Page 1556 - war-and-peace

mation, speaking in low tones as they all did. Chubby little
Dokhturov was listening attentively with eyebrows raised
and arms folded on his stomach. On the other side sat
Count Ostermann-Tolstoy, seemingly absorbed in his own
thoughts. His broad head with its bold features and glitter-
ing eyes was resting on his hand. Raevski, twitching forward
the black hair on his temples as was his habit, glanced now
at Kutuzov and now at the door with a look of impatience.
Konovnitsyn’s firm, handsome, and kindly face was lit up
by a tender, sly smile. His glance met Malasha’s, and the ex-
pression of his eyes caused the little girl to smile.
They were all waiting for Bennigsen, who on the pretext
of inspecting the position was finishing his savory dinner.
They waited for him from four till six o’clock and did not
begin their deliberations all that time talked in low tones of
other matters.
Only when Bennigsen had entered the hut did Kutuzov
leave his corner and draw toward the table, but not near
enough for the candles that had been placed there to light
up his face.
Bennigsen opened the council with the question: ‘Are
we to abandon Russia’s ancient and sacred capital without
a struggle, or are we to defend it?’ A prolonged and gen-
eral silence followed. There was a frown on every face and
only Kutuzov’s angry grunts and occasional cough broke
the silence. All eyes were gazing at him. Malasha too looked
at ‘Granddad.’ She was nearest to him and saw how his
face puckered; he seemed about to cry, but this did not last
long.

1556 War and Peace