To kill one or two more Russians would not have bettered their condition.

The pistols should be saved for a final emergency.

He had called up to Pierre and had cautioned him.

There was nothing to do but to wait.
From time to time the silence was broken by snatches of conversation.
As, for instance, the Countess Laure, observing that Marteau wore upon his breast the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor, thus began, "You wear a great decoration for a simple----" She stopped awkwardly.
"For a simple peasant you were about to say, mademoiselle," answered Marteau, smiling with a little touch of scorn.

"In France to-day even a simple peasant may deserve and receive the favor of the Emperor." "I am sure that you are worthy of whatever distinction you may have achieved, monsieur," said the Countess gently, grieved at her lack of consideration and anxious to make amends.