Nicholas is rude to an unknown staff officer he meets in camp, who is Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew handles the situation well.
Nicholas is rude to an unknown staff officer he meets in camp, who is Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew handles the situation well.
Book 3, Chapter 7
Nicholas is rude to an unknown staff officer he meets in camp, who is Prince Andrew. Prince Andrew handles the situation well.
Summary:
Kutúzov’s army, in camp before Olmutz, was preparing to be reviewed next day by the two Emperors- the Russian and the Austrian. Nikolai rides to Borís’ camp to receive the letters and money sent from the Rostóv family. Nikolai, Borís and Borís’ German friend Berg are drinking wine and talking about recent events. Prince Andrew stops by to see Borís. Nikolai, who does not know Andrew and who has become quite puffed up by his recent battle experience, speaks demeaningly of staff officers. While not backing down, Prince Andrew brushes off Nikolai’s rudeness diplomatically, reminding him of the upcoming battle with the French which now ought to be the focus of their attention.
quote from the chapter:
Bolkónski noticed the hussar’s state of mind, and it amused him. With a slightly contemptuous smile, he said: Yes, there are many stories now told about that affair!
Yes, stories! repeated Rostóv loudly, looking with eyes suddenly grown furious, now at Borís, now at Bolkónski. Yes, many stories! But our stories are the stories of men who have been under the enemy’s fire! Our stories have some weight, not like the stories of those fellows on the staff who get rewards without doing anything!
Of whom you imagine me to be one? said Prince Andrew, with a quiet and particularly amiable smile.
A strange feeling of exasperation and yet of respect for this man’s self-possession mingled at that moment in Rostóv’s soul.
I am not talking about you, he said, I don’t know you and, frankly, I don’t want to. I am speaking of the staff in general. take part in a greater and more serious duel, and besides, Drubetskóy, who says he is an old friend of yours, is not at all to blame that my face has the misfortune to displease you. However, he added rising, you know my name and where to find me, but don’t forget that I do not regard either myself or you as having been at all insulted, and as a man older than you, my advice is to let the matter drop.
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