"Iamfondofyou，especiallyasyouaretheonelivemanamongourwholeset。Yes，you’reallright！Choosewhatyouwill；it’sallthesame。You’llbeallrightanywhere。Butlookhere：giveupvisitingthoseKuraginsandleadingthatsortoflife。Itsuitsyousobadly—allthisdebauchery，dissipation，andtherestofit！"
　　"Whatwouldyouhave，mydearfellow？"answeredPierre，shrugginghisshoulders。"Women，mydearfellow；women！"
　　"Idon’tunderstandit，"repliedPrinceAndrew。"Womenwhoarecommeilfaut，that’sadifferentmatter；buttheKuragins’setofwomen，’womenandwine’Idon’tunderstand！"
　　PierrewasstayingatPrinceVasiliKuragin’sandsharingthedissipatedlifeofhissonAnatole，thesonwhomtheywereplanningtoreformbymarryinghimtoPrinceAndrew’ssister。
　　"Doyouknow？"saidPierre，asifsuddenlystruckbyahappythought，"seriously，Ihavelongbeenthinkingofit……LeadingsuchalifeIcan’tdecideorthinkproperlyaboutanything。One’sheadaches，andonespendsallone’smoney。Heaskedmefortonight，butIwon’tgo。"
　　"Yougivemeyourwordofhonornottogo？"
　　"Onmyhonor！"
　　BK1CH9
　　CHAPTERIX
　　Itwaspastoneo’clockwhenPierrelefthisfriend。Itwasacloudless，northern，summernight。Pierretookanopencabintendingtodrivestraighthome。Butthenearerhedrewtothehousethemorehefelttheimpossibilityofgoingtosleeponsuchanight。Itwaslightenoughtoseealongwayinthedesertedstreetanditseemedmorelikemorningoreveningthannight。OnthewayPierrerememberedthatAnatoleKuraginwasexpectingtheusualsetforcardsthatevening，afterwhichtherewasgenerallyadrinkingbout，finishingwithvisitsofakindPierrewasveryfondof。
　　"IshouldliketogotoKuragin’s，"thoughthe。
　　ButheimmediatelyrecalledhispromisetoPrinceAndrewnottogothere。Then，ashappenstopeopleofweakcharacter，hedesiredsopassionatelyoncemoretoenjoythatdissipationhewassoaccustomedtothathedecidedtogo。ThethoughtimmediatelyoccurredtohimthathispromisetoPrinceAndrewwasofnoaccount，becausebeforehegaveithehadalreadypromisedPrinceAnatoletocometohisgathering；"besides，"thoughthe，"allsuch’wordsofhonor’areconventionalthingswithnodefinitemeaning，especiallyifoneconsidersthatbytomorrowonemaybedead，orsomethingsoextraordinarymayhappentoonethathonoranddishonorwillbeallthesame！"Pierreoftenindulgedinreflectionsofthissort，nullifyingallhisdecisionsandintentions。HewenttoKuragin’s。
　　ReachingthelargehouseneartheHorseGuards’barracks，inwhichAnatolelived，Pierreenteredthelightedporch，ascendedthestairs，andwentinattheopendoor。Therewasnooneintheanteroom；emptybottles，cloaks，andovershoeswerelyingabout；therewasasmellofalcohol，andsoundsofvoicesandshoutinginthedistance。
　　Cardsandsupperwereover，butthevisitorshadnotyetdispersed。Pierrethrewoffhiscloakandenteredthefirstroom，inwhichweretheremainsofsupper。Afootman，thinkingnoonesawhim，wasdrinkingontheslywhatwasleftintheglasses。Fromthethirdroomcamesoundsoflaughter，theshoutingoffamiliarvoices，thegrowlingofabear，andgeneralcommotion。Someeightornineyoungmenwerecrowdinganxiouslyroundanopenwindow。Threeotherswererompingwithayoungbear，onepullinghimbythechainandtryingtosethimattheothers。
　　"IbetahundredonStevens！"shoutedone。
　　"Mind，noholdingon！"criedanother。
　　"IbetonDolokhov！"criedathird。"Kuragin，youpartourhands。"
　　"There，leaveBruinalone；here’sabeton。"
　　"Atonedraught，orheloses！"shoutedafourth。
　　"Jacob，bringabottle！"shoutedthehost，atall，handsomefellowwhostoodinthemidstofthegroup，withoutacoat，andwithhisfinelinenshirtunfastenedinfront。"Waitabit，youfellows……HereisPetya！Goodman！"criedhe，addressingPierre。
　　Anothervoice，fromamanofmediumheightwithclearblueeyes，particularlystrikingamongallthesedrunkenvoicesbyitssoberring，criedfromthewindow："Comehere；partthebets！"ThiswasDolokhov，anofficeroftheSemenovregiment，anotoriousgamblerandduelist，whowaslivingwithAnatole。Pierresmiled，lookingabouthimmerrily。
　　"Idon’tunderstand。What’sitallabout？"
　　"Waitabit，heisnotdrunkyet！Abottlehere，"saidAnatole，takingaglassfromthetablehewentuptoPierre。
　　"Firstofallyoumustdrink！"
　　Pierredrankoneglassafteranother，lookingfromunderhisbrowsatthetipsyguestswhowereagaincrowdingroundthewindow，andlisteningtotheirchatter。AnatolekeptonrefillingPierre’sglasswhileexplainingthatDolokhovwasbettingwithStevens，anEnglishnavalofficer，thathewoulddrinkabottleofrumsittingontheouterledgeofthethirdfloorwindowwithhislegshangingout。
　　"Goon，youmustdrinkitall，"saidAnatole，givingPierrethelastglass，"orIwon’tletyougo！"
　　"No，Iwon’t，"saidPierre，pushingAnatoleaside，andhewentuptothewindow。
　　DolokhovwasholdingtheEnglishman’shandandclearlyanddistinctlyrepeatingthetermsofthebet，addressinghimselfparticularlytoAnatoleandPierre。
　　Dolokhovwasofmediumheight，withcurlyhairandlight—blueeyes。Hewasabouttwenty—five。Likeallinfantryofficersheworenomustache，sothathismouth，themoststrikingfeatureofhisface，wasclearlyseen。Thelinesofthatmouthwereremarkablyfinelycurved。Themiddleoftheupperlipformedasharpwedgeandclosedfirmlyonthefirmlowerone，andsomethingliketwodistinctsmilesplayedcontinuallyroundthetwocornersofthemouth；this，togetherwiththeresolute，insolentintelligenceofhiseyes，producedaneffectwhichmadeitimpossiblenottonoticehisface。
　　Dolokhovwasamanofsmallmeansandnoconnections。Yet，thoughAnatolespenttensofthousandsofrubles，Dolokhovlivedwithhimandhadplacedhimselfonsuchafootingthatallwhoknewthem，includingAnatolehimself，respectedhimmorethantheydidAnatole。Dolokhovcouldplayallgamesandnearlyalwayswon。Howevermuchhedrank，heneverlosthisclearheadedness。BothKuraginandDolokhovwereatthattimenotoriousamongtherakesandscapegracesofPetersburg。
　　Thebottleofrumwasbrought。Thewindowframewhichpreventedanyonefromsittingontheoutersillwasbeingforcedoutbytwofootmen，whowereevidentlyflurriedandintimidatedbythedirectionsandshoutsofthegentlemenaround。
　　Anatolewithhisswaggeringairstrodeuptothewindow。Hewantedtosmashsomething。Pushingawaythefootmenhetuggedattheframe，butcouldnotmoveit。Hesmashedapane。
　　"Youhaveatry，Hercules，"saidhe，turningtoPierre。
　　Pierreseizedthecrossbeam，tugged，andwrenchedtheoakframeoutwithacrash。
　　"Takeitrightout，orthey’llthinkI’mholdingon，"saidDolokhov。
　　"IstheEnglishmanbragging？……Eh？Isitallright？"saidAnatole。
　　"First—rate，"saidPierre，lookingatDolokhov，whowithabottleofruminhishandwasapproachingthewindow，fromwhichthelightofthesky，thedawnmergingwiththeafterglowofsunset，wasvisible。
　　Dolokhov，thebottleofrumstillinhishand，jumpedontothewindowsill。"Listen！"criedhe，standingthereandaddressingthoseintheroom。Allweresilent。
　　"Ibetfiftyimperials"—hespokeFrenchthattheEnglishmanmightunderstandhim，buthedid，notspeakitverywell—"Ibetfiftyimperials……ordoyouwishtomakeitahundred？"addedhe，addressingtheEnglishman。
　　"No，fifty，"repliedthelatter。
　　"Allright。Fiftyimperials……thatIwilldrinkawholebottleofrumwithouttakingitfrommymouth，sittingoutsidethewindowonthisspot"hestoopedandpointedtotheslopingledgeoutsidethewindow"andwithoutholdingontoanything。Isthatright？"
　　"Quiteright，"saidtheEnglishman。
　　AnatoleturnedtotheEnglishmanandtakinghimbyoneofthebuttonsofhiscoatandlookingdownathim—theEnglishmanwasshort—
　　beganrepeatingthetermsofthewagertohiminEnglish。
　　"Wait！"criedDolokhov，hammeringwiththebottleonthewindowsilltoattractattention。"Waitabit，Kuragin。Listen！Ifanyoneelsedoesthesame，Iwillpayhimahundredimperials。Doyouunderstand？"
　　TheEnglishmannodded，butgavenoindicationwhetherheintendedtoacceptthischallengeornot。Anatoledidnotreleasehim，andthoughhekeptnoddingtoshowthatheunderstood，AnatolewentontranslatingDolokhov’swordsintoEnglish。Athinyounglad，anhussaroftheLifeGuards，whohadbeenlosingthatevening，climbedonthewindowsill，leanedover，andlookeddown。
　　"Oh！Oh！Oh！"hemuttered，lookingdownfromthewindowatthestonesofthepavement。
　　"Shutup！"criedDolokhov，pushinghimawayfromthewindow。Theladjumpedawkwardlybackintotheroom，trippingoverhisspurs。
　　Placingthebottleonthewindowsillwherehecouldreachiteasily，Dolokhovclimbedcarefullyandslowlythroughthewindowandloweredhislegs。Pressingagainstbothsidesofthewindow，headjustedhimselfonhisseat，loweredhishands，movedalittletotherightandthentotheleft，andtookupthebottle。Anatolebroughttwocandlesandplacedthemonthewindowsill，thoughitwasalreadyquitelight。Dolokhov’sbackinhiswhiteshirt，andhiscurlyhead，werelitupfrombothsides。Everyonecrowdedtothewindow，theEnglishmaninfront。Pierrestoodsmilingbutsilent。Oneman，olderthantheotherspresent，suddenlypushedforwardwithascaredandangrylookandwantedtoseizeholdofDolokhov’sshirt。
　　"Isay，thisisfolly！He’llbekilled，"saidthismoresensibleman。
　　Anatolestoppedhim。
　　"Don’ttouchhim！You’llstartlehimandthenhe’llbekilled。
　　Eh？……Whatthen？……Eh？"
　　Dolokhovturnedroundand，againholdingonwithbothhands，arrangedhimselfonhisseat。
　　"Ifanyonecomesmeddlingagain，"saidhe，emittingthewordsseparatelythroughhisthincompressedlips，"Iwillthrowhimdownthere。Nowthen！"
　　Sayingthisheagainturnedround，droppedhishands，tookthebottleandliftedittohislips，threwbackhishead，andraisedhisfreehandtobalancehimself。OneofthefootmenwhohadstoopedtopickupsomebrokenglassremainedinthatpositionwithouttakinghiseyesfromthewindowandfromDolokhov’sback。Anatolestooderectwithstaringeyes。TheEnglishmanlookedonsideways，pursinguphislips。Themanwhohadwishedtostoptheaffairrantoacorneroftheroomandthrewhimselfonasofawithhisfacetothewall。Pierrehidhisface，fromwhichafaintsmileforgottofadethoughhisfeaturesnowexpressedhorrorandfear。Allwerestill。
　　Pierretookhishandsfromhiseyes。Dolokhovstillsatinthesameposition，onlyhisheadwasthrownfurtherbacktillhiscurlyhairtouchedhisshirtcollar，andthehandholdingthebottlewasliftedhigherandhigherandtrembledwiththeeffort。Thebottlewasemptyingperceptiblyandrisingstillhigherandhisheadtiltingyetfurtherback。"Whyisitsolong？"thoughtPierre。Itseemedtohimthatmorethanhalfanhourhadelapsed。SuddenlyDolokhovmadeabackwardmovementwithhisspine，andhisarmtremblednervously；
　　thiswassufficienttocausehiswholebodytoslipashesatontheslopingledge。Ashebeganslippingdown，hisheadandarmwaveredstillmorewiththestrain。Onehandmovedasiftoclutchthewindowsill，butrefrainedfromtouchingit。Pierreagaincoveredhiseyesandthoughthewouldneverneverthemagain。Suddenlyhewasawareofastirallaround。Helookedup：Dolokhovwasstandingonthewindowsill，withapalebutradiantface。
　　"It’sempty。"
　　HethrewthebottletotheEnglishman，whocaughtitneatly。
　　Dolokhovjumpeddown。Hesmeltstronglyofrum。
　　"Welldone！……Finefellow！……There’sabetforyou！……Deviltakeyou！"camefromdifferentsides。
　　TheEnglishmantookouthispurseandbegancountingoutthemoney。Dolokhovstoodfrowninganddidnotspeak。Pierrejumpeduponthewindowsill。
　　"Gentlemen，whowishestobetwithme？I’lldothesamething！"hesuddenlycried。"Evenwithoutabet，there！Tellthemtobringmeabottle。I’lldoit……Bringabottle！"
　　"Lethimdoit，lethimdoit，"saidDolokhov，smiling。
　　"Whatnext？Haveyougonemad？……Noonewouldletyou！……Why，yougogiddyevenonastaircase，"exclaimedseveralvoices。
　　"I’lldrinkit！Let’shaveabottleofrum！"shoutedPierre，bangingthetablewithadeterminedanddrunkengestureandpreparingtoclimboutofthewindow。
　　Theyseizedhimbyhisarms；buthewassostrongthateveryonewhotouchedhimwassentflying。
　　"No，you’llnevermanagehimthatway，"saidAnatole。"WaitabitandI’llgetroundhim……Listen！I’lltakeyourbettomorrow，butnowweareallgoingto—’s。"
　　"Comeonthen，"criedPierre。"Comeon！……Andwe’lltakeBruinwithus。"
　　Andhecaughtthebear，tookitinhisarms，lifteditfromtheground，andbegandancingroundtheroomwithit。
　　BK1CH10
　　CHAPTERX
　　PrinceVasilikeptthepromisehehadgiventoPrincessDrubetskayawhohadspokentohimonbehalfofheronlysonBorisontheeveningofAnnaPavlovna’ssoiree。ThematterwasmentionedtotheEmperor，anexceptionmade，andBoristransferredintotheregimentofSemenovGuardswiththerankofcornet。Hereceived，however，noappointmenttoKutuzov’sstaffdespiteallAnnaMikhaylovna’sendeavorsandentreaties。SoonafterAnnaPavlovna’sreceptionAnnaMikhaylovnareturnedtoMoscowandwentstraighttoherrichrelations，theRostovs，withwhomshestayedwheninthetownandwhereandwhereherdarlingBory，whohadonlyjustenteredaregimentofthelineandwasbeingatoncetransferredtotheGuardsasacornet，hadbeeneducatedfromchildhoodandlivedforyearsatatime。TheGuardshadalreadyleftPetersburgonthetenthofAugust，andherson，whohadremainedinMoscowforhisequipment，wastojointhemonthemarchtoRadzivilov。
　　ItwasSt。Natalia’sdayandthenamedayoftwooftheRostovs—themotherandtheyoungestdaughter—bothnamedNataly。Eversincethemorning，carriageswithsixhorseshadbeencomingandgoingcontinually，bringingvisitorstotheCountessRostova’sbighouseonthePovarskaya，sowellknowntoallMoscow。Thecountessherselfandherhandsomeeldestdaughterwereinthedrawing—roomwiththevisitorswhocametocongratulate，andwhoconstantlysucceededoneanotherinrelays。
　　Thecountesswasawomanofaboutforty—five，withathinOrientaltypeofface，evidentlywornoutwithchildbearing—shehadhadtwelve。Alanguorofmotionandspeech，resultingfromweakness，gaveheradistinguishedairwhichinspiredrespect。PrincessAnnaMikhaylovnaDrubetskaya，whoasamemberofthehouseholdwasalsoseatedinthedrawingroom，helpedtoreceiveandentertainthevisitors。Theyoungpeoplewereinoneoftheinnerrooms，notconsideringitnecessarytotakepartinreceivingthevisitors。Thecountmettheguestsandsawthemoff，invitingthemalltodinner。
　　"Iamvery，verygratefultoyou，moncher，"or"machere"—hecalledeveryonewithoutexceptionandwithouttheslightestvariationinhistone，"mydear，"whethertheywereaboveorbelowhiminrank—"Ithankyouformyselfandforourtwodearoneswhosenamedaywearekeeping。ButmindyoucometodinnerorIshallbeoffended，machere！OnbehalfofthewholefamilyIbegyoutocome，moncher！"Thesewordsherepeatedtoeveryonewithoutexceptionorvariation，andwiththesameexpressiononhisfull，cheerful，clean—shavenface，thesamefirmpressureofthehandandthesamequick，repeatedbows。Assoonashehadseenavisitoroffhereturnedtooneofthosewhowerestillinthedrawingroom，drewachairtowardhimorher，andjauntilyspreadingouthislegsandputtinghishandsonhiskneeswiththeairofamanwhoenjoyslifeandknowshowtolive，heswayedtoandfrowithdignity，offeredsurmisesabouttheweather，ortouchedonquestionsofhealth，sometimesinRussianandsometimesinverybadbutself—confidentFrench；thenagain，likeamanwearybutunflinchinginthefulfillmentofduty，herosetoseesomevisitorsoffand，strokinghisscantygrayhairsoverhisbaldpatch，alsoaskedthemtodinner。Sometimesonhiswaybackfromtheanteroomhewouldpassthroughtheconservatoryandpantryintothelargemarbledininghall，wheretableswerebeingsetoutforeightypeople；andlookingatthefootmen，whowerebringinginsilverandchina，movingtables，andunfoldingdamasktablelinen，hewouldcallDmitriVasilevich，amanofgoodfamilyandthemanagerofallhisaffairs，andwhilelookingwithpleasureattheenormoustablewouldsay："Well，Dmitri，you’llseethatthingsareallastheyshouldbe？That’sright！Thegreatthingistheserving，that’sit。"
　　Andwithacomplacentsighhewouldreturntothedrawingroom。
　　"MaryaLvovnaKaraginaandherdaughter！"announcedthecountess’
　　giganticfootmaninhisbassvoice，enteringthedrawingroom。Thecountessreflectedamomentandtookapinchfromagoldsnuffboxwithherhusband’sportraitonit。
　　"I’mquitewornoutbythesecallers。However，I’llseeherandnomore。Sheissoaffected。Askherin，"shesaidtothefootmaninasadvoice，asifsaying："Verywell，finishmeoff。"
　　Atall，stout，andproud—lookingwoman，witharound—facedsmilingdaughter，enteredthedrawingroom，theirdressesrustling。
　　"DearCountess，whatanage……Shehasbeenlaidup，poorchild……
　　attheRazumovski’sball……andCountessApraksina……Iwassodelighted……"camethesoundsofanimatedfemininevoices，interruptingoneanotherandminglingwiththerustlingofdressesandthescrapingofchairs。Thenoneofthoseconversationsbeganwhichlastoutuntil，atthefirstpause，theguestsrisewitharustleofdressesandsay，"Iamsodelighted……Mamma’shealth……andCountessApraksina……andthen，againrustling，passintotheanteroom，putoncloaksormantles，anddriveaway。Theconversationwasonthechieftopicoftheday：theillnessofthewealthyandcelebratedbeauofCatherine’sday，CountBezukhov，andabouthisillegitimatesonPierre，theonewhohadbehavedsoimproperlyatAnnaPavlovna’sreception。
　　"Iamsosorryforthepoorcount，"saidthevisitor。"Heisinsuchbadhealth，andnowthisvexationabouthissonisenoughtokillhim！"
　　"Whatisthat？"askedthecountessasifshedidnotknowwhatthevisitoralludedto，thoughshehadalreadyheardaboutthecauseofCountBezukhov’sdistresssomefifteentimes。
　　"That’swhatcomesofamoderneducation，"exclaimedthevisitor。
　　"Itseemsthatwhilehewasabroadthisyoungmanwasallowedtodoasheliked，nowinPetersburgIhearhehasbeendoingsuchterriblethingsthathehasbeenexpelledbythepolice。"
　　"Youdon’tsayso！"repliedthecountess。
　　"Hechosehisfriendsbadly，"interposedAnnaMikhaylovna。"PrinceVasili’sson，he，andacertainDolokhovhave，itissaid，beenuptoheavenonlyknowswhat！Andtheyhavehadtosufferforit。
　　DolokhovhasbeendegradedtotheranksandBezukhov’ssonsentbacktoMoscow。AnatoleKuragin’sfathermanagedsomehowtogethisson’saffairhushedup，butevenhewasorderedoutofPetersburg。"
　　"Butwhathavetheybeenupto？"askedthecountess。
　　"Theyareregularbrigands，especiallyDolokhov，"repliedthevisitor。"HeisasonofMaryaIvanovnaDolokhova，suchaworthywoman，butthere，justfancy！Thosethreegotholdofabearsomewhere，putitinacarriage，andsetoffwithittovisitsomeactresses！Thepolicetriedtointerfere，andwhatdidtheyoungmendo？TheytiedapolicemanandthebearbacktobackandputthebearintotheMoykaCanal。Andtherewasthebearswimmingaboutwiththepolicemanonhisback！"
　　"Whatanicefigurethepolicemanmusthavecut，mydear！"shoutedthecount，dyingwithlaughter。
　　"Oh，howdreadful！Howcanyoulaughatit，Count？"
　　Yettheladiesthemselvescouldnothelplaughing。
　　"Itwasalltheycoulddotorescuethepoorman，"continuedthevisitor。"AndtothinkitisCyrilVladimirovichBezukhov’ssonwhoamuseshimselfinthissensiblemanner！Andhewassaidtobesowelleducatedandclever。Thisisallthathisforeigneducationhasdoneforhim！IhopethathereinMoscownoonewillreceivehim，inspiteofhismoney。Theywantedtointroducehimtome，butIquitedeclined：Ihavemydaughterstoconsider。"
　　"Whydoyousaythisyoungmanissorich？"askedthecountess，turningawayfromthegirls，whoatonceassumedanairofinattention。"Hischildrenareallillegitimate。IthinkPierrealsoisillegitimate。"
　　Thevisitormadeagesturewithherhand。
　　"Ishouldthinkhehasascoreofthem。"
　　PrincessAnnaMikhaylovnaintervenedintheconversation，evidentlywishingtoshowherconnectionsandknowledgeofwhatwentoninsociety。
　　"Thefactofthematteris，"saidshesignificantly，andalsoinahalfwhisper，"everyoneknowsCountCyril’sreputation……Hehaslostcountofhischildren，butthisPierrewashisfavorite。"
　　"Howhandsometheoldmanstillwasonlyayearago！"remarkedthecountess。"Ihaveneverseenahandsomerman。"
　　"Heisverymuchalterednow，"saidAnnaMikhaylovna。"Well，asI
　　wassaying，PrinceVasiliisthenextheirthroughhiswife，butthecountisveryfondofPierre，lookedafterhiseducation，andwrotetotheEmperorabouthim；sothatinthecaseofhisdeath—andheissoillthathemaydieatanymoment，andDr。LorrainhascomefromPetersburg—nooneknowswhowillinherithisimmensefortune，PierreorPrinceVasili。Fortythousandserfsandmillionsofrubles！IknowitallverywellforPrinceVasilitoldmehimself。
　　Besides，CyrilVladimirovichismymother’ssecondcousin。He’salsomyBory’sgodfather，"sheadded，asifsheattachednoimportanceatalltothefact。
　　"PrinceVasiliarrivedinMoscowyesterday。Ihearhehascomeonsomeinspectionbusiness，"remarkedthevisitor。
　　"Yes，butbetweenourselves，"saidtheprincess，thatisapretext。ThefactishehascometoseeCountCyrilVladimirovich，hearinghowillheis。"
　　"Butdoyouknow，mydear，thatwasacapitaljoke，"saidthecount；
　　andseeingthattheeldervisitorwasnotlistening，heturnedtotheyoungladies。"Icanjustimaginewhatafunnyfigurethatpolicemancut！"
　　Andashewavedhisarmstoimpersonatethepoliceman，hisportlyformagainshookwithadeepringinglaugh，thelaughofonewhoalwayseatswelland，inparticular，drinkswell。"Sodocomeanddinewithus！"hesaid。
　　BK1CH11
　　CHAPTERXI
　　Silenceensued。Thecountesslookedathercallers，smilingaffably，butnotconcealingthefactthatshewouldnotbedistressediftheynowroseandtooktheirleave。Thevisitor’sdaughterwasalreadysmoothingdownherdresswithaninquiringlookathermother，whensuddenlyfromthenextroomwereheardthefootstepsofboysandgirlsrunningtothedoorandthenoiseofachairfallingover，andagirlofthirteen，hidingsomethinginthefoldsofhershortmuslinfrock，dartedinandstoppedshortinthemiddleoftheroom。Itwasevidentthatshehadnotintendedherflighttobringhersofar。
　　Behindherinthedoorwayappearedastudentwithacrimsoncoatcollar，anofficeroftheGuards，agirloffifteen，andaplumprosy—facedboyinashortjacket。
　　Thecountjumpedupand，swayingfromsidetoside，spreadhisarmswideandthrewthemroundthelittlegirlwhohadrunin。
　　"Ah，heresheis！"heexclaimedlaughing。"Mypet，whosenamedayitis。Mydearpet！"
　　"Machere，thereisatimeforeverything，"saidthecountesswithfeignedseverity。"Youspoilher，Ilya，"sheadded，turningtoherhusband。
　　"Howdoyoudo，mydear？Iwishyoumanyhappyreturnsofyournameday，"saidthevisitor。"Whatacharmingchild，"sheadded，addressingthemother。
　　Thisblack—eyed，wide—mouthedgirl，notprettybutfulloflife—
　　withchildishbareshoulderswhichafterherrunheavedandshookherbodice，withblackcurlstossedbackward，thinbarearms，littlelegsinlace—frilleddrawers，andfeetinlowslippers—wasjustatthatcharmingagewhenagirlisnolongerachild，thoughthechildisnotyetayoungwoman。Escapingfromherfathersherantohideherflushedfaceinthelaceofhermother’smantilla—notpayingtheleastattentiontohersevereremark—andbegantolaugh。Shelaughed，andinfragmentarysentencestriedtoexplainaboutadollwhichsheproducedfromthefoldsofherfrock。
　　"Doyousee？……Mydoll……Mimi……Yousee……"wasallNatashamanagedtouttertohereverythingseemedfunny。Sheleanedagainsthermotherandburstintosuchaloud，ringingfitoflaughterthateventheprimvisitorcouldnothelpjoiningin。
　　"Nowthen，goawayandtakeyourmonstrositywithyou，"saidthemother，pushingawayherdaughterwithpretendedsternness，andturningtothevisitorsheadded："Sheismyyoungestgirl。"
　　Natasha，raisingherfaceforamomentfromhermother’smantilla，glancedupatherthroughtearsoflaughter，andagainhidherface。
　　Thevisitor，compelledtolookonatthisfamilyscene，thoughtitnecessarytotakesomepartinit。
　　"Tellme，mydear，"saidshetoNatasha，"isMimiarelationofyours？Adaughter，Isuppose？"
　　Natashadidnotlikethevisitor’stoneofcondescensiontochildishthings。Shedidnotreply，butlookedatherseriously。
　　Meanwhiletheyoungergeneration：Boris，theofficer，AnnaMikhaylovna’sson；Nicholas，theundergraduate，thecount’seldestson；Sonya，thecount’sfifteen—year—oldniece，andlittlePetya，hisyoungestboy，hadallsettleddowninthedrawingroomandwereobviouslytryingtorestrainwithintheboundsofdecorumtheexcitementandmirththatshoneinalltheirfaces。Evidentlyinthebackrooms，fromwhichtheyhaddashedoutsoimpetuously，theconversationhadbeenmoreamusingthanthedrawing—roomtalkofsocietyscandals，theweather，andCountessApraksina。Nowandthentheyglancedatoneanother，hardlyabletosuppresstheirlaughter。
　　Thetwoyoungmen，thestudentandtheofficer，friendsfromchildhood，wereofthesameageandbothhandsomefellows，thoughnotalike。Boriswastallandfair，andhiscalmandhandsomefacehadregular，delicatefeatures。Nicholaswasshortwithcurlyhairandanopenexpression。Darkhairswerealreadyshowingonhisupperlip，andhiswholefaceexpressedimpetuosityandenthusiasm。Nicholasblushedwhenheenteredthedrawingroom。Heevidentlytriedtofindsomethingtosay，butfailed。Borisonthecontraryatoncefoundhisfooting，andrelatedquietlyandhumorouslyhowhehadknowthatdollMimiwhenshewasstillquiteayounglady，beforehernosewasbroken；howshehadagedduringthefiveyearshehadknownher，andhowherheadhadcrackedrightacrosstheskull。HavingsaidthisheglancedatNatasha。Sheturnedawayfromhimandglancedatheryoungerbrother，whowasscrewinguphiseyesandshakingwithsuppressedlaughter，andunabletocontrolherselfanylonger，shejumpedupandrushedfromtheroomasfastashernimblelittlefeetwouldcarryher。Borisdidnotlaugh。
　　"Youweremeaningtogoout，weren’tyou，Mamma？Doyouwantthecarriage？"heaskedhismotherwithasmile。
　　"Yes，yes，goandtellthemtogetitready，"sheanswered，returninghissmile。
　　BorisquietlylefttheroomandwentinsearchofNatasha。Theplumpboyranafterthemangrily，asifvexedthattheirprogramhadbeendisturbed。
　　BK1CH12
　　CHAPTERXII
　　Theonlyyoungpeopleremaininginthedrawingroom，notcountingtheyoungladyvisitorandthecountess’eldestdaughterwhowasfouryearsolderthanhersisterandbehavedalreadylikeagrown—upperson，wereNicholasandSonya，theniece。Sonyawasaslenderlittlebrunettewithatenderlookinhereyeswhichwereveiledbylonglashes，thickblackplaitscoilingtwiceroundherhead，andatawnytintinhercomplexionandespeciallyinthecolorofherslenderbutgracefulandmusculararmsandneck。Bythegraceofhermovements，bythesoftnessandflexibilityofhersmalllimbs，andbyacertaincoynessandreserveofmanner，sheremindedoneofapretty，half—grownkittenwhichpromisestobecomeabeautifullittlecat。Sheevidentlyconsidereditpropertoshowaninterestinthegeneralconversationbysmiling，butinspiteofherselfhereyesundertheirthicklonglasheswatchedhercousinwhowasgoingtojointhearmy，withsuchpassionategirlishadorationthathersmilecouldnotforasingleinstantimposeuponanyone，anditwasclearthatthekittenhadsettleddownonlytospringupwithmoreenergyandagainplaywithhercousinassoonastheytoocould，likeNatashaandBoris，escapefromthedrawingroom。
　　"Ahyes，mydear，"saidthecount，addressingthevisitorandpointingtoNicholas，"hisfriendBorishasbecomeanofficer，andsoforfriendship’ssakeheisleavingtheuniversityandme，hisoldfather，andenteringthemilitaryservice，mydear。AndtherewasaplaceandeverythingwaitingforhimintheArchivesDepartment！
　　Isn’tthatfriendship？"remarkedthecountinaninquiringtone。
　　"Buttheysaythatwarhasbeendeclared，"repliedthevisitor。
　　"They’vebeensayingsoalongwhile，"saidthecount，"andthey’llsaysoagainandagain，andthatwillbetheendofit。Mydear，there’sfriendshipforyou，"herepeated。"He’sjoiningthehussars。"
　　Thevisitor，notknowingwhattosay，shookherhead。
　　"It’snotatallfromfriendship，"declaredNicholas，flaringupandturningawayasiffromashamefulaspersion。"Itisnotfromfriendshipatall；Isimplyfeelthatthearmyismyvocation。"
　　Heglancedathiscousinandtheyoungladyvisitor；andtheywerebothregardinghimwithasmileofapprobation。
　　"Schubert，thecolonelofthePavlogradHussars，isdiningwithustoday。HehasbeenhereonleaveandistakingNicholasbackwithhim。
　　Itcan’tbehelped！"saidthecount，shrugginghisshouldersandspeakingplayfullyofamatterthatevidentlydistressedhim。
　　"Ihavealreadytoldyou，Papa，"saidhisson，"thatifyoudon’twishtoletmego，I’llstay。ButIknowIamnouseanywhereexceptinthearmy；Iamnotadiplomatoragovernmentclerk。—Idon’tknowhowtohidewhatIfeel。"AshespokehekeptglancingwiththeflirtatiousnessofahandsomeyouthatSonyaandtheyoungladyvisitor。
　　Thelittlekitten，feastinghereyesonhim，seemedreadyatanymomenttostarthergambolsagainanddisplayherkittenishnature。
　　"Allright，allright！"saidtheoldcount。"Healwaysflaresup！
　　ThisBuonapartehasturnedalltheirheads；theyallthinkofhowherosefromanensignandbecameEmperor。Well，well，Godgrantit，"
　　headded，notnoticinghisvisitor’ssarcasticsmile。
　　TheeldersbegantalkingaboutBonaparte。JulieKaraginaturnedtoyoungRostov。
　　"Whatapityyouweren’tattheArkharovs’onThursday。Itwassodullwithoutyou，"saidshe，givinghimatendersmile。
　　Theyoungman，flattered，satdownnearertoherwithacoquettishsmile，andengagedthesmilingJulieinaconfidentialconversationwithoutatallnoticingthathisinvoluntarysmilehadstabbedtheheartofSonya，whoblushedandsmiledunnaturally。Inthemidstofhistalkheglancedroundather。Shegavehimapassionatelyangryglance，andhardlyabletorestrainhertearsandmaintaintheartificialsmileonherlips，shegotupandlefttheroom。AllNicholas’animationvanished。Hewaitedforthefirstpauseintheconversation，andthenwithadistressedfacelefttheroomtofindSonya。
　　"Howplainlyalltheseyoungpeopleweartheirheartsontheirsleeves！"saidAnnaMikhaylovna，pointingtoNicholasashewentout。"Cousinage—dangereuxvoisinage；"*sheadded。
　　*Cousinhoodisadangerousneighborhood。
　　"Yes，"saidthecountesswhenthebrightnesstheseyoungpeoplehadbroughtintotheroomhadvanished；andasifansweringaquestionnoonehadputbutwhichwasalwaysinhermind，"andhowmuchsuffering，howmuchanxietyonehashadtogothroughthatwemightrejoiceinthemnow！Andyetreallytheanxietyisgreaternowthanthejoy。Oneisalways，alwaysanxious！Especiallyjustatthisage，sodangerousbothforgirlsandboys。"
　　"Italldependsonthebringingup，"remarkedthevisitor。
　　"Yes，you’requiteright，"continuedthecountess。"TillnowI
　　havealways，thankGod，beenmychildren’sfriendandhadtheirfullconfidence，"saidshe，repeatingthemistakeofsomanyparentswhoimaginethattheirchildrenhavenosecretsfromthem。"IknowIshallalwaysbemydaughters’firstconfidante，andthatifNicholas，withhisimpulsivenature，doesgetintomischiefaboycan’thelpit，hewillallthesameneverbelikethosePetersburgyoungmen。"
　　"Yes，theyaresplendid，splendidyoungsters，"chimedinthecount，whoalwayssolvedquestionsthatseemedtohimperplexingbydecidingthateverythingwassplendid。"Justfancy：wantstobeanhussar。What’sonetodo，mydear？"
　　"Whatacharmingcreatureyouryoungergirlis，"saidthevisitor；
　　"alittlevolcano！"
　　"Yes，aregularvolcano，"saidthecount。"Takesafterme！Andwhatavoiceshehas；thoughshe’smydaughter，ItellthetruthwhenIsayshe’llbeasinger，asecondSalomoni！WehaveengagedanItaliantogiveherlessons。"
　　"Isn’tshetooyoung？Ihaveheardthatitharmsthevoicetotrainitatthatage。"
　　"Ohno，notatalltooyoung！"repliedthecount。"Why，ourmothersusedtobemarriedattwelveorthirteen。"
　　"Andshe’sinlovewithBorisalready。Justfancy！"saidthecountesswithagentlesmile，lookingatBoris’andwenton，evidentlyconcernedwithathoughtthatalwaysoccupiedher："NowyouseeifI
　　weretobeseverewithherandtoforbidit……goodnessknowswhattheymightbeuptoonthesly"shemeantthattheywouldbekissing，"butasitis，Iknoweverywordsheutters。Shewillcomerunningtomeofherownaccordintheeveningandtellmeeverything。
　　PerhapsIspoilher，butreallythatseemsthebestplan。WithhereldersisterIwasstricter。"
　　"Yes，Iwasbroughtupquitedifferently，"remarkedthehandsomeelderdaughter，CountessVera，withasmile。
　　ButthesmiledidnotenhanceVera’sbeautyassmilesgenerallydo；onthecontraryitgaveheranunnatural，andthereforeunpleasant，expression。Verawasgood—looking，notatallstupid，quickatlearning，waswellbroughtup，andhadapleasantvoice；whatshesaidwastrueandappropriate，yet，strangetosay，everyone—
　　thevisitorsandcountessalike—turnedtolookatherasifwonderingwhyshehadsaidit，andtheyallfeltawkward。
　　"Peoplearealwaystoocleverwiththeireldestchildrenandtrytomakesomethingexceptionalofthem，"saidthevisitor。
　　"What’sthegoodofdenyingit，mydear？OurdearcountesswastoocleverwithVera，"saidthecount。"Well，whatofthat？She’sturnedoutsplendidlyallthesame，"headded，winkingatVera。
　　Theguestsgotupandtooktheirleave，promisingtoreturntodinner。
　　"Whatmanners！Ithoughttheywouldnevergo，"saidthecountess，whenshehadseenherguestsout。
　　BK1CH13
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　WhenNatasharanoutofthedrawingroomsheonlywentasfarastheconservatory。Thereshepausedandstoodlisteningtotheconversationinthedrawingroom，waitingforBoristocomeout。Shewasalreadygrowingimpatient，andstampedherfoot，readytocryathisnotcomingatonce，whensheheardtheyoungman’sdiscreetstepsapproachingneitherquicklynorslowly。AtthisNatashadashedswiftlyamongtheflowertubsandhidthere。
　　Borispausedinthemiddleoftheroom，lookedround，brushedalittledustfromthesleeveofhisuniform，andgoinguptoamirrorexaminedhishandsomeface。Natasha，verystill，peeredoutfromherambush，waitingtoseewhathewoulddo。Hestoodalittlewhilebeforetheglass，smiled，andwalkedtowardtheotherdoor。Natashawasabouttocallhimbutchangedhermind。"Lethimlookforme，"
　　thoughtshe。HardlyhadBorisgonethanSonya，flushed，intears，andmutteringangrily，cameinattheotherdoor。Natashacheckedherfirstimpulsetorunouttoher，andremainedinherhidingplace，watching—asunderaninvisiblecap—toseewhatwentonintheworld。
　　Shewasexperiencinganewandpeculiarpleasure。Sonya，mutteringtoherself，keptlookingroundtowardthedrawing—roomdoor。ItopenedandNicholascamein。
　　"Sonya，whatisthematterwithyou？Howcanyou？"saidhe，runninguptoher。
　　"It’snothing，nothing；leavemealone！"sobbedSonya。
　　"Ah，Iknowwhatitis。"
　　"Well，ifyoudo，somuchthebetter，andyoucangobacktoher！"
　　"So—o—onya！Lookhere！Howcanyoutorturemeandyourselflikethat，foramerefancy？"saidNicholastakingherhand。
　　Sonyadidnotpullitaway，andleftoffcrying。Natasha，notstirringandscarcelybreathing，watchedfromherambushwithsparklingeyes。"Whatwillhappennow？"thoughtshe。
　　"Sonya！Whatisanyoneintheworldtome？Youaloneareeverything！"saidNicholas。"AndIwillproveittoyou。"
　　"Idon’tlikeyoutotalklikethat。"
　　"Well，then，Iwon’t；onlyforgiveme，Sonya！"Hedrewhertohimandkissedher。
　　"Oh，hownice，"thoughtNatasha；andwhenSonyaandNicholashadgoneoutoftheconservatoryshefollowedandcalledBoristoher。
　　"Boris，comehere，"saidshewithaslyandsignificantlook。"I
　　havesomethingtotellyou。Here，here！"andsheledhimintotheconservatorytotheplaceamongthetubswhereshehadbeenhiding。
　　Borisfollowedher，smiling。
　　"Whatisthesomething？"askedhe。
　　Shegrewconfused，glancedround，and，seeingthedollshehadthrowndownononeofthetubs，pickeditup。
　　"Kissthedoll，"saidshe。
　　Borislookedattentivelyandkindlyathereagerface，butdidnotreply。
　　"Don’tyouwantto？Well，then，comehere，"saidshe，andwentfurtherinamongtheplantsandthrewdownthedoll。"Closer，closer！"
　　shewhispered。
　　Shecaughttheyoungofficerbyhiscuffs，andalookofsolemnityandfearappearedonherflushedface。
　　"Andme？Wouldyouliketokissme？"shewhisperedalmostinaudibly，glancingupathimfromunderherbrows，smiling，andalmostcryingfromexcitement。
　　Borisblushed。
　　"Howfunnyyouare！"hesaid，bendingdowntoherandblushingstillmore，buthewaitedanddidnothing。
　　Suddenlyshejumpedupontoatubtobehigherthanhe，embracedhimsothatbothherslenderbarearmsclaspedhimabovehisneck，and，tossingbackherhair，kissedhimfullonthelips。
　　Thensheslippeddownamongtheflowerpotsontheothersideofthetubsandstood，hangingherhead。
　　"Natasha，"hesaid，"youknowthatIloveyou，but……"
　　"Youareinlovewithme？"Natashabrokein。
　　"Yes，Iam，butpleasedon’tletusdolikethat……Inanotherfouryears……thenIwillaskforyourhand。"
　　Natashaconsidered。
　　"Thirteen，fourteen，fifteen，sixteen，"shecountedonherslenderlittlefingers。"Allright！Thenit’ssettled？"
　　Asmileofjoyandsatisfactionlituphereagerface。
　　"Settled！"repliedBoris。
　　"Forever？"saidthelittlegirl。"Tilldeathitself？"
　　Shetookhisarmandwithahappyfacewentwithhimintotheadjoiningsittingroom。
　　BK1CH14
　　CHAPTERXIV
　　Afterreceivinghervisitors，thecountesswassotiredthatshegaveorderstoadmitnomore，buttheporterwastoldtobesuretoinvitetodinnerallwhocame"tocongratulate。"Thecountesswishedtohaveatete—a—tetetalkwiththefriendofherchildhood，PrincessAnnaMikhaylovna，whomshehadnotseenproperlysinceshereturnedfromPetersburg。AnnaMikhaylovna，withhertear—wornbutpleasantface，drewherchairnearertothatofthecountess。
　　"WithyouIwillbequitefrank，"saidAnnaMikhaylovna。"Therearenotmanyleftofusoldfriends！That’swhyIsovalueyourfriendship。"
　　AnnaMikhaylovnalookedatVeraandpaused。Thecountesspressedherfriend’shand。
　　"Vera，"shesaidtohereldestdaughterwhowasevidentlynotafavorite，"howisityouhavesolittletact？Don’tyouseeyouarenotwantedhere？Gototheothergirls，or……"
　　ThehandsomeVerasmiledcontemptuouslybutdidnotseematallhurt。
　　"Ifyouhadtoldmesooner，Mamma，Iwouldhavegone，"sherepliedassherosetogotoherownroom。
　　Butasshepassedthesittingroomshenoticedtwocouplessitting，onepairateachwindow。Shestoppedandsmiledscornfully。
　　SonyawassittingclosetoNicholaswhowascopyingoutsomeversesforher，thefirsthehadeverwritten。BorisandNatashawereattheotherwindowandceasedtalkingwhenVeraentered。SonyaandNatashalookedatVerawithguilty，happyfaces。
　　Itwaspleasantandtouchingtoseetheselittlegirlsinlove；
　　butapparentlythesightofthemrousednopleasantfeelinginVera。
　　"HowoftenhaveIaskedyounottotakemythings？"shesaid。"Youhavearoomofyourown，"andshetooktheinkstandfromNicholas。
　　"Inaminute，inaminute，"hesaid，dippinghispen。
　　"Youalwaysmanagetodothingsatthewrongtime，"continuedVera。"Youcamerushingintothedrawingroomsothateveryonefeltashamedofyou。"
　　Thoughwhatshesaidwasquitejust，perhapsforthatveryreasonnoonereplied，andthefoursimplylookedatoneanother。Shelingeredintheroomwiththeinkstandinherhand。
　　"AndatyouragewhatsecretscantherebebetweenNatashaandBoris，orbetweenyoutwo？It’sallnonsense！"
　　"Now，Vera，whatdoesitmattertoyou？"saidNatashaindefense，speakingverygently。
　　Sheseemedthatdaytobemorethaneverkindandaffectionatetoeveryone。
　　"Verysilly，"saidVera。"Iamashamedofyou。Secretsindeed！"
　　"Allhavesecretsoftheirown，"answeredNatasha，gettingwarmer。
　　"Wedon’tinterferewithyouandBerg。"
　　"Ishouldthinknot，"saidVera，"becausetherecanneverbeanythingwronginmybehavior。ButI’lljusttellMammahowyouarebehavingwithBoris。"
　　"NatalyaIlynichnabehavesverywelltome，"remarkedBoris。"Ihavenothingtocomplainof。"
　　"Don’t，Boris！Youaresuchadiplomatthatitisreallytiresome，"saidNatashainamortifiedvoicethattrembledslightly。
　　Sheusedtheword"diplomat，"whichwasjustthenmuchinvogueamongthechildren，inthespecialsensetheyattachedtoit。"Whydoesshebotherme？"Andsheadded，turningtoVera，"You’llneverunderstandit，becauseyou’veneverlovedanyone。Youhavenoheart！YouareaMadamedeGenlisandnothingmore"thisnickname，bestowedonVerabyNicholas，wasconsideredverystinging，"andyourgreatestpleasureistobeunpleasanttopeople！GoandflirtwithBergasmuchasyouplease，"shefinishedquickly。
　　"Ishallatanyratenotrunafterayoungmanbeforevisitors……"
　　"Well，nowyou’vedonewhatyouwanted，"putinNicholas—"saidunpleasantthingstoeveryoneandupsetthem。Let’sgotothenursery。"
　　Allfour，likeaflockofscaredbirds，gotupandlefttheroom。
　　"Theunpleasantthingsweresaidtome，"remarkedVera，"Isaidnonetoanyone。"
　　"MadamedeGenlis！MadamedeGenlis！"shoutedlaughingvoicesthroughthedoor。
　　ThehandsomeVera，whoproducedsuchanirritatingandunpleasanteffectoneveryone，smiledand，evidentlyunmovedbywhathadbeensaidtoher，wenttothelookingglassandarrangedherhairandscarf。Lookingatherownhandsomefacesheseemedtobecomestillcolderandcalmer。
　　Inthedrawingroomtheconversationwasstillgoingon。
　　"Ah，mydear，"saidthecountess，"mylifeisnotallroseseither。Don’tIknowthatattheratewearelivingourmeanswon’tlastlong？It’salltheClubandhiseasygoingnature。Eveninthecountrydowegetanyrest？Theatricals，hunting，andheavenknowswhatbesides！Butdon’tlet’stalkaboutme；tellmehowyoumanagedeverything。Ioftenwonderatyou，Annette—howatyourageyoucanrushoffaloneinacarriagetoMoscow，toPetersburg，tothoseministersandgreatpeople，andknowhowtodealwiththemall！It’squiteastonishing。Howdidyougetthingssettled？Icouldn’tpossiblydoit。"
　　"Ah，mylove，"answeredAnnaMikhaylovna，"Godgrantyouneverknowwhatitistobeleftawidowwithoutmeansandwithasonyoulovetodistraction！Onelearnsmanythingsthen，"sheaddedwithacertainpride。"Thatlawsuittaughtmemuch。WhenIwanttoseeoneofthosebigpeopleIwriteanote：’PrincessSo—and—SodesiresaninterviewwithSoand—So，’andthenItakeacabandgomyselftwo，three，orfourtimes—tillIgetwhatIwant。Idon’tmindwhattheythinkofme。"
　　"Well，andtowhomdidyouapplyaboutBory？"askedthecountess。
　　"YouseeyoursisalreadyanofficerintheGuards，whilemyNicholasisgoingasacadet。There’snoonetointeresthimselfforhim。Towhomdidyouapply？"
　　"ToPrinceVasili。Hewassokind。Heatonceagreedtoeverything，andputthematterbeforetheEmperor，"saidPrincessAnnaMikhaylovnaenthusiastically，quiteforgettingallthehumiliationshehadenduredtogainherend。
　　"HasPrinceVasiliagedmuch？"askedthecountess。"IhavenotseenhimsinceweactedtogetherattheRumyantsovs’theatricals。I
　　expecthehasforgottenme。Hepaidmeattentionsinthosedays，"saidthecountess，withasmile。
　　"Heisjustthesameasever，"repliedAnnaMikhaylovna，"overflowingwithamiability。Hispositionhasnotturnedhisheadatall。Hesaidtome，’IamsorryIcandosolittleforyou，dearPrincess。Iamatyourcommand。’Yes，heisafinefellowandaverykindrelation。But，Nataly，youknowmyloveformyson：Iwoulddoanythingforhishappiness！Andmyaffairsareinsuchabadwaythatmypositionisnowaterribleone，"continuedAnnaMikhaylovna，sadly，droppinghervoice。"MywretchedlawsuittakesallIhaveandmakesnoprogress。Wouldyoubelieveit，Ihaveliterallynotapennyanddon’tknowhowtoequipBoris。"Shetookoutherhandkerchiefandbegantocry。"Ineedfivehundredrubles，andhaveonlyonetwenty—five—rublenote。Iaminsuchastate……MyonlyhopenowisinCountCyrilVladimirovichBezukhov。Ifhewillnotassisthisgodson—youknowheisBory’sgodfather—andallowhimsomethingforhismaintenance，allmytroublewillhavebeenthrownaway……I
　　shallnotbeabletoequiphim。"
　　Thecountess’eyesfilledwithtearsandsheponderedinsilence。
　　"Ioftenthink，though，perhapsit’sasin，"saidtheprincess，"thatherelivesCountCyrilVladimirovichBezukhovsorich，allalone……thattremendousfortune……andwhatishislifeworth？It’saburdentohim，andBory’slifeisonlyjustbeginning……"
　　"SurelyhewillleavesomethingtoBoris，"saidthecountess。
　　"Heavenonlyknows，mydear！Theserichgrandeesaresoselfish。
　　Still，IwilltakeBorisandgotoseehimatonce，andIshallspeaktohimstraightout。Letpeoplethinkwhattheywillofme，it’sreallyallthesametomewhenmyson’sfateisatstake。"Theprincessrose。"It’snowtwoo’clockandyoudineatfour。Therewilljustbetime。"
　　AndlikeapracticalPetersburgladywhoknowshowtomakethemostoftime，AnnaMikhaylovnasentsomeonetocallherson，andwentintotheanteroomwithhim。
　　"Good—by，mydear，"saidshetothecountesswhosawhertothedoor，andaddedinawhispersothathersonshouldnothear，"Wishmegoodluck。"
　　"AreyougoingtoCountCyrilVladimirovich，mydear？"saidthecountcomingoutfromthedininghallintotheanteroom，andheadded：
　　"Ifheisbetter，askPierretodinewithus。Hehasbeentothehouse，youknow，anddancedwiththechildren。Besuretoinvitehim，mydear。WewillseehowTarasdistinguisheshimselftoday。HesaysCountOrlovnevergavesuchadinnerasourswillbe！"
　　BK1CH15
　　CHAPTERXV
　　"MydearBoris，"saidPrincessAnnaMikhaylovnatohersonasCountessRostova’scarriageinwhichtheywereseateddroveoverthestrawcoveredstreetandturnedintothewidecourtyardofCountCyrilVladimirovichBezukhov’shouse。"MydearBoris，"saidthemother，drawingherhandfrombeneathheroldmantleandlayingittimidlyandtenderlyonherson’sarm，"beaffectionateandattentivetohim。
　　CountCyrilVladimirovichisyourgodfatherafterall，yourfuturedependsonhim。Rememberthat，mydear，andbenicetohim，asyousowellknowhowtobe。"
　　"IfonlyIknewthatanythingbesideshumiliationwouldcomeofit……"answeredhersoncoldly。"ButIhavepromisedandwilldoitforyoursake。"
　　Althoughthehallportersawsomeone’scarriagestandingattheentrance，afterscrutinizingthemotherandsonwhowithoutaskingtobeannouncedhadpassedstraightthroughtheglassporchbetweentherowsofstatuesinnichesandlookingsignificantlyatthelady’soldcloak，heaskedwhethertheywantedthecountortheprincesses，and，hearingthattheywishedtoseethecount，saidhisexcellencywasworsetoday，andthathisexcellencywasnotreceivinganyone。
　　"Wemayaswellgoback，"saidthesoninFrench。
　　"Mydear！"exclaimedhismotherimploringly，againlayingherhandonhisarmasifthattouchmightsootheorrousehim。
　　Borissaidnomore，butlookedinquiringlyathismotherwithouttakingoffhiscloak。
　　"Myfriend，"saidAnnaMikhaylovnaingentletones，addressingthehallporter，IknowCountCyrilVladimirovichisveryill……that’swhyIhavecome……Iamarelation。Ishallnotdisturbhim，myfriend……IonlyneedseePrinceVasiliSergeevich：heisstayinghere，ishenot？Pleaseannounceme。"
　　Thehallportersullenlypulledabellthatrangupstairs，andturnedaway。
　　"PrincessDrubetskayatoseePrinceVasiliSergeevich，"hecalledtoafootmandressedinkneebreeches，shoes，andaswallow—tailcoat，whorandownstairsandlookedoverfromthehalfwaylanding。
　　ThemothersmoothedthefoldsofherdyedsilkdressbeforealargeVenetianmirrorinthewall，andinhertrodden—downshoesbrisklyascendedthecarpetedstairs。
　　"Mydear，"shesaidtoherson，oncemorestimulatinghimbyatouch，"youpromisedme！"
　　Theson，loweringhiseyes，followedherquietly。
　　Theyenteredthelargehall，fromwhichoneofthedoorsledtotheapartmentsassignedtoPrinceVasili。
　　Justasthemotherandson，havingreachedthemiddleofthehall，wereabouttoasktheirwayofanelderlyfootmanwhohadsprungupastheyentered，thebronzehandleofoneofthedoorsturnedandPrinceVasilicameout—wearingavelvetcoatwithasinglestaronhisbreast，aswashiscustomwhenathome—takingleaveofagood—looking，dark—hairedman。ThiswasthecelebratedPetersburgdoctor，Lorrain。
　　"Thenitiscertain？"saidtheprince。
　　"Prince，humanumesterrare，*but……"repliedthedoctor，swallowinghisr’s，andpronouncingtheLatinwordswithaFrenchaccent。
　　*Toerrishuman。
　　"Verywell，verywell……"
　　SeeingAnnaMikhaylovnaandherson，PrinceVasilidismissedthedoctorwithabowandapproachedthemsilentlyandwithalookofinquiry。Thesonnoticedthatanexpressionofprofoundsorrowsuddenlycloudedhismother’sface，andhesmiledslightly。
　　"Ah，Prince！Inwhatsadcircumstanceswemeetagain！Andhowisourdearinvalid？"saidshe，asthoughunawareofthecoldoffensivelookfixedonher。
　　PrinceVasilistaredatherandatBorisquestioninglyandperplexed。Borisbowedpolitely。PrinceVasiliwithoutacknowledgingthebowturnedtoAnnaMikhaylovna，answeringherquerybyamovementoftheheadandlipsindicatingverylittlehopeforthepatient。
　　"Isitpossible？"exclaimedAnnaMikhaylovna。"Oh，howawful！Itisterribletothink……Thisismyson，"sheadded，indicatingBoris。
　　"Hewantedtothankyouhimself。"
　　Borisbowedagainpolitely。
　　"Believeme，Prince，amother’sheartwillneverforgetwhatyouhavedoneforus。"
　　"IamgladIwasabletodoyouaservice，mydearAnnaMikhaylovna，"saidPrinceVasili，arranginghislacefrill，andintoneandmanner，hereinMoscowtoAnnaMikhaylovnawhomhehadplacedunderanobligation，assuminganairofmuchgreaterimportancethanhehaddoneinPetersburgatAnnaScherer’sreception。
　　"Trytoservewellandshowyourselfworthy，"addedhe，addressingBoriswithseverity。"Iamglad……Areyouhereonleave？"hewentoninhisusualtoneofindifference。
　　"Iamawaitingorderstojoinmynewregiment，yourexcellency，"
　　repliedBoris，betrayingneitherannoyanceattheprince’sbrusquemannernoradesiretoenterintoconversation，butspeakingsoquietlyandrespectfullythattheprincegavehimasearchingglance。
　　"Areyoulivingwithyourmother？"
　　"IamlivingatCountessRostova’s，"repliedBoris，againadding，"yourexcellency。"
　　"Thatis，withIlyaRostovwhomarriedNatalyShinshina，"saidAnnaMikhaylovna。
　　"Iknow，Iknow，"answeredPrinceVasiliinhismonotonousvoice。"I
　　nevercouldunderstandhowNatalymadeuphermindtomarrythatunlickedbear！Aperfectlyabsurdandstupidfellow，andagamblertoo，Iamtold。"
　　"Butaverykindman，Prince，"saidAnnaMikhaylovnawithapatheticsmile，asthoughshetooknewthatCountRostovdeservedthiscensure，butaskedhimnottobetoohardonthepooroldman。"Whatdothedoctorssay？"askedtheprincessafterapause，herwornfaceagainexpressingdeepsorrow。
　　"Theygivelittlehope，"repliedtheprince。
　　"AndIshouldsoliketothankUncleonceforallhiskindnesstomeandBoris。Heishisgodson，"sheadded，hertonesuggestingthatthisfactoughttogivePrinceVasilimuchsatisfaction。
　　PrinceVasilibecamethoughtfulandfrowned。AnnaMikhaylovnasawthathewasafraidoffindinginherarivalforCountBezukhov’sfortune，andhastenedtoreassurehim。
　　"IfitwerenotformysincereaffectionanddevotiontoUncle，"
　　saidshe，utteringthewordwithpeculiarassuranceandunconcern，"Iknowhischaracter：noble，upright……butyouseehehasnoonewithhimexcepttheyoungprincesses……Theyarestillyoung……"Shebentherheadandcontinuedinawhisper："Hasheperformedhisfinalduty，Prince？Howpricelessarethoselastmoments！Itcanmakethingsnoworse，anditisabsolutelynecessarytopreparehimifheissoill。Wewomen，Prince，"andshesmiledtenderly，"alwaysknowhowtosaythesethings。Iabsolutelymustseehim，howeverpainfulitmaybeforme。Iamusedtosuffering。"
　　Evidentlytheprinceunderstoodher，andalsounderstood，ashehaddoneatAnnaPavlovna’s，thatitwouldbedifficulttogetridofAnnaMikhaylovna。
　　"Wouldnotsuchameetingbetootryingforhim，dearAnnaMikhaylovna？"saidhe。"Letuswaituntilevening。Thedoctorsareexpectingacrisis。"
　　"Butonecannotdelay，Prince，atsuchamoment！Considerthatthewelfareofhissoulisatstake。Ah，itisawful：thedutiesofaChristian……"
　　Adoorofoneoftheinnerroomsopenedandoneoftheprincesses，thecount’sniece，enteredwithacold，sternface。Thelengthofherbodywasstrikinglyoutofproportiontohershortlegs。PrinceVasiliturnedtoher。
　　"Well，howishe？"
　　"Stillthesame；butwhatcanyouexpect，thisnoise……"saidtheprincess，lookingatAnnaMikhaylovnaasatastranger。
　　"Ah，mydear，Ihardlyknewyou，"saidAnnaMikhaylovnawithahappysmile，amblinglightlyuptothecount’sniece。"Ihavecome，andamatyourservicetohelpyounursemyuncle。Iimaginewhatyouhavegonethrough，"andshesympatheticallyturneduphereyes。
　　Theprincessgavenoreplyanddidnotevensmile，butlefttheroomatAnnaMikhaylovnatookoffherglovesand，occupyingthepositionshehadconquered，settleddowninanarmchair，invitingPrinceVasilitotakeaseatbesideher。
　　"Boris，"shesaidtohersonwithasmile，"Ishallgointoseethecount，myuncle；butyou，mydear，hadbettergotoPierremeanwhileanddon’tforgettogivehimtheRostovs’invitation。Theyaskhimtodinner。Isupposehewon’tgo？"shecontinued，turningtotheprince。
　　"Onthecontrary，"repliedtheprince，whohadplainlybecomedepressed，"Ishallbeonlytoogladifyourelievemeofthatyoungman……Hereheis，andthecounthasnotonceaskedforhim。"
　　Heshruggedhisshoulders。AfootmanconductedBorisdownoneflightofstairsandupanother，toPierre’srooms。
　　BK1CH16
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　Pierre，afterall，hadnotmanagedtochooseacareerforhimselfinPetersburg，andhadbeenexpelledfromthereforriotousconductandsenttoMoscow。ThestorytoldabouthimatCountRostov’swastrue。
　　Pierrehadtakenpartintyingapolicemantoabear。HehadnowbeenforsomedaysinMoscowandwasstayingasusualathisfather’shouse。ThoughheexpectedthatthestoryofhisescapadewouldbealreadyknowninMoscowandthattheladiesabouthisfather—
　　whowereneverfavorablydisposedtowardhim—wouldhaveusedittoturnthecountagainsthim，heneverthelessonthedayofhisarrivalwenttohisfather’spartofthehouse。Enteringthedrawingroom，wheretheprincessesspentmostoftheirtime，hegreetedtheladies，twoofwhomweresittingatembroideryframeswhileathirdreadaloud。Itwastheeldestwhowasreading—theonewhohadmetAnnaMikhaylovna。Thetwoyoungeroneswereembroidering：bothwererosyandprettyandtheydifferedonlyinthatonehadalittlemoleonherlipwhichmadehermuchprettier。Pierrewasreceivedasifhewereacorpseoraleper。Theeldestprincesspausedinherreadingandsilentlystaredathimwithfrightenedeyes；thesecondassumedpreciselythesameexpression；whiletheyoungest，theonewiththemole，whowasofacheerfulandlivelydisposition，bentoverherframetohideasmileprobablyevokedbytheamusingscenesheforesaw。Shedrewherwooldownthroughthecanvasand，scarcelyabletorefrainfromlaughing，stoopedasiftryingtomakeoutthepattern。
　　"Howdoyoudo，cousin？"saidPierre。"Youdon’trecognizeme？"
　　"Irecognizeyouonlytoowell，toowell。"
　　"Howisthecount？CanIseehim？"askedPierre，awkwardlyasusual，butunabashed。
　　"Thecountissufferingphysicallyandmentally，andapparentlyyouhavedoneyourbesttoincreasehismentalsufferings。"
　　"CanIseethecount？"Pierreagainasked。
　　"Hm……Ifyouwishtokillhim，tokillhimoutright，youcanseehim……Olga，goandseewhetherUncle’sbeefteaisready—itisalmosttime，"sheadded，givingPierretounderstandthattheywerebusy，andbusymakinghisfathercomfortable，whileevidentlyhe，Pierre，wasonlybusycausinghimannoyance。
　　Olgawentout。Pierrestoodlookingatthesisters；thenhebowedandsaid："ThenIwillgotomyrooms。YouwillletmeknowwhenIcanseehim。"
　　Andhelefttheroom，followedbythelowbutringinglaughterofthesisterwiththemole。
　　NextdayPrinceVasilihadarrivedandsettledinthecount’shouse。
　　HesentforPierreandsaidtohim："Mydearfellow，ifyouaregoingtobehavehereasyoudidinPetersburg，youwillendverybadly；thatisallIhavetosaytoyou。Thecountisvery，veryill，andyoumustnotseehimatall。"
　　SincethenPierrehadnotbeendisturbedandhadspentthewholetimeinhisroomsupstairs。
　　WhenBorisappearedathisdoorPierrewaspacingupanddownhisroom，stoppingoccasionallyatacornertomakemenacinggesturesatthewall，asifrunningaswordthroughaninvisiblefoe，andglaringsavagelyoverhisspectacles，andthenagainresuminghiswalk，mutteringindistinctwords，shrugginghisshouldersandgesticulating。
　　"Englandisdonefor，"saidhe，scowlingandpointinghisfingeratsomeoneunseen。"Mr。Pitt，asatraitortothenationandtotherightsofman，issentencedto……"ButbeforePierre—whoatthatmomentimaginedhimselftobeNapoleoninpersonandtohavejusteffectedthedangerouscrossingoftheStraitsofDoverandcapturedLondon—couldpronouncePitt’ssentence，hesawawell—builtandhandsomeyoungofficerenteringhisroom。Pierrepaused。HehadleftMoscowwhenBoriswasaboyoffourteen，andhadquiteforgottenhim，butinhisusualimpulsiveandheartywayhetookBorisbythehandwithafriendlysmile。
　　"Doyourememberme？"askedBorisquietlywithapleasantsmile。
　　"Ihavecomewithmymothertoseethecount，butitseemsheisnotwell。"
　　"Yes，itseemsheisill。Peoplearealwaysdisturbinghim，"
　　answeredPierre，tryingtorememberwhothisyoungmanwas。
　　BorisfeltthatPierredidnotrecognizehimbutdidnotconsideritnecessarytointroducehimself，andwithoutexperiencingtheleastembarrassmentlookedPierrestraightintheface。
　　"CountRostovasksyoutocometodinnertoday，"saidhe，afteraconsiderablepausewhichmadePierrefeeluncomfortable。
　　"Ah，CountRostov！"exclaimedPierrejoyfully。"Thenyouarehisson，Ilya？Onlyfancy，Ididn’tknowyouatfirst。DoyourememberhowwewenttotheSparrowHillswithMadameJacquot？……It’ssuchanage……"
　　"Youaremistaken，"saidBorisdeliberately，withaboldandslightlysarcasticsmile。"IamBoris，sonofPrincessAnnaMikhaylovnaDrubetskaya。Rostov，thefather，isIlya，andhissonisNicholas。IneverknewanyMadameJacquot。"
　　Pierreshookhisheadandarmsasifattackedbymosquitoesorbees。
　　"Ohdear，whatamIthinkingabout？I’vemixedeverythingup。OnehassomanyrelativesinMoscow！SoyouareBoris？Ofcourse。Well，nowweknowwhereweare。AndwhatdoyouthinkoftheBoulogneexpedition？TheEnglishwillcomeoffbadly，youknow，ifNapoleongetsacrosstheChannel。Ithinktheexpeditionisquitefeasible。
　　IfonlyVilleneuvedoesn’tmakeamessofthings！
　　BorisknewnothingabouttheBoulogneexpedition；hedidnotreadthepapersanditwasthefirsttimehehadheardVilleneuve’sname。
　　"WehereinMoscowaremoreoccupiedwithdinnerpartiesandscandalthanwithpolitics，"saidheinhisquietironicaltone。"Iknownothingaboutitandhavenotthoughtaboutit。Moscowischieflybusywithgossip，"hecontinued。"Justnowtheyaretalkingaboutyouandyourfather。"
　　Pierresmiledinhisgood—naturedwayasifafraidforhiscompanion’ssakethatthelattermightsaysomethinghewouldafterwardsregret。ButBorisspokedistinctly，clearly，anddryly，lookingstraightintoPierre’seyes。
　　"Moscowhasnothingelsetodobutgossip，"Boriswenton。
　　"Everybodyiswonderingtowhomthecountwillleavehisfortune，thoughhemayperhapsoutliveusall，asIsincerelyhopehewill……"
　　"Yes，itisallveryhorrid，"interruptedPierre，"veryhorrid。"
　　Pierrewasstillafraidthatthisofficermightinadvertentlysaysomethingdisconcertingtohimself。
　　"Anditmustseemtoyou，"saidBorisflushingslightly，butnotchanginghistoneorattitude，"itmustseemtoyouthateveryoneistryingtogetsomethingoutoftherichman？"
　　"Soitdoes，"thoughtPierre。