CHAPTER XXXI

　　"It's more to the left, why, Little Mytishchi is over there, andthis is right on the other side."

　　Several men joined the first two.

　　"See how it's flaring," said one. "That's a fire in Moscow: eitherin the Sushchevski or the Rogozhski quarter."

　　No one replied to this remark and for some time they all gazedsilently at the spreading flames of the second fire in the distance.

　　Old Daniel Terentich, the count's valet (as he was called), cameup to the group and shouted at Mishka.

　　"What are you staring at, you good-for-nothing?... The count will becalling and there's nobody there; go and gather the clothes together."

　　"I only ran out to get some water," said Mishka.

　　"But what do you think, Daniel Terentich? Doesn't it look as if thatglow were in Moscow?" remarked one of the footmen.

　　Daniel Terentich made no reply, and again for a long time theywere all silent. The glow spread, rising and failing, farther andfarther still.

　　"God have mercy.... It's windy and dry..." said another voice.

　　"Just look! See what it's doing now. O Lord! You can even see thecrows flying. Lord have mercy on us sinners!"

　　"They'll put it out, no fear!"

　　"Who's to put it out?" Daniel Terentich, who had hitherto beensilent, was heard to say. His voice was calm and deliberate. "Moscowit is, brothers," said he. "Mother Moscow, the white..." his voicefaltered, and he gave way to an old man's sob.

　　And it was as if they had all only waited for this to realize thesignificance for them of the glow they were watching. Sighs wereheard, words of prayer, and the sobbing of the count's old valet.BK11|CH31

　　CHAPTER XXXI

　　The valet, returning to the cottage, informed the count thatMoscow was burning. The count donned his dressing gown and went out tolook. Sonya and Madame Schoss, who had not yet undressed, went outwith him. Only Natasha and the countess remained in the room. Petyawas no longer with the family, he had gone on with his regimentwhich was making for Troitsa.