Pagina 747 di 3800

Prince Andrew was in and Boris was shown into a large hall

probably formerly used for dancing, but in which five beds now

stood, and furniture of various kinds: a table, chairs, and a

clavichord. One adjutant, nearest the door, was sitting at the

table in a Persian dressing gown, writing. Another, the red,

stout Nesvitski, lay on a bed with his arms under his head,

laughing with an officer who had sat down beside him. A third was

playing a Viennese waltz on the clavichord, while a fourth, lying

on the clavichord, sang the tune. Bolkonski was not there. None

of these gentlemen changed his position on seeing Boris. The one

who was writing and whom Boris addressed turned round crossly and

told him Bolkonski was on duty and that he should go through the

door on the left into the reception room if he wished to see him.

Boris thanked him and went to the reception room, where he found

some ten officers and generals.