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On the way home, Prince Andrew could not refrain from asking

Kutuzov, who was sitting silently beside him, what he thought of

tomorrow's battle.

Kutuzov looked sternly at his adjutant and, after a pause,

replied: "I think the battle will be lost, and so I told Count

Tolstoy and asked him to tell the Emperor. What do you think he

replied? 'But, my dear general, I am engaged with rice and

cutlets, look after military matters yourself!' Yes... That was

the answer I got!"

CHAPTER XII

Shortly after nine o'clock that evening, Weyrother drove with his

plans to Kutuzov's quarters where the council of war was to be

held. All the commanders of columns were summoned to the

commander in chief's and with the exception of Prince Bagration,

who declined to come, were all there at the appointed time.