"No, Sasha, I am not to be persuaded. I shall be safe. I am well armed, and these two faithful old servants who have chosen to stay with me are armed also; we shall have soft answers for any who may come to pillage, but--as you know--this street is too far from the centre of the city to be in much danger of pillaging parties. However this is foolish talk. Even if there were danger, ten times more than you suppose, I should still remain in Moscow." "I do not like to think, and yet it has been suggested to me," said Sasha, flushing, "that though you are known to be both patriotic and fearless, there may be other reasons for your desire to remain in town. You have many friends among the French; possibly you are anxious to see or hear of them, to know that all is well with them." "Yes, that may be true," said Vera, looking Sasha full in the eyes. "One may feel an interest in personal friends even though they fight in the ranks of the enemy." "Of course," Sasha hesitated, "you will understand, Vera, that in saying this I had no _arrière pensée_; I mean, I was not hinting that you should tell me anything that is--is not my business." "Yes, I understand," said Vera. "There is nothing to tell. I am interested to know whether--certain people--are alive; but that is not my only reason for remaining in Moscow. Where are you quartered?" "With Barclay de Tolly's command. I shall not be far away--send for me, Vera, if you should need advice or assistance; I wish to God I could stay, but of course I cannot leave the colours." "We have horses in the stables and arms in the house and--and God will protect His people, Sasha; the taking of Moscow is not the end of the campaign; we shall see what we shall see. Yes, I wish also that you were with us; but you are doing your duty as I believe I am doing mine. No one can do more than that!" "No; well, I must go, Vera. I wonder whether we shall ever meet again; there are many dangers still in store for both of us; our fate lies in God's keeping. Before I go I will say that whether we live or whether we die, I know now that you are the only woman in the world for me. I shall pray daily for your welfare, and that your love, wherever it may be given, may in the end make for your lasting happiness. May I kiss your hand?" Vera gave her hand and Sasha bowed over it; she kissed his forehead, Russian fashion, and he her hand. "We will--we will think only of Russia now, Sasha," she said; "there will be time to talk of other things when her trouble is over."