The Emperor is gracious, and I shan't forget you if you deserve well.

" The clear blue eyes looked at the commander in chief just as boldly as they had looked at the regimental commander, seeming by their expression to tear open the veil of convention that separates a commander in chief so widely from a private.

"One thing I ask of your excellency," Dolokhov said in his firm, ringing, deliberate voice.

" I ask an opportunity to atone for my fault and prove my devotion to His Majesty the Emperor and to Russia!" Kutuzov turned away.