Thenherecalledthecoarsenessandbluntnessofherthoughtsandthevulgarityoftheexpressionsthatwerenaturaltoher，thoughshehadbeenbroughtupinthemostaristocraticcircles。
　　"I’mnotsuchafool……Justyoutryiton……Allez—vouspromener，"*sheusedtosay。OftenseeingthesuccessshehadwithyoungandoldmenandwomenPierrecouldnotunderstandwhyhedidnotloveher。
　　*"Youclearoutofthis。"
　　"Yes，Ineverlovedher，"saidhetohimself；"Iknewshewasadepravedwoman，"herepeated，"butdarednotadmitittomyself。Andnowthere’sDolokhovsittinginthesnowwithaforcedsmileandperhapsdying，whilemeetingmyremorsewithsomeforcedbravado！"
　　Pierrewasoneofthosepeoplewho，inspiteofanappearanceofwhatiscalledweakcharacter，donotseekaconfidantintheirtroubles。Hedigestedhissufferingsalone。
　　"Itisall，allherfault，"hesaidtohimself；"butwhatofthat？
　　WhydidIbindmyselftoher？WhydidIsay’Jevousaime’*toher，whichwasalie，andworsethanalie？Iamguiltyandmustendure……what？Asluronmyname？Amisfortuneforlife？Oh，that’snonsense，"hethought。"Thesluronmynameandhonor—that’sallapartfrommyself。
　　*Iloveyou。
　　"LouisXVIwasexecutedbecausetheysaidhewasdishonorableandacriminal，"cameintoPierre’shead，"andfromtheirpointofviewtheywereright，aswerethosetoowhocanonizedhimanddiedamartyr’sdeathforhissake。ThenRobespierrewasbeheadedforbeingadespot。Whoisrightandwhoiswrong？Noone！Butifyouarealive—
　　live：tomorrowyou’lldieasImighthavediedanhourago。Andisitworthtormentingoneself，whenonehasonlyamomentoflifeincomparisonwitheternity？"
　　Butatthemomentwhenheimaginedhimselfcalmedbysuchreflections，shesuddenlycameintohismindasshewasatthemomentswhenhehadmoststronglyexpressedhisinsincereloveforher，andhefeltthebloodrushtohisheartandhadagaintogetupandmoveaboutandbreakandtearwhatevercametohishand。"WhydidItellherthat’Jevousaime’？"hekeptrepeatingtohimself。Andwhenhehadsaiditforthetenthtime，Molibre’swords："Maisquediablealloit—ilfairedanscettegalere？"occurredtohim，andhebegantolaughathimself。
　　InthenighthecalledhisvaletandtoldhimtopackuptogotoPetersburg。Hecouldnotimaginehowhecouldspeaktohernow。Heresolvedtogoawaynextdayandleavealetterinformingherofhisintentiontopartfromherforever。
　　Nextmorningwhenthevaletcameintotheroomwithhiscoffee，Pierrewaslyingasleepontheottomanwithanopenbookinhishand。
　　Hewokeupandlookedroundforawhilewithastartledexpression，unabletorealizewherehewas。
　　"Thecountesstoldmetoinquirewhetheryourexcellencywasathome，"saidthevalet。
　　ButbeforePierrecoulddecidewhatanswerhewouldsend，thecountessherselfinawhitesatindressinggownembroideredwithsilverandwithsimplydressedhairtwoimmenseplaitstwiceroundherlovelyheadlikeacoronetenteredtheroom，calmandmajestic，exceptthattherewasawrathfulwrinkleonherratherprominentmarblebrow。Withherimperturbablecalmshedidnotbegintospeakinfrontofthevalet。Sheknewoftheduelandhadcometospeakaboutit。Shewaitedtillthevalethadsetdownthecoffeethingsandlefttheroom。Pierrelookedathertimidlyoverhisspectacles，andlikeaharesurroundedbyhoundswholaysbackherearsandcontinuestocrouchmotionlessbeforeherenemies，hetriedtocontinuereading。Butfeelingthistobesenselessandimpossible，heagainglancedtimidlyather。Shedidnotsitdownbutlookedathimwithacontemptuoussmile，waitingforthevalettogo。
　　"Well，what’sthisnow？Whathaveyoubeenuptonow，Ishouldliketoknow？"sheaskedsternly。
　　"I？WhathaveI……？"stammeredPierre。
　　"Soitseemsyou’reahero，eh？Comenow，whatwasthisduelabout？Whatisitmeanttoprove？What？Iaskyou。"
　　Pierreturnedoverheavilyontheottomanandopenedhismouth，butcouldnotreply。
　　"Ifyouwon’tanswer，I’lltellyou……"Helenewenton。"Youbelieveeverythingyou’retold。Youweretold……"Helenelaughed，"thatDolokhovwasmylover，"shesaidinFrenchwithhercoarseplainnessofspeech，utteringthewordamantascasuallyasanyotherword，"andyoubelievedit！Well，whathaveyouproved？Whatdoesthisduelprove？Thatyou’reafool，quevousetesunsot，buteverybodyknewthat。Whatwillbetheresult？ThatIshallbethelaughingstockofallMoscow，thateveryonewillsaythatyou，drunkandnotknowingwhatyouwereabout，challengedamanyouarejealousofwithoutcause。"Heleneraisedhervoiceandbecamemoreandmoreexcited，"A
　　manwho’sabettermanthanyouineveryway……"
　　"Hm……Hm……！"growledPierre，frowningwithoutlookingather，andnotmovingamuscle。
　　"Andhowcouldyoubelievehewasmylover？Why？BecauseIlikehiscompany？Ifyouwereclevererandmoreagreeable，Ishouldpreferyours。"
　　"Don’tspeaktome……Ibegyou，"mutteredPierrehoarsely。
　　"Whyshouldn’tIspeak？IcanspeakasIlike，andItellyouplainlythattherearenotmanywiveswithhusbandssuchasyouwhowouldnothavetakenloversdesamants，butIhavenotdoneso，"
　　saidshe。
　　Pierrewishedtosaysomething，lookedatherwitheyeswhosestrangeexpressionshedidnotunderstand，andlaydownagain。Hewassufferingphysicallyatthatmoment，therewasaweightonhischestandhecouldnotbreathe。Heknewthathemustdosomethingtoputanendtothissuffering，butwhathewantedtodowastooterrible。
　　"Wehadbetterseparate，"hemutteredinabrokenvoice。
　　"Separate？Verywell，butonlyifyougivemeafortune，"saidHelene。"Separate！That’sathingtofrightenmewith！"
　　Pierreleapedupfromthesofaandrushedstaggeringtowardher。
　　"I’llkillyou！"heshouted，andseizingthemarbletopofatablewithastrengthhehadneverbeforefelt，hemadeasteptowardherbrandishingtheslab。
　　Helene’sfacebecameterrible，sheshriekedandsprangaside。Hisfather’snatureshoweditselfinPierre。Hefeltthefascinationanddelightoffrenzy。Heflungdowntheslab，brokeit，andswoopingdownonherwithoutstretchedhandsshouted，"Getout！"insuchaterriblevoicethatthewholehousehearditwithhorror。GodknowswhathewouldhavedoneatthatmomenthadHelenenotfledfromtheroom。
　　AweeklaterPierregavehiswifefullpowertocontrolallhisestatesinGreatRussia，whichformedthelargerpartofhisproperty，andleftforPetersburgalone。
　　BK4CH7
　　CHAPTERVII
　　TwomonthshadelapsedsincethenewsofthebattleofAusterlitzandthelossofPrinceAndrewhadreachedBaldHills，andinspiteoftheletterssentthroughtheembassyandallthesearchesmade，hisbodyhadnotbeenfoundnorwasheonthelistofprisoners。Whatwasworstofallforhisrelationswasthefactthattherewasstillapossibilityofhishavingbeenpickeduponthebattlefieldbythepeopleoftheplaceandthathemightnowbelying，recoveringordying，aloneamongstrangersandunabletosendnewsofhimself。ThegazettesfromwhichtheoldprincefirstheardofthedefeatatAusterlitzstated，asusualverybrieflyandvaguely，thatafterbrilliantengagementstheRussianshadhadtoretreatandhadmadetheirwithdrawalinperfectorder。Theoldprinceunderstoodfromthisofficialreportthatourarmyhadbeendefeated。AweekafterthegazettereportofthebattleofAusterlitzcamealetterfromKutuzovinformingtheprinceofthefatethathadbefallenhisson。
　　"Yourson，"wroteKutuzov，"fellbeforemyeyes，astandardinhishandandattheheadofaregiment—hefellasahero，worthyofhisfatherandhisfatherland。Tothegreatregretofmyselfandofthewholearmyitisstilluncertainwhetherheisaliveornot。Icomfortmyselfandyouwiththehopethatyoursonisalive，forotherwisehewouldhavebeenmentionedamongtheofficersfoundonthefieldofbattle，alistofwhomhasbeensentmeunderflagoftruce。"
　　Afterreceivingthisnewslateintheevening，whenhewasaloneinhisstudy，theoldprincewentforhiswalkasusualnextmorning，buthewassilentwithhissteward，thegardener，andthearchitect，andthoughhelookedverygrimhesaidnothingtoanyone。
　　WhenPrincessMarywenttohimattheusualhourhewasworkingathislatheand，asusual，didnotlookroundather。
　　"Ah，PrincessMary！"hesaidsuddenlyinanunnaturalvoice，throwingdownhischisel。Thewheelcontinuedtorevolvebyitsownimpetus，andPrincessMarylongrememberedthedyingcreakofthatwheel，whichmergedinhermemorywithwhatfollowed。
　　Sheapproachedhim，sawhisface，andsomethinggavewaywithinher。
　　Hereyesgrewdim。Bytheexpressionofherfather’sface，notsad，notcrushed，butangryandworkingunnaturally，shesawthathangingoverherandabouttocrushherwassometerriblemisfortune，theworstinlife，oneshehadnotyetexperienced，irreparableandincomprehensible—thedeathofonesheloved。
　　"Father！Andrew！"—saidtheungraceful，awkwardprincesswithsuchanindescribablecharmofsorrowandself—forgetfulnessthatherfathercouldnotbearherlookbutturnedawaywithasob。
　　"Badnews！He’snotamongtheprisonersnoramongthekilled！
　　Kutuzovwrites……"andhescreamedaspiercinglyasifhewishedtodrivetheprincessawaybythatscream……"Killed！"
　　Theprincessdidnotfalldownorfaint。Shewasalreadypale，butonhearingthesewordsherfacechangedandsomethingbrightenedinherbeautiful，radianteyes。Itwasasifjoy—asupremejoyapartfromthejoysandsorrowsofthisworld—overflowedthegreatgriefwithinher。Sheforgotallfearofherfather，wentuptohim，tookhishand，anddrawinghimdownputherarmroundhisthin，scraggyneck。
　　"Father"shesaid，"donotturnawayfromme，letusweeptogether。"
　　"Scoundrels！Blackguards！"shriekedtheoldman，turninghisfaceawayfromher。"Destroyingthearmy，destroyingthemen！Andwhy？
　　Go，goandtellLise。"
　　Theprincesssankhelplesslyintoanarmchairbesideherfatherandwept。ShesawherbrothernowashehadbeenatthemomentwhenhetookleaveofherandofLise，hislooktenderyetproud。Shesawhimtenderandamusedashewaswhenheputonthelittleicon。"Didhebelieve？Hadherepentedofhisunbelief？Washenowthere？Thereintherealmsofeternalpeaceandblessedness？"shethought。
　　"Father，tellmehowithappened，"sheaskedthroughhertears。
　　"Go！Go！Killedinbattle，wherethebestofRussianmenandRussia’sglorywereledtodestruction。Go，PrincessMary。GoandtellLise。Iwillfollow。"
　　WhenPrincessMaryreturnedfromherfather，thelittleprincesssatworkingandlookedupwiththatcuriousexpressionofinner，happycalmpeculiartopregnantwomen。ItwasevidentthathereyesdidnotseePrincessMarybutwerelookingwithin……intoherself……atsomethingjoyfulandmysterioustakingplacewithinher。
　　"Mary，"shesaid，movingawayfromtheembroideryframeandlyingback，"givemeyourhand。"Shetookhersister—in—law’shandandhelditbelowherwaist。
　　Hereyesweresmilingexpectantly，herdownyliproseandremainedliftedinchildlikehappiness。
　　PrincessMarykneltdownbeforeherandhidherfaceinthefoldsofhersister—in—law’sdress。
　　"There，there！Doyoufeelit？Ifeelsostrange。Anddoyouknow，Mary，Iamgoingtolovehimverymuch，"saidLise，lookingwithbrightandhappyeyesathersister—in—law。
　　PrincessMarycouldnotliftherhead，shewasweeping。
　　"Whatisthematter，Mary？"
　　"Nothing……onlyIfeelsad……sadaboutAndrew，"shesaid，wipingawayhertearsonhersister—in—law’sknee。
　　SeveraltimesinthecourseofthemorningPrincessMarybegantryingtopreparehersister—in—law，andeverytimebegantocry。
　　Unobservantaswasthelittleprincess，thesetears，thecauseofwhichshedidnotunderstand，agitatedher。Shesaidnothingbutlookedaboutuneasilyasifinsearchofsomething。Beforedinnertheoldprince，ofwhomshewasalwaysafraid，cameintoherroomwithapeculiarlyrestlessandmalignexpressionandwentoutagainwithoutsayingaword。ShelookedatPrincessMary，thensatthinkingforawhilewiththatexpressionofattentiontosomethingwithinherthatisonlyseeninpregnantwomen，andsuddenlybegantocry。
　　"HasanythingcomefromAndrew？"sheasked。
　　"No，youknowit’stoosoonfornews。ButmyfatherisanxiousandI
　　feelafraid。"
　　"Sothere’snothing？"
　　"Nothing，"answeredPrincessMary，lookingfirmlywithherradianteyesathersister—in—law。
　　Shehaddeterminednottotellherandpersuadedherfathertohidetheterriblenewsfromhertillafterherconfinement，whichwasexpectedwithinafewdays。PrincessMaryandtheoldprinceeachboreandhidtheirgriefintheirownway。Theoldprincewouldnotcherishanyhope：hemadeuphismindthatPrinceAndrewhadbeenkilled，andthoughhesentanofficialtoAustriatoseekfortracesofhisson，heorderedamonumentfromMoscowwhichheintendedtoerectinhisowngardentohismemory，andhetoldeverybodythathissonhadbeenkilled。Hetriednottochangehisformerwayoflife，buthisstrengthfailedhim。Hewalkedless，ateless，sleptless，andbecameweakereveryday。PrincessMaryhoped。Sheprayedforherbrotheraslivingandwasalwaysawaitingnewsofhisreturn。
　　BK4CH8
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　"Dearest，"saidthelittleprincessafterbreakfastonthemorningofthenineteenthMarch，andherdownylittleliprosefromoldhabit，butassorrowwasmanifestineverysmile，thesoundofeveryword，andeveneveryfootstepinthathousesincetheterriblenewshadcome，sonowthesmileofthelittleprincess—influencedbythegeneralmoodthoughwithoutknowingitscause—wassuchastoremindonestillmoreofthegeneralsorrow。
　　"Dearest，I’mafraidthismorning’sfruschtique*—asFokathecookcallsit—hasdisagreedwithme。"
　　*Fruhstuck：breakfast。
　　"Whatisthematterwithyou，mydarling？Youlookpale。Oh，youareverypale！"saidPrincessMaryinalarm，runningwithhersoft，ponderousstepsuptohersister—in—law。
　　"Yourexcellency，shouldnotMaryBogdanovnabesentfor？"saidoneofthemaidswhowaspresent。MaryBogdanovnawasamidwifefromtheneighboringtown，whohadbeenatBaldHillsforthelastfortnight。
　　"Ohyes，"assentedPrincessMary，"perhapsthat’sit。I’llgo。
　　Courage，myangel。"ShekissedLiseandwasabouttoleavetheroom。
　　"Oh，no，no！"Andbesidesthepallorandthephysicalsufferingonthelittleprincess’face，anexpressionofchildishfearofinevitablepainshoweditself。
　　"No，it’sonlyindigestion？……Sayit’sonlyindigestion，sayso，Mary！Say……"Andthelittleprincessbegantocrycapriciouslylikeasufferingchildandtowringherlittlehandsevenwithsomeaffectation。PrincessMaryranoutoftheroomtofetchMaryBogdanovna。
　　"MonDieu！MonDieu！Oh！"sheheardasshelefttheroom。
　　Themidwifewasalreadyonherwaytomeether，rubbinghersmall，plumpwhitehandswithanairofcalmimportance。
　　"MaryBogdanovna，Ithinkit’sbeginning！"saidPrincessMarylookingatthemidwifewithwide—openeyesofalarm。
　　"Well，theLordbethanked，Princess，"saidMaryBogdanovna，nothasteninghersteps。"Youyoungladiesshouldnotknowanythingaboutit。"
　　"ButhowisitthedoctorfromMoscowisnothereyet？"saidtheprincess。InaccordancewithLise’sandPrinceAndrew’swishestheyhadsentingoodtimetoMoscowforadoctorandwereexpectinghimatanymoment。
　　"Nomatter，Princess，don’tbealarmed，"saidMaryBogdanovna。
　　"We’llmanageverywellwithoutadoctor。"
　　FiveminuteslaterPrincessMaryfromherroomheardsomethingheavybeingcarriedby。Shelookedout。ThemenservantswerecarryingthelargeleathersofafromPrinceAndrew’sstudyintothebedroom。Ontheirfaceswasaquietandsolemnlook。
　　PrincessMarysataloneinherroomlisteningtothesoundsinthehouse，nowandthenopeningherdoorwhensomeonepassedandwatchingwhatwasgoingoninthepassage。Somewomenpassingwithquietstepsinandoutofthebedroomglancedattheprincessandturnedaway。Shedidnotventuretoaskanyquestions，andshutthedooragain，nowsittingdowninhereasychair，nowtakingherprayerbook，nowkneelingbeforetheiconstand。Tohersurpriseanddistressshefoundthatherprayersdidnotcalmherexcitement。
　　Suddenlyherdooropenedsoftlyandheroldnurse，PraskovyaSavishna，whohardlyevercametothatroomastheoldprincehadforbiddenit，appearedonthethresholdwithashawlroundherhead。
　　"I’vecometositwithyouabit，Masha，"saidthenurse，"andhereI’vebroughttheprince’sweddingcandlestolightbeforehissaint，myangel，"shesaidwithasigh。
　　"Oh，nurse，I’msoglad！"
　　"Godismerciful，birdie。"
　　Thenurselitthegiltcandlesbeforetheiconsandsatdownbythedoorwithherknitting。PrincessMarytookabookandbeganreading。Onlywhenfootstepsorvoiceswerehearddidtheylookatoneanother，theprincessanxiousandinquiring，thenurseencouraging。
　　EveryoneinthehousewasdominatedbythesamefeelingthatPrincessMaryexperiencedasshesatinherroom。Butowingtothesuperstitionthatthefewerthepeoplewhoknowofitthelessawomanintravailsuffers，everyonetriedtopretendnottoknow；noonespokeofit，butapartfromtheordinarystaidandrespectfulgoodmannershabitualintheprince’shousehold，acommonanxiety，asofteningoftheheart，andaconsciousnessthatsomethinggreatandmysteriouswasbeingaccomplishedatthatmomentmadeitselffelt。
　　Therewasnolaughterinthemaids’largehall。Inthemenservants’
　　hallallsatwaiting，silentlyandalert。Intheoutlyingserfs’
　　quarterstorchesandcandleswereburningandnooneslept。Theoldprince，steppingonhisheels，pacedupanddownhisstudyandsentTikhontoaskMaryBogdanovnawhatnews。—"Sayonlythat’theprincetoldmetoask，’andcomeandtellmeheranswer。"
　　"Informtheprincethatlaborhasbegun，"saidMaryBogdanovna，givingthemessengerasignificantlook。
　　Tikhonwentandtoldtheprince。
　　"Verygood！"saidtheprinceclosingthedoorbehindhim，andTikhondidnotheartheslightestsoundfromthestudyafterthat。
　　Afterawhilehere—entereditasiftosnuffthecandles，and，seeingtheprincewaslyingonthesofa，lookedathim，noticedhisperturbedface，shookhishead，andgoinguptohimsilentlykissedhimontheshoulderandlefttheroomwithoutsnuffingthecandlesorsayingwhyhehadentered。Themostsolemnmysteryintheworldcontinueditscourse。Eveningpassed，nightcame，andthefeelingofsuspenseandsofteningofheartinthepresenceoftheunfathomabledidnotlessenbutincreased。Nooneslept。
　　ItwasoneofthoseMarchnightswhenwinterseemstowishtoresumeitsswayandscattersitslastsnowsandstormswithdesperatefury。A
　　relayofhorseshadbeensentupthehighroadtomeettheGermandoctorfromMoscowwhowasexpectedeverymoment，andmenonhorsebackwithlanternsweresenttothecrossroadstoguidehimoverthecountryroadwithitshollowsandsnow—coveredpoolsofwater。
　　PrincessMaryhadlongsinceputasideherbook：shesatsilent，herluminouseyesfixedonhernurse’swrinkledfaceeverylineofwhichsheknewsowell，onthelockofgrayhairthatescapedfromunderthekerchief，andthelooseskinthathungunderherchin。
　　NurseSavishna，knittinginhand，wastellinginlowtones，scarcelyhearingorunderstandingherownwords，whatshehadtoldhundredsoftimesbefore：howthelateprincesshadgivenbirthtoPrincessMaryinKishenevwithonlyaMoldavianpeasantwomantohelpinsteadofamidwife。
　　"Godismerciful，doctorsareneverneeded，"shesaid。
　　Suddenlyagustofwindbeatviolentlyagainstthecasementofthewindow，fromwhichthedoubleframehadbeenremovedbyorderoftheprince，onewindowframewasremovedineachroomassoonasthelarksreturned，and，forcingopenalooselyclosedlatch，setthedamaskcurtainflappingandblewoutthecandlewithitschill，snowydraft。PrincessMaryshuddered；hernurse，puttingdownthestockingshewasknitting，wenttothewindowandleaningouttriedtocatchtheopencasement。Thecoldwindflappedtheendsofherkerchiefandherlooselocksofgrayhair。
　　"Princess，mydear，there’ssomeonedrivinguptheavenue！"shesaid，holdingthecasementandnotclosingit。"Withlanterns。Mostlikelythedoctor。"
　　"Oh，myGod！thankGod！"saidPrincessMary。"Imustgoandmeethim，hedoesnotknowRussian。"
　　PrincessMarythrewashawloverherheadandrantomeetthenewcomer。Asshewascrossingtheanteroomshesawthroughthewindowacarriagewithlanterns，standingattheentrance。Shewentoutonthestairs。Onabanisterpoststoodatallowcandlewhichgutteredinthedraft。Onthelandingbelow，Philip，thefootman，stoodlookingscaredandholdinganothercandle。Stilllower，beyondtheturnofthestaircase，onecouldhearthefootstepofsomeoneinthickfeltboots，andavoicethatseemedfamiliartoPrincessMarywassayingsomething。
　　"ThankGod！"saidthevoice。"AndFather？"
　　"Gonetobed，"repliedthevoiceofDemyanthehousesteward，whowasdownstairs。
　　Thenthevoicesaidsomethingmore，Demyanreplied，andthestepsinthefeltbootsapproachedtheunseenbendofthestaircasemorerapidly。
　　"It’sAndrew！"thoughtPrincessMary。"Noitcan’tbe，thatwouldbetooextraordinary，"andattheverymomentshethoughtthis，thefaceandfigureofPrinceAndrew，inafurcloakthedeepcollarofwhichcoveredwithsnow，appearedonthelandingwherethefootmanstoodwiththecandle。Yes，itwashe，pale，thin，withachangedandstrangelysoftenedbutagitatedexpressiononhisface。Hecameupthestairsandembracedhissister。
　　"Youdidnotgetmyletter？"heasked，andnotwaitingforareply—whichhewouldnothavereceived，fortheprincesswasunabletospeak—heturnedback，rapidlymountedthestairsagainwiththedoctorwhohadenteredthehallafterhimtheyhadmetatthelastpoststation，andagainembracedhissister。
　　"Whatastrangefate，Mashadarling！"Andhavingtakenoffhiscloakandfeltboots，hewenttothelittleprincess’apartment。
　　BK4CH9
　　CHAPTERIX
　　Thelittleprincesslaysupportedbypillows，withawhitecaponherheadthepainshadjustlefther。Strandsofherblackhairlayroundherinflamedandperspiringcheeks，hercharmingrosymouthwithitsdownylipwasopenandshewassmilingjoyfully。PrinceAndrewenteredandpausedfacingheratthefootofthesofaonwhichshewaslying。Herglitteringeyes，filledwithchildlikefearandexcitement，restedonhimwithoutchangingtheirexpression。"I
　　loveyouallandhavedonenoharmtoanyone；whymustIsufferso？
　　Helpme！"herlookseemedtosay。Shesawherhusband，butdidnotrealizethesignificanceofhisappearancebeforehernow。PrinceAndrewwentroundthesofaandkissedherforehead。
　　"Mydarling！"hesaid—awordhehadneverusedtoherbefore。
　　"Godismerciful……"
　　Shelookedathiminquiringlyandwithchildlikereproach。
　　"IexpectedhelpfromyouandIgetnone，nonefromyoueither！"
　　saidhereyes。Shewasnotsurprisedathishavingcome；shedidnotrealizethathehadcome。Hiscominghadnothingtodowithhersufferingsorwiththeirrelief。ThepangsbeganagainandMaryBogdanovnaadvisedPrinceAndrewtoleavetheroom。
　　Thedoctorentered。PrinceAndrewwentoutand，meetingPrincessMary，againjoinedher。Theybegantalkinginwhispers，buttheirtalkbrokeoffateverymoment。Theywaitedandlistened。
　　"Go，dear，"saidPrincessMary。
　　PrinceAndrewwentagaintohiswifeandsatwaitingintheroomnexttohers。AwomancamefromthebedroomwithafrightenedfaceandbecameconfusedwhenshesawPrinceAndrew。Hecoveredhisfacewithhishandsandremainedsoforsomeminutes。Piteous，helpless，animalmoanscamethroughthedoor。PrinceAndrewgotup，wenttothedoor，andtriedtoopenit。Someonewasholdingitshut。
　　"Youcan’tcomein！Youcan’t！"saidaterrifiedvoicefromwithin。
　　Hebeganpacingtheroom。Thescreamingceased，andafewmoresecondswentby。Thensuddenlyaterribleshriek—itcouldnotbehers，shecouldnotscreamlikethat—camefromthebedroom。PrinceAndrewrantothedoor；thescreamceasedandheheardthewailofaninfant。
　　"Whathavetheytakenababyintherefor？"thoughtPrinceAndrewinthefirstsecond。"Ababy？Whatbaby……？Whyisthereababythere？Oristhebabyborn？"
　　Thensuddenlyherealizedthejoyfulsignificanceofthatwail；
　　tearschokedhim，andleaninghiselbowsonthewindowsillbebegantocry，sobbinglikeachild。Thedooropened。Thedoctorwithhisshirtsleevestuckedup，withoutacoat，paleandwithatremblingjaw，cameoutoftheroom。PrinceAndrewturnedtohim，butthedoctorgavehimabewilderedlookandpassedbywithoutaword。AwomanrushedoutandseeingPrinceAndrewstopped，hesitatingonthethreshold。Hewentintohiswife’sroom。Shewaslyingdead，inthesamepositionhehadseenherinfiveminutesbeforeand，despitethefixedeyesandthepallorofthecheeks，thesameexpressionwasonhercharmingchildlikefacewithitsupperlipcoveredwithtinyblackhair。
　　"Iloveyouall，andhavedonenoharmtoanyone；andwhathaveyoudonetome？"—saidhercharming，pathetic，deadface。
　　InacorneroftheroomsomethingredandtinygaveagruntandsquealedinMaryBogdanovna’stremblingwhitehands。
　　TwohourslaterPrinceAndrew，steppingsoftly，wentintohisfather’sroom。Theoldmanalreadykneweverything。Hewasstandingclosetothedoorandassoonasitopenedhisrougholdarmsclosedlikeaviseroundhisson’sneck，andwithoutawordhebegantosoblikeachild。
　　Threedayslaterthelittleprincesswasburied，andPrinceAndrewwentupthestepstowherethecoffinstood，togiveherthefarewellkiss。Andthereinthecoffinwasthesameface，thoughwithclosedeyes。"Ah，whathaveyoudonetome？"itstillseemedtosay，andPrinceAndrewfeltthatsomethinggavewayinhissoulandthathewasguiltyofasinhecouldneitherremedynorforget。Hecouldnotweep。Theoldmantoocameupandkissedthewaxenlittlehandsthatlayquietlycrossedoneontheotheronherbreast，andtohim，too，herfaceseemedtosay："Ah，whathaveyoudonetome，andwhy？"Andatthesighttheoldmanturnedangrilyaway。
　　Anotherfivedayspassed，andthentheyoungPrinceNicholasAndreevichwasbaptized。Thewetnursesupportedthecoverletwithherwhilethepriestwithagoosefeatheranointedtheboy’slittleredandwrinkledsolesandpalms。
　　Hisgrandfather，whowashisgodfather，tremblingandafraidofdroppinghim，carriedtheinfantroundthebatteredtinfontandhandedhimovertothegodmother，PrincessMary。PrinceAndrewsatinanotherroom，faintwithfearlestthebabyshouldbedrownedinthefont，andawaitedtheterminationoftheceremony。Helookedupjoyfullyatthebabywhenthenursebroughtittohimandnoddedapprovalwhenshetoldhimthatthewaxwiththebaby’shairhadnotsunkinthefontbuthadfloated。
　　BK4CH10
　　CHAPTERX
　　Rostov’sshareinDolokhov’sduelwithBezukhovwashushedupbytheeffortsoftheoldcount，andinsteadofbeingdegradedtotheranksasheexpectedhewasappointedanadjutanttothegovernorgeneralofMoscow。Asaresulthecouldnotgotothecountrywiththerestofthefamily，butwaskeptallsummerinMoscowbyhisnewduties。
　　Dolokhovrecovered，andRostovbecameveryfriendlywithhimduringhisconvalescence。Dolokhovlayillathismother’swholovedhimpassionatelyandtenderly，andoldMaryIvanovna，whohadgrownfondofRostovforhisfriendshiptoherFedya，oftentalkedtohimaboutherson。
　　"Yes，Count，"shewouldsay，"heistoonobleandpure—souledforourpresent，depravedworld。Noonenowlovesvirtue；itseemslikeareproachtoeveryone。Nowtellme，Count，wasitright，wasithonorable，ofBezukhov？AndFedya，withhisnoblespirit，lovedhimandevennowneversaysawordagainsthim。ThosepranksinPetersburgwhentheyplayedsometricksonapoliceman，didn’ttheydoittogether？Andthere！Bezukhovgotoffscotfree，whileFedyahadtobearthewholeburdenonhisshoulders。Fancywhathehadtogothrough！It’struehehasbeenreinstated，buthowcouldtheyfailtodothat？Ithinktherewerenotmanysuchgallantsonsofthefatherlandoutthereashe。Andnow—thisduel！Havethesepeoplenofeeling，orhonor？Knowinghimtobeanonlyson，tochallengehimandshootsostraight！It’swellGodhadmercyonus。Andwhatwasitfor？
　　Whodoesn’thaveintriguesnowadays？Why，ifhewassojealous，asI
　　seethingsheshouldhaveshownitsooner，butheletsitgoonformonths。Andthentocallhimout，reckoningonFedyanotfightingbecauseheowedhimmoney！Whatbaseness！Whatmeanness！IknowyouunderstandFedya，mydearcount；that，believeme，iswhyIamsofondofyou。Fewpeopledounderstandhim。Heissuchalofty，heavenlysoul！"
　　DolokhovhimselfduringhisconvalescencespoketoRostovinawaynoonewouldhaveexpectedofhim。
　　"Iknowpeopleconsidermeabadman！"hesaid。"Letthem！Idon’tcareastrawaboutanyonebutthoseIlove；butthoseIlove，IlovesothatIwouldgivemylifeforthem，andtheothersI’dthrottleiftheystoodinmyway。Ihaveanadored，apricelessmother，andtwoorthreefriends—youamongthem—andasfortherestIonlycareabouttheminsofarastheyareharmfuloruseful。Andmostofthemareharmful，especiallythewomen。Yes，dearboy，"hecontinued，"I
　　havemetloving，noble，high—mindedmen，butIhavenotyetmetanywomen—countessesorcooks—whowerenotvenal。IhavenotyetmetthatdivinepurityanddevotionIlookforinwomen。IfIfoundsuchaoneI’dgivemylifeforher！Butthose！……andhemadeagestureofcontempt。"Andbelieveme，ifIstillvaluemylifeitisonlybecauseIstillhopetomeetsuchadivinecreature，whowillregenerate，purify，andelevateme。Butyoudon’tunderstandit。"
　　"Oh，yes，Iquiteunderstand，"answeredRostov，whowasunderhisnewfriend’sinfluence。
　　IntheautumntheRostovsreturnedtoMoscow。EarlyinthewinterDenisovalsocamebackandstayedwiththem。Thefirsthalfofthewinterof1806，whichNicholasRostovspentinMoscow，wasoneofthehappiest，merriesttimesforhimandthewholefamily。Nicholasbroughtmanyyoungmentohisparents’house。Verawasahandsomegirloftwenty；Sonyaagirlofsixteenwithallthecharmofanopeningflower；Natasha，halfgrownupandhalfchild，wasnowchildishlyamusing，nowgirlishlyenchanting。
　　AtthattimeintheRostovs’housethereprevailedanamorousatmospherecharacteristicofhomeswherethereareveryyoungandverycharminggirls。Everyyoungmanwhocametothehouse—seeingthoseimpressionable，smilingyoungfacessmilingprobablyattheirownhappiness，feelingtheeagerbustlearoundhim，andhearingthefitfulburstsofsongandmusicandtheinconsequentbutfriendlyprattleofyounggirlsreadyforanythingandfullofhope—
　　experiencedthesamefeeling；sharingwiththeyoungfolkoftheRostovs’householdareadinesstofallinloveandanexpectationofhappiness。
　　AmongtheyoungmenintroducedbyRostovoneofthefirstwasDolokhov，whomeveryoneinthehouselikedexceptNatasha。Shealmostquarreledwithherbrotherabouthim。Sheinsistedthathewasabadman，andthatintheduelwithBezukhov，PierrewasrightandDolokhovwrong，andfurtherthathewasdisagreeableandunnatural。
　　"There’snothingformetounderstand，"criedoutwithresoluteself—will，"heiswickedandheartless。Therenow，IlikeyourDenisovthoughheisarakeandallthat，stillIlikehim；soyouseeIdounderstand。Idon’tknowhowtoputit……withthisoneeverythingiscalculated，andIdon’tlikethat。ButDenisov……"
　　"Oh，Denisovisquitedifferent，"repliedNicholas，implyingthatevenDenisovwasnothingcomparedtoDolokhov—"youmustunderstandwhatasoulthereisinDolokhov，youshouldseehimwithhismother。Whataheart！"
　　"Well，Idon’tknowaboutthat，butIamuncomfortablewithhim。AnddoyouknowhehasfalleninlovewithSonya？"
　　"Whatnonsense……"
　　"I’mcertainofit；you’llsee。"
　　Natasha’spredictionprovedtrue。Dolokhov，whodidnotusuallycareforthesocietyofladies，begantocomeoftentothehouse，andthequestionforwhosesakehecamethoughnoonespokeofitwassoonsettled。HecamebecauseofSonya。AndSonya，thoughshewouldneverhavedaredtosayso，knewitandblushedscarleteverytimeDolokhovappeared。
　　DolokhovoftendinedattheRostovs’，nevermissedaperformanceatwhichtheywerepresent，andwenttoIogel’sballsforyoungpeoplewhichtheRostovsalwaysattended。HewaspointedlyattentivetoSonyaandlookedatherinsuchawaythatnotonlycouldshenotbearhisglanceswithoutcoloring，buteventheoldcountessandNatashablushedwhentheysawhislooks。
　　Itwasevidentthatthisstrange，strongmanwasundertheirresistibleinfluenceofthedark，gracefulgirlwholovedanother。
　　RostovnoticedsomethingnewinDolokhov’srelationswithSonya，buthedidnotexplaintohimselfwhatthesenewrelationswere。
　　"They’realwaysinlovewithsomeone，"hethoughtofSonyaandNatasha。ButhewasnotasmuchateasewithSonyaandDolokhovasbeforeandwaslessfrequentlyathome。
　　Intheautumnof1806everybodyhadagainbeguntalkingofthewarwithNapoleonwithevengreaterwarmththantheyearbefore。Ordersweregiventoraiserecruits，tenmenineverythousandfortheregulararmy，andbesidesthis，ninemenineverythousandforthemilitia。EverywhereBonapartewasanathematizedandinMoscownothingbutthecomingwarwastalkedof。FortheRostovfamilythewholeinterestofthesepreparationsforwarlayinthefactthatNicholaswouldnothearofremaininginMoscow，andonlyawaitedtheterminationofDenisov’sfurloughafterChristmastoreturnwithhimtotheirregiment。Hisapproachingdeparturedidnotpreventhisamusinghimself，butrathergavezesttohispleasures。Hespentthegreaterpartofhistimeawayfromhome，atdinners，parties，andballs。
　　BK4CH11
　　CHAPTERXI
　　OnthethirddayafterChristmasNicholasdinedathome，athinghehadrarelydoneoflate。Itwasagrandfarewelldinner，asheandDenisovwereleavingtojointheirregimentafterEpiphany。
　　Abouttwentypeoplewerepresent，includingDolokhovandDenisov。
　　Neverhadlovebeensomuchintheair，andneverhadtheamorousatmospheremadeitselfsostronglyfeltintheRostovs’houseasatthisholidaytime。"Seizethemomentsofhappiness，loveandbeloved！
　　Thatistheonlyrealityintheworld，allelseisfolly。Itistheonethingweareinterestedinhere，"saidthespiritoftheplace。
　　Nicholas，havingasusualexhaustedtwopairsofhorses，withoutvisitingalltheplaceshemeanttogotoandwherehehadbeeninvited，returnedhomejustbeforedinner。Assoonasheenteredhenoticedandfeltthetensionoftheamorousairinthehouse，andalsonoticedacuriousembarrassmentamongsomeofthosepresent。Sonya，Dolokhov，andtheoldcountesswereespeciallydisturbed，andtoalesserdegreeNatasha。NicholasunderstoodthatsomethingmusthavehappenedbetweenSonyaandDolokhovbeforedinner，andwiththekindlysensitivenessnaturaltohimwasverygentleandwarywiththembothatdinner。OnthatsameeveningtherewastobeoneoftheballsthatIogelthedancingmastergaveforhispupilsduringstheholidays。
　　"Nicholas，willyoucometoIogel’s？Pleasedo！"saidNatasha。"Heaskedyou，andVasiliDmitrich*isalsogoing。"
　　*Denisov。
　　"WherewouldInotgoatthecountess’command！"saidDenisov，whoattheRostovs’hadjocularlyassumedtheroleofNatasha’sknight。
　　"I’mevenweadytodancethepasdechale。"
　　"IfIhavetime，"answeredNicholas。"ButIpromisedtheArkharovs；theyhaveaparty。"
　　"Andyou？"heaskedDolokhov，butassoonashehadaskedthequestionhenoticedthatitshouldnothavebeenput。
　　"Perhaps，"coldlyandangrilyrepliedDolokhov，glancingatSonya，and，scowling，hegaveNicholasjustsuchalookashehadgivenPierreattheClubdinner。
　　"Thereissomethingup，"thoughtNicholas，andhewasfurtherconfirmedinthisconclusionbythefactthatDolokhovleftimmediatelyafterdinner。HecalledNatashaandaskedherwhatwasthematter。
　　"AndIwaslookingforyou，"saidNatasharunningouttohim。"I
　　toldyou，butyouwouldnotbelieveit，"shesaidtriumphantly。"HehasproposedtoSonya！"
　　LittleasNicholashadoccupiedhimselfwithSonyaoflate，somethingseemedtogivewaywithinhimatthisnews。Dolokhovwasasuitableandinsomerespectsabrilliantmatchforthedowerless，orphangirl。Fromthepointofviewoftheoldcountessandofsocietyitwasoutofthequestionforhertorefusehim。AndthereforeNicholas’firstfeelingonhearingthenewswasoneofangerwithSonya……Hetriedtosay，"That’scapital；ofcourseshe’llforgetherchildishpromisesandaccepttheoffer，"butbeforehehadtimetosayitNatashabeganagain。
　　"Andfancy！sherefusedhimquitedefinitely！"adding，afterapause，"shetoldhimshelovedanother。"
　　"Yes，mySonyacouldnothavedoneotherwise！"thoughtNicholas。
　　"MuchasMammapressedher，sherefused，andIknowshewon’tchangeonceshehassaid……"
　　"AndMammapressedher！"saidNicholasreproachfully。
　　"Yes，"saidNatasha。"Doyouknow，Nicholas—don’tbeangry—butI
　　knowyouwillnotmarryher。Iknow，heavenknowshow，butIknowforcertainthatyouwon’tmarryher。"
　　"Nowdon’tknowthatatall！"saidNicholas。"ButImusttalktoher。WhatadarlingSonyais！"headdedwithasmile。
　　"Ah，sheisindeedadarling！I’llsendhertoyou。"
　　AndNatashakissedherbrotherandranaway。
　　AminutelaterSonyacameinwithafrightened，guilty，andscaredlook。Nicholaswentuptoherandkissedherhand。Thiswasthefirsttimesincehisreturnthattheyhadtalkedaloneandabouttheirlove。
　　"Sophie，"hebegan，timidlyatfirstandthenmoreandmoreboldly，"ifyouwishtorefuseonewhoisnotonlyabrilliantandadvantageousmatchbutasplendid，noblefellow……heismyfriend……"
　　Sonyainterruptedhim。
　　"Ihavealreadyrefused，"shesaidhurriedly。
　　"Ifyouarerefusingformysake，IamafraidthatI……"
　　Sonyaagaininterrupted。Shegavehimanimploring，frightenedlook。
　　"Nicholas，don’ttellmethat！"shesaid。
　　"No，butImust。Itmaybearrogantofme，butstillitisbesttosayit。Ifyourefusehimonmyaccount，Imusttellyouthewholetruth。Iloveyou，andIthinkIloveyoumorethananyoneelse……"
　　"Thatisenoughforme，"saidSonya，blushing。
　　"No，butIhavebeeninloveathousandtimesandshallfallinloveagain，thoughfornoonehaveIsuchafeelingoffriendship，confidence，andloveasIhaveforyou。ThenIamyoung。Mammadoesnotwishit。Inaword，Imakenopromise。AndIbegyoutoconsiderDolokhov’soffer，"hesaid，articulatinghisfriend’snamewithdifficulty。
　　"Don’tsaythattome！Iwantnothing。Iloveyouasabrotherandalwaysshall，andIwantnothingmore。"
　　"Youareanangel：Iamnotworthyofyou，butIamafraidofmisleadingyou。"
　　AndNicholasagainkissedherhand。
　　BK4CH12
　　CHAPTERXII
　　Iogel’swerethemostenjoyableballsinMoscow。Sosaidthemothersastheywatchedtheiryoungpeopleexecutingtheirnewlylearnedsteps，andsosaidtheyouthsandmaidensthemselvesastheydancedtilltheywerereadytodrop，andsosaidthegrown—upyoungmenandwomenwhocametotheseballswithanairofcondescensionandfoundthemmostenjoyable。Thatyeartwomarriageshadcomeoftheseballs。ThetwoprettyyoungPrincessesGorchakovmetsuitorsthereandweremarriedandsofurtherincreasedthefameofthesedances。Whatdistinguishedthemfromotherswastheabsenceofhostorhostessandthepresenceofthegood—naturedIogel，flyingaboutlikeafeatherandbowingaccordingtotherulesofhisart，ashecollectedtheticketsfromallhisvisitors。Therewasthefactthatonlythosecamewhowishedtodanceandamusethemselvesasgirlsofthirteenandfourteendowhoarewearinglongdressesforthefirsttime。Withscarcelyanyexceptionstheyallwere，orseemedtobe，pretty—sorapturousweretheirsmilesandsosparklingtheireyes。
　　Sometimesthebestofthepupils，ofwhomNatasha，whowasexceptionallygraceful，wasfirst，evendancedthepasdechale，butatthislastballonlytheecossaise，theanglaise，andthemazurka，whichwasjustcomingintofashion，weredanced。IogelhadtakenaballroominBezukhov’shouse，andtheball，aseveryonesaid，wasagreatsuccess。ThereweremanyprettygirlsandtheRostovgirlswereamongtheprettiest。Theywerebothparticularlyhappyandgay。
　　Thatevening，proudofDolokhov’sproposal，herrefusal，andherexplanationwithNicholas，Sonyatwirledaboutbeforeshelefthomesothatthemaidcouldhardlygetherhairplaited，andshewastransparentlyradiantwithimpulsivejoy。
　　Natashanolessproudofherfirstlongdressandofbeingatarealballwasevenhappier。Theywerebothdressedinwhitemuslinwithpinkribbons。
　　Natashafellinlovetheverymomentsheenteredtheballroom。Shewasnotinlovewithanyoneinparticular，butwitheveryone。Whateverpersonshehappenedtolookatshewasinlovewithforthatmoment。
　　"Oh，howdelightfulitis！"shekeptsaying，runninguptoSonya。
　　NicholasandDenisovwerewalkingupanddown，lookingwithkindlypatronageatthedancers。
　　"Howsweetsheis—shewillbeawealbeauty！"saidDenisov。
　　"Who？"
　　"CountessNatasha，"answeredDenisov。
　　"Andhowshedances！Whatgwace！"hesaidagainafterapause。
　　"Whoareyoutalkingabout？"
　　"Aboutyoursister，"ejaculatedDenisovtestily。
　　Rostovsmiled。
　　"Mydearcount，youwereoneofmybestpupils—youmustdance，"
　　saidlittleIogelcominguptoNicholas。"Lookhowmanycharmingyoungladies—"HeturnedwiththesamerequesttoDenisovwhowasalsoaformerpupilofhis。
　　"No，mydearfellow，I’llbeawallflower，"saidDenisov。"Don’tyouwecollectwhatbaduseImadeofyourlessons？"
　　"Ohno！"saidIogel，hasteningtoreassurehim。"Youwereonlyinattentive，butyouhadtalent—ohyes，youhadtalent！"
　　Thebandstruckupthenewlyintroducedmazurka。NicholascouldnotrefuseIogelandaskedSonyatodance。Denisovsatdownbytheoldladiesand，leaningonhissaberandbeatingtimewithhisfoot，toldthemsomethingfunnyandkeptthemamused，whilehewatchedtheyoungpeopledancing，IogelwithNatasha，hisprideandhisbestpupil，werethefirstcouple。Noiselessly，skillfullysteppingwithhislittlefeetinlowshoes，IogelflewfirstacrossthehallwithNatasha，who，thoughshy，wentoncarefullyexecutinghersteps。
　　Denisovdidnottakehiseyesoffherandbeattimewithhissaberinawaythatclearlyindicatedthatifhewasnotdancingitwasbecausehewouldnotandnotbecausehecouldnot。InthemiddleofafigurehebeckonedtoRostovwhowaspassing：
　　"Thisisnotatallthething，"hesaid。"WhatsortofPolishmazuwkaisthis？Butshedoesdancesplendidly。"
　　KnowingthatDenisovhadareputationeveninPolandforthemasterlywayinwhichhedancedthemazurka，NicholasranuptoNatasha：
　　"GoandchooseDenisov。Heisarealdancer，awonder！"hesaid。
　　WhenitcametoNatasha’sturntochooseapartner，sheroseand，trippingrapidlyacrossinherlittleshoestrimmedwithbows，rantimidlytothecornerwhereDenisovsat。Shesawthateverybodywaslookingatherandwaiting。NicholassawthatDenisovwasrefusingthoughhesmileddelightedly。Heranuptothem。
　　"Please，VasiliDmitrich，"Natashawassaying，"docome！"
　　"Ohno，letmeoff，Countess，"Denisovreplied。
　　"Nowthen，Vaska，"saidNicholas。
　　"TheycoaxmeasifIwereVaskathecat！"saidDenisovjokingly。
　　"I’llsingforyouawholeevening，"saidNatasha。
　　"Oh，thefaiwy！Shecandoanythingwithme！"saidDenisov，andheunhookedhissaber。Hecameoutfrombehindthechairs，claspedhispartner’shandfirmly，threwbackhishead，andadvancedhisfoot，waitingforthebeat。OnlyonhorsebackandinthemazurkawasDenisov’sshortstaturenotnoticeableandhelookedthefinefellowhefelthimselftobe。Attherightbeatofthemusichelookedsidewaysathispartnerwithamerryandtriumphantair，suddenlystampedwithonefoot，boundedfromthefloorlikeaball，andflewroundtheroomtakinghispartnerwithhim。Heglidedsilentlyononefoothalfacrosstheroom，andseemingnottonoticethechairswasdashingstraightatthem，whensuddenly，clinkinghisspursandspreadingouthislegs，hestoppedshortonhisheels，stoodsoasecond，stampedonthespotclankinghisspurs，whirledrapidlyround，and，strikinghisleftheelagainsthisright，flewroundagaininacircle。Natashaguessedwhathemeanttodo，andabandoningherselftohimfollowedhisleadhardlyknowinghow。Firsthespunherround，holdinghernowwithhisleft，nowwithhisrighthand，thenfallingononekneehetwirledherroundhim，andagainjumpingup，dashedsoimpetuouslyforwardthatitseemedasifhewouldrushthroughthewholesuiteofroomswithoutdrawingbreath，andthenhesuddenlystoppedandperformedsomenewandunexpectedsteps。Whenatlast，smartlywhirlinghispartnerroundinfrontofherchair，hedrewupwithaclickofhisspursandbowedtoher，Natashadidnotevenmakehimacurtsy。Shefixedhereyesonhiminamazement，smilingasifshedidnotrecognizehim。
　　"Whatdoesthismean？"shebroughtout。
　　AlthoughIogeldidnotacknowledgethistobetherealmazurka，everyonewasdelightedwithDenisov’sskill，hewasaskedagainandagainasapartner，andtheoldmenbegansmilinglytotalkaboutPolandandthegoodolddays。Denisov，flushedafterthemazurkaandmoppinghimselfwithhishandkerchief，satdownbyNatashaanddidnotleaveherfortherestoftheevening。
　　BK4CH13
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　FortwodaysafterthatRostovdidnotseeDolokhovathisownoratDolokhov’shome：onthethirddayhereceivedanotefromhim：
　　AsIdonotintendtobeatyourhouseagainforreasonsyouknowof，andamgoingtorejoinmyregiment，Iamgivingafarewellsuppertonighttomyfriends—cometotheEnglishHotel。
　　Aboutteno’clockRostovwenttotheEnglishHotelstraightfromthetheater，wherehehadbeenwithhisfamilyandDenisov。Hewasatonceshowntothebestroom，whichDolokhovhadtakenforthatevening。
　　SometwentymenweregatheredroundatableatwhichDolokhovsatbetweentwocandles。Onthetablewasapileofgoldandpapermoney，andhewaskeepingthebank。RostovhadnotseenhimsincehisproposalandSonya’srefusalandfeltuncomfortableatthethoughtofhowtheywouldmeet。
　　Dolokhov’sclear，coldglancemetRostovassoonasheenteredthedoor，asthoughhehadlongexpectedhim。
　　"It’salongtimesincewemet，"hesaid。"Thanksforcoming。I’lljustfinishdealing，andthenIlyushkawillcomewithhischorus。"
　　"Icalledonceortwiceatyourhouse，"saidRostov，reddening。
　　Dolokhovmadenoreply。
　　"Youmaypunt，"hesaid。
　　RostovrecalledatthatmomentastrangeconversationhehadoncehadwithDolokhov。"Nonebutfoolstrusttoluckinplay，"Dolokhovhadthensaid。
　　"Orareyouafraidtoplaywithme？"DolokhovnowaskedasifguessingRostov’sthought。
　　BeneathhissmileRostovsawinhimthemoodhehadshownattheClubdinnerandatothertimes，whenasiftiredofeverydaylifehehadfeltaneedtoescapefromitbysomestrange，andusuallycruel，action。
　　Rostovfeltillatease。Hetried，butfailed，tofindsomejokewithwhichtoreplytoDolokhov’swords。Butbeforehehadthoughtofanything，Dolokhov，lookingstraightinhisface，saidslowlyanddeliberatelysothateveryonecouldhear：
　　"Doyourememberwehadatalkaboutcards……’He’safoolwhotruststoluck，oneshouldmakecertain，’andIwanttotry。"
　　"Totryhisluckorthecertainty？"Rostovaskedhimself。
　　"Well，you’dbetternotplay，"Dolokhovadded，andspringinganewpackofcardssaid："Bank，gentlemen！"
　　Movingthemoneyforwardhepreparedtodeal。Rostovsatdownbyhissideandatfirstdidnotplay。Dolokhovkeptglancingathim。
　　"Whydon’tyouplay？"heasked。
　　AndstrangetosayNicholasfeltthathecouldnothelptakingupacard，puttingasmallstakeonit，andbeginningtoplay。
　　"Ihavenomoneywithme，"hesaid。
　　"I’lltrustyou。"
　　Rostovstakedfiverublesonacardandlost，stakedagain，andagainlost。Dolokhov"killed，"thatis，beat，tencardsofRostov’srunning。
　　"Gentlemen，"saidDolokhovafterhehaddealtforsometime。"PleaseplaceyourmoneyonthecardsorImaygetmuddledinthereckoning。"
　　Oneoftheplayerssaidhehopedhemightbetrusted。
　　"Yes，youmight，butIamafraidofgettingtheaccountsmixed。SoI
　　askyoutoputthemoneyonyourcards，"repliedDolokhov。"Don’tstintyourself，we’llsettleafterwards，"headded，turningtoRostov。
　　Thegamecontinued；awaiterkepthandingroundchampagne。
　　AllRostov’scardswerebeatenandhehadeighthundredrublesscoredupagainsthim。Hewrote"800rubles"onacard，butwhilethewaiterfilledhisglasshechangedhismindandalteredittohisusualstakeoftwentyrubles。
　　"Leaveit，"saidDolokhov，thoughhedidnotseemtobeevenlookingatRostov，"you’llwinitbackallthesooner。Ilosetotheothersbutwinfromyou。Orareyouafraidofme？"heaskedagain。
　　Rostovsubmitted。Helettheeighthundredremainandlaiddownasevenofheartswithatorncorner，whichhehadpickedupfromthefloor。Hewellrememberedthatsevenafterwards。Helaiddownthesevenofhearts，onwhichwithabrokenbitofchalkhehadwritten"800rubles"inclearuprightfigures；heemptiedtheglassofwarmchampagnethatwashandedhim，smiledatDolokhov’swords，andwithasinkingheart，waitingforaseventoturnup，gazedatDolokhov’shandswhichheldthepack。MuchdependedonRostov’swinningorlosingonthatsevenofhearts。OnthepreviousSundaytheoldcounthadgivenhissontwothousandrubles，andthoughhealwaysdislikedspeakingofmoneydifficultieshadtoldNicholasthatthiswasallhecouldlethimhavetillMay，andaskedhimtobemoreeconomicalthistime。Nicholashadrepliedthatitwouldbemorethanenoughforhimandthathegavehiswordofhonornottotakeanythingmoretillthespring。Nowonlytwelvehundredrubleswasleftofthatmoney，sothatthissevenofheartsmeantforhimnotonlythelossofsixteenhundredrubles，butthenecessityofgoingbackonhisword。
　　WithasinkinghearthewatchedDolokhov’shandsandthought，"Nowthen，makehasteandletmehavethiscardandI’lltakemycapanddrivehometosupperwithDenisov，Natasha，andSonya，andwillcertainlynevertouchacardagain。"Atthatmomenthishomelife，jokeswithPetya，talkswithSonya，duetswithNatasha，piquetwithhisfather，andevenhiscomfortablebedinthehouseonthePovarskayarosebeforehimwithsuchvividness，clearness，andcharmthatitseemedasifitwereallalostandunappreciatedbliss，longpast。Hecouldnotconceivethatastupidchance，lettingthesevenbedealttotherightratherthantotheleft，mightdeprivehimofallthishappiness，newlyappreciatedandnewlyillumined，andplungehimintothedepthsofunknownandundefinedmisery。Thatcouldnotbe，yetheawaitedwithasinkingheartthemovementofDolokhov’shands。Thosebroad，reddishhands，withhairywristsvisiblefromundertheshirtcuffs，laiddownthepackandtookupaglassandapipethatwerehandedhim。
　　"Soyouarenotafraidtoplaywithme？"repeatedDolokhov，andasifabouttotellagoodstoryheputdownthecards，leanedbackinhischair，andbegandeliberatelywithasmile：
　　"Yes，gentlemen，I’vebeentoldthere’sarumorgoingaboutMoscowthatI’masharper，soIadviseyoutobecareful。"
　　"Comenow，deal！"exclaimedRostov。
　　"Oh，thoseMoscowgossips！"saidDolokhov，andhetookupthecardswithasmile。
　　"Aah！"Rostovalmostscreamedliftingbothhandstohishead。Thesevenheneededwaslyinguppermost，thefirstcardinthepack。Hehadlostmorethanhecouldpay。
　　"Still，don’truinyourself！"saidDolokhovwithasideglanceatRostovashecontinuedtodeal。
　　BK4CH14
　　CHAPTERXIV
　　Anhourandahalflatermostoftheplayerswerebutlittleinterestedintheirownplay。
　　ThewholeinterestwasconcentratedonRostov。Insteadofsixteenhundredrubleshehadalongcolumnoffiguresscoredagainsthim，whichhehadreckoneduptotenthousand，butthatnow，ashevaguelysupposed，musthaverisentofifteenthousand。Inrealityitalreadyexceededtwentythousandrubles。Dolokhovwasnolongerlisteningtostoriesortellingthem，butfollowedeverymovementofRostov’shandsandoccasionallyranhiseyesoverthescoreagainsthim。Hehaddecidedtoplayuntilthatscorereachedforty—threethousand。Hehadfixedonthatnumberbecauseforty—threewasthesumofhisandSonya’sjointages。Rostov，leaninghisheadonbothhands，satatthetablewhichwasscrawledoverwithfigures，wetwithspilledwine，andlitteredwithcards。Onetormentingimpressiondidnotleavehim：thatthosebroad—bonedreddishhandswithhairywristsvisiblefromundertheshirtsleeves，thosehandswhichhelovedandhated，heldhimintheirpower。
　　"Sixhundredrubles，ace，acorner，anine……winningitback’simpossible……Oh，howpleasantitwasathome！……Theknave，doubleorquits……itcan’tbe！……Andwhyishedoingthistome？"Rostovpondered。Sometimeshestakedalargesum，butDolokhovrefusedtoacceptitandfixedthestakehimself。Nicholassubmittedtohim，andatonemomentprayedtoGodashehaddoneonthebattlefieldatthebridgeovertheEnns，andthenguessedthatthecardthatcamefirsttohandfromthecrumpledheapunderthetablewouldsavehim，nowcountedthecordsonhiscoatandtookacardwiththatnumberandtriedstakingthetotalofhislossesonit，thenhelookedroundforaidfromtheotherplayers，orpeeredatthenowcoldfaceofDolokhovandtriedtoreadwhatwaspassinginhismind。
　　"Heknowsofcoursewhatthislossmeanstome。Hecan’twantmyruin。Wasn’themyfriend？Wasn’tIfondofhim？Butit’snothisfault。What’shetodoifhehassuchluck？……Andit’snotmyfaulteither，"hethoughttohimself，"Ihavedonenothingwrong。HaveI
　　killedanyone，orinsultedorwishedharmtoanyone？Whysuchaterriblemisfortune？Andwhendiditbegin？SuchalittlewhileagoIcametothistablewiththethoughtofwinningahundredrublestobuythatcasketforMamma’snamedayandthengoinghome。Iwassohappy，sofree，solighthearted！AndIdidnotrealizehowhappyI
　　was！Whendidthatendandwhendidthisnew，terriblestateofthingsbegin？Whatmarkedthechange？Isatallthetimeinthissameplaceatthistable，choseandplacedcards，andwatchedthosebroad—bonedagilehandsinthesameway。Whendidithappenandwhathashappened？
　　Iamwellandstrongandstillthesameandinthesameplace。No，itcan’tbe！Surelyitwillallendinnothing！"
　　Hewasflushedandbathedinperspiration，thoughtheroomwasnothot。Hisfacewasterribleandpiteoustosee，especiallyfromitshelplesseffortstoseemcalm。
　　Thescoreagainsthimreachedthefatefulsumofforty—threethousand。Rostovhadjustpreparedacard，bybendingthecornerofwhichhemeanttodoublethethreethousandjustputdowntohisscore，whenDolokhov，slammingdownthepackofcards，putitasideandbeganrapidlyaddingupthetotalofRostov’sdebt，breakingthechalkashemarkedthefiguresinhisclear，boldhand。
　　"Supper，it’stimeforsupper！Andherearethegypsies！"
　　Someswarthymenandwomenwerereallyenteringfromthecoldoutsideandsayingsomethingintheirgypsyaccents。Nicholasunderstoodthatitwasallover；buthesaidinanindifferenttone：
　　"Well，won’tyougoon？Ihadasplendidcardallready，"asifitwerethefunofthegamewhichinterestedhimmost。
　　"It’sallup！I’mlost！"thoughthe。"Nowabulletthroughmybrain—
　　that’sallthat’sleftme！"Andatthesametimehesaidinacheerfulvoice：
　　"Comenow，justthisonemorelittlecard！"
　　"Allright！"saidDolokhov，havingfinishedtheaddition。"Allright！Twenty—onerubles，"hesaid，pointingtothefiguretwenty—onebywhichthetotalexceededtheroundsumofforty—threethousand；andtakingupapackhepreparedtodeal。Rostovsubmissivelyunbentthecornerofhiscardand，insteadofthesixthousandhehadintended，carefullywrotetwenty—one。
　　"It’sallthesametome，"hesaid。"Ionlywanttoseewhetheryouwillletmewinthisten，orbeatit。"
　　Dolokhovbegantodealseriously。Oh，howRostovdetestedatthatmomentthosehandswiththeirshortreddishfingersandhairywrists，whichheldhimintheirpower……Thetenfelltohim。
　　"Youoweforty—threethousand，Count，"saidDolokhov，andstretchinghimselfherosefromthetable。"Onedoesgettiredsittingsolong，"headded。
　　"Yes，I’mtiredtoo，"saidRostov。
　　Dolokhovcuthimshort，asiftoremindhimthatitwasnotforhimtojest。
　　"WhenamItoreceivethemoney，Count？"
　　Rostov，flushing，drewDolokhovintothenextroom。
　　"Icannotpayitallimmediately。WillyoutakeanI。O。U。？"hesaid。
　　"Isay，Rostov，"saidDolokhovclearly，smilingandlookingNicholasstraightintheeyes，"youknowthesaying，’Luckyinlove，unluckyatcards。’Yourcousinisinlovewithyou，Iknow。"
　　"Oh，it’sterribletofeeloneselfsointhisman’spower，"
　　thoughtRostov。Heknewwhatashockhewouldinflictonhisfatherandmotherbythenewsofthisloss，heknewwhatareliefitwouldbetoescapeitall，andfeltthatDolokhovknewthathecouldsavehimfromallthisshameandsorrow，butwantednowtoplaywithhimasacatdoeswithamouse。
　　"Yourcousin……"Dolokhovstartedtosay，butNicholasinterruptedhim。
　　"Mycousinhasnothingtodowiththisandit’snotnecessarytomentionher！"heexclaimedfiercely。
　　"ThenwhenamItohaveit？"
　　"Tomorrow，"repliedRostovandlefttheroom。
　　BK4CH15
　　CHAPTERXV
　　Tosay"tomorrow"andkeepupadignifiedtonewasnotdifficult，buttogohomealone，seehissisters，brother，mother，andfather，confessandaskformoneyhehadnorighttoaftergivinghiswordofhonor，wasterrible。
　　Athome，theyhadnotyetgonetobed。Theyoungpeople，afterreturningfromthetheater，hadhadsupperandweregroupedroundtheclavichord。AssoonasNicholasentered，hewasenfoldedinthatpoeticatmosphereoflovewhichpervadedtheRostovhouseholdthatwinterand，nowafterDolokhov’sproposalandIogel’sball，seemedtohavegrownthickerroundSonyaandNatashaastheairdoesbeforeathunderstorm。SonyaandNatasha，inthelight—bluedressestheyhadwornatthetheater，lookingprettyandconsciousofit，werestandingbytheclavichord，happyandsmiling。VerawasplayingchesswithShinshininthedrawingroom。Theoldcountess，waitingforthereturnofherhusbandandson，satplayingpatiencewiththeoldgentlewomanwholivedintheirhouse。Denisov，withsparklingeyesandruffledhair，satattheclavichordstrikingchordswithhisshortfingers，hislegsthrownbackandhiseyesrollingashesang，withhissmall，husky，buttruevoice，someversescalled"Enchantress，"
　　whichhehadcomposed，andtowhichhewastryingtofitmusic：
　　Enchantress，say，tomyforsakenlyreWhatmagicpoweristhisrecallsmestill？
　　Whatsparkhassetmyinmostsoulonfire，Whatisthisblissthatmakesmyfingersthrill？
　　Hewassinginginpassionatetones，gazingwithgazingwithhissparklingblack—agateeyesatthefrightenedandhappyNatasha。
　　"Splendid！Excellent！"exclaimedNatasha。"Anotherverse，shesaid，withoutnoticingNicholas。
　　"Everything’sstillthesamewiththem，"thoughtNicholas，glancingintothedrawingroom，wherehesawVeraandhismotherwiththeoldlady。
　　"Ah，andhere’sNicholas！"criedNatasha，runninguptohim。
　　"IsPapaathome？"heasked。
　　"Iamsogladyou’vecome！"saidNatasha，withoutansweringhim。"Weareenjoyingourselves！VasiliDmitrichisstayingadaylongerformysake！Didyouknow？"
　　"No，Papaisnotbackyet，"saidSonya。
　　"Nicholas，haveyoucome？Comehere，dear！"calledtheoldcountessfromthedrawingroom。
　　Nicholaswenttoher，kissedherhand，andsittingdownsilentlyathertablebegantowatchherhandsarrangingthecards。Fromthedancingroom，theystillheardthelaughterandmerryvoicestryingtopersuadeNatashatosing。
　　"Allwight！Allwight！"shoutedDenisov。"It’snogoodmakingexcusesnow！It’syourturntosingtheba’cawolla—Ientweatyou！"
　　Thecountessglancedathersilentson。
　　"Whatisthematter？"sheasked。
　　"Oh，nothing，"saidhe，asifwearyofbeingcontinuallyaskedthesamequestion。"WillPapabebacksoon？"
　　"Iexpectso。"
　　"Everything’sthesamewiththem。Theyknownothingaboutit！
　　WhereamItogo？"thoughtNicholas，andwentagainintothedancingroomwheretheclavichordstood。
　　Sonyawassittingattheclavichord，playingthepreludetoDenisov’sfavoritebarcarolle。Natashawaspreparingtosing。
　　Denisovwaslookingatherwithenrapturedeyes。
　　Nicholasbeganpacingupanddowntheroom。
　　"Whydotheywanttomakehersing？Howcanshesing？There’snothingtobehappyabout！"thoughthe。
　　Sonyastruckthefirstchordoftheprelude。
　　"MyGod，I’maruinedanddishonoredman！Abulletthroughmybrainistheonlythingleftme—notsinging！"histhoughtsranon。
　　"Goaway？Butwhereto？It’sone—letthemsing！"
　　Hecontinuedtopacetheroom，lookinggloomilyatDenisovandthegirlsandavoidingtheireyes。
　　"Nikolenka，whatisthematter？"Sonya’seyesfixedonhimseemedtoask。Shenoticedatoncethatsomethinghadhappenedtohim。
　　Nicholasturnedawayfromher。Natashatoo，withherquickinstinct，hadinstantlynoticedherbrother’scondition。But，thoughshenoticedit，shewasherselfinsuchhighspiritsatthatmoment，sofarfromsorrow，sadness，orself—reproach，thatshepurposelydeceivedherselfasyoungpeopleoftendo。"No，Iamtoohappynowtospoilmyenjoymentbysympathywithanyone’ssorrow，"shefelt，andshesaidtoherself："No，Imustbemistaken，hemustbefeelinghappy，justasIam。"
　　"Now，Sonya！"shesaid，goingtotheverymiddleoftheroom，wheresheconsideredtheresonancewasbest。
　　Havingliftedherheadandletherarmsdrooplifelessly，asballetdancersdo，Natasha，risingenergeticallyfromherheelstohertoes，steppedtothemiddleoftheroomandstoodstill。
　　"Yes，that’sme！"sheseemedtosay，answeringtheraptgazewithwhichDenisovfollowedher。
　　"Andwhatisshesopleasedabout？"thoughtNicholas，lookingathissister。"Whyisn’tshedullandashamed？"
　　Natashatookthefirstnote，herthroatswelled，herchestrose，hereyesbecameserious。Atthatmomentshewasobliviousofhersurroundings，andfromhersmilinglipsflowedsoundswhichanyonemayproduceatthesameintervalsholdforthesametime，butwhichleaveyoucoldathousandtimesandthethousandandfirsttimethrillyouandmakeyouweep。
　　Natasha，thatwinter，hadforthefirsttimebeguntosingseriously，mainlybecauseDenisovsodelightedinhersinging。Shenolongersangasachild，therewasnolongerinhersingingthatcomical，childish，painstakingeffectthathadbeeninitbefore；
　　butshedidnotyetsingwell，asalltheconnoisseurswhoheardhersaid："Itisnottrained，butitisabeautifulvoicethatmustbetrained。"Onlytheygenerallysaidthissometimeaftershehadfinishedsinging。Whilethatuntrainedvoice，withitsincorrectbreathingandlaboredtransitions，wassounding，eventheconnoisseurssaidnothing，butonlydelightedinitandwishedtohearitagain。Inhervoicetherewasavirginalfreshness，anunconsciousnessofherownpowers，andanasyetuntrainedvelvetysoftness，whichsomingledwithherlackofartinsingingthatitseemedasifnothinginthatvoicecouldbealteredwithoutspoilingit。
　　"Whatisthis？"thoughtNicholas，listeningtoherwithwidelyopenedeyes。"Whathashappenedtoher？Howsheissingingtoday！"Andsuddenlythewholeworldcenteredforhimonanticipationofthenextnote，thenextphrase，andeverythingintheworldwasdividedintothreebeats："Ohmiocrudeleaffetto。"……One，two，three……one，two，three……One……"Ohmiocrudeleaffetto。"……One，two，three……
　　One。"Oh，thissenselesslifeofours！"thoughtNicholas。"Allthismisery，andmoney，andDolokhov，andanger，andhonor—it’sallnonsense……butthisisreal……Nowthen，Natasha，nowthen，dearest！
　　Nowthen，darling！Howwillshetakethatsi？She’stakenit！ThankGod！"Andwithoutnoticingthathewassinging，tostrengthenthesihesungasecond，athirdbelowthehighnote。"Ah，God！Howfine！DidIreallytakeit？Howfortunate！"hethought。
　　Oh，howthatchordvibrated，andhowmovedwassomethingthatwasfinestinRostov’ssoul！Andthissomethingwasapartfromeverythingelseintheworldandaboveeverythingintheworld。
　　"Whatwerelosses，andDolokhov，andwordsofhonor？……Allnonsense！Onemightkillandrobandyetbehappy……"