Pagina 723 van 3800

"Shouldn't we now send for Berg?" asked Boris. "He would drink

with you. I can't."

"Well, send for him... and how do you get on with that German?"

asked Rostov, with a contemptuous smile.

"He is a very, very nice, honest, and pleasant fellow," answered

Boris.

Again Rostov looked intently into Boris' eyes and sighed. Berg

returned, and over the bottle of wine conversation between the

three officers became animated. The Guardsmen told Rostov of

their march and how they had been made much of in Russia, Poland,

and abroad. They spoke of the sayings and doings of their

commander, the Grand Duke, and told stories of his kindness and

irascibility. Berg, as usual, kept silent when the subject did

not relate to himself, but in connection with the stories of the

Grand Duke's quick temper he related with gusto how in Galicia he

had managed to deal with the Grand Duke when the latter made a

tour of the regiments and was annoyed at the irregularity of a

movement. With a pleasant smile Berg related how the Grand Duke

had ridden up to him in a violent passion, shouting: "Arnauts!"

("Arnauts" was the Tsarevich's favorite expression when he was in

a rage) and called for the company commander.