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Bolkonski took the opportunity to go in to get some details of

the coming action from Dolgorukov. He felt that Kutuzov was upset

and dissatisfied about something and that at headquarters they

were dissatisfied with him, and also that at the Emperor's

headquarters everyone adopted toward him the tone of men who know

something others do not know: he therefore wished to speak to

Dolgorukov.

"Well, how d'you do, my dear fellow?" said Dolgorukov, who was

sitting at tea with Bilibin. "The fete is for tomorrow. How is

your old fellow? Out of sorts?"

"I won't say he is out of sorts, but I fancy he would like to be

heard."

"But they heard him at the council of war and will hear him when

he talks sense, but to temporize and wait for something now when

Bonaparte fears nothing so much as a general battle is

impossible."

"Yes, you have seen him?" said Prince Andrew. "Well, what is

Bonaparte like? How did he impress you?"