The morning after Nikolúshka had left, the old prince donned his full uniform and prepared to visit the commander in chief. His calèche was already at the door. Princess Márya saw him walk out of the house in his uniform wearing all his orders and go down the garden to review his armed peasants and domestic serfs. She sat by the window listening to his voice which reached her from the garden. Suddenly several men came running up the avenue with frightened faces.