Pagina 476 de 3800

And in proof of the conclusiveness of his opinion all the

wrinkles vanished from his face.

Prince Andrew looked inquiringly at him and gave no reply.

"Why are you going? I know you think it your duty to gallop back

to the army now that it is in danger. I understand that. Mon

cher, it is heroism!"

"Not at all," said Prince Andrew.

"But as you are a philosopher, be a consistent one, look at the

other side of the question and you will see that your duty, on

the contrary, is to take care of yourself. Leave it to those who

are no longer fit for anything else.... You have not been ordered

to return and have not been dismissed from here; therefore, you

can stay and go with us wherever our ill luck takes us. They say

we are going to Olmutz, and Olmutz is a very decent town. You and

I will travel comfortably in my caleche."

"Do stop joking, Bilibin," cried Bolkonski.