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When the reading which lasted more than an hour was over,

Langeron again brought his snuffbox to rest and, without looking

at Weyrother or at anyone in particular, began to say how

difficult it was to carry out such a plan in which the enemy's

position was assumed to be known, whereas it was perhaps not

known, since the enemy was in movement. Langeron's objections

were valid but it was obvious that their chief aim was to show

General Weyrother-who had read his dispositions with as much

self-confidence as if he were addressing school children-that he

had to do, not with fools, but with men who could teach him

something in military matters.

When the monotonous sound of Weyrother's voice ceased, Kutuzov

opened his eye as a miller wakes up when the soporific drone of

the mill wheel is interrupted. He listened to what Langeron said,

as if remarking, "So you are still at that silly business!"

quickly closed his eye again, and let his head sink still lower.