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"Why do you shout so? You'll frighten them!" said Boris. "I did

not expect you today," he added. "I only sent you the note

yesterday by Bolkonski-an adjutant of Kutuzov's, who's a friend

of mine. I did not think he would get it to you so quickly....

Well, how are you? Been under fire already?" asked Boris.

Without answering, Rostov shook the soldier's Cross of St. George

fastened to the cording of his uniform and, indicating a bandaged

arm, glanced at Berg with a smile.

"As you see," he said.

"Indeed? Yes, yes!" said Boris, with a smile. "And we too have

had a splendid march. You know, of course, that His Imperial

Highness rode with our regiment all the time, so that we had

every comfort and every advantage. What receptions we had in

Poland! What dinners and balls! I can't tell you. And the

Tsarevich was very gracious to all our officers."