Pagina 728 de 3800

Glancing, however, at Boris, he saw that he too seemed ashamed of

the hussar of the line.

In spite of Prince Andrew's disagreeable, ironical tone, in spite

of the contempt with which Rostov, from his fighting army point

of view, regarded all these little adjutants on the staff of whom

the newcomer was evidently one, Rostov felt confused, blushed,

and became silent. Boris inquired what news there might be on the

staff, and what, without indiscretion, one might ask about our

plans.

"We shall probably advance," replied Bolkonski, evidently

reluctant to say more in the presence of a stranger.

Berg took the opportunity to ask, with great politeness, whether,

as was rumored, the allowance of forage money to captains of

companies would be doubled. To this Prince Andrew answered with a

smile that he could give no opinion on such an important

government order, and Berg laughed gaily.