“How is that?⁠ ⁠…” began Prince Andréy, who had for long been waiting an opportunity to express his doubts.

Kutúzov here woke up, coughed heavily, and looked round at the generals.

“Gentlemen, the dispositions for tomorrow⁠—or rather for today, for it is past midnight⁠—cannot now be altered,” said he. “You have heard them, and we shall all do our duty. But before a battle, there is nothing more important⁠ ⁠…” he paused, “than to have a good sleep.”

He moved as if to rise. The generals bowed and retired. It was past midnight. Prince Andréy went out.