He was very devoted to
her--very. He is miserable without her, they say. Perhaps he has come
to the war to forget her."
I was surprised at Trenchard's interest; I had thought him so wrapt in
his own especial affair that nothing outside it could occupy him. But
he continued:
"He knew the tall doctor--Nikitin--before, didn't he?"
"Yes.... Nikitin knew his wife."
"Oh, I see.... Nikitin seems to despise him--I think he despises all
of us."
"Oh no. That's only his manner. Many Russians look as though they were
despising their neighbours when, as a matter of fact, they're really
despising themselves. They're very fond of despising themselves: their
contempt allows them to do what they want to."
"I don't think Nikitin despises himself. He looks too happy--at least,
happy is not the word. Perhaps triumphant is what I mean."
"Ah, if you begin speculating about Russian expression you're lost.
They express so much in their faces that you think you know all their
deepest feelings.
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