Pagina 468 van 3800

Contrary to Bilibin's forecast the news he had brought was

joyfully received. A thanksgiving service was arranged, Kutuzov

was awarded the Grand Cross of Maria Theresa, and the whole army

received rewards. Bolkonski was invited everywhere, and had to

spend the whole morning calling on the principal Austrian

dignitaries. Between four and five in the afternoon, having made

all his calls, he was returning to Bilibin's house thinking out a

letter to his father about the battle and his visit to Brunn. At

the door he found a vehicle half full of luggage. Franz,

Bilibin's man, was dragging a portmanteau with some difficulty

out of the front door.

Before returning to Bilibin's Prince Andrew had gone to a

bookshop to provide himself with some books for the campaign, and

had spent some time in the shop.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Oh, your excellency!" said Franz, with difficulty rolling the

portmanteau into the vehicle, "we are to move on still farther.

The scoundrel is again at our heels!"