Denisov never spoke of Rostov's family, but by the tender friendship his commander showed him, Rostov felt that the elder hussar's luckless love for Natasha played a part in strengthening their friendship.

Denisov evidently tried to expose Rostov to danger as seldom as possible, and after an action greeted his safe return with evident joy.

On one of his foraging expeditions, in a deserted and ruined village to which he had come in search of provisions, Rostov found a family consisting of an old Pole and his daughter with an infant in arms.

They were half clad, hungry, too weak to get away on foot and had no means of obtaining a conveyance.

Rostov brought them to his quarters, placed them in his own lodging, and kept them for some weeks while the old man was recovering.