" Of course I don't envy Serpuhovskoy and never could envy him; but his advancement shows me that one has only to watch one's opportunity, and the career of a man like me may be very rapidly made.

Three years ago he was in just the same position as I am.

If I retire, I burn my ships.

If I remain in the army, I lose nothing.

She said herself she did not wish to change her position.