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"Listen!" said he; "don't worry about your wife: what can be done

shall be. Now listen! Give this letter to Michael Ilarionovich. *

I have written that he should make use of you in proper places

and not keep you long as an adjutant: a bad position! Tell him I

remember and like him. Write and tell me how he receives you. If

he is all right-serve him. Nicholas Bolkonski's son need not

serve under anyone if he is in disfavor. Now come here."

*Kutuzov.

He spoke so rapidly that he did not finish half his words, but

his son was accustomed to understand him. He led him to the desk,

raised the lid, drew out a drawer, and took out an exercise book

filled with his bold, tall, close handwriting.