From bad to worse, thought I. What was the use of being a Sergeant in the Guards almost from my mother's womb? To what has it led? To the regiment of ---, and an abandoned fortress on the frontier of the steppes!
I dined at the General's in company with his old Aid-de-camp. Severe German economy reigned at table, and I think the fear of having an occasional guest the more had something to do with sending me to a distant garrison.
The next day I took my leave of the General and set out for Belogorsk.