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It was Dolokhov marching with particular grace and boldness in

time to the song and looking at those driving past as if he

pitied all who were not at that moment marching with the company.

The hussar cornet of Kutuzov's suite who had mimicked the

regimental commander, fell back from the carriage and rode up to

Dolokhov.

Hussar cornet Zherkov had at one time, in Petersburg, belonged to

the wild set led by Dolokhov. Zherkov had met Dolokhov abroad as

a private and had not seen fit to recognize him. But now that

Kutuzov had spoken to the gentleman ranker, he addressed him with

the cordiality of an old friend.

"My dear fellow, how are you?" said he through the singing,

making his horse keep pace with the company.

"How am I?" Dolokhov answered coldly. "I am as you see."

The lively song gave a special flavor to the tone of free and

easy gaiety with which Zherkov spoke, and to the intentional

coldness of Dolokhov's reply.

"And how do you get on with the officers?" inquired Zherkov.