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And the staff captain rose and turned away from Rostov.

"That's twue, devil take it!" shouted Denisov, jumping up. "Now

then, Wostov, now then!"

Rostov, growing red and pale alternately, looked first at one

officer and then at the other.

"No, gentlemen, no... you mustn't think... I quite understand.

You're wrong to think that of me... I... for me... for the honor

of the regiment I'd... Ah well, I'll show that in action, and for

me the honor of the flag... Well, never mind, it's true I'm to

blame, to blame all round. Well, what else do you want?..."

"Come, that's right, Count!" cried the staff captain, turning

round and clapping Rostov on the shoulder with his big hand.

"I tell you," shouted Denisov, "he's a fine fellow."

"That's better, Count," said the staff captain, beginning to

address Rostov by his title, as if in recognition of his

confession. "Go and apologize, your excellency. Yes, go!"