No one, not even Bonaparte, knows why. Bolkonski shrugged his shoulders. The French entered Vienna as I told you. And off they go and take the bridge, cross it, and now with their whole army are on this side of the Danube, marching on us, you, and your lines of communication. This news grieved him and yet he was pleased.
Nothing is truer or sadder.
They spin him a thousand gasconades, saying that the war is over, that the Emperor Francis is arranging a meeting with Bonaparte, that they desire to see Prince Auersperg, and so on. In spite of the animation of his speech, Bilibin did not forget to pause after this mot to give time for its due appreciation. It was a stroke of genius. Prince Auersperg feels his dignity at stake and orders the sergeant to be arrested. Not that either.