Oneofthehindmostgunsthatwasgoingontothedamturnedoffontotheice。Crowdsofsoldiersfromthedambeganrunningontothefrozenpond。Theicegavewayunderoneoftheforemostsoldiers，andonelegslippedintothewater。Hetriedtorighthimselfbutfellinuptohiswaist。Thenearestsoldiersshrankback，thegundriverstoppedhishorse，butfrombehindstillcametheshouts："Ontotheice，whydoyoustop？Goon！Goon！"Andcriesofhorrorwereheardinthecrowd。Thesoldiersnearthegunwavedtheirarmsandbeatthehorsestomakethemturnandmoveon。Thehorsesmovedoffthebank。
　　Theice，thathadheldunderthoseonfoot，collapsedinagreatmass，andsomefortymenwhowereonitdashed，someforwardandsomeback，drowningoneanother。
　　Stillthecannonballscontinuedregularlytowhistleandflopontotheiceandintothewaterandoftenestofallamongthecrowdthatcoveredthedam，thepond，andthebank。
　　BK3CH19
　　CHAPTERXIX
　　OnthePratzenHeights，wherehehadfallenwiththeflagstaffinhishand，layPrinceAndrewBolkonskibleedingprofuselyandunconsciouslyutteringagentle，piteous，andchildlikemoan。
　　Towardeveningheceasedmoaningandbecamequitestill。Hedidnotknowhowlonghisunconsciousnesslasted。Suddenlyheagainfeltthathewasaliveandsufferingfromaburning，laceratingpaininhishead。
　　"Whereisit，thatloftyskythatIdidnotknowtillnow，butsawtoday？"washisfirstthought。"AndIdidnotknowthissufferingeither，"hethought。"Yes，Ididnotknowanything，anythingatalltillnow。ButwhereamI？"
　　Helistenedandheardthesoundofapproachinghorses，andvoicesspeakingFrench。Heopenedhiseyes。Abovehimagainwasthesameloftyskywithcloudsthathadrisenandwerefloatingstillhigher，andbetweenthemgleamedblueinfinity。Hedidnotturnhisheadanddidnotseethosewho，judgingbythesoundofhoofsandvoices，hadriddenupandstoppednearhim。
　　ItwasNapoleonaccompaniedbytwoaides—de—camp。BonaparteridingoverthebattlefieldhadgivenfinalorderstostrengthenthebatteriesfiringattheAugesdDamandwaslookingatthekilledandwoundedleftonthefield。
　　"Finemen！"remarkedNapoleon，lookingatadeadRussiangrenadier，who，withhisfaceburiedinthegroundandablackenednape，layonhisstomachwithanalreadystiffenedarmflungwide。
　　"Theammunitionforthegunsinpositionisexhausted，YourMajesty，"saidanadjutantwhohadcomefromthebatteriesthatwerefiringatAugesd。
　　"Havesomebroughtfromthereserve，"saidNapoleon，andhavinggoneonafewstepshestoppedbeforePrinceAndrew，wholayonhisbackwiththeflagstaffthathadbeendroppedbesidehim。TheflaghadalreadybeentakenbytheFrenchasatrophy。
　　"That’safinedeath！"saidNapoleonashegazedatBolkonski。
　　PrinceAndrewunderstoodthatthiswassaidofhimandthatitwasNapoleonwhosaidit。HeheardthespeakeraddressedasSire。Butheheardthewordsashemighthaveheardthebuzzingofafly。Notonlydidtheynotinteresthim，buthetooknonoticeofthemandatonceforgotthem。Hisheadwasburning，hefelthimselfbleedingtodeath，andhesawabovehimtheremote，lofty，andeverlastingsky。HeknewitwasNapoleon—hishero—butatthatmomentNapoleonseemedtohimsuchasmall，insignificantcreaturecomparedwithwhatwaspassingnowbetweenhimselfandthatloftyinfiniteskywiththecloudsflyingoverit。Atthatmomentitmeantnothingtohimwhomightbestandingoverhim，orwhatwassaidofhim；hewasonlygladthatpeoplewerestandingnearhimandonlywishedthattheywouldhelphimandbringhimbacktolife，whichseemedtohimsobeautifulnowthathehadtodaylearnedtounderstanditsodifferently。Hecollectedallhisstrength，tostirandutterasound。
　　Hefeeblymovedhislegandutteredaweak，sicklygroanwhicharousedhisownpity。
　　"Ah！Heisalive，"saidNapoleon。"Liftthisyoungmanupandcarryhimtothedressingstation。"
　　Havingsaidthis，NapoleonrodeontomeetMarshalLannes，who，hatinhand，rodeupsmilingtotheEmperortocongratulatehimonthevictory。
　　PrinceAndrewrememberednothingmore：helostconsciousnessfromtheterriblepainofbeingliftedontothestretcher，thejoltingwhilebeingmoved，andtheprobingofhiswoundatthedressingstation。Hedidnotregainconsciousnesstilllateintheday，whenwithotherwoundedandcapturedRussianofficershewascarriedtothehospital。Duringthistransferhefeltalittlestrongerandwasabletolookabouthimandevenspeak。
　　ThefirstwordsheheardoncomingtohissenseswerethoseofaFrenchconvoyofficer，whosaidrapidly："Wemusthalthere：theEmperorwillpasshereimmediately；itwillpleasehimtoseethesegentlemenprisoners。"
　　"Therearesomanyprisonerstoday，nearlythewholeRussianarmy，thatheisprobablytiredofthem，"saidanotherofficer。
　　"Allthesame！TheysaythisoneisthecommanderofalltheEmperorAlexander’sGuards，"saidthefirstone，indicatingaRussianofficerinthewhiteuniformoftheHorseGuards。
　　BolkonskirecognizedPrinceRepninwhomhehadmetinPetersburgsociety。Besidehimstoodaladofnineteen，alsoawoundedofficeroftheHorseGuards。
　　Bonaparte，havingcomeupatagallop，stoppedhishorse。
　　"Whichisthesenior？"heasked，onseeingtheprisoners。
　　Theynamedthecolonel，PrinceRepnin。
　　"YouarethecommanderoftheEmperorAlexander’sregimentofHorseGuards？"askedNapoleon。
　　"Icommandedasquadron，"repliedRepnin。
　　"Yourregimentfulfilleditsdutyhonorably，"saidNapoleon。
　　"Thepraiseofagreatcommanderisasoldier’shighestreward，"
　　saidRepnin。
　　"Ibestowitwithpleasure，"saidNapoleon。"Andwhoisthatyoungmanbesideyou？"
　　PrinceRepninnamedLieutenantSukhtelen。
　　AfterlookingathimNapoleonsmiled。
　　"He’sveryyoungtocometomeddlewithus。"
　　"Youthisnohindrancetocourage，"mutteredSukhteleninafailingvoice。
　　"Asplendidreply！"saidNapoleon。"Youngman，youwillgofar！"
　　PrinceAndrew，whohadalsobeenbroughtforwardbeforetheEmperor’seyestocompletetheshowofprisoners，couldnotfailtoattracthisattention。Napoleonapparentlyrememberedseeinghimonthebattlefieldand，addressinghim，againusedtheepithet"youngman"thatwasconnectedinhismemorywithPrinceAndrew。
　　"Well，andyou，youngman，"saidhe。"Howdoyoufeel，monbrave？"
　　Thoughfiveminutesbefore，PrinceAndrewhadbeenabletosayafewwordstothesoldierswhowerecarryinghim，nowwithhiseyesfixedstraightonNapoleon，hewassilent……SoinsignificantatthatmomentseemedtohimalltheintereststhatengrossedNapoleon，someandidhisherohimselfwithhispaltryvanityandjoyinvictoryappear，comparedtothelofty，equitable，andkindlyskywhichhehadseenandunderstood，thathecouldnotanswerhim。
　　Everythingseemedsofutileandinsignificantincomparisonwiththesternandsolemntrainofthoughtthatweaknessfromlossofblood，suffering，andthenearnessofdeatharousedinhim。LookingintoNapoleon’seyesPrinceAndrewthoughtoftheinsignificanceofgreatness，theunimportanceoflifewhichnoonecouldunderstand，andthestillgreaterunimportanceofdeath，themeaningofwhichnoonealivecouldunderstandorexplain。
　　TheEmperorwithoutwaitingforananswerturnedawayandsaidtooneoftheofficersashewent："Havethesegentlemenattendedtoandtakentomybivouac；letmydoctor，Larrey，examinetheirwounds。Aurevoir，PrinceRepnin！"andhespurredhishorseandgallopedaway。
　　Hisfaceshonewithself—satisfactionandpleasure。
　　ThesoldierswhohadcarriedPrinceAndrewhadnoticedandtakenthelittlegoldiconPrincessMaryhadhungroundherbrother’sneck，butseeingthefavortheEmperorshowedtheprisoners，theynowhastenedtoreturntheholyimage。
　　PrinceAndrewdidnotseehowandbywhomitwasreplaced，butthelittleiconwithitsthingoldchainsuddenlyappeareduponhischestoutsidehisuniform。
　　"Itwouldbegood，"thoughtPrinceAndrew，glancingattheiconhissisterhadhungroundhisneckwithsuchemotionandreverence，"itwouldbegoodifeverythingwereasclearandsimpleasitseemstoMary。Howgooditwouldbetoknowwheretoseekforhelpinthislife，andwhattoexpectafteritbeyondthegrave！HowhappyandcalmIshouldbeifIcouldnowsay：’Lord，havemercyonme！’……ButtowhomshouldIsaythat？EithertoaPowerindefinable，incomprehensible，whichInotonlycannotaddressbutwhichIcannotevenexpressinwords—theGreatAllorNothing—"saidhetohimself，"ortothatGodwhohasbeensewnintothisamuletbyMary！
　　Thereisnothingcertain，nothingatallexcepttheunimportanceofeverythingIunderstand，andthegreatnessofsomethingincomprehensiblebutall—important。
　　Thestretchersmovedon。Ateveryjoltheagainfeltunendurablepain；hisfeverishnessincreasedandhegrewdelirious。Visionsofhisfather，wife，sister，andfutureson，andthetendernesshehadfeltthenightbeforethebattle，thefigureoftheinsignificantlittleNapoleon，andaboveallthistheloftysky，formedthechiefsubjectsofhisdeliriousfancies。
　　ThequiethomelifeandpeacefulhappinessofBaldHillspresenteditselftohim。HewasalreadyenjoyingthathappinesswhenthatlittleNapoleonhadsuddenlyappearedwithhisunsympathizinglookofshortsighteddelightatthemiseryofothers，anddoubtsandtormentshadfollowed，andonlytheheavenspromisedpeace。TowardmorningallthesedreamsmeltedandmergedintothechaosanddarknessofunconciousnessandoblivionwhichintheopinionofNapoleon’sdoctor，Larrey，wasmuchmorelikelytoendindeaththaninconvalescence。
　　"Heisanervous，bilioussubject，"saidLarrey，"andwillnotrecover。"
　　AndPrinceAndrew，withothersfatallywounded，waslefttothecareoftheinhabitantsofthedistrict。
　　BOOKFOUR：1806
　　CHAPTERI
　　Earlyintheyear1806NicholasRostovreturnedhomeonleave。
　　DenisovwasgoinghometoVoronezhandRostovpersuadedhimtotravelwithhimasfarasMoscowandtostaywithhimthere。MeetingacomradeatthelastpoststationbutonebeforeMoscow，Denisovhaddrunkthreebottlesofwinewithhimand，despitethejoltingrutsacrossthesnow—coveredroad，didnotoncewakeuponthewaytoMoscow，butlayatthebottomofthesleighbesideRostov，whogrewmoreandmoreimpatientthenearertheygottoMoscow。
　　"Howmuchlonger？Howmuchlonger？Oh，theseinsufferablestreets，shops，bakers’signboards，streetlamps，andsleighs！"thoughtRostov，whentheirleavepermitshadbeenpassedatthetowngateandtheyhadenteredMoscow。
　　"Denisov！We’rehere！He’sasleep，"headded，leaningforwardwithhiswholebodyasifinthatpositionhehopedtohastenthespeedofthesleigh。
　　Denisovgavenoanswer。
　　"There’sthecorneratthecrossroads，wherethecabman，Zakhar，hashisstand，andthere’sZakharhimselfandstillthesamehorse！Andhere’sthelittleshopwhereweusedtobuygingerbread！Can’tyouhurryup？Nowthen！"
　　"Whichhouseisit？"askedthedriver。
　　"Why，thatone，rightattheend，thebigone。Don’tyousee？That’sourhouse，"saidRostov。"Ofcourse，it’sourhouse！Denisov，Denisov！
　　We’realmostthere！"
　　Denisovraisedhishead，coughed，andmadenoanswer。
　　"Dmitri，"saidRostovtohisvaletonthebox，"thoselightsareinourhouse，aren’tthey？"
　　"Yes，sir，andthere’salightinyourfather’sstudy。"
　　"Thenthey’venotgonetobedyet？Whatdoyouthink？Mindnow，don’tforgettoputoutmynewcoat，"addedRostov，fingeringhisnewmustache。"Nowthen，geton，"heshoutedtothedriver。"Dowakeup，Vaska！"hewenton，turningtoDenisov，whoseheadwasagainnodding。"Come，geton！Youshallhavethreerublesforvodka—geton！"Rostovshouted，whenthesleighwasonlythreehousesfromhisdoor。Itseemedtohimthehorseswerenotmovingatall。Atlastthesleighboretotheright，drewupatanentrance，andRostovsawoverheadtheoldfamiliarcornicewithabitofplasterbrokenoff，theporch，andthepostbythesideofthepavement。Hesprangoutbeforethesleighstopped，andranintothehall。Thehousestoodcoldandsilent，asifquiteregardlessofwhohadcometoit。Therewasnooneinthehall。"OhGod！Iseveryoneallright？"hethought，stoppingforamomentwithasinkingheart，andthenimmediatelystartingtorunalongthehallandupthewarpedstepsofthefamiliarstaircase。Thewell—knownolddoorhandle，whichalwaysangeredthecountesswhenitwasnotproperlycleaned，turnedaslooselyasever。Asolitarytallowcandleburnedintheanteroom。
　　OldMichaelwasasleeponthechest。Prokofy，thefootman，whowassostrongthathecouldliftthebackofthecarriagefrombehind，satplaitingslippersoutofclothselvedges。Helookedupattheopeningdoorandhisexpressionofsleepyindifferencesuddenlychangedtooneofdelightedamazement。
　　"Graciousheavens！Theyoungcount！"hecried，recognizinghisyoungmaster。"Canitbe？Mytreasure！"andProkofy，tremblingwithexcitement，rushedtowardthedrawing—roomdoor，probablyinordertoannouncehim，but，changinghismind，camebackandstoopedtokisstheyoungman’sshoulder。
　　"Allwell？"askedRostov，drawingawayhisarm。
　　"Yes，Godbethanked！Yes！They’vejustfinishedsupper。Letmehavealookatyou，yourexcellency。"
　　"Iseverythingquiteallright？"
　　"TheLordbethanked，yes！"
　　Rostov，whohadcompletelyforgottenDenisov，notwishinganyonetoforestallhim，threwoffhisfurcoatandranontiptoethroughthelargedarkballroom。Allwasthesame：therewerethesameoldcardtablesandthesamechandelierwithacoveroverit；butsomeonehadalreadyseentheyoungmaster，and，beforehehadreachedthedrawingroom，somethingflewoutfromasidedoorlikeatornadoandbeganhuggingandkissinghim。Anotherandyetanothercreatureofthesamekindsprangfromaseconddoorandathird；morehugging，morekissing，moreoutcries，andtearsofjoy。HecouldnotdistinguishwhichwasPapa，whichNatasha，andwhichPetya。Everyoneshouted，talked，andkissedhimatthesametime。Onlyhismotherwasnotthere，henoticedthat。
　　"AndIdidnotknow……Nicholas……Mydarling！……"
　　"Hereheis……ourown……Kolya，*dearfellow……Howhehaschanged！……Wherearethecandles？……Tea！……"
　　*Nicholas。
　　"Andme，kissme！"
　　"Dearest……andme！"
　　Sonya，Natasha，Petya，AnnaMikhaylovna，Vera，andtheoldcountwereallhugginghim，andtheserfs，menandmaids，flockedintotheroom，exclaimingandoh—ingandah—ing。
　　Petya，clingingtohislegs，keptshouting，"Andmetoo！"
　　Natasha，aftershehadpulledhimdowntowardherandcoveredhisfacewithkisses，holdinghimtightbytheskirtofhiscoat，sprangawayandprancedupanddowninoneplacelikeagoatandshriekedpiercingly。
　　Allaroundwerelovingeyesglisteningwithtearsofjoy，andallaroundwerelipsseekingakiss。
　　Sonyatoo，allrosyred，clungtohisarmand，radiantwithbliss，lookedeagerlytowardhiseyes，waitingforthelookforwhichshelonged。Sonyanowwassixteenandshewasverypretty，especiallyatthismomentofhappy，rapturousexcitement。Shegazedathim，nottakinghereyesoffhim，andsmilingandholdingherbreath。Hegaveheragratefullook，butwasstillexpectantandlookingforsomeone。Theoldcountesshadnotyetcome。Butnowstepswereheardatthedoor，stepssorapidthattheycouldhardlybehismother’s。
　　Yetitwasshe，dressedinanewgownwhichhedidnotknow，madesincehehadleft。Alltheotherslethimgo，andherantoher。
　　Whentheymet，shefellonhisbreast，sobbing。Shecouldnotliftherface，butonlypressedittothecoldbraidingofhishussar’sjacket。
　　Denisov，whohadcomeintotheroomunnoticedbyanyone，stoodthereandwipedhiseyesatthesight。
　　"VasiliDenisov，yourson’sfriend，"hesaid，introducinghimselftothecount，whowaslookinginquiringlyathim。
　　"Youaremostwelcome！Iknow，Iknow，"saidthecount，kissingandembracingDenisov。"Nicholaswroteus……Natasha，Vera，look！HereisDenisov！"
　　Thesamehappy，rapturousfacesturnedtotheshaggyfigureofDenisov。
　　"DarlingDenisov！"screamedNatasha，besideherselfwithrapture，springingtohim，puttingherarmsroundhim，andkissinghim。Thisescapademadeeverybodyfeelconfused。Denisovblushedtoo，butsmiledand，takingNatasha’shand，kissedit。
　　Denisovwasshowntotheroompreparedforhim，andtheRostovsallgatheredroundNicholasinthesittingroom。
　　Theoldcountess，notlettinggoofhishandandkissingiteverymoment，satbesidehim：therest，crowdingroundhim，watchedeverymovement，word，orlookofhis，nevertakingtheirblissfullyadoringeyesoffhim。Hisbrotherandsistersstruggledfortheplacesnearesttohimanddisputedwithoneanotherwhoshouldbringhimhistea，handkerchief，andpipe。
　　Rostovwasveryhappyinthelovetheyshowedhim；butthefirstmomentofmeetinghadbeensobeatificthathispresentjoyseemedinsufficient，andhekeptexpectingsomethingmore，moreandyetmore。
　　Nextmorning，afterthefatiguesoftheirjourney，thetravelersslepttillteno’clock。
　　Intheroomnexttheirbedroomtherewasaconfusionofsabers，satchels，sabretaches，openportmanteaus，anddirtyboots。Twofreshlycleanedpairswithspurshadjustbeenplacedbythewall。Theservantswerebringinginjugsandbasins，hotwaterforshaving，andtheirwell—brushedclothes。Therewasamasculineodorandasmelloftobacco。
　　"Hallo，Gwiska—mypipe！"cameVasiliDenisov’shuskyvoice。
　　"Wostov，getup！"
　　Rostov，rubbinghiseyesthatseemedgluedtogether，raisedhisdisheveledheadfromthehotpillow。
　　"Why，isitlate？"
　　"Late！It’snearlyteno’clock，"answeredNatasha’svoice。A
　　rustleofstarchedpetticoatsandthewhisperingandlaughterofgirls’voicescamefromtheadjoiningroom。Thedoorwasopenedacrackandtherewasaglimpseofsomethingblue，ofribbons，blackhair，andmerryfaces。ItwasNatasha，Sonya，andPetya，whohadcometoseewhethertheyweregettingup。
　　"Nicholas！Getup！"Natasha’svoicewasagainheardatthedoor。
　　"Directly！"
　　Meanwhile，Petya，havingfoundandseizedthesabersintheouterroom，withthedelightboysfeelatthesightofamilitaryelderbrother，andforgettingthatitwasunbecomingforthegirlstoseemenundressed，openedthebedroomdoor。
　　"Isthisyoursaber？"heshouted。
　　Thegirlssprangaside。Denisovhidhishairylegsundertheblanket，lookingwithascaredfaceathiscomradeforhelp。Thedoor，havingletPetyain，closedagain。Asoundoflaughtercamefrombehindit。
　　"Nicholas！Comeoutinyourdressinggown！"saidNatasha’svoice。
　　"Isthisyoursaber？"askedPetya。"Orisityours？"hesaid，addressingtheblack—mustachedDenisovwithserviledeference。
　　Rostovhurriedlyputsomethingonhisfeet，drewonhisdressinggown，andwentout。Natashahadputononespurredbootandwasjustgettingherfootintotheother。Sonya，whenhecamein，wastwirlingroundandwasabouttoexpandherdressesintoaballoonandsitdown。Theyweredressedalike，innewpale—bluefrocks，andwerebothfresh，rosy，andbright。Sonyaranaway，butNatasha，takingherbrother’sarm，ledhimintothesittingroom，wheretheybegantalking。Theyhardlygaveoneanothertimetoaskquestionsandgiverepliesconcerningathousandlittlematterswhichcouldnotinterestanyonebutthemselves。Natashalaughedateverywordhesaidorthatshesaidherself，notbecausewhattheyweresayingwasamusing，butbecauseshefelthappyandwasunabletocontrolherjoywhichexpresseditselfbylaughter。
　　"Oh，hownice，howsplendid！"shesaidtoeverything。
　　Rostovfeltthat，undertheinfluenceofthewarmraysoflove，thatchildlikesmilewhichhadnotonceappearedonhisfacesincehelefthomenowforthefirsttimeaftereighteenmonthsagainbrightenedhissoulandhisface。
　　"No，butlisten，"shesaid，"nowyouarequiteaman，aren’tyou？
　　I’mawfullygladyou’remybrother。"Shetouchedhismustache。"Iwanttoknowwhatyoumenarelike。Areyouthesameaswe？No？"
　　"WhydidSonyarunaway？"askedRostov。
　　"Ah，yes！That’sawholelongstory！Howareyougoingtospeaktoher—thouoryou？"
　　"Asmayhappen，"saidRostov。
　　"No，callheryou，please！I’lltellyouallaboutitsomeothertime。No，I’lltellyounow。YouknowSonya’smydearestfriend。
　　SuchafriendthatIburnedmyarmforhersake。Lookhere！"
　　Shepulleduphermuslinsleeveandshowedhimaredscaronherlong，slender，delicatearm，highabovetheelbowonthatpartthatiscoveredevenbyaballdress。
　　"Iburnedthistoprovemyloveforher。Ijustheatedarulerinthefireandpresseditthere！"
　　Sittingonthesofawiththelittlecushionsonitsarms，inwhatusedtobehisoldschoolroom，andlookingintoNatasha’swildlybrighteyes，Rostovre—enteredthatworldofhomeandchildhoodwhichhadnomeaningforanyoneelse，butgavehimsomeofthebestjoysofhislife；andtheburningofanarmwitharulerasaproofoflovedidnotseemtohimsenseless，heunderstoodandwasnotsurprisedatit。
　　"Well，andisthatall？"heasked。
　　"Wearesuchfriends，suchfriends！Allthatrulerbusinesswasjustnonsense，butwearefriendsforever。She，ifshelovesanyone，doesitforlife，butIdon’tunderstandthat，Iforgetquickly。"
　　"Well，whatthen？"
　　"Well，shelovesmeandyoulikethat。"
　　Natashasuddenlyflushed。
　　"Why，yourememberbeforeyouwentaway？……Well，shesaysyouaretoforgetallthat……Shesays：’Ishalllovehimalways，butlethimbefree。’Isn’tthatlovelyandnoble！Yes，verynoble？Isn’tit？"
　　askedNatasha，soseriouslyandexcitedlythatitwasevidentthatwhatshewasnowsayingshehadtalkedofbefore，withtears。
　　Rostovbecamethoughtful。
　　"Inevergobackonmyword，"hesaid。"Besides，Sonyaissocharmingthatonlyafoolwouldrenouncesuchhappiness。"
　　"No，no！"criedNatasha，"sheandIhavealreadytalkeditover。
　　Weknewyou’dsayso。Butitwon’tdo，becauseyousee，ifyousaythat—ifyouconsideryourselfboundbyyourpromise—itwillseemasifshehadnotmeantitseriously。Itmakesitasifyouweremarryingherbecauseyoumust，andthatwouldn’tdoatall。"
　　Rostovsawthatithadbeenwellconsideredbythem。Sonyahadalreadystruckhimbyherbeautyontheprecedingday。Today，whenhehadcaughtaglimpseofher，sheseemedstillmorelovely。Shewasacharminggirlofsixteen，evidentlypassionatelyinlovewithhimhedidnotdoubtthatforaninstant。Whyshouldhenotlovehernow，andevenmarryher，Rostovthought，butjustnowthereweresomanyotherpleasuresandinterestsbeforehim！"Yes，theyhavetakenawisedecision，"hethought，"Imustremainfree。"
　　"Wellthen，that’sexcellent，"saidhe。"We’lltalkitoverlateron。Oh，howgladIamtohaveyou！
　　"Well，andareyoustilltruetoBoris？"hecontinued。
　　"Oh，whatnonsense！"criedNatasha，laughing。"Idon’tthinkabouthimoranyoneelse，andIdon’twantanythingofthekind。"
　　"Dearme！Thenwhatareyouupnow？"
　　"Now？"repeatedNatasha，andahappysmilelitupherface。"HaveyouseenDuport？"
　　"No。"
　　"NotseenDuport—thefamousdancer？Wellthen，youwon’tunderstand。That’swhatI’mupto。"
　　Curvingherarms，Natashaheldoutherskirtsasdancersdo，ranbackafewsteps，turned，cutacaper，broughtherlittlefeetsharplytogether，andmadesomestepsontheverytipsofhertoes。
　　"See，I’mstanding！See！"shesaid，butcouldnotmaintainherselfonhertoesanylonger。"Sothat’swhatI’mupto！I’llnevermarryanyone，butwillbeadancer。Onlydon’ttellanyone。"
　　RostovlaughedsoloudandmerrilythatDenisov，inhisbedroom，feltenviousandNatashacouldnothelpjoiningin。
　　"No，butdon’tyouthinkit’snice？"shekeptrepeating。
　　"Nice！AndsoyounolongerwishtomarryBoris？"
　　Natashaflaredup。"Idon’twanttomarryanyone。AndI’lltellhimsowhenIseehim！"
　　"Dearme！"saidRostov。
　　"Butthat’sallrubbish，"Natashachatteredon。"AndisDenisovnice？"sheasked。
　　"Yes，indeed！"
　　"Oh，wellthen，good—by：goanddress。Isheveryterrible，Denisov？"
　　"Whyterrible？"askedNicholas。"No，Vaskaisasplendidfellow。"
　　"YoucallhimVaska？That’sfunny！Andisheverynice？"
　　"Very。"
　　"Wellthen，bequick。We’llallhavebreakfasttogether。"
　　AndNatasharoseandwentoutoftheroomontiptoe，likeaballetdancer，butsmilingasonlyhappygirlsoffifteencansmile。WhenRostovmetSonyainthedrawingroom，hereddened。Hedidnotknowhowtobehavewithher。Theeveningbefore，inthefirsthappymomentofmeeting，theyhadkissedeachother，buttodaytheyfeltitcouldnotbedone；hefeltthateverybody，includinghismotherandsisters，waslookinginquiringlyathimandwatchingtoseehowhewouldbehavewithher。Hekissedherhandandaddressedhernotasthoubutasyou—
　　Sonya。Buttheireyesmetandsaidthou，andexchangedtenderkisses。Herlooksaskedhimtoforgiveherforhavingdared，byNatasha’sintermediacy，toremindhimofhispromise，andthenthankedhimforhislove。Hislooksthankedherforofferinghimhisfreedomandtoldherthatonewayoranotherhewouldneverceasetoloveher，forthatwouldbeimpossible。
　　"Howstrangeitis，"saidVera，selectingamomentwhenallweresilent，"thatSonyaandNicholasnowsayyoutooneanotherandmeetlikestrangers。"
　　Vera’sremarkwascorrect，asherremarksalwayswere，but，likemostofherobservations，itmadeeveryonefeeluncomfortable，notonlySonya，Nicholas，andNatasha，buteventheoldcountess，who—
　　dreadingthisloveaffairwhichmighthinderNicholasfrommakingabrilliantmatch—blushedlikeagirl。
　　Denisov，toRostov’ssurprise，appearedinthedrawingroomwithpomadedhair，perfumed，andinanewuniform，lookingjustassmartashemadehimselfwhengoingintobattle，andhewasmoreamiabletotheladiesandgentlementhanRostovhadeverexpectedtoseehim。
　　BK4CH2
　　CHAPTERII
　　OnhisreturntoMoscowfromthearmy，NicholasRostovwaswelcomedbyhishomecircleasthebestofsons，ahero，andtheirdarlingNikolenka；byhisrelationsasacharming，attractive，andpoliteyoungman；byhisacquaintancesasahandsomelieutenantofhussars，agooddancer，andoneofthebestmatchesinthecity。
　　TheRostovskneweverybodyinMoscow。Theoldcounthadmoneyenoughthatyear，asallhisestateshadbeenremortgaged，andsoNicholas，acquiringatrotterofhisown，verystylishridingbreechesofthelatestcut，suchasnooneelseyethadinMoscow，andbootsofthelatestfashion，withextremelypointedtoesandsmallsilverspurs，passedhistimeverygaily。Afterashortperiodofadaptinghimselftotheoldconditionsoflife，Nicholasfounditverypleasanttobeathomeagain。Hefeltthathehadgrownupandmaturedverymuch。HisdespairatfailinginaScriptureexamination，hisborrowingmoneyfromGavriltopayasleighdriver，hiskissingSonyaonthesly—henowrecalledallthisaschildishnesshehadleftimmeasurablybehind。
　　Nowhewasalieutenantofhussars，inajacketlacedwithsilver，andwearingtheCrossofSt。George，awardedtosoldiersforbraveryinaction，andinthecompanyofwell—known，elderly，andrespectedracingmenwastrainingatrotterofhisownforarace。Heknewaladyononeoftheboulevardswhomhevisitedofanevening。HeledthemazurkaattheArkharovs’ball，talkedaboutthewarwithFieldMarshalKamenski，visitedtheEnglishClub，andwasonintimatetermswithacoloneloffortytowhomDenisovhadintroducedHispassionfortheEmperorhadcooledsomewhatinMoscow。Butstill，ashedidnotseehimandhadnoopportunityofseeinghim，heoftenspokeabouthimandabouthisloveforhim，lettingitbeunderstoodthathehadnottoldallandthattherewassomethinginhisfeelingsfortheEmperornoteveryonecouldunderstand，andwithhiswholesoulhesharedtheadorationthencommoninMoscowfortheEmperor，whowasspokenofasthe"angelincarnate。"
　　DuringRostov’sshortstayinMoscow，beforerejoiningthearmy，hedidnotdrawclosertoSonya，butratherdriftedawayfromher。Shewasveryprettyandsweet，andevidentlydeeplyinlovewithhim，buthewasattheperiodofyouthwhenthereseemssomuchtodothatthereisnotimeforthatsortofthingandayoungmanfearstobindhimselfandprizeshisfreedomwhichheneedsforsomanyotherthings。WhenhethoughtofSonya，duringthisstayinMoscow，hesaidtohimself，"Ah，therewillbe，andthereare，manymoresuchgirlssomewherewhomIdonotyetknow。TherewillbetimeenoughtothinkaboutlovewhenIwantto，butnowIhavenotime。"Besides，itseemedtohimthatthesocietyofwomenwasratherderogatorytohismanhood。Hewenttoballsandintoladies’societywithanaffectationofdoingsoagainsthiswill。Theraces，theEnglishClub，spreeswithDenisov，andvisitstoacertainhouse—thatwasanothermatterandquitethethingforadashingyounghussar！
　　AtthebeginningofMarch，oldCountIlyaRostovwasverybusyarrangingadinnerinhonorofPrinceBagrationattheEnglishClub。
　　Thecountwalkedupanddownthehallinhisdressinggown，givingorderstotheclubstewardandtothefamousFeoktist，theClub’sheadcook，aboutasparagus，freshcucumbers，strawberries，veal，andfishforthisdinner。ThecounthadbeenamemberandonthecommitteeoftheClubfromthedayitwasfounded。TohimtheClubentrustedthearrangementofthefestivalinhonorofBagration，forfewmenknewsowellhowtoarrangeafeastonanopen—handed，hospitablescale，andstillfewermenwouldbesowellableandwillingtomakeupoutoftheirownresourceswhatmightbeneededforthesuccessofthefete。Theclubcookandthestewardlistenedtothecount’sorderswithpleasedfaces，fortheyknewthatundernoothermanagementcouldtheysoeasilyextractagoodprofitforthemselvesfromadinnercostingseveralthousandrubles。
　　"Wellthen，mindandhavecocks’combintheturtlesoup，youknow！"
　　"Shallwehavethreecolddishesthen？"askedthecook。
　　Thecountconsidered。
　　"Wecan’thaveless—yes，three……themayonnaise，that’sone，"saidhe，bendingdownafinger。
　　"ThenamItoorderthoselargesterlets？"askedthesteward。
　　"Yes，itcan’tbehelpediftheywon’ttakeless。Ah，dearme！Iwasforgetting。Wemusthaveanotherentree。Ah，goodnessgracious！"heclutchedathishead。"Whoisgoingtogetmetheflowers？Dmitri！Eh，Dmitri！GallopofftoourMoscowestate，"hesaidtothefactotumwhoappearedathiscall。"HurryoffandtellMaksim，thegardener，tosettheserfstowork。Saythateverythingoutofthehothousesmustbebroughtherewellwrappedupinfelt。ImusthavetwohundredpotshereonFriday。"
　　Havinggivenseveralmoreorders，hewasabouttogotohis"littlecountess"tohavearest，butrememberingsomethingelseofimportance，hereturnedagain，calledbackthecookandtheclubsteward，andagainbegangivingorders。Alightfootstepandtheclinkingofspurswereheardatthedoor，andtheyoungcount，handsome，rosy，withadarklittlemustache，evidentlyrestedandmadesleekerbyhiseasylifeinMoscow，enteredtheroom。
　　"Ah，myboy，myhead’sinawhirl！"saidtheoldmanwithasmile，asifhefeltalittleconfusedbeforehisson。"Now，ifyouwouldonlyhelpabit！Imusthavesingerstoo。Ishallhavemyownorchestra，butshouldn’twegetthegypsysingersaswell？Youmilitarymenlikethatsortofthing。"
　　"Really，Papa，IbelievePrinceBagrationworriedhimselflessbeforethebattleofSchonGrabernthanyoudonow，"saidhissonwithasmile。
　　Theoldcountpretendedtobeangry。
　　"Yes，youtalk，buttryityourself！"
　　Andthecountturnedtothecook，who，withashrewdandrespectfulexpression，lookedobservantlyandsympatheticallyatthefatherandson。
　　"Whathavetheyoungpeoplecometonowadays，eh，Feoktist？"saidhe。"Laughingatusoldfellows！"
　　"That’sso，yourexcellency，alltheyhavetodoistoeatagooddinner，butprovidingitandservingitallup，that’snottheirbusiness！
　　"That’sit，that’sit！"exclaimedthecount，andgailyseizinghissonbybothhands，hecried，"NowI’vegotyou，sotakethesleighandpairatonce，andgotoBezukhob’s，andtellhim’CountIlyahassentyoutoaskforstrawberriesandfreshpineapples。’Wecan’tgetthemfromanyoneelse。He’snottherehimself，soyou’llhavetogoinandasktheprincesses；andfromtheregoontotheRasgulyay—thecoachmanIpatkaknows—andlookupthegypsyIlyushka，theonewhodancedatCountOrlov’s，youremember，inawhiteCossackcoat，andbringhimalongtome。"
　　"AndamItobringthegypsygirlsalongwithhim？"askedNicholas，laughing。"Dear，dear！……"
　　Atthatmoment，withnoiselessfootstepsandwiththebusinesslike，preoccupied，yetmeeklyChristianlookwhichneverleftherface，AnnaMikhaylovnaenteredthehall。Thoughshecameuponthecountinhisdressinggowneveryday，heinvariablybecameconfusedandbeggedhertoexcusehiscostume。
　　"Nomatteratall，mydearcount，"shesaid，meeklyclosinghereyes。"ButI’llgotoBezukhov’smyself。Pierrehasarrived，andnowweshallgetanythingwewantfromhishothouses。Ihavetoseehiminanycase。HehasforwardedmealetterfromBoris。ThankGod，Borisisnowonthestaff。"
　　ThecountwasdelightedatAnnaMikhaylovna’stakinguponherselfoneofhiscommissionsandorderedthesmallclosedcarriageforher。
　　"TellBezukhovtocome。I’llputhisnamedown。Ishiswifewithhim？"heasked。
　　AnnaMikhaylovnaturneduphereyes，andprofoundsadnesswasdepictedonherface。
　　"Ah，mydearfriend，heisveryunfortunate，"shesaid。"Ifwhatwehearistrue，itisdreadful。Howlittlewedreamedofsuchathingwhenwewererejoicingathishappiness！AndsuchaloftyangelicsoulasyoungBezukhov！Yes，Ipityhimfrommyheart，andshalltrytogivehimwhatconsolationIcan。"
　　"Wh—whatisthematter？"askedboththeyoungandoldRostov。
　　AnnaMikhaylovnasigheddeeply。
　　"Dolokhov，MaryIvanovna’sson，"shesaidinamysteriouswhisper，"hascompromisedhercompletely，theysay。Pierretookhimup，invitedhimtohishouseinPetersburg，andnow……shehascomehereandthatdaredevilafterher！"saidAnnaMikhaylovna，wishingtoshowhersympathyforPierre，butbyinvoluntaryintonationsandahalfsmilebetrayinghersympathyforthe"daredevil，"asshecalledDolokhov。"TheysayPierreisquitebrokenbyhismisfortune。"
　　"Dear，dear！ButstilltellhimtocometotheClub—itwillallblowover。Itwillbeatremendousbanquet。"
　　Nextday，thethirdofMarch，soonafteroneo’clock，twohundredandfiftymembersoftheEnglishClubandfiftyguestswereawaitingtheguestofhonorandherooftheAustriancampaign，PrinceBagration，todinner。
　　OnthefirstarrivalofthenewsofthebattleofAusterlitz，Moscowhadbeenbewildered。Atthattime，theRussiansweresousedtovictoriesthatonreceivingnewsofthedefeatsomewouldsimplynotbelieveit，whileotherssoughtsomeextraordinaryexplanationofsostrangeanevent。IntheEnglishClub，whereallwhoweredistinguished，important，andwellinformedforgatheredwhenthenewsbegantoarriveinDecember，nothingwassaidaboutthewarandthelastbattle，asthoughallwereinaconspiracyofsilence。Themenwhosetthetoneinconversation—CountRostopchin，PrinceYuriDolgorukov，Valuev，CountMarkov，andPrinceVyazemski—didnotshowthemselvesattheClub，butmetinprivatehousesinintimatecircles，andtheMoscoviteswhotooktheiropinionsfromothers—IlyaRostovamongthem—remainedforawhilewithoutanydefiniteopiniononthesubjectofthewarandwithoutleaders。TheMoscovitesfeltthatsomethingwaswrongandthattodiscussthebadnewswasdifficult，andsoitwasbesttobesilent。Butafterawhile，justasajurycomesoutofitsroom，thebigwigswhoguidedtheClub’sopinionreappeared，andeverybodybeganspeakingclearlyanddefinitely。
　　Reasonswerefoundfortheincredible，unheard—of，andimpossibleeventofaRussiandefeat，everythingbecameclear，andinallcornersofMoscowthesamethingsbegantobesaid。ThesereasonswerethetreacheryoftheAustrians，adefectivecommissariat，thetreacheryofthePolePrzebyszewskiandoftheFrenchmanLangeron，Kutuzov’sincapacity，anditwaswhisperedtheyouthandinexperienceofthesovereign，whohadtrustedworthlessandinsignificantpeople。Butthearmy，theRussianarmy，everyonedeclared，wasextraordinaryandhadachievedmiraclesofvalor。Thesoldiers，officers，andgeneralswereheroes。ButtheheroofheroeswasPrinceBagration，distinguishedbyhisSchonGrabernaffairandbytheretreatfromAusterlitz，wherehealonehadwithdrawnhiscolumnunbrokenandhadalldaybeatenbackanenemyforcetwiceasnumerousashisown。WhatalsoconducedtoBagration’sbeingselectedasMoscow’sherowasthefactthathehadnoconnectionsinthecityandwasastrangerthere。Inhisperson，honorwasshowntoasimplefightingRussiansoldierwithoutconnectionsandintrigues，andtoonewhowasassociatedbymemoriesoftheItaliancampaignwiththenameofSuvorov。Moreover，payingsuchhonortoBagrationwasthebestwayofexpressingdisapprovalanddislikeofKutuzov。
　　"HadtherebeennoBagration，itwouldhavebeennecessarytoinventhim，"saidthewitShinshin，parodyingthewordsofVoltaire。
　　Kutuzovnoonespokeof，exceptsomewhoabusedhiminwhispers，callinghimacourtweathercockandanoldsatyr。
　　AllMoscowrepeatedPrinceDolgorukov’ssaying："Ifyougoonmodelingandmodelingyoumustgetsmearedwithclay，"suggestingconsolationforourdefeatbythememoryofformervictories；andthewordsofRostopchin，thatFrenchsoldiershavetobeincitedtobattlebyhighfalutinwords，andGermansbylogicalargumentstoshowthemthatitismoredangeroustorunawaythantoadvance，butthatRussiansoldiersonlyneedtoberestrainedandheldback！Onallsides，newandfreshanecdoteswereheardofindividualexamplesofheroismshownbyourofficersandmenatAusterlitz。Onehadsavedastandard，anotherhadkilledfiveFrenchmen，athirdhadloadedfivecannonsinglehanded。Bergwasmentioned，bythosewhodidnotknowhim，ashaving，whenwoundedintherighthand，takenhisswordintheleft，andgoneforward。OfBolkonski，nothingwassaid，andonlythosewhoknewhimintimatelyregrettedthathehaddiedsoyoung，leavingapregnantwifewithhiseccentricfather。
　　BK4CH3
　　CHAPTERIII
　　OnthatthirdofMarch，alltheroomsintheEnglishClubwerefilledwithahumofconversation，likethehumofbeesswarminginspringtime。ThemembersandguestsoftheClubwanderedhitherandthither，sat，stood，met，andseparated，someinuniformandsomeineveningdress，andafewhereandtherewithpowderedhairandinRussiankaftans。Powderedfootmen，inliverywithbuckledshoesandsmartstockings，stoodateverydooranxiouslynotingvisitors’
　　everymovementinordertooffertheirservices。Mostofthosepresentwereelderly，respectedmenwithbroad，self—confidentfaces，fatfingers，andresolutegesturesandvoices。Thisclassofguestsandmemberssatincertainhabitualplacesandmetincertainhabitualgroups。Aminorityofthosepresentwerecasualguests—chieflyyoungmen，amongwhomwereDenisov，Rostov，andDolokhov—whowasnowagainanofficerintheSemenovregiment。Thefacesoftheseyoungpeople，especiallythosewhoweremilitarymen，borethatexpressionofcondescendingrespectfortheirelderswhichseemstosaytotheoldergeneration，"Wearepreparedtorespectandhonoryou，butallthesamerememberthatthefuturebelongstous。"
　　NesvitskiwasthereasanoldmemberoftheClub。Pierre，whoathiswife’scommandhadlethishairgrowandabandonedhisspectacles，wentabouttheroomsfashionablydressedbutlookingsadanddull。
　　Here，aselsewhere，hewassurroundedbyanatmosphereofsubserviencetohiswealth，andbeinginthehabitoflordingitoverthesepeople，hetreatedthemwithabsent—mindedcontempt。
　　Byhisageheshouldhavebelongedtotheyoungermen，butbyhiswealthandconnectionshebelongedtothegroupsoldandhonoredguests，andsohewentfromonegrouptoanother。Someofthemostimportantoldmenwerethecenterofgroupswhichevenstrangersapproachedrespectfullytohearthevoicesofwell—knownmen。ThelargestcirclesformedroundCountRostopchin，Valuev，andNaryshkin。RostopchinwasdescribinghowtheRussianshadbeenoverwhelmedbyflyingAustriansandhadhadtoforcetheirwaythroughthemwithbayonets。
　　ValuevwasconfidentiallytellingthatUvarovhadbeensentfromPetersburgtoascertainwhatMoscowwasthinkingaboutAusterlitz。
　　Inthethirdcircle，NaryshkinwasspeakingofthemeetingoftheAustrianCouncilofWaratwhichSuvorovcrowedlikeacockinreplytothenonsensetalkedbytheAustriangenerals。Shinshin，standingcloseby，triedtomakeajoke，sayingthatKutuzovhadevidentlyfailedtolearnfromSuvorovevensosimpleathingastheartofcrowinglikeacock，buttheeldermembersglancedseverelyatthewit，makinghimfeelthatinthatplaceandonthatday，itwasimpropertospeaksoofKutuzov。
　　CountIlyaRostov，hurriedandpreoccupied，wentaboutinhissoftbootsbetweenthedininganddrawingrooms，hastilygreetingtheimportantandunimportant，allofwhomheknew，asiftheywereallequals，whilehiseyesoccasionallysoughtouthisfinewell—set—upyoungson，restingonhimandwinkingjoyfullyathim。YoungRostovstoodatawindowwithDolokhov，whoseacquaintancehehadlatelymadeandhighlyvalued。TheoldcountcameuptothemandpressedDolokhov’shand。
　　"Pleasecomeandvisitus……youknowmybraveboy……beentogetheroutthere……bothplayingthehero……Ah，VasiliIgnatovich……Howd’yedo，oldfellow？"hesaid，turningtoanoldmanwhowaspassing，butbeforehehadfinishedhisgreetingtherewasageneralstir，andafootmanwhohadruninannounced，withafrightenedface："He’sarrived！"
　　Bellsrang，thestewardsrushedforward，and—likeryeshakentogetherinashovel—theguestswhohadbeenscatteredaboutindifferentroomscametogetherandcrowdedinthelargedrawingroombythedooroftheballroom。
　　Bagrationappearedinthedoorwayoftheanteroomwithouthatorsword，which，inaccordwiththeClubcustom，hehadgivenuptothehallporter。Hehadnolambskincaponhishead，norhadhealoadedwhipoverhisshoulder，aswhenRostovhadseenhimontheeveofthebattleofAusterlitz，butworeatightnewuniformwithRussianandforeignOrders，andtheStarofSt。Georgeonhisleftbreast。
　　Evidentlyjustbeforecomingtothedinnerhehadhadhishairandwhiskerstrimmed，whichchangedhisappearancefortheworse。Therewassomethingnaivelyfestiveinhisair，which，inconjunctionwithhisfirmandvirilefeatures，gavehimarathercomicalexpression。
　　BekleshevandTheodoreUvarov，whohadarrivedwithhim，pausedatthedoorwaytoallowhim，astheguestofhonor，toenterfirst。Bagrationwasembarrassed，notwishingtoavailhimselfoftheircourtesy，andthiscausedsomedelayatthedoors，butafterallhedidatlastenterfirst。Hewalkedshylyandawkwardlyovertheparquetfloorofthereceptionroom，notknowingwhattodowithhishands；hewasmoreaccustomedtowalkoveraplowedfieldunderfire，ashehaddoneattheheadoftheKurskregimentatSchonGrabern—andhewouldhavefoundthateasier。Thecommitteemenmethimatthefirstdoorand，expressingtheirdelightatseeingsuchahighlyhonoredguest，tookpossessionofhimasitwere，withoutwaitingforhisreply，surroundedhim，andledhimtothedrawingroom。Itwasatfirstimpossibletoenterthedrawing—roomdoorforthecrowdofmembersandguestsjostlingoneanotherandtryingtogetagoodlookatBagrationovereachother’sshoulders，asifheweresomerareanimal。CountIlyaRostov，laughingandrepeatingthewords，"Makeway，dearboy！
　　Makeway，makeway！"pushedthroughthecrowdmoreenergeticallythananyone，ledtheguestsintothedrawingroom，andseatedthemonthecentersofa。Thebigwigs，themostrespectedmembersoftheClub，besetthenewarrivals。CountIlya，againthrustinghiswaythroughthecrowd，wentoutofthedrawingroomandreappearedaminutelaterwithanothercommitteeman，carryingalargesilversalverwhichhepresentedtoPrinceBagration。Onthesalverlaysomeversescomposedandprintedinthehero’shonor。Bagration，onseeingthesalver，glancedaroundindismay，asthoughseekinghelp。
　　Butalleyesdemandedthatheshouldsubmit。Feelinghimselfintheirpower，heresolutelytookthesalverwithbothhandsandlookedsternlyandreproachfullyatthecountwhohadpresentedittohim。SomeoneobliginglytookthedishfromBagrationorhewould，itseemed，haveheldittilleveningandhavegoneintodinnerwithitanddrewhisattentiontotheverses。
　　"Well，Iwillreadthem，then！"Bagrationseemedtosay，and，fixinghiswearyeyesonthepaper，begantoreadthemwithafixedandseriousexpression。Buttheauthorhimselftooktheversesandbeganreadingthemaloud。Bagrationbowedhisbeadandlistened：
　　BringglorythentoAlexander’sreignAndonthethroneourTitusshield。
　　Adreadedfoebethou，kindheartedasaman，ARhipheusathome，aCaesarinthefield！
　　E’enfortunateNapoleonKnowsbyexperience，now，Bagration，AnddarenotHerculeanRussianstrouble……
　　Butbeforehehadfinishedreading，astentorianmajor—domoannouncedthatdinnerwasready！Thedooropened，andfromthediningroomcametheresoundingstrainsofthepolonaise：
　　Conquest’sjoyfulthunderwaken，Triumph，valiantRussians，now！……
　　andCountRostov，glancingangrilyattheauthorwhowentonreadinghisverses，bowedtoBagration。Everyonerose，feelingthatdinnerwasmoreimportantthanverses，andBagration，againprecedingalltherest，wentintodinner。HewasseatedintheplaceofhonorbetweentwoAlexanders—BekleshevandNaryshkin—whichwasasignificantallusiontothenameofthesovereign。Threehundredpersonstooktheirseatsinthediningroom，accordingtotheirrankandimportance：themoreimportantnearertothehonoredguest，asnaturallyaswaterflowsdeepestwherethelandlieslowest。
　　Justbeforedinner，CountIlyaRostovpresentedhissontoBagration，whorecognizedhimandsaidafewwordstohim，disjointedandawkward，aswereallthewordshespokethatday，andCountIlyalookedjoyfullyandproudlyaroundwhileBagrationspoketohisson。
　　NicholasRostov，withDenisovandhisnewacquaintance，Dolokhov，satalmostatthemiddleofthetable。FacingthemsatPierre，besidePrinceNesvitski。CountIlyaRostovwiththeothermembersofthecommitteesatfacingBagrationand，astheverypersonificationofMoscowhospitality，didthehonorstotheprince。
　　Hiseffortshadnotbeeninvain。Thedinner，boththeLentenandtheotherfare，wassplendid，yethecouldnotfeelquiteateasetilltheendofthemeal。Hewinkedatthebutler，whispereddirectionstothefootmen，andawaitedeachexpecteddishwithsomeanxiety。
　　Everythingwasexcellent。Withthesecondcourse，agiganticsterletatsightofwhichIlyaRostovblushedwithself—consciouspleasure，thefootmenbeganpoppingcorksandfillingthechampagneglasses。Afterthefish，whichmadeacertainsensation，thecountexchangedglanceswiththeothercommitteemen。"Therewillbemanytoasts，it’stimetobegin，"hewhispered，andtakinguphisglass，herose。Allweresilent，waitingforwhathewouldsay。
　　"TothehealthofourSovereign，theEmperor！"hecried，andatthesamemomenthiskindlyeyesgrewmoistwithtearsofjoyandenthusiasm。Thebandimmediatelystruckup"Conquest’sjoyfulthunderwaken……"Allroseandcried"Hurrah！"Bagrationalsoroseandshouted"Hurrah！"inexactlythesamevoiceinwhichhehadshouteditonthefieldatSchonGrabern。YoungRostov’secstaticvoicecouldbeheardabovethethreehundredothers。Henearlywept。"TothehealthofourSovereign，theEmperor！"heroared，"Hurrah！"andemptyinghisglassatonegulphedashedittothefloor。Manyfollowedhisexample，andtheloudshoutingcontinuedforalongtime。
　　Whenthevoicessubsided，thefootmenclearedawaythebrokenglassandeverybodysatdownagain，smilingatthenoisetheyhadmadeandexchangingremarks。Theoldcountroseoncemore，glancedatanotelyingbesidehisplate，andproposedatoast，"Tothehealthoftheheroofourlastcampaign，PrincePeterIvanovichBagration！"andagainhisblueeyesgrewmoist。"Hurrah！"criedthethreehundredvoicesagain，butinsteadofthebandachoirbegansingingacantatacomposedbyPaulIvanovichKutuzov：
　　Russians！O’erallbarrierson！
　　Courageconquestguarantees；
　　HavewenotBagration？
　　Hebringsfoementotheirknees，……etc。
　　Assoonasthesingingwasover，anotherandanothertoastwasproposedandCountIlyaRostovbecamemoreandmoremoved，moreglasswassmashed，andtheshoutinggrewlouder。TheydranktoBekleshev，Naryshkin，Uvarov，Dolgorukov，Apraksin，Valuev，tothecommittee，toalltheClubmembersandtoalltheClubguests，andfinallytoCountIlyaRostovseparately，astheorganizerofthebanquet。Atthattoast，thecounttookouthishandkerchiefand，coveringhisface，weptoutright。
　　BK4CH4
　　CHAPTERIV
　　PierresatoppositeDolokhovandNicholasRostov。Asusual，heateanddrankmuch，andeagerly。Butthosewhoknewhimintimatelynoticedthatsomegreatchangehadcomeoverhimthatday。Hewassilentallthroughdinnerandlookedabout，blinkingandscowling，or，withfixedeyesandalookofcompleteabsent—mindedness，keptrubbingthebridgeofhisnose。Hisfacewasdepressedandgloomy。Heseemedtoseeandhearnothingofwhatwasgoingonaroundhimandtobeabsorbedbysomedepressingandunsolvedproblem。
　　Theunsolvedproblemthattormentedhimwascausedbyhintsgivenbytheprincess，hiscousin，atMoscow，concerningDolokhov’sintimacywithhiswife，andbyananonymousletterhehadreceivedthatmorning，whichinthemeanjocularwaycommontoanonymousletterssaidthathesawbadlythroughhisspectacles，butthathiswife’sconnectionwithDolokhovwasasecrettonoonebuthimself。Pierreabsolutelydisbelievedboththeprincess’hintsandtheletter，buthefearednowtolookatDolokhov，whowassittingoppositehim。EverytimehechancedtomeetDolokhov’shandsomeinsolenteyes，Pierrefeltsomethingterribleandmonstrousrisinginhissoulandturnedquicklyaway。Involuntarilyrecallinghiswife’spastandherrelationswithDolokhov，Pierresawclearlythatwhatwassaidinthelettermightbetrue，ormightatleastseemtobetruehaditnotreferredtohiswife。HeinvoluntarilyrememberedhowDolokhov，whohadfullyrecoveredhisformerpositionafterthecampaign，hadreturnedtoPetersburgandcometohim。AvailinghimselfofhisfriendlyrelationswithPierreasabooncompanion，Dolokhovhadcomestraighttohishouse，andPierrehadputhimupandlenthimmoney。PierrerecalledhowHelenehadsmilinglyexpresseddisapprovalofDolokhov’slivingattheirhouse，andhowcynicallyDolokhovhadpraisedhiswife’sbeautytohimandfromthattimetilltheycametoMoscowhadnotleftthemforaday。
　　"Yes，heisveryhandsome，"thoughtPierre，"andIknowhim。Itwouldbeparticularlypleasanttohimtodishonormynameandridiculeme，justbecauseIhaveexertedmyselfonhisbehalf，befriendedhim，andhelpedhim。Iknowandunderstandwhataspicethatwouldaddtothepleasureofdeceivingme，ifitreallyweretrue。Yes，ifitweretrue，butIdonotbelieveit。Ihavenorightto，andcan’t，believeit。"HerememberedtheexpressionDolokhov’sfaceassumedinhismomentsofcruelty，aswhentyingthepolicemantothebearanddroppingthemintothewater，orwhenhechallengedamantoaduelwithoutanyreason，orshotapost—boy’shorsewithapistol。ThatexpressionwasoftenonDolokhov’sfacewhenlookingathim。"Yes，heisabully，"thoughtPierre，"tokillamanmeansnothingtohim。
　　Itmustseemtohimthateveryoneisafraidofhim，andthatmustpleasehim。HemustthinkthatI，too，amafraidofhim—andinfactI
　　amafraidofhim，"hethought，andagainhefeltsomethingterribleandmonstrousrisinginhissoul。Dolokhov，Denisov，andRostovwerenowsittingoppositePierreandseemedverygay。Rostovwastalkingmerrilytohistwofriends，oneofwhomwasadashinghussarandtheotheranotoriousduelistandrake，andeverynowandthenheglancedironicallyatPierre，whosepreoccupied，absent—minded，andmassivefigurewasaverynoticeableoneatthedinner。RostovlookedinimicallyatPierre，firstbecausePierreappearedtohishussareyesasarichcivilian，thehusbandofabeauty，andinaword—anoldwoman；andsecondlybecausePierreinhispreoccupationandabsent—mindednesshadnotrecognizedRostovandhadnotrespondedtohisgreeting。WhentheEmperor’shealthwasdrunk，Pierre，lostinthought，didnotriseorlifthisglass。
　　"Whatareyouabout？"shoutedRostov，lookingathiminanecstasyofexasperation。"Don’tyouhearit’sHisMajestytheEmperor’shealth？"
　　Pierresighed，rosesubmissively，emptiedhisglass，and，waitingtillallwereseatedagain，turnedwithhiskindlysmiletoRostov。
　　"Why，Ididn’trecognizeyou！"hesaid。ButRostovwasotherwiseengaged；hewasshouting"Hurrah！"
　　"Whydon’tyourenewtheacquaintance？"saidDolokhovtoRostov。
　　"Confoundhim，he’safool！"saidRostov。
　　"Oneshouldmakeuptothehusbandsofprettywomen，"saidDenisov。
　　Pierredidnotcatchwhattheyweresaying，butknewtheyweretalkingabouthim。Hereddenedandturnedaway。
　　"Well，nowtothehealthofhandsomewomen！"saidDolokhov，andwithaseriousexpression，butwithasmilelurkingatthecornersofhismouth，heturnedwithhisglasstoPierre。
　　"Here’stothehealthoflovelywomen，Peterkin—andtheirlovers！"headded。
　　Pierre，withdowncasteyes，drankoutofhisglasswithoutlookingatDolokhovoransweringhim。Thefootman，whowasdistributingleafletswithKutuzov’scantata，laidonebeforePierreasoneoftheprincipalguests。HewasjustgoingtotakeitwhenDolokhov，leaningacross，snatcheditfromhishandandbeganreadingit。PierrelookedatDolokhovandhiseyesdropped，thesomethingterribleandmonstrousthathadtormentedhimalldinnertimeroseandtookpossessionofhim。Heleanedhiswholemassivebodyacrossthetable。
　　"Howdareyoutakeit？"heshouted。
　　Hearingthatcryandseeingtowhomitwasaddressed，NesvitskiandtheneighboronhisrightquicklyturnedinalarmtoBezukhov。
　　"Don’t！Don’t！Whatareyouabout？"whisperedtheirfrightenedvoices。
　　DolokhovlookedatPierrewithclear，mirthful，crueleyes，andthatsmileofhiswhichseemedtosay，"Ah！ThisiswhatIlike！"
　　"Youshan’thaveit！"hesaiddistinctly。
　　Pale，withquiveringlips，Pierresnatchedthecopy。
　　"You……！you……scoundrel！Ichallengeyou！"heejaculated，and，pushingbackhischair，herosefromthetable。
　　Attheveryinstanthedidthisandutteredthosewords，Pierrefeltthatthequestionofhiswife’sguiltwhichhadbeentormentinghimthewholedaywasfinallyandindubitablyansweredintheaffirmative。
　　Hehatedherandwasforeversunderedfromher。DespiteDenisov’srequestthathewouldtakenopartinthematter，RostovagreedtobeDolokhov’ssecond，andafterdinnerhediscussedthearrangementsfortheduelwithNesvitski，Bezukhov’ssecond。Pierrewenthome，butRostovwithDolokhovandDenisovstayedonattheClubtilllate，listeningtothegypsiesandothersingers。
　　"Wellthen，tilltomorrowatSokolniki，"saidDolokhov，ashetookleaveofRostovintheClubporch。
　　"Anddoyoufeelquitecalm？"Rostovasked。
　　Dolokhovpaused。
　　"Well，yousee，I’lltellyouthewholesecretofduelingintwowords。Ifyouaregoingtofightaduel，andyoumakeawillandwriteaffectionateletterstoyourparents，andifyouthinkyoumaybekilled，youareafoolandarelostforcertain。Butgowiththefirmintentionofkillingyourmanasquicklyandsurelyaspossible，andthenallwillberight，asourbearhuntsmanatKostromausedtotellme。’Everyonefearsabear，’hesays，’butwhenyouseeoneyourfear’sallgone，andyouronlythoughtisnottolethimgetaway！’Andthat’showitiswithme。Ademain，moncher。"*
　　*Tilltomorrow，mydearfellow。
　　Nextday，ateightinthemorning，PierreandNesvitskidrovetotheSokolnikiforestandfoundDolokhov，Denisov，andRostovalreadythere。Pierrehadtheairofamanpreoccupiedwithconsiderationswhichhadnoconnectionwiththematterinhand。Hishaggardfacewasyellow。Hehadevidentlynotsleptthatnight。Helookedaboutdistractedlyandscreweduphiseyesasifdazzledbythesun。Hewasentirelyabsorbedbytwoconsiderations：hiswife’sguilt，ofwhichafterhissleeplessnighthehadnottheslightestdoubt，andtheguiltlessnessofDolokhov，whohadnoreasontopreservethehonorofamanwhowasnothingtohim……"Ishouldperhapshavedonethesamethinginhisplace，"thoughtPierre。"It’sevencertainthatI
　　shouldhavedonethesame，thenwhythisduel，thismurder？EitherI
　　shallkillhim，orhewillhitmeinthehead，orelbow，orknee。
　　Can’tIgoawayfromhere，runaway，burymyselfsomewhere？"passedthroughhismind。Butjustatmomentswhensuchthoughtsoccurredtohim，hewouldaskinaparticularlycalmandabsent—mindedway，whichinspiredtherespectoftheonlookers，"Willitbelong？Arethingsready？"
　　Whenallwasready，thesabersstuckinthesnowtomarkthebarriers，andthepistolsloaded，NesvitskiwentuptoPierre。
　　"Ishouldnotbedoingmyduty，Count，"hesaidintimidtones，"andshouldnotjustifyyourconfidenceandthehonoryouhavedonemeinchoosingmeforyoursecond，ifatthisgrave，thisverygrave，momentIdidnottellyouthewholetruth。Ithinkthereisnosufficientgroundforthisaffair，orforbloodtobeshedoverit……Youwerenotright，notquiteintheright，youwereimpetuous……"
　　"Ohyes，itishorriblystupid，"saidPierre。
　　"Thenallowmetoexpressyourregrets，andIamsureyouropponentwillacceptthem，"saidNesvitskiwholiketheothersconcernedintheaffair，andlikeeveryoneinsimilarcases，didnotyetbelievethattheaffairhadcometoanactualduel。"Youknow，Count，itismuchmorehonorabletoadmitone’smistakethantoletmattersbecomeirreparable。Therewasnoinsultoneitherside。
　　Allowmetoconvey……"
　　"No！Whatistheretotalkabout？"saidPierre。"It’sallthesame……Iseverythingready？"headded。"Onlytellmewheretogoandwheretoshoot，"hesaidwithanunnaturallygentlesmile。
　　Hetookthepistolinhishandandbeganaskingabouttheworkingofthetrigger，ashehadnotbeforeheldapistolinhishand—afactthathedidnottoconfess。
　　"Ohyes，likethat，Iknow，Ionlyforgot，"saidhe。
　　"Noapologies，nonewhatever，"saidDolokhovtoDenisovwhoonhissidehadbeenattemptingareconciliation，andhealsowentuptotheappointedplace。
　　Thespotchosenfortheduelwassomeeightypacesfromtheroad，wherethesleighshadbeenleft，inasmallclearinginthepineforestcoveredwithmeltingsnow，thefrosthavingbeguntobreakupduringthelastfewdays。Theantagonistsstoodfortypacesapartatthefartheredgeoftheclearing。Theseconds，measuringthepaces，lefttracksinthedeepwetsnowbetweentheplacewheretheyhadbeenstandingandNesvitski’sandDolokhov’ssabers，whichwerestuckintothegroundtenpacesaparttomarkthebarrier。Itwasthawingandmisty；atfortypaces’distancenothingcouldbeseen。Forthreeminutesallhadbeenready，buttheystilldelayedandallweresilent。
　　BK4CH5
　　CHAPTERV
　　"Wellbegin！"saidDolokhov。
　　"Allright，"saidPierre，stillsmilinginthesameway。Afeelingofdreadwasintheair。Itwasevidentthattheaffairsolightlybeguncouldnolongerbeavertedbutwastakingitscourseindependentlyofmen’swill。
　　Denisovfirstwenttothebarrierandannounced："Astheadve’sawieshavewefusedaweconciliation，pleasepwoceed。Takeyourpistols，andatthewordthweebegintoadvance。
　　"O—ne！T—wo！Thwee！"heshoutedangrilyandsteppedaside。
　　Thecombatantsadvancedalongthetroddentracks，nearerandnearertooneanother，beginningtoseeoneanotherthroughthemist。Theyhadtherighttofirewhentheylikedastheyapproachedthebarrier。Dolokhovwalkedslowlywithoutraisinghispistol，lookingintentlywithhisbright，sparklingblueeyesintohisantagonist’sface。Hismouthworeitsusualsemblanceofasmile。
　　"SoIcanfirewhenIlike！"saidPierre，andattheword"three，"
　　hewentquicklyforward，missingthetroddenpathandsteppingintothedeepsnow。Heheldthepistolinhisrighthandatarm’slength，apparentlyafraidofshootinghimselfwithit。Hislefthandheheldcarefullyback，becausehewishedtosupporthisrighthandwithitandknewhemustnotdoso。Havingadvancedsixpacesandstrayedoffthetrackintothesnow，Pierrelookeddownathisfeet，thenquicklyglancedatDolokhovand，bendinghisfingerashehadbeenshown，fired。Notatallexpectingsoloudareport，Pierreshudderedatthesoundandthen，smilingathisownsensations，stoodstill。Thesmoke，rendereddenserbythemist，preventedhimfromseeinganythingforaninstant，buttherewasnosecondreportashehadexpected。HeonlyheardDolokhov’shurriedsteps，andhisfigurecameinviewthroughthesmoke。Hewaspressingonehandtohisleftside，whiletheotherclutchedhisdroopingpistol。Hisfacewaspale。Rostovrantowardhimandsaidsomething。
　　"No—o—o！"mutteredDolokhovthroughhisteeth，"no，it’snotover。"Andafterstumblingafewstaggeringstepsrightuptothesaber，hesankonthesnowbesideit。Hislefthandwasbloody；hewipeditonhiscoatandsupportedhimselfwithit。Hisfrowningfacewaspallidandquivered。
　　"Plea……"beganDolokhov，butcouldnotatfirstpronouncetheword。
　　"Please，"heutteredwithaneffort。
　　Pierre，hardlyrestraininghissobs，beganrunningtowardDolokhovandwasabouttocrossthespacebetweenthebarriers，whenDolokhovcried：
　　"Toyourbarrier！"andPierre，graspingwhatwasmeant，stoppedbyhissaber。Onlytenpacesdividedthem。Dolokhovloweredhisheadtothesnow，greedilybitatit，againraisedhishead，adjustedhimself，drewinhislegsandsatup，seekingafirmcenterofgravity。Hesuckedandsuckedandswallowedthecoldsnow，hislipsquiveredbuthiseyes，stillsmiling，glitteredwitheffortandexasperationashemusteredhisremainingstrength。Heraisedhispistolandaimed。
　　"Sideways！Coveryourselfwithyourpistol！"ejaculatedNesvitski。
　　"Coveryourself！"evenDenisovcriedtohisadversary。
　　Pierre，withagentlesmileofpityandremorse，hisarmsandlegshelplesslyspreadout，stoodwithhisbroadchestdirectlyfacingDolokhovlookedsorrowfullyathim。Denisov，Rostov，andNesvitskiclosedtheireyes。AtthesameinstanttheyheardareportandDolokhov’sangrycry。
　　"Missed！"shoutedDolokhov，andhelayhelplessly，facedownwardsonthesnow。
　　Pierreclutchedhistemples，andturningroundwentintotheforest，tramplingthroughthedeepsnow，andmutteringincoherentwords：
　　"Folly……folly！Death……lies……"herepeated，puckeringhisface。
　　Nesvitskistoppedhimandtookhimhome。
　　RostovandDenisovdroveawaywiththewoundedDolokhov。
　　Thelatterlaysilentinthesleighwithclosedeyesanddidnotanswerawordtothequestionsaddressedtohim。ButonenteringMoscowhesuddenlycametoand，liftinghisheadwithaneffort，tookRostov，whowassittingbesidehim，bythehand。RostovwasstruckbythetotallyalteredandunexpectedlyrapturousandtenderexpressiononDolokhov’sface。
　　"Well？Howdoyoufeel？"heasked。
　　"Bad！Butit’snotthat，myfriend—"saidDolokhovwithagaspingvoice。"Wherearewe？InMoscow，Iknow。Idon’tmatter，butIhavekilledher，killed……Shewon’tgetoverit！Shewon’tsurvive……"
　　"Who？"askedRostov。
　　"Mymother！Mymother，myangel，myadoredangelmother，"andDolokhovpressedRostov’shandandburstintotears。
　　Whenhehadbecomealittlequieter，heexplainedtoRostovthathewaslivingwithhismother，who，ifshesawhimdying，wouldnotsurviveit。HeimploredRostovtogoonandprepareher。
　　Rostovwentonaheadtodowhatwasasked，andtohisgreatsurpriselearnedthatDolokhovthebrawler，Dolokhovthebully，livedinMoscowwithanoldmotherandahunchbacksister，andwasthemostaffectionateofsonsandbrothers。
　　BK4CH6
　　CHAPTERVI
　　Pierrehadoflaterarelyseenhiswifealone。BothinPetersburgandinMoscowtheirhousewasalwaysfullofvisitors。Thenightaftertheduelhedidnotgotohisbedroombut，asheoftendid，remainedinhisfather’sroom，thathugeroominwhichCountBezukhovhaddied。
　　Helaydownonthesofameaningtofallasleepandforgetallthathadhappenedtohim，butcouldnotdoso。Suchastormoffeelings，thoughts，andmemoriessuddenlyarosewithinhimthathecouldnotfallasleep，norevenremaininoneplace，buthadtojumpupandpacetheroomwithrapidsteps。Nowheseemedtoseeherintheearlydaysoftheirmarriage，withbareshouldersandalanguid，passionatelookonherface，andthenimmediatelyhesawbesideherDolokhov’shandsome，insolent，hard，andmockingfaceashehadseenitatthebanquet，andthenthatsamefacepale，quivering，andsuffering，asithadbeenwhenhereeledandsankonthesnow。
　　"Whathashappened？"heaskedhimself。"Ihavekilledherlover，yes，killedmywife’slover。Yes，thatwasit！Andwhy？HowdidIcometodoit？"—"Becauseyoumarriedher，"answeredaninnervoice。
　　"ButinwhatwasItoblame？"heasked。"Inmarryingherwithoutlovingher；indeceivingyourselfandher。"AndhevividlyrecalledthatmomentaftersupperatPrinceVasili’s，whenhespokethosewordshehadfoundsodifficulttoutter："Iloveyou。""Itallcomesfromthat！EventhenIfeltit，"hethought。"Ifeltthenthatitwasnotso，thatIhadnorighttodoit。Andsoitturnsout。"
　　Herememberedhishoneymoonandblushedattherecollection。
　　Particularlyvivid，humiliating，andshamefulwastherecollectionofhowonedaysoonafterhismarriagehecameoutofthebedroomintohisstudyalittlebeforenooninhissilkdressinggownandfoundhisheadstewardthere，who，bowingrespectfully，lookedintohisfaceandathisdressinggownandsmiledslightly，asifexpressingrespectfulunderstandingofhisemployer’shappiness。
　　"ButhowoftenIhavefeltproudofher，proudofhermajesticbeautyandsocialtact，"thoughthe；"beenproudofmyhouse，inwhichshereceivedallPetersburg，proudofherunapproachabilityandbeauty。SothisiswhatIwasproudof！IthenthoughtthatIdidnotunderstandher。HowoftenwhenconsideringhercharacterIhavetoldmyselfthatIwastoblamefornotunderstandingher，fornotunderstandingthatconstantcomposureandcomplacencyandlackofallinterestsordesires，andthewholesecretliesintheterribletruththatsheisadepravedwoman。NowIhavespokenthatterriblewordtomyselfallhasbecomeclear。
　　"Anatoleusedtocometoborrowmoneyfromherandusedtokisshernakedshoulders。Shedidnotgivehimthemoney，butletherselfbekissed。Herfatherinjesttriedtorouseherjealousy，andsherepliedwithacalmsmilethatshewasnotsostupidastobejealous：
　　’Lethimdowhathepleases，’sheusedtosayofme。OnedayIaskedherifshefeltanysymptomsofpregnancy。Shelaughedcontemptuouslyandsaidshewasnotafooltowanttohavechildren，andthatshewasnotgoingtohaveanychildrenbyme。"