"Oh God, what would happen to me if the Emperor spoke to me?" thought Rostov.

" I should die of happiness!" The Tsar addressed the officers also: "I thank you all, gentlemen, I thank you with my whole heart.

" To Rostov every word sounded like a voice from heaven.

How gladly would he have died at once for his Tsar! "You have earned the St.

George's standards and will be worthy of them.