Pagina 441 de 3800

"From General Field Marshal Kutuzov?" he asked. "I hope it is

good news? There has been an encounter with Mortier? A victory?

It was high time!"

He took the dispatch which was addressed to him and began to read

it with a mournful expression.

"Oh, my God! My God! Schmidt!" he exclaimed in German. "What a

calamity! What a calamity!"

Having glanced through the dispatch he laid it on the table and

looked at Prince Andrew, evidently considering something.

"Ah what a calamity! You say the affair was decisive? But Mortier

is not captured." Again he pondered. "I am very glad you have

brought good news, though Schmidt's death is a heavy price to pay

for the victory. His Majesty will no doubt wish to see you, but

not today. I thank you! You must have a rest. Be at the levee

tomorrow after the parade. However, I will let you know."

The stupid smile, which had left his face while he was speaking,

reappeared.