Intotheinsignificant，trifling，andartificialinterestsunitingthatsocietyhadenteredthesimplefeelingoftheattractionofahealthyandhandsomeyoungmanandwomanforoneanother。Andthishumanfeelingdominatedeverythingelseandsoaredabovealltheiraffectedchatter。Jestsfellflat，newswasnotinteresting，andtheanimationwasevidentlyforced。Notonlytheguestsbuteventhefootmenwaitingattableseemedtofeelthis，andtheyforgottheirdutiesastheylookedatthebeautifulHelenewithherradiantfaceandatthered，broad，andhappythoughuneasyfaceofPierre。Itseemedasiftheverylightofthecandleswasfocusedonthosetwohappyfacesalone。
　　Pierrefeltthathethecenterofitall，andthisbothpleasedandembarrassedhim。Hewaslikeamanentirelyabsorbedinsomeoccupation。Hedidnotsee，hear，orunderstandanythingclearly。Onlynowandthendetachedideasandimpressionsfromtheworldofrealityshotunexpectedlythroughhismind。
　　"Soitisallfinished！"hethought。"Andhowhasitallhappened？
　　Howquickly！NowIknowthatnotbecauseofheralone，norofmyselfalone，butbecauseofeveryone，itmustinevitablycomeabout。Theyareallexpectingit，theyaresosurethatitwillhappenthatI
　　cannot，Icannot，disappointthem。Buthowwillitbe？Idonotknow，butitwillcertainlyhappen！"thoughtPierre，glancingatthosedazzlingshouldersclosetohiseyes。
　　Orhewouldsuddenlyfeelashamedofheknewnotwhat。Hefeltitawkwardtoattracteveryone’sattentionandtobeconsideredaluckymanand，withhisplainface，tobelookedonasasortofParispossessedofaHelen。"Butnodoubtitalwaysisandmustbeso！"heconsoledhimself。"Andbesides，whathaveIdonetobringitabout？
　　Howdiditbegin？ItraveledfromMoscowwithPrinceVasili。Thentherewasnothing。SowhyshouldInotstayathishouse？ThenI
　　playedcardswithherandpickedupherreticuleanddroveoutwithher。Howdiditbegin，whendiditallcomeabout？"Andherehewassittingbyhersideasherbetrothed，seeing，hearing，feelinghernearness，herbreathing，hermovements，herbeauty。Thenitwouldsuddenlyseemtohimthatitwasnotshebuthewassounusuallybeautiful，andthatthatwaswhytheyalllookedsoathim，andflatteredbythisgeneraladmirationhewouldexpandhischest，raisehishead，andrejoiceathisgoodfortune。Suddenlyheheardafamiliarvoicerepeatingsomethingtohimasecondtime。ButPierrewassoabsorbedthathedidnotunderstandwhatwassaid。
　　"IamaskingyouwhenyoulastheardfromBolkonski，"repeatedPrinceVasiliathirdtime。"Howabsent—mindedyouare，mydearfellow。"
　　PrinceVasilismiled，andPierrenoticedthateveryonewassmilingathimandHelene。"Well，whatofit，ifyouallknowit？"thoughtPierre。"Whatofit？It’sthetruth！"andhehimselfsmiledhisgentlechildlikesmile，andHelenesmiledtoo。
　　"Whendidyougettheletter？WasitfromOlmutz？"repeatedPrinceVasili，whopretendedtowanttoknowthisinordertosettleadispute。
　　"Howcanonetalkorthinkofsuchtrifles？"thoughtPierre。
　　"Yes，fromOlmutz，"heanswered，withasigh。
　　AftersupperPierrewithhispartnerfollowedtheothersintothedrawingroom。Theguestsbegantodisperse，somewithouttakingleaveofHelene。Some，asifunwillingtodistractherfromanimportantoccupation，cameuptoherforamomentandmadehastetogoaway，refusingtoletherseethemoff。Thediplomatistpreservedamournfulsilenceasheleftthedrawingroom。HepicturedthevanityofhisdiplomaticcareerincomparisonwithPierre’shappiness。Theoldgeneralgrumbledathiswifewhensheaskedhowhislegwas。
　　"Oh，theoldfool，"hethought。"ThatPrincessHelenewillbebeautifulstillwhenshe’sfifty。"
　　"IthinkImaycongratulateyou，"whisperedAnnaPavlovnatotheoldprincess，kissinghersoundly。"IfIhadn’tthisheadacheI’dhavestayedlonger。"
　　Theoldprincessdidnotreply，shewastormentedbyjealousyofherdaughter’shappiness。
　　WhiletheguestsweretakingtheirleavePierreremainedforalongtimealonewithHeleneinthelittledrawingroomwheretheyweresitting。Hehadoftenbefore，duringthelastsixweeks，remainedalonewithher，buthadneverspokentoheroflove。Nowhefeltthatitwasinevitable，buthecouldnotmakeuphismindtotakethefinalstep。Hefeltashamed；hefeltthathewasoccupyingsomeoneelse’splaceherebesideHelene。"Thishappinessisnotforyou，"someinnervoicewhisperedtohim。"Thishappinessisforthosewhohavenotinthemwhatthereisinyou。"
　　But，ashehadtosaysomething，hebeganbyaskingherwhethershewassatisfiedwiththeparty。Sherepliedinherusualsimplemannerthatthisnamedayofhershadbeenoneofthepleasantestshehadeverhad。
　　Someofthenearestrelativeshadnotyetleft。Theyweresittinginthelargedrawingroom。PrinceVasilicameuptoPierrewithlanguidfootsteps。Pierreroseandsaiditwasgettinglate。PrinceVasiligavehimalookofsterninquiry，asthoughwhatPierrehadjustsaidwassostrangethatonecouldnottakeitin。Butthentheexpressionofseveritychanged，andhedrewPierre’shanddownwards，madehimsitdown，andsmiledaffectionately。
　　"Well，Lelya？"heasked，turninginstantlytohisdaughterandaddressingherwiththecarelesstoneofhabitualtendernessnaturaltoparentswhohavepettedtheirchildrenfrombabyhood，butwhichPrinceVasilihadonlyacquiredbyimitatingotherparents。
　　AndheagainturnedtoPierre。
　　"SergeyKuzmich—Fromallsides—"hesaid，unbuttoningthetopbuttonofhiswaistcoat。
　　Pierresmiled，buthissmileshowedthatheknewitwasnotthestoryaboutSergeyKuzmichthatinterestedPrinceVasilijustthen，andPrinceVasilisawthatPierreknewthis。Hesuddenlymutteredsomethingandwentaway。ItseemedtoPierrethateventheprincewasdisconcerted。ThesightofthediscomposureofthatoldmanoftheworldtouchedPierre：helookedatHeleneandshetooseemeddisconcerted，andherlookseemedtosay："Well，itisyourownfault。"
　　"ThestepmustbetakenbutIcannot，Icannot！"thoughtPierre，andheagainbeganspeakingaboutindifferentmatters，aboutSergeyKuzmich，askingwhatthepointofthestorywasashehadnothearditproperly。Heleneansweredwithasmilethatshetoohadmissedit。
　　WhenPrinceVasilireturnedtothedrawingroom，theprincess，hiswife，wastalkinginlowtonestotheelderlyladyaboutPierre。
　　"Ofcourse，itisaverybrilliantmatch，buthappiness，mydear……"
　　"Marriagesaremadeinheaven，"repliedtheelderlylady。
　　PrinceVasilipassedby，seemingnottoheartheladies，andsatdownonasofainafarcorneroftheroom。Heclosedhiseyesandseemedtobedozing。Hisheadsankforwardandthenherousedhimself。
　　"Aline，"hesaidtohiswife，"goandseewhattheyareabout。"
　　Theprincesswentuptothedoor，passedbyitwithadignifiedandindifferentair，andglancedintothelittledrawingroom。
　　PierreandHelenestillsattalkingjustasbefore。
　　"Stillthesame，"shesaidtoherhusband。
　　PrinceVasilifrowned，twistinghismouth，hischeeksquiveredandhisfaceassumedthecoarse，unpleasantexpressionpeculiartohim。
　　Shakinghimself，herose，threwbackhishead，andwithresolutestepswentpasttheladiesintothelittledrawingroom。WithquickstepshewentjoyfullyuptoPierre。HisfacewassounusuallytriumphantthatPierreroseinalarmonseeingit。
　　"ThankGod！"saidPrinceVasili。"Mywifehastoldmeeverything！—
　　HeputonearmaroundPierreandtheotheraroundhisdaughter。—"Mydearboy……Lelya……Iamverypleased。"Hisvoicetrembled。"I
　　lovedyourfather……andshewillmakeyouagoodwife……Godblessyou！……"
　　Heembracedhisdaughter，andthenagainPierre，andkissedhimwithhismalodorousmouth。Tearsactuallymoistenedhischeeks。
　　"Princess，comehere！"heshouted。
　　Theoldprincesscameinandalsowept。Theelderlyladywasusingherhandkerchieftoo。Pierrewaskissed，andhekissedthebeautifulHelene’shandseveraltimes。Afterawhiletheywereleftaloneagain。
　　"Allthishadtobeandcouldnotbeotherwise，"thoughtPierre，"soitisuselesstoaskwhetheritisgoodorbad。Itisgoodbecauseit’sdefiniteandoneisridoftheoldtormentingdoubt。"Pierreheldthehandofhisbetrothedinsilence，lookingatherbeautifulbosomasitroseandfell。
　　"Helene！"hesaidaloudandpaused。
　　"Somethingspecialisalwayssaidinsuchcases，"hethought，butcouldnotrememberwhatitwasthatpeoplesay。Helookedatherface。
　　Shedrewnearertohim。Herfaceflushed。
　　"Oh，takethoseoff……those……"shesaid，pointingtohisspectacles。
　　Pierretookthemoff，andhiseyes，besidesthestrangelookeyeshavefromwhichspectacleshavejustbeenremoved，hadalsoafrightenedandinquiringlook。Hewasabouttostoopoverherhandandkissit，butwitharapid，almostbrutalmovementofherhead，sheinterceptedhislipsandmetthemwithherown。HerfacestruckPierre，byitsaltered，unpleasantlyexcitedexpression。
　　"Itistoolatenow，it’sdone；besidesIloveher，"thoughtPierre。
　　"Jevousaime！"*hesaid，rememberingwhathastobesaidatsuchmoments：buthiswordssoundedsoweakthathefeltashamedofhimself。
　　*"Iloveyou。"
　　Sixweekslaterhewasmarried，andsettledinCountBezukhov’slarge，newlyfurnishedPetersburghouse，thehappypossessor，aspeoplesaid，ofawifewhowasacelebratedbeautyandofmillionsofmoney。
　　BK3CH3
　　CHAPTERIII
　　OldPrinceNicholasBolkonskireceivedaletterfromPrinceVasiliinNovember，1805，announcingthatheandhissonwouldbepayinghimavisit。"Iamstartingonajourneyofinspection，andofcourseIshallthinknothingofanextraseventymilestocomeandseeyouatthesametime，myhonoredbenefactor，"wrotePrinceVasili。"MysonAnatoleisaccompanyingmeonhiswaytothearmy，soIhopeyouwillallowhimpersonallytoexpressthedeeprespectthat，emulatinghisfather，hefeelsforyou。"
　　"ItseemsthattherewillbenoneedtobringMaryout，suitorsarecomingtousoftheirownaccord，"incautiouslyremarkedthelittleprincessonhearingthenews。
　　PrinceNicholasfrowned，butsaidnothing。
　　AfortnightaftertheletterPrinceVasili’sservantscameoneeveninginadvanceofhim，andheandhissonarrivednextday。
　　OldBolkonskihadalwayshadapooropinionofPrinceVasili’scharacter，butmoresorecently，sinceinthenewreignsofPaulandAlexanderPrinceVasilihadrisentohighpositionandhonors。Andnow，fromthehintscontainedinhisletterandgivenbythelittleprincess，hesawwhichwaythewindwasblowing，andhislowopinionchangedintoafeelingofcontemptuousillwill。Hesnortedwheneverhementionedhim。OnthedayofPrinceVasili’sarrival，PrinceBolkonskiwasparticularlydiscontentedandoutoftemper。WhetherhewasinabadtemperbecausePrinceVasiliwascoming，orwhetherhisbeinginabadtempermadehimspeciallyannoyedatPrinceVasili’svisit，hewasinabadtemper，andinthemorningTikhonhadalreadyadvisedthearchitectnottogotheprincewithhisreport。
　　"Doyouhearhowhe’swalking？"saidTikhon，drawingthearchitect’sattentiontothesoundoftheprince’sfootsteps。"Steppingflatonhisheels—weknowwhatthatmeans……"
　　However，atnineo’clocktheprince，inhisvelvetcoatwithasablecollarandcap，wentoutforhisusualwalk。Ithadsnowedthedaybeforeandthepathtothehothouse，alongwhichtheprincewasinthehabitofwalking，hadbeenswept：themarksofthebroomwerestillvisibleinthesnowandashovelhadbeenleftstickinginoneofthesoftsnowbanksthatborderedbothsidesofthepath。Theprincewentthroughtheconservatories，theserfs’quarters，andtheoutbuildings，frowningandsilent。
　　"Canasleighpass？"heaskedhisoverseer，avenerableman，resemblinghismasterinmannersandlooks，whowasaccompanyinghimbacktothehouse。
　　"Thesnowisdeep。Iamhavingtheavenueswept，yourhonor。"
　　Theprincebowedhisheadandwentuptotheporch。"Godbethanked，"thoughttheoverseer，"thestormhasblownover！"
　　"Itwouldhavebeenhardtodriveup，yourhonor，"headded。"I
　　heard，yourhonor，thataministeriscomingtovisityourhonor。"
　　Theprinceturnedroundtotheoverseerandfixedhiseyesonhim，frowning。
　　"What？Aminister？Whatminister？Whogaveorders？"hesaidinhisshrill，harshvoice。"Theroadisnotsweptfortheprincessmydaughter，butforaminister！Forme，therearenoministers！"
　　"Yourhonor，Ithought……"
　　"Youthought！"shoutedtheprince，hiswordscomingmoreandmorerapidlyandindistinctly。"Youthought！……Rascals！Blackgaurds！……
　　I’llteachyoutothink！"andliftinghisstickheswungitandwouldhavehitAlpatych，theoverseer，hadnotthelatterinstinctivelyavoidedtheblow。"Thought……Blackguards……"shoutedtheprincerapidly。
　　ButalthoughAlpatych，frightenedathisowntemerityinavoidingthestroke，cameuptotheprince，bowinghisbaldheadresignedlybeforehim，orperhapsforthatveryreason，theprince，thoughhecontinuedtoshout："Blackgaurds！……Throwthesnowbackontheroad！"
　　didnotlifthisstickagainbuthurriedintothehouse。
　　Beforedinner，PrincessMaryandMademoiselleBourienne，whoknewthattheprincewasinabadhumor，stoodawaitinghim；MademoiselleBouriennewitharadiantfacethatsaid："Iknownothing，Iamthesameasusual，"andPrincessMarypale，frightened，andwithdowncasteyes。WhatshefoundhardesttobearwastoknowthatonsuchoccasionssheoughttobehavelikeMademoiselleBourienne，butcouldnot。Shethought："IfIseemnottonoticehewillthinkthatIdonotsympathizewithhim；ifIseemsadandoutofspiritsmyself，hewillsayashehasdonebeforethatI’minthedumps。"
　　Theprincelookedathisdaughter’sfrightenedfaceandsnorted。
　　"Fool……ordummy！"hemuttered。
　　"Andtheotheroneisnothere。They’vebeentellingtales，"hethought—referringtothelittleprincesswhowasnotinthediningroom。
　　"Whereistheprincess？"heasked。"Hiding？"
　　"Sheisnotverywell，"answeredMademoiselleBouriennewithabrightsmile，"soshewon’tcomedown。Itisnaturalinherstate。"
　　"Hm！Hm！"mutteredtheprince，sittingdown。
　　Hisplateseemedtohimnotquiteclean，andpointingtoaspotheflungitaway。Tikhoncaughtitandhandedittoafootman。Thelittleprincesswasnotunwell，buthadsuchanoverpoweringfearoftheprincethat，hearinghewasinabadhumor，shehaddecidednottoappear。
　　"Iamafraidforthebaby，"shesaidtoMademoiselleBourienne：
　　"Heavenknowswhatafrightmightdo。"
　　IngeneralatBaldHillsthelittleprincesslivedinconstantfear，andwithasenseofantipathytotheoldprincewhichshedidnotrealizebecausethefearwassomuchthestrongerfeeling。Theprincereciprocatedthisantipathy，butitwasoverpoweredbyhiscontemptforher。WhenthelittleprincesshadgrownaccustomedtolifeatBaldHills，shetookaspecialfancytoMademoiselleBourienne，spentwholedayswithher，askedhertosleepinherroom，andoftentalkedwithherabouttheoldprinceandcriticizedhim。
　　"Sowearetohavevisitors，monprince？"remarkedMademoiselleBourienne，unfoldingherwhitenapkinwithherrosyfingers。"HisExcellencyPrinceVasiliKuraginandhisson，Iunderstand？"shesaidinquiringly。
　　"Hm！—hisexcellencyisapuppy……Igothimhisappointmentintheservice，"saidtheprincedisdainfully。"WhyhissoniscomingIdon’tunderstand。PerhapsPrincessElizabethandPrincessMaryknow。Idon’twanthim。"Helookedathisblushingdaughter。"Areyouunwelltoday？Eh？Afraidofthe’minister’asthatidiotAlpatychcalledhimthismorning？"
　　"No，monpere。"
　　ThoughMademoiselleBouriennehadbeensounsuccessfulinherchoiceofasubject，shedidnotstoptalking，butchatteredabouttheconservatoriesandthebeautyofaflowerthathadjustopened，andafterthesouptheprincebecamemoregenial。
　　Afterdinner，hewenttoseehisdaughter—in—law。Thelittleprincesswassittingatasmalltable，chatteringwithMasha，hermaid。Shegrewpaleonseeingherfather—in—law。
　　Shewasmuchaltered。Shewasnowplainratherthanpretty。Hercheekshadsunk，herlipwasdrawnup，andhereyesdrawndown。
　　"Yes，Ifeelakindofoppression，"shesaidinreplytotheprince’squestionastohowshefelt。
　　"Doyouwantanything？"
　　"No，merci，monpere。"
　　"Well，allright，allright。"
　　HelefttheroomandwenttothewaitingroomwhereAlpatychstoodwithbowedhead。
　　"Hasthesnowbeenshoveledback？"
　　"Yes，yourexcellency。Forgivemeforheaven’ssake……Itwasonlymystupidity。"
　　"Allright，allright，"interruptedtheprince，andlaughinghisunnaturalway，hestretchedouthishandforAlpatychtokiss，andthenproceededtohisstudy。
　　PrinceVasiliarrivedthatevening。Hewasmetintheavenuebycoachmenandfootmen，who，withloudshouts，draggedhissleighsuptooneofthelodgesovertheroadpurposelyladenwithsnow。
　　PrinceVasiliandAnatolehadseparateroomsassignedtothem。
　　Anatole，havingtakenoffhisovercoat，satwitharmsakimbobeforeatableonacornerofwhichhesmilinglyandabsent—mindedlyfixedhislargeandhandsomeeyes。Heregardedhiswholelifeasacontinualroundofamusementwhichsomeoneforsomereasonhadtoprovideforhim。Andhelookedonthisvisittoachurlisholdmanandarichanduglyheiressinthesameway。Allthismight，hethought，turnoutverywellandamusingly。"Andwhynotmarryherifshereallyhassomuchmoney？Thatneverdoesanyharm，"thoughtAnatole。
　　Heshavedandscentedhimselfwiththecareandelegancewhichhadbecomehabitualtohimand，hishandsomeheadheldhigh，enteredhisfather’sroomwiththegood—humoredandvictoriousairnaturaltohim。
　　PrinceVasili’stwovaletswerebusydressinghim，andhelookedroundwithmuchanimationandcheerfullynoddedtohissonasthelatterentered，asiftosay："Yes，that’showIwantyoutolook。"
　　"Isay，Father，jokingapart，issheveryhideous？"Anatoleasked，asifcontinuingaconversationthesubjectofwhichhadoftenbeenmentionedduringthejourney。
　　"Enough！Whatnonsense！Aboveall，trytoberespectfulandcautiouswiththeoldprince。"
　　"IfhestartsarowI’llgoaway，"saidPrinceAnatole。"Ican’tbearthoseoldmen！Eh？"
　　"Remember，foryoueverythingdependsonthis。"
　　Inthemeantime，notonlywasitknowninthemaidservants’roomsthattheministerandhissonhadarrived，buttheappearanceofbothhadbeenminutelydescribed。PrincessMarywassittingaloneinherroom，vainlytryingtomasterheragitation。
　　"Whydidtheywrite，whydidLisetellmeaboutit？Itcanneverhappen！"shesaid，lookingatherselfintheglass。"HowshallIenterthedrawingroom？EvenifIlikehimIcan’tnowbemyselfwithhim。"Themerethoughtofherfather’slookfilledherwithterror。
　　ThelittleprincessandMademoiselleBouriennehadalreadyreceivedfromMasha，thelady’smaid，thenecessaryreportofhowhandsometheminister’ssonwas，withhisrosycheeksanddarkeyebrows，andwithwhatdifficultythefatherhaddraggedhislegsupstairswhilethesonhadfollowedhimlikeaneagle，threestepsatatime。
　　Havingreceivedthisinformation，thelittleprincessandMademoiselleBourienne，whosechatteringvoiceshadreachedherfromthecorridor，wentintoPrincessMary’sroom。
　　"Youknowthey’vecome，Marie？"saidthelittleprincess，waddlingin，andsinkingheavilyintoanarmchair。
　　Shewasnolongerintheloosegownshegenerallyworeinthemorning，buthadononeofherbestdresses。Herhairwascarefullydoneandherfacewasanimated，which，however，didnotconcealitssunkenandfadedoutlines。DressedassheusedtobeinPetersburgsociety，itwasstillmorenoticeablehowmuchplainershehadbecome。
　　SomeunobtrusivetouchhadbeenaddedtoMademoiselleBourienne’stoiletwhichrenderedherfreshandprettyfaceyetmoreattractive。
　　"What！Areyougoingtoremainasyouare，dearprincess？"shebegan。"They’llbeannouncingthatthegentlemenareinthedrawingroomandweshallhavetogodown，andyouhavenotsmartenedyourselfupatall！"
　　Thelittleprincessgotup，rangforthemaid，andhurriedlyandmerrilybegantodeviseandcarryoutaplanofhowPrincessMaryshouldbedressed。PrincessMary’sself—esteemwaswoundedbythefactthatthearrivalofasuitoragitatedher，andstillmoresobybothhercompanions’nothavingtheleastconceptionthatitcouldbeotherwise。Totellthemthatshefeltashamedforherselfandforthemwouldbetobetrayheragitation，whiletodeclinetheirofferstodressherwouldprolongtheirbanterandinsistence。Sheflushed，herbeautifuleyesgrewdim，redblotchescameonherface，andittookontheunattractivemartyrlikeexpressionitsooftenwore，asshesubmittedherselftoMademoiselleBourienneandLise。Boththesewomenquitesincerelytriedtomakeherlookpretty。Shewassoplainthatneitherofthemcouldthinkofherasarival，sotheybegandressingherwithperfectsincerity，andwiththenaiveandfirmconvictionwomenhavethatdresscanmakeafacepretty。
　　"Noreally，mydear，thisdressisnotpretty，"saidLise，lookingsidewaysatPrincessMaryfromalittledistance。"Youhaveamaroondress，haveitfetched。Really！Youknowthefateofyourwholelifemaybeatstake。Butthisoneistoolight，it’snotbecoming！"
　　Itwasnotthedress，butthefaceandwholefigureofPrincessMarythatwasnotpretty，butneitherMademoiselleBouriennenorthelittleprincessfeltthis；theystillthoughtthatifablueribbonwereplacedinthehair，thehaircombedup，andthebluescarfarrangedloweronthebestmaroondress，andsoon，allwouldbewell。Theyforgotthatthefrightenedfaceandthefigurecouldnotbealtered，andthathowevertheymightchangethesettingandadornmentofthatface，itwouldstillremainpiteousandplain。AftertwoorthreechangestowhichPrincessMarymeeklysubmitted，justasherhairhadbeenarrangedonthetopofherheadastylethatquitealteredandspoiledherlooksandshehadputonamaroondresswithapale—bluescarf，thelittleprincesswalkedtwiceroundher，nowadjustingafoldofthedresswithherlittlehand，nowarrangingthescarfandlookingatherwithherheadbentfirstononesideandthenontheother。
　　"No，itwillnotdo，"shesaiddecidedly，claspingherhands。"No，Mary，reallythisdressdoesnotsuityou。Ipreferyouinyourlittlegrayeverydaydress。Nowplease，doitformysake。Katie，"shesaidtothemaid，"bringtheprincesshergraydress，andyou’llsee，MademoiselleBourienne，howIshallarrangeit，"sheadded，smilingwithaforetasteofartisticpleasure。
　　ButwhenKatiebroughttherequireddress，PrincessMaryremainedsittingmotionlessbeforetheglass，lookingatherface，andsawinthemirrorhereyesfulloftearsandhermouthquivering，readytoburstintosobs。
　　"Come，dearprincess，"saidMademoiselleBourienne，"justonemorelittleeffort。"
　　Thelittleprincess，takingthedressfromthemaid，cameuptoPrincessMary。
　　"Well，nowwe’llarrangesomethingquitesimpleandbecoming，"shesaid。
　　Thethreevoices，hers，MademoiselleBourienne’s，andKatie’s，whowaslaughingatsomething，mingledinamerrysound，likethechirpingofbirds。
　　"No，leavemealone，"saidPrincessMary。
　　Hervoicesoundedsoseriousandsosadthatthechirpingofthebirdswassilencedatonce。Theylookedatthebeautiful，large，thoughtfuleyesfulloftearsandofthoughts，gazingshininglyandimploringlyatthem，andunderstoodthatitwasuselessandevencrueltoinsist。
　　"Atleast，changeyourcoiffure，"saidthelittleprincess。
　　"Didn’tItellyou，"shewenton，turningreproachfullytoMademoiselleBourienne，"Mary’sisafacewhichsuchacoiffuredoesnotsuitintheleast。Notintheleast！Pleasechangeit。"
　　"Leavemealone，pleaseleavemealone！Itisallquitethesametome，"answeredavoicestrugglingwithtears。
　　MademoiselleBourienneandthelittleprincesshadtoowntothemselvesthatPrincessMaryinthisguiselookedveryplain，worsethanusual，butitwastoolate。Shewaslookingatthemwithanexpressiontheybothknew，anexpressionthoughtfulandsad。ThisexpressioninPrincessMarydidnotfrightenthemsheneverinspiredfearinanyone，buttheyknewthatwhenitappearedonherface，shebecamemuteandwasnottobeshakeninherdetermination。
　　"Youwillchangeit，won’tyou？"saidLise。AndasPrincessMarygavenoanswer，shelefttheroom。
　　PrincessMarywasleftalone。ShedidnotcomplywithLise’srequest，shenotonlyleftherhairasitwas，butdidnotevenlookinherglass。Lettingherarmsfallhelplessly，shesatwithdowncasteyesandpondered。Ahusband，aman，astrongdominantandstrangelyattractivebeingroseinherimagination，andcarriedherintoatotallydifferenthappyworldofhisown。Shefanciedachild，herown—suchasshehadseenthedaybeforeinthearmsofhernurse’sdaughter—atherownbreast，thehusbandstandingbyandgazingtenderlyatherandthechild。"Butno，itisimpossible，I
　　amtoougly，"shethought。
　　"Pleasecometotea。Theprincewillbeoutinamoment，"camethemaid’svoiceatthedoor。
　　Sherousedherself，andfeltappalledatwhatshehadbeenthinking，andbeforegoingdownshewentintotheroomwheretheiconshungand，hereyesfixedonthedarkfaceofalargeiconoftheSaviourlitbyalamp，shestoodbeforeitwithfoldedhandsforafewmoments。
　　Apainfuldoubtfilledhersoul。Couldthejoyoflove，ofearthlyloveforaman，beforher？InherthoughtsofmarriagePrincessMarydreamedofhappinessandofchildren，butherstrongest，mostdeeplyhiddenlongingwasforearthlylove。Themoreshetriedtohidethisfeelingfromothersandevenfromherself，thestrongeritgrew。"OGod，"shesaid，"howamItostifleinmyheartthesetemptationsofthedevil？HowamItorenounceforeverthesevilefancies，soaspeacefullytofulfillThywill？"AndscarcelyhadsheputthatquestionthanGodgavehertheanswerinherownheart。
　　"Desirenothingforthyself，seeknothing，benotanxiousorenvious。Man’sfutureandthyownfatemustremainhiddenfromthee，butlivesothatthoumayestbereadyforanything。IfitbeGod’swilltoprovetheeinthedutiesofmarriage，bereadytofulfillHiswill。"WiththisconsolingthoughtbutyetwithahopeforthefulfillmentofherforbiddenearthlylongingPrincessMarysighed，andhavingcrossedherselfwentdown，thinkingneitherofhergownandcoiffurenorofhowshewouldgoinnorofwhatshewouldsay。WhatcouldallthatmatterincomparisonwiththewillofGod，withoutWhosecarenotahairofman’sheadcanfall？
　　BK3CH4
　　CHAPTERIV
　　WhenPrincessMarycamedown，PrinceVasiliandhissonwerealreadyinthedrawingroom，talkingtothelittleprincessandMademoiselleBourienne。Whensheenteredwithherheavystep，treadingonherheels，thegentlemenandMademoiselleBourienneroseandthelittleprincess，indicatinghertothegentlemen，said："VoilaMarie！"
　　PrincessMarysawthemallandsawthemindetail。ShesawPrinceVasili’sface，seriousforaninstantatthesightofher，butimmediatelysmilingagain，andthelittleprincesscuriouslynotingtheimpression"Marie"producedonthevisitors。AndshesawMademoiselleBourienne，withherribbonandprettyface，andherunusuallyanimatedlookwhichwasfixedonhim，buthimshecouldnotsee，sheonlysawsomethinglarge，brilliant，andhandsomemovingtowardherassheenteredtheroom。PrinceVasiliapproachedfirst，andshekissedtheboldforeheadthatbentoverherhandandansweredhisquestionbysayingthat，onthecontrary，sherememberedhimquitewell。ThenAnatolecameuptoher。Shestillcouldnotseehim。Sheonlyfeltasofthandtakinghersfirmly，andshetouchedwithherlipsawhiteforehead，overwhichwasbeautifullight—brownhairsmellingofpomade。Whenshelookedupathimshewasstruckbyhisbeauty。Anatolestoodwithhisrightthumbunderabuttonofhisuniform，hischestexpandedandhisbackdrawnin，slightlyswingingonefoot，and，withhisheadalittlebent，lookedwithbeamingfaceattheprincesswithoutspeakingandevidentlynotthinkingaboutheratall。Anatolewasnotquick—witted，norreadyoreloquentinconversation，buthehadthefaculty，soinvaluableinsociety，ofcomposureandimperturbableself—possession。Ifamanlackinginself—confidenceremainsdumbonafirstintroductionandbetraysaconsciousnessoftheimproprietyofsuchsilenceandananxietytofindsomethingtosay，theeffectisbad。ButAnatolewasdumb，swunghisfoot，andsmilinglyexaminedtheprincess’hair。Itwasevidentthathecouldbesilentinthiswayforaverylongtime。"Ifanyonefindsthissilenceinconvenient，lethimtalk，butIdon’twantto"’heseemedtosay。Besidesthis，inhisbehaviortowomenAnatolehadamannerwhichparticularlyinspiresinthemcuriosity，awe，andevenlove—asuperciliousconsciousnessofhisownsuperiority。Itwaswasasifhesaidtothem："Iknowyou，Iknowyou，butwhyshouldIbotheraboutyou？You’dbeonlytooglad，ofcourse。"Perhapshedidnotreallythinkthiswhenhemetwomen—
　　evenprobablyhedidnot，foringeneralhethoughtverylittle—buthislooksandmannergavethatimpression。Theprincessfeltthis，andasifwishingtoshowhimthatshedidnotevendareexpecttointeresthim，sheturnedtohisfather。Theconversationwasgeneralandanimated，thankstoPrincessLise’svoiceandlittledownylipthatliftedoverherwhiteteeth。ShemetPrinceVasiliwiththatplayfulmanneroftenemployedbylivelychattypeople，andconsistingintheassumptionthatbetweenthepersontheysoaddressandthemselvestherearesomesemi—private，long—establishedjokesandamusingreminiscences，thoughnosuchreminiscencesreallyexist—justasnoneexistedinthiscase。PrinceVasilireadilyadoptedhertoneandthelittleprincessalsodrewAnatole，whomshehardlyknew，intotheseamusingrecollectionsofthingsthathadneveroccurred。
　　MademoiselleBouriennealsosharedthemandevenPrincessMaryfeltherselfpleasantlymadetoshareinthesemerryreminiscences。
　　"Hereatleastweshallhavethebenefitofyourcompanyalltoourselves，dearprince，"saidthelittleprincessofcourse，inFrenchtoPrinceVasili。"It’snotasatAnnette’s*receptionswhereyoualwaysranaway；youremembercettechereAnnette！"
　　*AnnaPavlovna。
　　"Ah，butyouwon’ttalkpoliticstomelikeAnnette！"
　　"Andourlittleteatable？"
　　"Oh，yes！"
　　"WhyisityouwereneveratAnnette’s？"thelittleprincessaskedAnatole。"Ah，Iknow，Iknow，"shesaidwithaslyglance，"yourbrotherHippolytetoldmeaboutyourgoingson。Oh！"andsheshookherfingerathim，"IhaveevenheardofyourdoingsinParis！"
　　"Anddidn’tHippolytetellyou？"askedPrinceVasili，turningtohissonandseizingthelittleprincess’armasifshewouldhaverunawayandhehadjustmanagedtocatchher，"didn’thetellyouhowhehimselfwaspiningforthedearprincess，andhowsheshowedhimthedoor？Oh，sheisapearlamongwomen，Princess，"headded，turningtoPrincessMary。
　　WhenPariswasmentioned，MademoiselleBourienneforherpartseizedtheopportunityofjoininginthegeneralcurrentofrecollections。
　　ShetookthelibertyofinquiringwhetheritwaslongsinceAnatolehadleftParisandhowhehadlikedthatcity。AnatoleansweredtheFrenchwomanveryreadilyand，lookingatherwithasmile，talkedtoherabouthernativeland。WhenhesawtheprettylittleBourienne，AnatolecametotheconclusionthathewouldnotfindBaldHillsdulleither。"Notatallbad！"hethought，examiningher，"notatallbad，thatlittlecompanion！Ihopeshewillbringheralongwithherwhenwe’remarried，lapetiteestgentille。"*
　　*Thelittleoneischarming。
　　Theoldprincedressedleisurelyinhisstudy，frowningandconsideringwhathewastodo。Thecomingofthesevisitorsannoyedhim。"WhatarePrinceVasiliandthatsonofhistome？PrinceVasiliisashallowbraggartandhisson，nodoubt，isafinespecimen，"hegrumbledtohimself。Whatangeredhimwasthatthecomingofthesevisitorsrevivedinhismindanunsettledquestionhealwaystriedtostifle，oneaboutwhichhealwaysdeceivedhimself。
　　Thequestionwaswhetherhecouldeverbringhimselftopartfromhisdaughterandgivehertoahusband。Theprinceneverdirectlyaskedhimselfthatquestion，knowingbeforehandthathewouldhavetoansweritjustly，andjusticeclashednotonlywithhisfeelingsbutwiththeverypossibilityoflife。LifewithoutPrincessMary，littleasheseemedtovalueher，wasunthinkabletohim。"Andwhyshouldshemarry？"hethought。"Tobeunhappyforcertain。There’sLise，marriedtoAndrew—abetterhusbandonewouldthinkcouldhardlybefoundnowadays—butisshecontentedwithherlot？AndwhowouldmarryMarieforlove？Plainandawkward！They’lltakeherforherconnectionsandwealth。Aretherenowomenlivingunmarried，andeventhehappierforit？"SothoughtPrinceBolkonskiwhiledressing，andyetthequestionhewasalwaysputtingoffdemandedanimmediateanswer。PrinceVasilihadbroughthissonwiththeevidentintentionofproposing，andtodayortomorrowhewouldprobablyaskforananswer。Hisbirthandpositioninsocietywerenotbad。
　　"Well，I’venothingagainstit，"theprincesaidtohimself，"buthemustbeworthyofher。Andthatiswhatweshallsee。"
　　"Thatiswhatweshallsee！Thatiswhatweshallsee！"headdedaloud。
　　Heenteredthedrawingroomwithhisusualalertstep，glancingrapidlyroundthecompany。Henoticedthechangeinthelittleprincess’dress，MademoiselleBourienne’sribbon，PrincessMary’sunbecomingcoiffure，MademoiselleBourienne’sandAnatole’ssmiles，andthelonelinessofhisdaughteramidthegeneralconversation。"Gotherselfuplikeafool！"hethought，lookingirritablyather。"Sheisshameless，andheignoresher！"
　　HewentstraightuptoPrinceVasili。
　　"Well！Howd’yedo？Howd’yedo？Gladtoseeyou！"
　　"Friendshiplaughsatdistance，"beganPrinceVasiliinhisusualrapid，self—confident，familiartone。"Hereismysecondson；pleaseloveandbefriendhim。"
　　PrinceBolkonskisurveyedAnatole。
　　"Fineyoungfellow！Fineyoungfellow！"hesaid。"Well，comeandkissme，"andheofferedhischeek。
　　Anatolekissedtheoldman，andlookedathimwithcuriosityandperfectcomposure，waitingforadisplayoftheeccentricitieshisfatherhadtoldhimtoexpect。
　　PrinceBolkonskisatdowninhisusualplaceinthecornerofthesofaand，drawingupanarmchairforPrinceVasili，pointedtoitandbeganquestioninghimaboutpoliticalaffairsandnews。HeseemedtolistenattentivelytowhatPrinceVasilisaid，butkeptglancingatPrincessMary。
　　"AndsotheyarewritingfromPotsdamalready？"hesaid，repeatingPrinceVasili’slastwords。Thenrising，hesuddenlywentuptohisdaughter。
　　"Isitforvisitorsyou’vegotyourselfuplikethat，eh？"saidhe。"Fine，veryfine！Youhavedoneupyourhairinthisnewwayforthevisitors，andbeforethevisitorsItellyouthatinfutureyouarenevertodaretochangeyourwayofdresswithoutmyconsent。"
　　"Itwasmyfault，monpere，"intercededthelittleprincess，withablush。
　　"Youmustdoasyouplease，"saidPrinceBolkonski，bowingtohisdaughter—in—law，"butsheneednotmakeafoolofherself，she’splainenoughasitis。"
　　Andhesatdownagain，payingnomoreattentiontohisdaughter，whowasreducedtotears。
　　"Onthecontrary，thatcoiffuresuitstheprincessverywell，"
　　saidPrinceVasili。
　　"Nowyou，youngprince，what’syourname？"saidPrinceBolkonski，turningtoAnatole，"comehere，letustalkandgetacquainted。"
　　"Nowthefunbegins，"thoughtAnatole，sittingdownwithasmilebesidetheoldprince。
　　"Well，mydearboy，Ihearyou’vebeeneducatedabroad，nottaughttoreadandwritebythedeacon，likeyourfatherandme。Nowtellme，mydearboy，areyouservingintheHorseGuards？"askedtheoldman，scrutinizingAnatolecloselyandintently。
　　"No，Ihavebeentransferredtotheline，"saidAnatole，hardlyabletorestrainhislaughter。
　　"Ah！That’sagoodthing。So，mydearboy，youwishtoservetheTsarandthecountry？Itiswartime。Suchafinefellowmustserve。
　　Well，areyouofftothefront？"
　　"No，Prince，ourregimenthasgonetothefront，butIamattached……whatisitIamattachedto，Papa？"saidAnatole，turningtohisfatherwithalaugh。
　　"Asplendidsoldier，splendid！’WhatamIattachedto！’Ha，ha，ha！"
　　laughedPrinceBolkonski，andAnatolelaughedstilllouder。SuddenlyPrinceBolkonskifrowned。
　　"Youmaygo，"hesaidtoAnatole。
　　Anatolereturnedsmilingtotheladies。
　　"Andsoyou’vehadhimeducatedabroad，PrinceVasili，haven’tyou？"
　　saidtheoldprincetoPrinceVasili。
　　"Ihavedonemybestforhim，andIcanassureyoutheeducationthereismuchbetterthanours。"
　　"Yes，everythingisdifferentnowadays，everythingischanged。Thelad’safinefellow，afinefellow！Well，comewithmenow。"HetookPrinceVasili’sarmandledhimtohisstudy。Assoonastheywerealonetogether，PrinceVasiliannouncedhishopesandwishestotheoldprince。
　　"Well，doyouthinkIshallpreventher，thatIcan’tpartfromher？"saidtheoldprinceangrily。"Whatanidea！I’mreadyforittomorrow！Onlyletmetellyou，Iwanttoknowmyson—in—lawbetter。
　　Youknowmyprinciples—everythingaboveboard？Iwillaskhertomorrowinyourpresence；ifsheiswilling，thenhecanstayon。HecanstayandI’llsee。"Theoldprincesnorted。"Lethermarry，it’sallthesametome！"hescreamedinthesamepiercingtoneaswhenpartingfromhisson。
　　"Iwilltellyoufrankly，"saidPrinceVasiliinthetoneofacraftymanconvincedofthefutilityofbeingcunningwithsokeen—sightedcompanion。"Youknow，youseerightthroughpeople。
　　Anatoleisnogenius，butheisanhonest，goodheartedlad；anexcellentsonorkinsman。"
　　"Allright，allright，we’llsee！"
　　Asalwayshappenswhenwomenleadlonelylivesforanylengthoftimewithoutmalesociety，onAnatole’sappearanceallthethreewomenofPrinceBolkonski’shouseholdfeltthattheirlifehadnotbeenrealtillthen。Theirpowersofreasoning，feeling，andobservingimmediatelyincreasedtenfold，andtheirlife，whichseemedtohavebeenpassedindarkness，wassuddenlylitupbyanewbrightness，fullofsignificance。
　　PrincessMarygrewquiteunconsciousofherfaceandcoiffure。Thehandsomeopenfaceofthemanwhomightperhapsbeherhusbandabsorbedallherattention。Heseemedtoherkind，brave，determined，manly，andmagnanimous。Shefeltconvincedofthat。
　　Thousandsofdreamsofafuturefamilylifecontinuallyroseinherimagination。Shedrovethemawayandtriedtoconcealthem。
　　"ButamInottoocoldwithhim？"thoughttheprincess。"ItrytobereservedbecauseinthedepthofmysoulIfeeltooneartohimalready，butthenhecannotknowwhatIthinkofhimandmayimaginethatIdonotlikehim。"
　　AndPrincessMarytried，butcouldnotmanage，tobecordialtohernewguest。"Poorgirl，she’sdevilishugly！"thoughtAnatole。
　　MademoiselleBourienne，alsorousedtogreatexcitementbyAnatole’sarrival，thoughtinanotherway。Ofcourse，she，ahandsomeyoungwomanwithoutanydefiniteposition，withoutrelationsorevenacountry，didnotintendtodevoteherlifetoservingPrinceBolkonski，toreadingaloudtohimandbeingfriendswithPrincessMary。MademoiselleBouriennehadlongbeenwaitingforaRussianprincewho，abletoappreciateataglancehersuperioritytotheplain，badlydressed，ungainlyRussianprincesses，wouldfallinlovewithherandcarryheroff；andhereatlastwasaRussianprince。MademoiselleBourienneknewastory，heardfromherauntbutfinishedinherownway，whichshelikedtorepeattoherself。Itwasthestoryofagirlwhohadbeenseduced，andtowhomherpoormothersapauvremereappeared，andreproachedherforyieldingtoamanwithoutbeingmarried。MademoiselleBouriennewasoftentouchedtotearsasinimaginationshetoldthisstorytohim，herseducer。Andnowhe，arealRussianprince，hadappeared。Hewouldcarryherawayandthensapauvremerewouldappearandhewouldmarryher。SoherfutureshapeditselfinMademoiselleBourienne’sheadattheverytimeshewastalkingtoAnatoleaboutParis。Itwasnotcalculationthatguidedhershedidnotevenforamomentconsiderwhatsheshoulddo，butallthishadlongbeenfamiliartoher，andnowthatAnatolehadappeareditjustgroupeditselfaroundhimandshewishedandtriedtopleasehimasmuchaspossible。
　　Thelittleprincess，likeanoldwarhorsethathearsthetrumpet，unconsciouslyandquiteforgettinghercondition，preparedforthefamiliargallopofcoquetry，withoutanyulteriormotiveoranystruggle，butwithnaiveandlightheartedgaiety。
　　AlthoughinfemalesocietyAnatoleusuallyassumedtheroleofamantiredofbeingrunafterbywomen，hisvanitywasflatteredbythespectacleofhispoweroverthesethreewomen。Besidesthat，hewasbeginningtofeelfortheprettyandprovocativeMademoiselleBouriennethatpassionateanimalfeelingwhichwasapttomasterhimwithgreatsuddennessandprompthimtothecoarsestandmostrecklessactions。
　　Aftertea，thecompanywentintothesittingroomandPrincessMarywasaskedtoplayontheclavichord。Anatole，laughingandinhighspirits，cameandleanedonhiselbows，facingherandbesideMademoiselleBourienne。PrincessMaryfelthislookwithapainfullyjoyousemotion。Herfavoritesonataboreherintoamostintimatelypoeticworldandthelookshefeltuponhermadethatworldstillmorepoetic。ButAnatole’sexpression，thoughhiseyeswerefixedonher，referrednottoherbuttothemovementsofMademoiselleBourienne’slittlefoot，whichhewasthentouchingwithhisownundertheclavichord。MademoiselleBouriennewasalsolookingatPrincessMary，andinherlovelyeyestherewasalookoffearfuljoyandhopethatwasalsonewtotheprincess。
　　"Howshelovesme！"thoughtPrincessMary。"HowhappyIamnow，andhowhappyImaybewithsuchafriendandsuchahusband！Husband？
　　Canitbepossible？"shethought，notdaringtolookathisface，butstillfeelinghiseyesgazingather。
　　Intheevening，aftersupper，whenallwereabouttoretire，AnatolekissedPrincessMary’shand。Shedidnotknowhowshefoundthecourage，butshelookedstraightintohishandsomefaceasitcameneartohershortsightedeyes。TurningfromPrincessMaryhewentupandkissedMademoiselleBourienne’shand。Thiswasnotetiquette，butthenhedideverythingsosimplyandwithsuchassurance！
　　MademoiselleBourienneflushed，andgavetheprincessafrightenedlook。
　　"Whatdelicacy！"thoughttheprincess。"IsitpossiblethatAmelie"
　　MademoiselleBourienne"thinksIcouldbejealousofher，andnotvalueherpureaffectionanddevotiontome？"Shewentuptoherandkissedherwarmly。Anatolewentuptokissthelittleprincess’hand。
　　"No！No！No！WhenyourfatherwritestotellmethatyouarebehavingwellIwillgiveyoumyhandtokiss。Nottillthen！"shesaid。Andsmilinglyraisingafingerathim，shelefttheroom。
　　BK3CH5
　　CHAPTERV
　　Theyallseparated，but，exceptAnatolewhofellasleepassoonashegotintobed，allkeptawakealongtimethatnight。
　　"Ishereallytobemyhusband，thisstrangerwhoissokind—yes，kind，thatisthechiefthing，"thoughtPrincessMary；andfear，whichshehadseldomexperienced，cameuponher。Shefearedtolookround，itseemedtoherthatsomeonewastherestandingbehindthescreeninthedarkcorner。Andthissomeonewashe—thedevil—andhewasalsothismanwiththewhiteforehead，blackeyebrows，andredlips。
　　Sherangforhermaidandaskedhertosleepinherroom。
　　MademoiselleBouriennewalkedupanddowntheconservatoryforalongtimethatevening，vainlyexpectingsomeone，nowsmilingatsomeone，nowworkingherselfuptotearswiththeimaginarywordsofherpauvremererebukingherforherfall。
　　Thelittleprincessgrumbledtohermaidthatherbedwasbadlymade。Shecouldnotlieeitheronherfaceoronherside。Everypositionwasawkwardanduncomfortable，andherburdenoppressedhernowmorethaneverbecauseAnatole’spresencehadvividlyrecalledtoherthetimewhenshewasnotlikethatandwheneverythingwaslightandgay。ShesatinanarmchairinherdressingjacketandnightcapandKatie，sleepyanddisheveled，beatandturnedtheheavyfeatherbedforthethirdtime，mutteringtoherself。
　　"Itoldyouitwasalllumpsandholes！"thelittleprincessrepeated。"Ishouldbegladenoughtofallasleep，soit’snotmyfault！"andhervoicequiveredlikethatofachildabouttocry。
　　Theoldprincedidnotsleepeither。Tikhon，halfasleep，heardhimpacingangrilyaboutandsnorting。Theoldprincefeltasthoughhehadbeeninsultedthroughhisdaughter。Theinsultwasthemorepointedbecauseitconcernednothimselfbutanother，hisdaughter，whomhelovedmorethanhimself。Hekepttellinghimselfthathewouldconsiderthewholematteranddecidewhatwasrightandhowheshouldact，butinsteadofthatheonlyexcitedhimselfmoreandmore。
　　"Thefirstmanthatturnsup—sheforgetsherfatherandeverythingelse，runsupstairsanddoesupherhairandwagshertailandisunlikeherself！Gladtothrowherfatherover！AndsheknewIshouldnoticeit。Fr……fr……fr！Anddon’tIseethatthatidiothadeyesonlyforBourienne—Ishallhavetogetridofher。Andhowisitshehasnotprideenoughtoseeit？Ifshehasnoprideforherselfshemightatleasthavesomeformysake！ShemustbeshownthattheblockheadthinksnothingofherandlooksonlyatBourienne。No，shehasnopride……butI’lllethersee……"
　　TheoldprinceknewthatifhetoldhisdaughtershewasmakingamistakeandthatAnatolemeanttoflirtwithMademoiselleBourienne，PrincessMary’sself—esteemwouldbewoundedandhispointnottobepartedfromherwouldbegained，sopacifyinghimselfwiththisthought，hecalledTikhonandbegantoundress。
　　"Whatdevilbroughtthemhere？"thoughthe，whileTikhonwasputtingthenightshirtoverhisdried—upoldbodyandgray—hairedchest。"I
　　neverinvitedthem。Theycametodisturbmylife—andthereisnotmuchofitleft。"
　　"Deviltake’em！"hemuttered，whilehisheadwasstillcoveredbytheshirt。
　　Tikhonknewhismaster’shabitofsometimesthinkingaloud，andthereforemetwithunalteredlookstheangrilyinquisitiveexpressionofthefacethatemergedfromtheshirt。
　　"Gonetobed？"askedtheprince。
　　Tikhon，likeallgoodvalets，instinctivelyknewthedirectionofhismaster’sthoughts。HeguessedthatthequestionreferredtoPrinceVasiliandhisson。
　　"Theyhavegonetobedandputouttheirlights，yourexcellency。"
　　"Nogood……nogood……"saidtheprincerapidly，andthrustinghisfeetintohisslippersandhisarmsintothesleevesofhisdressinggown，hewenttothecouchonwhichheslept。
　　ThoughnowordshadpassedbetweenAnatoleandMademoiselleBourienne，theyquiteunderstoodoneanotherastothefirstpartoftheirromance，uptotheappearanceofthepauvremere；theyunderstoodthattheyhadmuchtosaytooneanotherinprivateandsotheyhadbeenseekinganopportunitysincemorningtomeetoneanotheralone。WhenPrincessMarywenttoherfather’sroomattheusualhour，MademoiselleBourienneandAnatolemetintheconservatory。
　　PrincessMarywenttothedoorofthestudywithspecialtrepidation。Itseemedtoherthatnotonlydideverybodyknowthatherfatewouldbedecidedthatday，butthattheyalsoknewwhatshethoughtaboutit。ShereadthisinTikhon’sfaceandinthatofPrinceVasili’svalet，whomadeheralowbowwhenshemethiminthecorridorcarryinghotwater。
　　Theoldprincewasveryaffectionateandcarefulinhistreatmentofhisdaughterthatmorning。PrincessMarywellknewthispainstakingexpressionofherfather’s。Hisfaceworethatexpressionwhenhisdryhandsclenchedwithvexationathernotunderstandingasuminarithmetic，whenrisingfromhischairhewouldwalkawayfromher，repeatinginalowvoicethesamewordsseveraltimesover。
　　Hecametothepointatonce，treatingherceremoniously。
　　"Ihavehadapropositionmademeconcerningyou，"hesaidwithanunnaturalsmile。"IexpectyouhaveguessedthatPrinceVasilihasnotcomeandbroughthispupilwithhim"forsomereasonPrinceBolkonskireferredtoAnatoleasa"pupil""forthesakeofmybeautifuleyes。Lastnightapropositionwasmademeonyouraccountand，asyouknowmyprinciples，Ireferittoyou。"
　　"HowamItounderstandyou，monpere？"saidtheprincess，growingpaleandthenblushing。
　　"Howunderstandme！"criedherfatherangrily。"PrinceVasilifindsyoutohistasteasadaughter—in—lawandmakesaproposaltoyouonhispupil’sbehalf。That’showit’stobeunderstood！’Howunderstandit’！……AndIaskyou！"
　　"Idonotknowwhatyouthink，Father，"whisperedtheprincess。
　　"I？I？Whatofme？Leavemeoutofthequestion。I’mnotgoingtogetmarried。Whataboutyou？That’swhatIwanttoknow。"
　　Theprincesssawthatherfatherregardedthematterwithdisapproval，butatthatmomentthethoughtoccurredtoherthatherfatewouldbedecidednowornever。Sheloweredhereyessoasnottoseethegazeunderwhichshefeltthatshecouldnotthink，butwouldonlybeabletosubmitfromhabit，andshesaid："Iwishonlytodoyourwill，butifIhadtoexpressmyowndesire……"Shehadnotimetofinish。Theoldprinceinterruptedher。
　　"That’sadmirable！"heshouted。"HewilltakeyouwithyourdowryandtakeMademoiselleBourienneintothebargain。She’llbethewife，whileyou……"
　　Theprincestopped。Hesawtheeffectthesewordshadproducedonhisdaughter。Sheloweredherheadandwasreadytoburstintotears。
　　"Nowthen，nowthen，I’monlyjoking！"hesaid。"Rememberthis，Princess，Iholdtotheprinciplethatamaidenhasafullrighttochoose。Igiveyoufreedom。Onlyrememberthatyourlife’shappinessdependsonyourdecision。Nevermindme！"
　　"ButIdonotknow，Father！"
　　"There’snoneedtotalk！Hereceiveshisordersandwillmarryyouoranybody；butyouarefreetochoose……Gotoyourroom，thinkitover，andcomebackinanhourandtellmeinhispresence：
　　yesorno。Iknowyouwillprayoverit。Well，prayifyoulike，butyouhadbetterthinkitover。Go！Yesorno，yesorno，yesorno！"hestillshoutedwhentheprincess，asiflostinafog，hadalreadystaggeredoutofthestudy。
　　Herfatewasdecidedandhappilydecided。ButwhatherfatherhadsaidaboutMademoiselleBouriennewasdreadful。Itwasuntruetobesure，butstillitwasterrible，andshecouldnothelpthinkingofit。Shewasgoingstraightonthroughtheconservatory，neitherseeingnorhearinganything，whensuddenlythewell—knownwhisperingofMademoiselleBouriennearousedher。Sheraisedhereyes，andtwostepsawaysawAnatoleembracingtheFrenchwomanandwhisperingsomethingtoher。Withahorrifiedexpressiononhishandsomeface，AnatolelookedatPrincessMary，butdidnotatoncetakehisarmfromthewaistofMademoiselleBouriennewhohadnotyetseenher。
　　"Who’sthat？Why？Waitamoment！"Anatole’sfaceseemedtosay。
　　PrincessMarylookedattheminsilence。Shecouldnotunderstandit。AtlastMademoiselleBouriennegaveascreamandranaway。AnatolebowedtoPrincessMarywithagaysmile，asifinvitinghertojoininalaughatthisstrangeincident，andthenshrugginghisshoulderswenttothedoorthatledtohisownapartments。
　　Anhourlater，TikhoncametocallPrincessMarytotheoldprince；headdedthatPrinceVasiliwasalsothere。WhenTikhoncametoherPrincessMarywassittingonthesofainherroom，holdingtheweepingMademoiselleBourienneinherarmsandgentlystrokingherhair。Theprincess’beautifuleyeswithalltheirformercalmradiancewerelookingwithtenderaffectionandpityatMademoiselleBourienne’sprettyface。
　　"No，Princess，Ihavelostyouraffectionforever！"saidMademoiselleBourienne。
　　"Why？Iloveyoumorethanever，"saidPrincessMary，"andIwilltrytodoallIcanforyourhappiness。"
　　"Butyoudespiseme。Youwhoaresopurecanneverunderstandbeingsocarriedawaybypassion。Oh，onlymypoormother……"
　　"Iquiteunderstand，"answeredPrincessMary，withasadsmile。
　　"Calmyourself，mydear。Iwillgotomyfather，"shesaid，andwentout。
　　PrinceVasili，withonelegthrownhighovertheotherandasnuffboxinhishand，wassittingtherewithasmileofdeepemotiononhisface，asifstirredtohisheart’scoreandhimselfregrettingandlaughingathisownsensibility，whenPrincessMaryentered。Hehurriedlytookapinchofsnuff。
　　"Ah，mydear，mydear！"hebegan，risingandtakingherbybothhands。Then，sighing，headded："Myson’sfateisinyourhands。
　　Decide，mydear，good，gentleMarie，whomIhavealwayslovedasadaughter！"
　　Hedrewbackandarealtearappearedinhiseye。
　　"Fr……fr……"snortedPrinceBolkonski。"Theprinceismakingapropositiontoyouinhispupil’s—Imean，hisson’s—name。DoyouwishornottobePrinceAnatoleKuragin’swife？Reply：yesorno，"heshouted，"andthenIshallreservetherighttostatemyopinionalso。
　　Yes，myopinion，andonlymyopinion，"addedPrinceBolkonski，turningtoPrinceVasiliandansweringhisimploringlook。"Yes，orno？"
　　"Mydesireisnevertoleaveyou，Father，nevertoseparatemylifefromyours。Idon’twishtomarry，"sheansweredpositively，glancingatPrinceVasiliandatherfatherwithherbeautifuleyes。
　　"Humbug！Nonsense！Humbug，humbug，humbug！"criedPrinceBolkonski，frowningandtakinghisdaughter’shand；hedidnotkissher，butonlybendinghisforeheadtohersjusttouchedit，andpressedherhandsothatshewincedandutteredacry。
　　PrinceVasilirose。
　　"Mydear，ImusttellyouthatthisisamomentIshallnever，neverforget。But，mydear，willyounotgiveusalittlehopeoftouchingthisheart，sokindandgenerous？Say’perhaps’……Thefutureissolong。Say’perhaps。’"
　　"Prince，whatIhavesaidisallthereisinmyheart。Ithankyouforthehonor，butIshallneverbeyourson’swife。"
　　"Well，sothat’sfinished，mydearfellow！Iamverygladtohaveseenyou。Veryglad！Gobacktoyourrooms，Princess。Go！"saidtheoldprince。"Very，verygladtogladtohaveseenyou，"repeatedhe，embracingPrinceVasili。
　　"Myvocationisadifferentone，"thoughtPrincessMary。"Myvocationistobehappywithanotherkindofhappiness，thehappinessofloveandself—sacrifice。Andcostwhatitmay，IwillarrangepoorAmelie’shappiness，sheloveshimsopassionately，andsopassionatelyrepents。IwilldoallIcantoarrangethematchbetweenthem。IfheisnotrichIwillgiveherthemeans；IwillaskmyfatherandAndrew。Ishallbesohappywhensheishiswife。Sheissounfortunate，astranger，alone，helpless！And，ohGod，howpassionatelyshemustlovehimifshecouldsofarforgetherself！
　　PerhapsImighthavedonethesame！……"thoughtPrincessMary。
　　BK3CH6
　　CHAPTERVI
　　ItwaslongsincetheRostovshadnewsofNicholas。Nottillmidwinterwasthecountatlasthandedaletteraddressedinhisson’shandwriting。Onreceivingit，heranontiptoetohisstudyinalarmandhaste，tryingtoescapenotice，closedthedoor，andbegantoreadtheletter。
　　AnnaMikhaylovna，whoalwayskneweverythingthatpassedinthehouse，onhearingofthearrivaloftheletterwentsoftlyintotheroomandfoundthecountwithitinhishand，sobbingandlaughingatthesametime。
　　AnnaMikhaylovna，thoughhercircumstanceshadimproved，wasstilllivingwiththeRostovs。
　　"Mydearfriend？"saidshe，inatoneofpatheticinquiry，preparedtosympathizeinanyway。
　　Thecountsobbedyetmore。
　　"Nikolenka……aletter……wa……a……s……wounded……mydarlingboy……thecountess……promotedtobeanofficer……thankGod……Howtellthelittlecountess！"
　　AnnaMikhaylovnasatdownbesidehim，withherownhandkerchiefwipedthetearsfromhiseyesandfromtheletter，thenhavingdriedherowneyesshecomfortedthecount，anddecidedthatatdinnerandtillteatimeshewouldpreparethecountess，andaftertea，withGod’shelp，wouldinformher。
　　AtdinnerAnnaMikhaylovnatalkedthewholetimeaboutthewarnewsandaboutNikolenka，twiceaskedwhenthelastletterhadbeenreceivedfromhim，thoughsheknewthatalready，andremarkedthattheymightverylikelybegettingaletterfromhimthatday。EachtimethatthesehintsbegantomakethecountessanxiousandsheglanceduneasilyatthecountandatAnnaMikhaylovna，thelatterveryadroitlyturnedtheconversationtoinsignificantmatters。Natasha，who，ofthewholefamily，wasthemostgiftedwithacapacitytofeelanyshadesofintonation，look，andexpression，prickedupherearsfromthebeginningofthemealandwascertainthattherewassomesecretbetweenherfatherandAnnaMikhaylovna，thatithadsomethingtodowithherbrother，andthatAnnaMikhaylovnawaspreparingthemforit。Boldasshewas，Natasha，whoknewhowsensitivehermotherwastoanythingrelatingtoNikolenka，didnotventuretoaskanyquestionsatdinner，butshewastooexcitedtoeatanythingandkeptwrigglingaboutonherchairregardlessofhergoverness’remarks。Afterdinner，sherushedheadlongafterAnnaMikhaylovnaand，dashingather，flungherselfonherneckassoonassheovertookherinthesittingroom。
　　"Auntie，darling，dotellmewhatitis！"
　　"Nothing，mydear。"
　　"No，dearest，sweetone，honey，Iwon’tgiveup—Iknowyouknowsomething。"
　　AnnaMikhaylovnashookherhead。
　　"Youarealittleslyboots，"shesaid。
　　"AletterfromNikolenka！I’msureofit！"exclaimedNatasha，readingconfirmationinAnnaMikhaylovna’sface。
　　"ButforGod’ssake，becareful，youknowhowitmayaffectyourmamma。"
　　"Iwill，Iwill，onlytellme！Youwon’t？ThenIwillgoandtellatonce。"
　　AnnaMikhaylovna，inafewwords，toldherthecontentsoftheletter，onconditionthatsheshouldtellnoone。
　　"No，onmytruewordofhonor，"saidNatasha，crossingherself，"I
　　won’ttellanyone！"andsheranoffatoncetoSonya。
　　"Nikolenka……wounded……aletter，"sheannouncedingleefultriumph。
　　"Nicholas！"wasallSonyasaid，instantlyturningwhite。
　　Natasha，seeingtheimpressiontheofherbrother’swoundproducedonSonya，feltforthefirsttimethesorrowfulsideofthenews。
　　SherushedtoSonya，huggedher，andbegantocry。
　　"Alittlewound，buthehasbeenmadeanofficer；heiswellnow，hewrotehimself，"saidshethroughhertears。
　　"Therenow！It’struethatallyouwomenarecrybabies，"remarkedPetya，pacingtheroomwithlarge，resolutestrides。"NowI’mveryglad，verygladindeed，thatmybrotherhasdistinguishedhimselfso。Youareallblubberersandunderstandnothing。"
　　Natashasmiledthroughhertears。
　　"Youhaven’treadtheletter？"askedSonya。
　　"No，butshesaidthatitwasalloverandthathe’snowanofficer。"
　　"ThankGod！"saidSonya，crossingherself。"Butperhapsshedeceivedyou。LetusgotoMamma。"
　　Petyapacedtheroominsilenceforatime。
　　"IfI’dbeeninNikolenka’splaceIwouldhavekilledevenmoreofthoseFrenchmen，"hesaid。"Whatnastybrutestheyare！I’dhavekilledsomanythatthere’dhavebeenaheapofthem。"
　　"Holdyourtongue，Petya，whatagooseyouare！"
　　"I’mnotagoose，buttheyarewhocryabouttrifles，"saidPetya。
　　"Doyourememberhim？"Natashasuddenlyasked，afteramoment’ssilence。
　　Sonyasmiled。
　　"DoIrememberNicholas？"
　　"No，Sonya，butdoyouremembersothatyourememberhimperfectly，remembereverything？"saidNatasha，withanexpressivegesture，evidentlywishingtogiveherwordsaverydefinitemeaning。"IrememberNikolenkatoo，Irememberhimwell，"shesaid。
　　"ButIdon’trememberBoris。Idon’trememberhimabit。"
　　"What！Youdon’trememberBoris？"askedSonyainsurprise。
　　"It’snotthatIdon’tremember—Iknowwhatheislike，butnotasIrememberNikolenka。Him—Ijustshutmyeyesandremember，butBoris……No！"Sheshuthereyes。"No！there’snothingatall。"
　　"Oh，Natasha！"saidSonya，lookingecstaticallyandearnestlyatherfriendasifshedidnotconsiderherworthytohearwhatshemeanttosayandasifsheweresayingittosomeoneelse，withwhomjokingwasoutofthequestion，"Iaminlovewithyourbrotheronceforalland，whatevermayhappentohimortome，shallneverceasetolovehimaslongasIlive。"
　　NatashalookedatSonyawithwonderingandinquisitiveeyes，andsaidnothing。ShefeltthatSonyawasspeakingthetruth，thattherewassuchloveasSonyawasspeakingof。ButNatashahadnotyetfeltanythinglikeit。Shebelieveditcouldbe，butdidnotunderstandit。
　　"Shallyouwritetohim？"sheasked。
　　Sonyabecamethoughtful。ThequestionofhowtowritetoNicholas，andwhethersheoughttowrite，tormentedher。Nowthathewasalreadyanofficerandawoundedhero，woulditberighttoremindhimofherselfand，asitmightseem，oftheobligationstoherhehadtakenonhimself？
　　"Idon’tknow。Ithinkifhewrites，Iwillwritetoo，"shesaid，blushing。
　　"Andyouwon’tfeelashamedtowritetohim？"
　　Sonyasmiled。
　　"No。"
　　"AndIshouldbeashamedtowritetoBoris。I’mnotgoingto。"
　　"Whyshouldyoubeashamed？"
　　"Well，Idon’tknow。It’sawkwardandwouldmakemeashamed。"
　　"AndIknowwhyshe’dbeashamed，"saidPetya，offendedbyNatasha’spreviousremark。"It’sbecauseshewasinlovewiththatfatoneinspectacles"thatwashowPetyadescribedhisnamesake，thenewCountBezukhov"andnowshe’sinlovewiththatsinger"hemeantNatasha’sItaliansingingmaster，"that’swhyshe’sashamed！"
　　"Petya，you’reastupid！"saidNatasha。
　　"Notmorestupidthanyou，madam，"saidthenine—year—oldPetya，withtheairofanoldbrigadier。
　　ThecountesshadbeenpreparedbyAnnaMikhaylovna’shintsatdinner。Onretiringtoherownroom，shesatinanarmchair，hereyesfixedonaminiatureportraitofhersononthelidofasnuffbox，whilethetearskeptcomingintohereyes。AnnaMikhaylovna，withtheletter，cameontiptoetothecountess’doorandpaused。
　　"Don’tcomein，"shesaidtotheoldcountwhowasfollowingher。
　　"Comelater。"Andshewentin，closingthedoorbehindher。
　　Thecountputhiseartothekeyholeandlistened。
　　Atfirstheheardthesoundofindifferentvoices，thenAnnaMikhaylovna’svoicealoneinalongspeech，thenacry，thensilence，thenbothvoicestogetherwithgladintonations，andthenfootsteps。AnnaMikhaylovnaopenedthedoor。Herfaceworetheproudexpressionofasurgeonwhohasjustperformedadifficultoperationandadmitsthepublictoappreciatehisskill。
　　"Itisdone！"shesaidtothecount，pointingtriumphantlytothecountess，whosatholdinginonehandthesnuffboxwithitsportraitandintheothertheletter，andpressingthemalternatelytoherlips。
　　Whenshesawthecount，shestretchedoutherarmstohim，embracedhisbaldhead，overwhichsheagainlookedattheletterandtheportrait，andinordertopressthemagaintoherlips，sheslightlypushedawaythebaldhead。Vera，Natasha，Sonya，andPetyanowenteredtheroom，andthereadingoftheletterbegan。Afterabriefdescriptionofthecampaignandthetwobattlesinwhichhehadtakenpart，andhispromotion，Nicholassaidthathekissedhisfather’sandmother’shandsaskingfortheirblessing，andthathekissedVera，Natasha，andPetya。Besidesthat，hesentgreetingstoMonsieurSchelling，MadameSchoss，andhisoldnurse，andaskedthemtokissforhim"dearSonya，whomhelovedandthoughtofjustthesameasever。"WhensheheardthisSonyablushedsothattearscameintohereyesand，unabletobearthelooksturneduponher，ranawayintothedancinghall，whirledrounditatfullspeedwithherdresspuffedoutlikeaballoon，and，flushedandsmiling，plumpeddownonthefloor。Thecountesswascrying。
　　"Whyareyoucrying，Mamma？"askedVera。"Fromallhesaysoneshouldbegladandnotcry。"
　　Thiswasquitetrue，butthecount，thecountess，andNatashalookedatherreproachfully。"Andwhoisitshetakesafter？"thoughtthecountess。
　　Nicholas’letterwasreadoverhundredsoftimes，andthosewhowereconsideredworthytohearithadtocometothecountess，forshedidnotletitoutofherhands。Thetutorscame，andthenurses，andDmitri，andseveralacquaintances，andthecountessrereadthelettereachtimewithfreshpleasureandeachtimediscoveredinitfreshproofsofNikolenka’svirtues。Howstrange，howextraordinary，howjoyfulitseemed，thatherson，thescarcelyperceptiblemotionofwhosetinylimbsshehadfelttwentyyearsagowithinher，thatsonaboutwhomsheusedtohavequarrelswiththetooindulgentcount，thatsonwhohadfirstlearnedtosay"pear"andthen"granny，"thatthissonshouldnowbeawayinaforeignlandamidstrangesurroundings，amanlywarriordoingsomekindofman’sworkofhisown，withouthelporguidance。Theuniversalexperienceofages，showingthatchildrendogrowimperceptiblyfromthecradletomanhood，didnotexistforthecountess。Herson’sgrowthtowardmanhood，ateachofitsstages，hadseemedasextraordinarytoherasiftherehadneverexistedthemillionsofhumanbeingswhogrewupinthesameway。Astwentyyearsbefore，itseemedimpossiblethatthelittlecreaturewholivedsomewhereunderherheartwouldevercry，suckherbreast，andbegintospeak，sonowshecouldnotbelievethatthatlittlecreaturecouldbethisstrong，braveman，thismodelsonandofficerthat，judgingbythisletter，henowwas。
　　"Whatastyle！Howcharminglyhedescribes！"saidshe，readingthedescriptivepartoftheletter。"Andwhatasoul！Notawordabouthimself……Notaword！AboutsomeDenisovorother，thoughhehimself，Idaresay，isbraverthananyofthem。Hesaysnothingabouthissufferings。Whataheart！Howlikehimitis！Andhowhehasrememberedeverybody！Notforgettinganyone。Ialwayssaidwhenhewasonlysohigh—Ialwayssaid……"
　　Formorethanaweekpreparationswerebeingmade，roughdraftsofletterstoNicholasfromallthehouseholdwerewrittenandcopiedout，whileunderthesupervisionofthecountessandthesolicitudeofthecount，moneyandallthingsnecessaryfortheuniformandequipmentofthenewlycommissionedofficerwerecollected。AnnaMikhaylovna，practicalwomanthatshewas，hadevenmanagedbyfavorwitharmyauthoritiestosecureadvantageousmeansofcommunicationforherselfandherson。ShehadopportunitiesofsendingherletterstotheGrandDukeConstantinePavlovich，whocommandedtheGuards。TheRostovssupposedthatTheRussianGuards，Abroad，wasquiteadefiniteaddress，andthatifaletterreachedtheGrandDukeincommandoftheGuardstherewasnoreasonwhyitshouldnotreachthePavlogradregiment，whichwaspresumablysomewhereinthesameneighborhood。AndsoitwasdecidedtosendthelettersandmoneybytheGrandDuke’scouriertoBorisandBoriswastoforwardthemtoNicholas。Theletterswerefromtheoldcount，thecountess，Petya，Vera，Natasha，andSonya，andfinallythereweresixthousandrublesforhisoutfitandvariousotherthingstheoldcountsenttohisson。