All began to run and bustle, and Rostov saw coming up the road behind him several riders with white plumes in their hats.

In a moment everyone was in his place, waiting.

Rostov did not know or remember how he ran to his place and mounted.

Instantly his regret at not having been in action and his dejected mood amid people of whom he was weary had gone, instantly every thought of himself had vanished.

He was filled with happiness at his nearness to the Emperor.