But he is growing old, and though not exactly cruel he has too energetic a character.

He is so accustomed to unlimited power that he is terrible, and now he has this authority of a commander in chief of the recruiting, granted by the Emperor.

If I had been two hours late a fortnight ago he would have had a paymaster's clerk at Yukhnovna hanged," said Prince Andrew with a smile.

" So I am serving because I alone have any influence with my father, and now and then can save him from actions which would torment him afterwards.

" "Well, there you see!" "Yes, but it is not as you imagine," Prince Andrew continued.