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Prince Andrew smiled involuntarily as he looked at the artillery

officer Tushin, who silent and smiling, shifting from one

stockinged foot to the other, glanced inquiringly with his large,

intelligent, kindly eyes from Prince Andrew to the staff officer.

"The soldiers say it feels easier without boots," said Captain

Tushin smiling shyly in his uncomfortable position, evidently

wishing to adopt a jocular tone. But before he had finished he

felt that his jest was unacceptable and had not come off. He grew

confused.

"Kindly return to your posts," said the staff officer trying to

preserve his gravity.

Prince Andrew glanced again at the artillery officer's small

figure. There was something peculiar about it, quite unsoldierly,

rather comic, but extremely attractive.

The staff officer and Prince Andrew mounted their horses and rode

on.