I was forced to admit my interlocutor was right. Lisa's strange decision truly haunted me, so I asked her to explain her bizarre train of thought. Lisa smiled and tried to explain:
"Galya surprised everyone by abandoning her friends and going off with you. That's the first thing. Secondly, you really do need an adjutant or an orderly to keep an eye on you. It's ridiculous to even think about it—there are thirty girls in the detachment, and their commander has been wearing the same filthy turtleneck for eight days now, reeking so much of sweat, smoke, and the smell of the swamp that even being near you is disgusting. And this is despite the fact that we have soap and even washing powder. Thirdly, Galya is still little, and you won't hurt her. But having this little brat around you will rui
