“Curious enough, yes, but crude, and of course dreadful nonsense; probably the man lies in every other sentence.”

The general spoke with considerable confidence, and dragged his words out with a conceited drawl.

“Oh, but it’s only the simple tale of an old soldier who saw the French enter Moscow. Some of his remarks were wonderfully interesting. Remarks of an eyewitness are always valuable, whoever he be, don’t you think so?”

“Had I been the publisher I should not have printed it. As to the evidence of eyewitnesses, in these days people prefer impudent lies to the stories of men of worth and long service. I know of some notes of the year 1812, which⁠—I have determined, prince, to leave this house, Mr. Lebedeff’s house.”

The general looked significantly at his host.