eyebrows would descend and deep wrinkles would

crease his cheeks. His small, deep-set eyes always twinkled and

looked out straight.

"Well, now tell me about your exploits," said he.

Bolkonski, very modestly without once mentioning himself,

described the engagement and his reception by the Minister of

War.

"They received me and my news as one receives a dog in a game of

skittles," said he in conclusion.

Bilibin smiled and the wrinkles on his face disappeared.