It's not pleasant, but what's to be done, my dear fellow? You landed yourself in it.

And now, when one wants to smooth the thing over, some conceit prevents your apologizing, and you wish to make the whole affair public.

You are offended at being put on duty a bit, but why not apologize to an old and honorable officer? Whatever Bogdanich may be, anyway he is an honorable and brave old colonel! You're quick at taking offense, but you don't mind disgracing the whole regiment!" The staff captain's voice began to tremble.

" You have been in the regiment next to no time, my lad, you're here today and tomorrow you'll be appointed adjutant somewhere and can snap your fingers when it is said 'There are thieves among the Pavlograd officers!' But it's not all the same to us! Am I not right, Denisov? It's not the same!" Denisov remained silent and did not move, but occasionally looked with his glittering black eyes at Rostov.