The Novels and Other Works of Lyof N. Tolsto Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V On the evening of the same day a very lively discussion took place in Denfsof's rooms among some of the officers of the squadron. "But I tell you, Rostof, that it's your business to apologize to the regimental commander," said the second cavalry-captain, a tall man, with grayish hair, enormous mustache, and big features and a wrinkled skin. This Captain Kirsten had twice been reduced to the ranks for affairs of honor, and twice promoted again. "I will not allow any one to call me a liar," cried Rostof, who flushed crimson and was in a great state of excitement. "He told me that I lied, and I told him that he lied. And there the matter rests. He may keep me on duty every day; he may put me under arrest; but neither he nor any one else can force me to apologize. If he, as regimental commander, considers it improper to give me satisfaction, then...." "Yes, yes, calm yourself, batyushka, listen to me," interrupted Captain Kirsten, in his deep bass voice, calmly twirling his mustaches. "You told the regimental commander, in the presence of other officers, that an officer had stolen...." "It was n't my fault that the conversation took place before other officers. Maybe it was not best to have spoken before them, but I am not a diplomat. That's why I joined the hussars; I thought that here, at least, such fine distinctions were not necessary, and he told me that I lied So let him give me satisfaction" "That's all very good; no one thinks that you are a coward, but that is n't the point. Ask Denfsof--put it to any one--if a yunker can demand satisfaction of his regimental commander." Denfsof, chewing his mustache, was listening to the discussion with a gloomy expression of countenance, evidently not wishing to take any part in it. In reply to...