Nicholas，thoughhehadneverseenIlagin，withhisusualabsenceofmoderationinjudgment，hatedhimcordiallyfromreportsofhisarbitrarinessandviolence，andregardedhimashisbitterestfoe。
　　Herodeinangryagitationtowardhim，firmlygraspinghiswhipandfullypreparedtotakethemostresoluteanddesperatestepstopunishhisenemy。
　　Hardlyhadhepassedanangleofthewoodbeforeastoutgentlemaninabeavercapcameridingtowardhimonahandsomeraven—blackhorse，accompaniedbytwohuntservants。
　　Insteadofanenemy，NicholasfoundinIlaginastatelyandcourteousgentlemanwhowasparticularlyanxioustomaketheyoungcount’sacquaintance。HavingriddenuptoNicholas，Ilaginraisedhisbeavercapandsaidhemuchregrettedwhathadoccurredandwouldhavethemanpunishedwhohadallowedhimselftoseizeafoxhuntedbysomeoneelse’sborzois。Hehopedtobecomebetteracquaintedwiththecountandinvitedhimtodrawhiscovert。
　　Natasha，afraidthatherbrotherwoulddosomethingdreadful，hadfollowedhiminsomeexcitement。Seeingtheenemiesexchangingfriendlygreetings，sherodeuptothem。IlaginliftedhisbeavercapstillhighertoNatashaandsaid，withapleasantsmile，thattheyoungcountessresembledDianainherpassionforthechaseaswellasinherbeauty，ofwhichhehadheardmuch。
　　Toexpiatehishuntsman’soffense，IlaginpressedtheRostovstocometoanuplandofhisaboutamileawaywhichheusuallykeptforhimselfandwhich，hesaid，swarmedwithhares。Nicholasagreed，andthehunt，nowdoubled，movedon。
　　ThewaytoIligin’suplandwasacrossthefields。Thehuntservantsfellintoline。Themastersrodetogether。"Uncle，"Rostov，andIlaginkeptstealthilyglancingatoneanother’sdogs，tryingnottobeobservedbytheircompanionsandsearchinguneasilyforrivalstotheirownborzois。
　　Rostovwasparticularlystruckbythebeautyofasmall，pure—bred，red—spottedbitchonIlagin’sleash，slenderbutwithmuscleslikesteel，adelicatemuzzle，andprominentblackeyes。HehadheardoftheswiftnessofIlagin’sborzois，andinthatbeautifulbitchsawarivaltohisownMilka。
　　InthemiddleofasoberconversationbegunbyIlaginabouttheyear’sharvest，Nicholaspointedtothered—spottedbitch。
　　"Afinelittlebitch，that！"saidheinacarelesstone。"Issheswift？"
　　"Thatone？Yes，she’sagooddog，getswhatshe’safter，"answeredIlaginindifferently，ofthered—spottedbitchErza，forwhich，ayearbefore，hehadgivenaneighborthreefamiliesofhouseserfs。"Soinyourparts，too，theharvestisnothingtoboastof，Count？"hewenton，continuingtheconversationtheyhadbegun。Andconsideringitpolitetoreturntheyoungcount’scompliment，IlaginlookedathisborzoisandpickedoutMilkawhoattractedhisattentionbyherbreadth。"Thatblack—spottedoneofyoursisfine—wellshaped！"
　　saidhe。
　　"Yes，she’sfastenough，"repliedNicholas，andthought："Ifonlyafull—grownharewouldcrossthefieldnowI’dshowyouwhatsortofborzoisheis，"andturningtohisgroom，hesaidhewouldgivearubletoanyonewhofoundahare。
　　"Idon’tunderstand，"continuedIlagin，"howsomesportsmencanbesojealousaboutgameanddogs。Formyself，Icantellyou，Count，I
　　enjoyridingincompanysuchasthis……whatcouldbebetter？"heagainraisedhiscaptoNatasha"butasforcountingskinsandwhatonetakes，Idon’tcareaboutthat。"
　　"Ofcoursenot！"
　　"Orbeingupsetbecausesomeoneelse’sborzoiandnotminecatchessomething。AllIcareaboutistoenjoyseeingthechase，isitnotso，Count？ForIconsiderthat……"
　　"A—tu！"camethelong—drawncryofoneoftheborzoiwhippers—in，whohadhalted。Hestoodonaknollinthestubble，holdinghiswhipaloft，andagainrepeatedhislong—drawncry，"A—tu！"Thiscallandtheupliftedwhipmeantthathesawasittinghare。
　　"Ah，hehasfoundone，Ithink，"saidIlagincarelessly。"Yes，wemustrideup……Shallwebothcourseit？"answeredNicholas，seeinginErzaand"Uncle’s"redRugaytworivalshehadneveryethadachanceofpittingagainsthisownborzois。"AndsupposetheyoutdomyMilkaatonce！"hethoughtasherodewith"Uncle"andIlagintowardthehare。
　　"Afull—grownone？"askedIlaginasheapproachedthewhipwhohadsightedthehare—andnotwithoutagitationhelookedroundandwhistledtoErza。
　　"Andyou，MichaelNikanorovich？"hesaid，addressing"Uncle。"
　　Thelatterwasridingwithasullenexpressiononhisface。
　　"HowcanIjoinin？Why，you’vegivenavillageforeachofyourborzois！That’sit，comeon！Yoursareworththousands。Tryyoursagainstoneanother，youtwo，andI’lllookon！"
　　"Rugay，hey，hey！"heshouted。"Rugayushka！"headded，involuntarilybythisdiminutiveexpressinghisaffectionandthehopesheplacedonthisredborzoi。Natashasawandfelttheagitationthetwoelderlymenandherbrotherweretryingtoconceal，andwasherselfexcitedbyit。
　　Thehuntsmanstoodhalfwayuptheknollholdinguphiswhipandthegentlefolkrodeuptohimatafootpace；thehoundsthatwerefaroffonthehorizonturnedawayfromthehare，andthewhips，butnotthegentlefolk，alsomovedaway。Allweremovingslowlyandsedately。
　　"Howisitpointing？"askedNicholas，ridingahundredpacestowardthewhipwhohadsightedthehare。
　　Butbeforethewhipcouldreply，thehare，scentingthefrostcomingnextmorning，wasunabletorestandleapedup。Thepackonleashrusheddownhillinfullcryafterthehare，andfromallsidestheborzoisthatwerenotonleashdartedafterthehoundsandthehare。
　　Allthehunt，whohadbeenmovingslowly，shouted，"Stop！"callinginthehounds，whiletheborzoiwhips，withacryof"A—tu！"gallopedacrossthefieldsettingtheborzoisonthehare。ThetranquilIlagin，Nicholas，Natasha，and"Uncle"flew，recklessofwhereandhowtheywent，seeingonlytheborzoisandthehareandfearingonlytolosesightevenforaninstantofthechase。Theharetheyhadstartedwasastrongandswiftone。Whenhejumpeduphedidnotrunatonce，butprickedhisearslisteningtotheshoutingandtramplingthatresoundedfromallsidesatonce。Hetookadozenbounds，notveryquickly，lettingtheborzoisgainonhim，and，finallyhavingchosenhisdirectionandrealizedhisdanger，laidbackhisearsandrushedoffheadlong。Hehadbeenlyinginthestubble，butinfrontofhimwastheautumnsowingwherethegroundwassoft。Thetwoborzoisofthehuntsmanwhohadsightedhim，havingbeenthenearest，werethefirsttoseeandpursuehim，buttheyhadnotgonefarbeforeIlagin’sred—spottedErzapassedthem，gotwithinalength，flewattheharewithterribleswiftnessaimingathisscut，and，thinkingshehadseizedhim，rolledoverlikeaball。Theharearchedhisbackandboundedoffyetmoreswiftly。FrombehindErzarushedthebroad—haunched，black—spottedMilkaandbeganrapidlygainingonthehare。
　　"Milashka，dear！"roseNicholas’triumphantcry。ItlookedasifMilkawouldimmediatelypounceonthehare，butsheovertookhimandflewpast。Theharehadsquatted。AgainthebeautifulErzareachedhim，butwhenclosetothehare’sscutpausedasifmeasuringthedistance，soasnottomakeamistakethistimebutseizehishindleg。
　　"Erza，darling！Ilaginwailedinavoiceunlikehisown。Erzadidnothearkentohisappeal。Attheverymomentwhenshewouldhaveseizedherprey，theharemovedanddartedalongthebalkbetweenthewinterryeandthestubble。AgainErzaandMilkawereabreast，runninglikeapairofcarriagehorses，andbegantoovertakethehare，butitwaseasierfortheharetorunonthebalkandtheborzoisdidnotovertakehimsoquickly。
　　"Rugay，Rugayushka！That’sit，comeon！"cameathirdvoicejustthen，and"Uncle’s"redborzoi，strainingandcurvingitsback，caughtupwiththetwoforemostborzois，pushedaheadofthemregardlessoftheterriblestrain，putonspeedclosetothehare，knockeditoffthebalkontotheryefield，againputonspeedstillmoreviciously，sinkingtohiskneesinthemuddyfield，andallonecouldseewashow，muddyinghisback，herolledoverwiththehare。Aringofborzoissurroundedhim。Amomentlatereveryonehaddrawnuproundthecrowdofdogs。Onlythedelighted"Uncle"dismounted，andcutoffapad，shakingthehareforthebloodtodripoff，andanxiouslyglancingroundwithrestlesseyeswhilehisarmsandlegstwitched。Hespokewithouthimselfknowingwhomtoorwhatabout。"That’sit，comeon！That’sadog！……There，ithasbeatenthemall，thethousand—rubleaswellastheone—rubleborzois。That’sit，comeon！"saidhe，pantingandlookingwrathfullyaroundasifhewereabusingsomeone，asiftheywereallhisenemiesandhadinsultedhim，andonlynowhadheatlastsucceededinjustifyinghimself。"Thereareyourthousand—rubleones……That’sit，comeon！……"
　　"Rugay，here’sapadforyou！"hesaid，throwingdownthehare’smuddypad。"You’vedeservedit，that’sit，comeon！"
　　"She’dtiredherselfout，she’drunitdownthreetimesbyherself，"
　　saidNicholas，alsonotlisteningtoanyoneandregardlessofwhetherhewereheardornot。
　　"Butwhatisthereinrunningacrossitlikethat？"saidIlagin’sgroom。
　　"Onceshehadmisseditandturneditaway，anymongrelcouldtakeit，"Ilaginwassayingatthesametime，breathlessfromhisgallopandhisexcitement。AtthesamemomentNatasha，withoutdrawingbreath，screamedjoyously，ecstatically，andsopiercinglythatitseteveryone’seartingling。Bythatshrieksheexpressedwhattheothersexpressedbyalltalkingatonce，anditwassostrangethatshemustherselfhavebeenashamedofsowildacryandeveryoneelsewouldhavebeenamazedatitatanyothertime。"Uncle"himselftwistedupthehare，threwitneatlyandsmartlyacrosshishorse’sbackasifbythatgesturehemeanttorebukeeverybody，and，withanairofnotwishingtospeaktoanyone，mountedhisbayandrodeoff。Theothersallfollowed，dispiritedandshamefaced，andonlymuchlaterweretheyabletoregaintheirformeraffectationofindifference。ForalongtimetheycontinuedtolookatredRugaywho，hisarchedbackspatteredwithmudandclankingtheringofhisleash，walkedalongjustbehind"Uncle’s"horsewiththesereneairofaconqueror。
　　"Well，Iamlikeanyotherdogaslongasit’snotaquestionofcoursing。Butwhenitis，thenlookout！"hisappearanceseemtoNicholastobesaying。
　　When，muchlater，"Uncle"rodeuptoNicholasandbegantalkingtohim，hefeltflatteredthat，afterwhathadhappened，"Uncle"
　　deignedtospeaktohim。
　　BK7CH7
　　CHAPTERVII
　　TowardeveningIlagintookleaveofNicholas，whofoundthattheyweresofarfromhomethatheaccepted"Uncle’s"offerthatthehuntingpartyshouldspendthenightinhislittlevillageofMikhaylovna。
　　"Andifyouputupatmyhousethatwillbebetterstill。That’sit，comeon！"said"Uncle。""Youseeit’sdampweather，andyoucouldrest，andthelittlecountesscouldbedrivenhomeinatrap。"
　　"Uncle’s"offerwasaccepted。AhuntsmanwassenttoOtradnoeforatrap，whileNicholasrodewithNatashaandPetyato"Uncle’s"house。
　　Somefivemaledomesticserfs，bigandlittle，rushedouttothefrontporchtomeettheirmaster。Ascoreofwomenserfs，oldandyoung，aswellaschildren，poppedoutfromthebackentrancetohavealookatthehunterswhowerearriving。ThepresenceofNatasha—
　　awoman，alady，andonhorseback—raisedthecuriosityoftheserfstosuchadegreethatmanyofthemcameuptoher，staredherintheface，andunabashedbyherpresencemaderemarksaboutherasthoughsheweresomeprodigyonshowandnotahumanbeingabletohearorunderstandwhatwassaidabouther。
　　"Arinka！Look，shesitssideways！Thereshesitsandherskirtdangles……See，she’sgotalittlehuntinghorn！"
　　"Goodnessgracious！Seeherknife？……"
　　"Isn’tsheaTartar！"
　　"Howisityoudidn’tgoheadoverheels？"askedtheboldestofall，addressingNatashadirectly。
　　"Uncle"dismountedattheporchofhislittlewoodenhousewhichstoodinthemidstofanovergrowngardenand，afteraglanceathisretainers，shoutedauthoritativelythatthesuperfluousonesshouldtakethemselvesoffandthatallnecessarypreparationsshouldbemadetoreceivetheguestsandthevisitors。
　　Theserfsalldispersed。"Uncle"liftedNatashaoffherhorseandtakingherhandledherupthericketywoodenstepsoftheporch。
　　Thehouse，withitsbare，unplasteredlogwalls，wasnotoverclean—itdidnotseemthatthoselivinginitaimedatkeepingitspotless—butneitherwasitnoticeablyneglected。Intheentrytherewasasmelloffreshapples，andwolfandfoxskinshungabout。
　　"Uncle"ledthevisitorsthroughtheanteroomintoasmallhallwithafoldingtableandredchairs，thenintothedrawingroomwitharoundbirchwoodtableandasofa，andfinallyintohisprivateroomwheretherewasatatteredsofa，aworncarpet，andportraitsofSuvorov，ofthehost’sfatherandmother，andofhimselfinmilitaryuniform。Thestudysmeltstronglyoftobaccoanddogs。"Uncle"askedhisvisitorstositdownandmakethemselvesathome，andthenwentoutoftheroom。Rugay，hisbackstillmuddy，cameintotheroomandlaydownonthesofa，cleaninghimselfwithhistongueandteeth。
　　Leadingfromthestudywasapassageinwhichapartitionwithraggedcurtainscouldbeseen。Frombehindthiscamewomen’slaughterandwhispers。Natasha，Nicholas，andPetyatookofftheirwrapsandsatdownonthesofa。Petya，leaningonhiselbow，fellasleepatonce。NatashaandNicholasweresilent。Theirfacesglowed，theywerehungryandverycheerful。Theylookedatoneanothernowthatthehuntwasoverandtheywereinthehouse，Nicholasnolongerconsidereditnecessarytoshowhismanlysuperiorityoverhissister，Natashagavehimawink，andneitherrefrainedlongfromburstingintoapealofringinglaughterevenbeforetheyhadapretextreadytoaccountforit。
　　Afterawhile"Uncle"camein，inaCossackcoat，bluetrousers，andsmalltopboots。AndNatashafeltthatthiscostume，theveryoneshehadregardedwithsurpriseandamusementatOtradnoe，wasjusttherightthingandnotatallworsethanaswallow—tailorfrockcoat。
　　"Uncle"toowasinhighspiritsandfarfrombeingoffendedbythebrother’sandsister’slaughteritcouldneverenterhisheadthattheymightbelaughingathiswayoflifehehimselfjoinedinthemerriment。
　　"That’sright，youngcountess，that’sit，comeon！Ineversawanyonelikeher！"saidhe，offeringNicholasapipewithalongstemand，withapracticedmotionofthreefingers，takingdownanotherthathadbeencutshort。"She’sriddenalldaylikeaman，andisasfreshasever！
　　Soonafter"Uncle’s"reappearancethedoorwasopened，evidentlyfromthesoundbyabarefootedgirl，andastout，rosy，good—lookingwomanofaboutforty，withadoublechinandfullredlips，enteredcarryingalargeloadedtray。Withhospitabledignityandcordialityinherglanceandineverymotion，shelookedatthevisitorsand，withapleasantsmile，bowedrespectfully。Inspiteofherexceptionalstoutness，whichcausedhertoprotrudeherchestandstomachandthrowbackherhead，thiswomanwhowas"Uncle’s"housekeepertrodverylightly。Shewenttothetable，setdownthetray，andwithherplumpwhitehandsdeftlytookfromitthebottlesandvarioushorsd’oeuvresanddishesandarrangedthemonthetable。Whenshehadfinished，shesteppedasideandstoppedatthedoorwithasmileonherface。"HereIam。Iamshe！Nowdoyouunderstand’Uncle’？"herexpressionsaidtoRostov。Howcouldonehelpunderstanding？NotonlyNicholas，butevenNatashaunderstoodthemeaningofhispuckeredbrowandthehappycomplacentsmilethatslightlypuckeredhislipswhenAnisyaFedorovnaentered。Onthetraywasabottleofherbwine，differentkindsofvodka，pickledmushrooms，ryecakesmadewithbuttermilk，honeyinthecomb，stillmeadandsparklingmead，apples，nutsrawandroasted，andnut—and—honeysweets。Afterwardsshebroughtafreshlyroastedchicken，ham，preservesmadewithhoney，andpreservesmadewithsugar。
　　AllthiswasthefruitofAnisyaFedorovna’shousekeeping，gatheredandpreparedbyher。ThesmellandtasteofitallhadasmackofAnisyaFedorovnaherself：asavorofjuiciness，cleanliness，whiteness，andpleasantsmiles。
　　"Takethis，littleLady—Countess！"shekeptsaying，assheofferedNatashafirstonethingandthenanother。
　　Natashaateofeverythingandthoughtshehadneverseenoreatensuchbuttermilkcakes，sucharomaticjam，suchhoney—and—nutsweets，orsuchachickenanywhere。AnisyaFedorovnalefttheroom。
　　Aftersupper，overtheircherrybrandy，Rostovand"Uncle"talkedofpastandfuturehunts，ofRugayandIlagin’sdogs，whileNatashasatuprightonthesofaandlistenedwithsparklingeyes。ShetriedseveraltimestowakePetyathathemighteatsomething，butheonlymutteredincoherentwordswithoutwakingup。Natashafeltsolightheartedandhappyinthesenovelsurroundingsthatsheonlyfearedthetrapwouldcomeforhertoosoon。Afteracasualpause，suchasoftenoccurswhenreceivingfriendsforthefirsttimeinone’sownhouse，"Uncle，"answeringathoughtthatwasinhisvisitors’mind，said：
　　"This，yousee，ishowIamfinishingmydays……Deathwillcome。
　　That’sit，comeon！Nothingwillremain。Thenwhyharmanyone？"
　　"Uncle’s"facewasverysignificantandevenhandsomeashesaidthis。InvoluntarilyRostovrecalledallthegoodhehadheardabouthimfromhisfatherandtheneighbors。Throughoutthewholeprovince"Uncle"hadthereputationofbeingthemosthonorableanddisinterestedofcranks。Theycalledhimintodecidefamilydisputes，chosehimasexecutor，confidedsecretstohim，electedhimtobeajusticeandtootherposts；buthealwayspersistentlyrefusedpublicappointments，passingtheautumnandspringinthefieldsonhisbaygelding，sittingathomeinwinter，andlyinginhisovergrowngardeninsummer。
　　"Whydon’tyouentertheservice，Uncle？"
　　"Ididonce，butgaveitup。Iamnotfitforit。That’sit，comeon！Ican’tmakeheadortailofit。That’sforyou—Ihaven’tbrainsenough。Now，huntingisanothermatter—that’sit，comeon！
　　Openthedoor，there！"heshouted。"Whyhaveyoushutit？"
　　Thedoorattheendofthepassageledtothehuntsmen’sroom，astheycalledtheroomforthehuntservants。
　　Therewasarapidpatterofbarefeet，andanunseenhandopenedthedoorintothehuntsmen’sroom，fromwhichcametheclearsoundsofabalalaykaonwhichsomeone，whowasevidentlyamasteroftheart，wasplaying。Natashahadbeenlisteningtothosestrainsforsometimeandnowwentoutintothepassagetohearbetter。
　　"That’sMitka，mycoachman……Ihavegothimagoodbalalayka。
　　I’mfondofit，"said"Uncle。"
　　ItwasthecustomforMitkatoplaythebalalaykainthehuntsmen’sroomwhen"Uncle"returnedfromthechase。"Uncle"wasfondofsuchmusic。
　　"Howgood！Reallyverygood！"saidNicholaswithsomeunintentionalsuperciliousness，asifashamedtoconfessthatthesoundspleasedhimverymuch。
　　"Verygood？"saidNatashareproachfully，noticingherbrother’stone。"Not’verygood’it’ssimplydelicious！"
　　Justas"Uncle’s"pickledmushrooms，honey，andcherrybrandyhadseemedtoherthebestintheworld，soalsothatsong，atthatmoment，seemedtohertheacmeofmusicaldelight。
　　"More，please，more！"criedNatashaatthedoorassoonasthebalalaykaceased。Mitkatunedupafresh，andrecommencedthrummingthebalalaykatotheairofMyLady，withtrillsandvariations。"Uncle"
　　satlistening，slightlysmiling，withhisheadononeside。Theairwasrepeatedahundredtimes。Thebalalaykawasretunedseveraltimesandthesamenoteswerethrummedagain，butthelistenersdidnotgrowwearyofitandwishedtohearitagainandagain。AnisyaFedorovnacameinandleanedherportlypersonagainstthedoorpost。
　　"Youlikelistening？"shesaidtoNatasha，withasmileextremelylike"Uncle’s。""That’sagoodplayerofours，"sheadded。
　　"Hedoesn’tplaythatpartright！"said"Uncle"suddenly，withanenergeticgesture。"Hereheoughttoburstout—that’sit，comeon！—
　　oughttoburstout。"
　　"Doyouplaythen？"askedNatasha。
　　"Uncle"didnotanswer，butsmiled。
　　"Anisya，goandseeifthestringsofmyguitarareallright。I
　　haven’ttoucheditforalongtime。That’sit—comeon！I’vegivenitup。"
　　AnisyaFedorovna，withherlightstep，willinglywenttofulfillhererrandandbroughtbacktheguitar。
　　Withoutlookingatanyone，"Uncle"blewthedustoffitand，tappingthecasewithhisbonyfingers，tunedtheguitarandsettledhimselfinhisarmchair。Hetooktheguitaralittleabovethefingerboard，archinghisleftelbowwithasomewhattheatricalgesture，and，withawinkatAnisyaFedorovna，struckasinglechord，pureandsonorous，andthenquietly，smoothly，andconfidentlybeganplayinginveryslowtime，notMyLady，butthewell—knownsong：Cameamaidendownthestreet。Thetune，playedwithprecisionandinexacttime，begantothrillintheheartsofNicholasandNatasha，arousinginthemthesamekindofsobermirthasradiatedfromAnisyaFedorovna’swholebeing。AnisyaFedorovnaflushed，anddrawingherkerchiefoverherfacewentlaughingoutoftheroom。"Uncle"continuedtoplaycorrectly，carefully，withenergeticfirmness，lookingwithachangedandinspiredexpressionatthespotwhereAnisyaFedorovnahadjuststood。Somethingseemedtobelaughingalittleononesideofhisfaceunderhisgraymustaches，especiallyasthesonggrewbriskerandthetimequickerandwhen，hereandthere，asheranhisfingersoverthestrings，somethingseemedtosnap。
　　"Lovely，lovely！Goon，Uncle，goon！"shoutedNatashaassoonashehadfinished。Shejumpedupandhuggedandkissedhim。"Nicholas，Nicholas！"shesaid，turningtoherbrother，asifaskinghim："Whatisitmovesmeso？"
　　Nicholastoowasgreatlypleasedby"Uncle’s"playing，and"Uncle"
　　playedthepieceoveragain。AnisyaFedorovna’ssmilingfacereappearedinthedoorwayandbehindhersotherfaces……
　　Fetchingwaterclearandsweet，Stop，dearmaiden，Ientreat—
　　played"Uncle"oncemore，runninghisfingersskillfullyoverthestrings，andthenhestoppedshortandjerkedhisshoulders。
　　"Goon，Uncledear，"Natashawailedinanimploringtoneasifherlifedependedonit。
　　"Uncle"rose，anditwasasifthereweretwomeninhim：oneofthemsmiledseriouslyatthemerryfellow，whilethemerryfellowstruckanaiveandpreciseattitudepreparatorytoafolkdance。
　　"Nowthen，niece！"heexclaimed，wavingtoNatashathehandthathadjuststruckachord。
　　Natashathrewofftheshawlfromhershoulders，ranforwardtoface"Uncle，"andsettingherarmsakimboalsomadeamotionwithhershouldersandstruckanattitude。
　　Where，how，andwhenhadthisyoungcountess，educatedbyanemigreeFrenchgoverness，imbibedfromtheRussianairshebreathedthatspiritandobtainedthatmannerwhichthepasdechale*would，onewouldhavesupposed，longagohaveeffaced？ButthespiritandthemovementswerethoseinimitableandunteachableRussianonesthat"Uncle"hadexpectedofher。Assoonasshehadstruckherpose，andsmiledtriumphantly，proudly，andwithslymerriment，thefearthathadatfirstseizedNicholasandtheothersthatshemightnotdotherightthingwasatanend，andtheywerealreadyadmiringher。
　　*TheFrenchshawldance。
　　Shedidtherightthingwithsuchprecision，suchcompleteprecision，thatAnisyaFedorovna，whohadatoncehandedherthehandkerchiefsheneededforthedance，hadtearsinhereyes，thoughshelaughedasshewatchedthisslim，gracefulcountess，rearedinsilksandvelvetsandsodifferentfromherself，whoyetwasabletounderstandallthatwasinAnisyaandinAnisya’sfatherandmotherandaunt，andineveryRussianmanandwoman。
　　"Well，littlecountess；that’sit—comeon！"cried"Uncle，"withajoyouslaugh，havingfinishedthedance。"Welldone，niece！Nowafineyoungfellowmustbefoundashusbandforyou。That’sit—comeon！"
　　"He’schosenalready，"saidNicholassmiling。
　　"Oh？"said"Uncle"insurprise，lookinginquiringlyatNatasha，whonoddedherheadwithahappysmile。
　　"Andsuchaone！"shesaid。Butassoonasshehadsaiditanewtrainofthoughtsandfeelingsaroseinher。"WhatdidNicholas’smilemeanwhenhesaid’chosenalready’？Ishegladofitornot？ItisasifhethoughtmyBolkonskiwouldnotapproveoforunderstandourgaiety。Buthewouldunderstanditall。Whereishenow？"shethought，andherfacesuddenlybecameserious。Butthislastedonlyasecond。
　　"Don’tdaretothinkaboutit，"shesaidtoherself，andsatdownagainsmilinglybeside"Uncle，"begginghimtoplaysomethingmore。
　　"Uncle"playedanothersongandavalse；thenafterapauseheclearedhisthroatandsanghisfavoritehuntingsong：
　　As’twasgrowingdarklastnightFellthesnowsosoftandlight……
　　"Uncle"sangaspeasantssing，withfullandnaiveconvictionthatthewholemeaningofasongliesinthewordsandthatthetunecomesofitself，andthatapartfromthewordsthereisnotune，whichexistsonlytogivemeasuretothewords。Asaresultofthistheunconsideredtune，likethesongofabird，wasextraordinarilygood。Natashawasinecstasiesover"Uncle’s"singing。Sheresolvedtogiveuplearningtheharpandtoplayonlytheguitar。Sheasked"Uncle"forhisguitarandatoncefoundthechordsofthesong。
　　Afternineo’clocktwotrapsandthreemountedmen，whohadbeensenttolookforthem，arrivedtofetchNatashaandPetya。Thecountandcountessdidnotknowwheretheywereandwereveryanxious，saidoneofthemen。
　　Petyawascarriedoutlikealogandlaidinthelargerofthetwotraps。NatashaandNicholasgotintotheother。"Uncle"wrappedNatashaupwarmlyandtookleaveofherwithquiteanewtenderness。
　　Heaccompaniedthemonfootasfarasthebridgethatcouldnotbecrossed，sothattheyhadtogoroundbytheford，andhesenthuntsmentorideinfrontwithlanterns。
　　"Good—by，dearniece，"hisvoicecalledoutofthedarkness—notthevoiceNatashahadknownpreviously，buttheonethathadsungAs’twasgrowingdarklastnight。
　　Inthevillagethroughwhichtheypassedtherewereredlightsandacheerfulsmellofsmoke。
　　"WhatadarlingUncleis！"saidNatasha，whentheyhadcomeoutontothehighroad。
　　"Yes，"returnedNicholas。"You’renotcold？"
　　"No。I’mquite，quiteallright。Ifeelsocomfortable！"answeredNatasha，almostperplexedbyherfeelings。Theyremainedsilentalongwhile。Thenightwasdarkanddamp。Theycouldnotseethehorses，butonlyheardthemsplashingthroughtheunseenmud。
　　Whatwaspassinginthatreceptivechildlikesoulthatsoeagerlycaughtandassimilatedallthediverseimpressionsoflife？Howdidtheyallfindplaceinher？Butshewasveryhappy。AstheywerenearinghomeshesuddenlystruckuptheairofAs’twasgrowingdarklastnight—thetuneofwhichshehadallthewaybeentryingtogetandhadatlastcaught。
　　"Gotit？"saidNicholas。
　　"Whatwereyouthinkingaboutjustnow，Nicholas？"inquiredNatasha。
　　Theywerefondofaskingoneanotherthatquestion。
　　"I？"saidNicholas，tryingtoremember。"Well，yousee，firstI
　　thoughtthatRugay，theredhound，waslikeUncle，andthatifhewereamanhewouldalwayskeepUnclenearhim，ifnotforhisriding，thenforhismanner。WhatagoodfellowUncleis！Don’tyouthinkso？……
　　Well，andyou？"
　　"I？Waitabit，wait……Yes，firstIthoughtthatwearedrivingalongandimaginingthatwearegoinghome，butthatheavenknowswherewearereallygoinginthedarkness，andthatweshallarriveandsuddenlyfindthatwearenotinOtradnoe，butinFairyland。AndthenIthought……No，nothingelse。"
　　"Iknow，Iexpectyouthoughtofhim，"saidNicholas，smilingasNatashaknewbythesoundofhisvoice。
　　"No，"saidNatasha，thoughshehadinrealitybeenthinkingaboutPrinceAndrewatthesametimeasoftherest，andofhowhewouldhaveliked"Uncle。""AndthenIwassayingtomyselfalltheway，’HowwellAnisyacarriedherself，howwell！’"AndNicholasheardherspontaneous，happy，ringinglaughter。"Anddoyouknow，"shesuddenlysaid，"IknowthatIshallneveragainbeashappyandtranquilasIamnow。"
　　"Rubbish，nonsense，humbug！"exclaimedNicholas，andhethought：
　　"HowcharmingthisNatashaofmineis！Ihavenootherfriendlikeherandnevershallhave。Whyshouldshemarry？Wemightalwaysdriveabouttogether！
　　"WhatadarlingthisNicholasofmineis！"thoughtNatasha。
　　"Ah，therearestilllightsinthedrawingroom！"shesaid，pointingtothewindowsofthehousethatgleamedinvitinglyinthemoistvelvetydarknessofthenight。
　　BK7CH8
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　CountIlyaRostovhadresignedthepositionofMarshaloftheNobilitybecauseitinvolvedhimintoomuchexpense，butstillhisaffairsdidnotimprove。NatashaandNicholasoftennoticedtheirparentsconferringtogetheranxiouslyandprivatelyandheardsuggestionsofsellingthefineancestralRostovhouseandestatenearMoscow。ItwasnotnecessarytoentertainsofreelyaswhenthecounthadbeenMarshal，andlifeatOtradnoewasquieterthaninformeryears，butstilltheenormoushouseanditslodgeswerefullofpeopleandmorethantwentysatdowntotableeveryday。Thesewerealltheirownpeoplewhohadsettleddowninthehousealmostasmembersofthefamily，orpersonswhowere，itseemed，obligedtoliveinthecount’shouse。SuchwereDimmlerthemusicianandhiswife，Vogelthedancingmasterandhisfamily，Belova，anoldmaidenlady，aninmateofthehouse，andmanyotherssuchasPetya’stutors，thegirls’formergoverness，andotherpeoplewhosimplyfounditpreferableandmoreadvantageoustoliveinthecount’shousethanathome。Theyhadnotasmanyvisitorsasbefore，buttheoldhabitsoflifewithoutwhichthecountandcountesscouldnotconceiveofexistenceremainedunchanged。TherewasstillthehuntingestablishmentwhichNicholashadevenenlarged，thesamefiftyhorsesandfifteengroomsinthestables，thesameexpensivepresentsanddinnerpartiestothewholedistrictonnamedays；
　　therewerestillthecount’sgamesofwhistandboston，atwhich—
　　spreadingouthiscardssothateverybodycouldseethem—helethimselfbeplunderedofhundredsofrubleseverydaybyhisneighbors，wholookeduponanopportunitytoplayarubberwithCountRostovasamostprofitablesourceofincome。
　　Thecountmovedinhisaffairsasinahugenet，tryingnottobelievethathewasentangledbutbecomingmoreandmoresoateverystep，andfeelingtoofeebletobreakthemeshesortosettoworkcarefullyandpatientlytodisentanglethem。Thecountess，withherlovingheart，feltthatherchildrenwerebeingruined，thatitwasnotthecount’sfaultforhecouldnothelpbeingwhathewas—thatthoughhetriedtohideithehimselfsufferedfromtheconsciousnessofhisownandhischildren’sruin，andshetriedtofindmeansofremedyingtheposition。Fromherfemininepointofviewshecouldseeonlyonesolution，namely，forNicholastomarryarichheiress。ShefeltthistobetheirlasthopeandthatifNicholasrefusedthematchshehadfoundforhim，shewouldhavetoabandonthehopeofevergettingmattersright。ThismatchwaswithJulieKaragina，thedaughterofexcellentandvirtuousparents，agirltheRostovshadknownfromchildhood，andwhohadnowbecomeawealthyheiressthroughthedeathofthelastofherbrothers。
　　ThecountesshadwrittendirecttoJulie’smotherinMoscowsuggestingamarriagebetweentheirchildrenandhadreceivedafavorableanswerfromher。Karaginahadrepliedthatforherpartshewasagreeable，andeverythingdependonherdaughter’sinclination。SheinvitedNicholastocometoMoscow。
　　Severaltimesthecountess，withtearsinhereyes，toldhersonthatnowbothherdaughtersweresettled，heronlywishwastoseehimmarried。Shesaidshecouldliedowninhergravepeacefullyifthatwereaccomplished。Thenshetoldhimthatsheknewofasplendidgirlandtriedtodiscoverwhathethoughtaboutmarriage。
　　AtothertimesshepraisedJulietohimandadvisedhimtogotoMoscowduringtheholidaystoamusehimself。Nicholasguessedwhathismother’sremarkswereleadingtoandduringoneoftheseconversationsinducedhertospeakquitefrankly。ShetoldhimthatheronlyhopeofgettingtheiraffairsdisentanglednowlayinhismarryingJulieKaragina。
　　"But，Mamma，supposeIlovedagirlwhohasnofortune，wouldyouexpectmetosacrificemyfeelingsandmyhonorforthesakeofmoney？"heaskedhismother，notrealizingthecrueltyofhisquestionandonlywishingtoshowhisnoble—mindedness。
　　"No，youhavenotunderstoodme，"saidhismother，notknowinghowtojustifyherself。"Youhavenotunderstoodme，Nikolenka。ItisyourhappinessIwishfor，"sheadded，feelingthatshewastellinganuntruthandwasbecomingentangled。Shebegantocry。
　　"Mamma，don’tcry！Onlytellmethatyouwishit，andyouknowI
　　willgivemylife，anything，toputyouatease，"saidNicholas。"I
　　wouldsacrificeanythingforyou—evenmyfeelings。"
　　Butthecountessdidnotwantthequestionputlikethat：shedidnotwantasacrificefromherson，sheherselfwishedtomakeasacrificeforhim。
　　"No，youhavenotunderstoodme，don’tletustalkaboutit，"shereplied，wipingawayhertears。
　　"MaybeIdoloveapoorgirl，"saidNicholastohimself。"AmItosacrificemyfeelingsandmyhonorformoney？IwonderhowMammacouldspeaksotome。BecauseSonyaispoorImustnotloveher，"hethought，"mustnotrespondtoherfaithful，devotedlove？YetIshouldcertainlybehappierwithherthanwithsomedoll—likeJulie。Icanalwayssacrificemyfeelingsformyfamily’swelfare，"hesaidtohimself，"butIcan’tcoercemyfeelings。IfIloveSonya，thatfeelingisformestrongerandhigherthanallelse。"
　　NicholasdidnotgotoMoscow，andthecountessdidnotrenewtheconversationwithhimaboutmarriage。Shesawwithsorrow，andsometimeswithexasperation，symptomsofagrowingattachmentbetweenhersonandtheportionlessSonya。Thoughsheblamedherselfforit，shecouldnotrefrainfromgrumblingatandworryingSonya，oftenpullingherupwithoutreason，addressingherstifflyas"mydear，"andusingtheformal"you"insteadoftheintimate"thou"inspeakingtoher。ThekindheartedcountesswasthemorevexedwithSonyabecausethatpoor，dark—eyednieceofherswassomeek，sokind，sodevotedlygratefultoherbenefactors，andsofaithfully，unchangingly，andunselfishlyinlovewithNicholas，thattherewerenogroundsforfindingfaultwithher。
　　Nicholaswasspendingthelastofhisleaveathome。AfourthletterhadcomefromPrinceAndrew，fromRome，inwhichhewrotethathewouldhavebeenonhiswaybacktoRussialongagohadnothiswoundunexpectedlyreopenedinthewarmclimate，whichobligedhimtodeferhisreturntillthebeginningofthenewyear。Natashawasstillasmuchinlovewithherbetrothed，foundthesamecomfortinthatlove，andwasstillasreadytothrowherselfintoallthepleasuresoflifeasbefore；butattheendofthefourthmonthoftheirseparationshebegantohavefitsofdepressionwhichshecouldnotmaster。Shefeltsorryforherself：sorrythatshewasbeingwastedallthistimeandofnousetoanyone—whileshefeltherselfsocapableoflovingandbeingloved。
　　ThingswerenotcheerfulintheRostovs’home。
　　BK7CH9
　　CHAPTERIX
　　ChristmascameandexceptfortheceremonialMass，thesolemnandwearisomeChristmascongratulationsfromneighborsandservants，andthenewdresseseveryoneputon，therewerenospecialfestivities，thoughthecalmfrostoftwentydegreesReaumur，thedazzlingsunshinebyday，andthestarlightofthewinternightsseemedtocallforsomespecialcelebrationoftheseason。
　　OnthethirddayofChristmasweek，afterthemiddaydinner，alltheinmatesofthehousedispersedtovariousrooms。Itwasthedullesttimeoftheday。Nicholas，whohadbeenvisitingsomeneighborsthatmorning，wasasleeponthesitting—roomsofa。Theoldcountwasrestinginhisstudy。Sonyasatinthedrawingroomattheroundtable，copyingadesignforembroidery。Thecountesswasplayingpatience。NastasyaIvanovnathebuffoonsatwithasadfaceatthewindowwithtwooldladies。Natashacameintotheroom，wentuptoSonya，glancedatwhatshewasdoing，andthenwentuptohermotherandstoodwithoutspeaking。
　　"Whyareyouwanderingaboutlikeanoutcast？"askedhermother。
　　"Whatdoyouwant？"
　　"Him……Iwanthim……now，thisminute！Iwanthim！"saidNatasha，withglitteringeyesandnosignofasmile。
　　Thecountessliftedherheadandlookedattentivelyatherdaughter。
　　"Don’tlookatme，Mamma！Don’tlook；Ishallcrydirectly。"
　　"Sitdownwithmealittle，"saidthecountess。
　　"Mamma，Iwanthim。WhyshouldIbewastedlikethis，Mamma？"
　　Hervoicebroke，tearsgushedfromhereyes，andsheturnedquicklytohidethemandlefttheroom。
　　Shepassedintothesittingroom，stoodtherethinkingawhile，andthenwentintothemaids’room。Thereanoldmaidservantwasgrumblingatayounggirlwhostoodpanting，havingjustruninthroughthecoldfromtheserfs’quarters。
　　"Stopplaying—there’satimeforeverything，"saidtheoldwoman。
　　"Letheralone，Kondratevna，"saidNatasha。"Go，Mavrushka，go。"
　　HavingreleasedMavrushka，Natashacrossedthedancinghallandwenttothevestibule。Thereanoldfootmanandtwoyoungoneswereplayingcards。Theybrokeoffandroseassheentered。
　　"WhatcanIdowiththem？"thoughtNatasha。
　　"Oh，Nikita，pleasego……wherecanIsendhim？……Yes，gototheyardandfetchafowl，please，acock，andyou，Misha，bringmesomeoats。"
　　"Justafewoats？"saidMisha，cheerfullyandreadily。
　　"Go，goquickly，"theoldmanurgedhim。
　　"Andyou，Theodore，getmeapieceofchalk。"
　　Onherwaypastthebutler’spantryshetoldthemtosetasamovar，thoughitwasnotatallthetimefortea。
　　Foka，thebutler，wasthemostill—temperedpersoninthehouse。
　　Natashalikedtotestherpoweroverhim。Hedistrustedtheorderandaskedwhetherthesamovarwasreallywanted。
　　"Ohdear，whatayounglady！"saidFoka，pretendingtofrownatNatasha。
　　NooneinthehousesentpeopleaboutorgavethemasmuchtroubleasNatashadid。Shecouldnotseepeopleunconcernedly，buthadtosendthemonsomeerrand。Sheseemedtobetryingwhetheranyofthemwouldgetangryorsulkywithher；buttheserfsfulfillednoone’sorderssoreadilyastheydidhers。"WhatcanIdo，wherecanIgo？"thoughtshe，asshewentslowlyalongthepassage。
　　"NastasyaIvanovna，whatsortofchildrenshallIhave？"sheaskedthebuffoon，whowascomingtowardherinawoman’sjacket。
　　"Why，fleas，crickets，grasshoppers，"answeredthebuffoon。
　　"OLord，OLord，it’salwaysthesame！Oh，whereamItogo？WhatamItodowithmyself？"Andtappingwithherheels，sheranquicklyupstairstoseeVogelandhiswifewholivedontheupperstory。
　　TwogovernessesweresittingwiththeVogelsatatable，onwhichwereplatesofraisins，walnuts，andalmonds。ThegovernesseswerediscussingwhetheritwascheapertoliveinMoscoworOdessa。Natashasatdown，listenedtotheirtalkwithaseriousandthoughtfulair，andthengotupagain。
　　"TheislandofMadagascar，"shesaid，"Ma—da—gas—car，"sherepeated，articulatingeachsyllabledistinctly，and，notreplyingtoMadameSchosswhoaskedherwhatshewassaying，shewentoutoftheroom。
　　HerbrotherPetyawasupstairstoo；withthemaninattendanceonhimhewaspreparingfireworkstoletoffthatnight。
　　"Petya！Petya！"shecalledtohim。"Carrymedownstairs。"
　　Petyaranupandofferedherhisback。Shejumpedonit，puttingherarmsroundhisneck，andheprancedalongwithher。
　　"No，don’t……theislandofMadagascar！"shesaid，andjumpingoffhisbackshewentdownstairs。
　　Havingasitwerereviewedherkingdom，testedherpower，andmadesurethateveryonewassubmissive，butthatallthesameitwasdull，Natashabetookherselftotheballroom，pickedupherguitar，satdowninadarkcornerbehindabookcase，andbegantorunherfingersoverthestringsinthebass，pickingoutapassagesherecalledfromanoperashehadheardinPetersburgwithPrinceAndrew。
　　Whatshedrewfromtheguitarwouldhavehadnomeaningforotherlisteners，butinherimaginationawholeseriesofreminiscencesarosefromthosesounds。Shesatbehindthebookcasewithhereyesfixedonastreakoflightescapingfromthepantrydoorandlistenedtoherselfandpondered。Shewasinamoodforbroodingonthepast。
　　Sonyapassedtothepantrywithaglassinherhand。Natashaglancedatherandatthecrackinthepantrydoor，anditseemedtoherthatsherememberedthelightfailingthroughthatcrackoncebeforeandSonyapassingwithaglassinherhand。"Yesitwasexactlythesame，"thoughtNatasha。
　　"Sonya，whatisthis？"shecried，twangingathickstring。
　　"Oh，youarethere！"saidSonyawithastart，andcamenearandlistened。"Idon’tknow。Astorm？"sheventuredtimidly，afraidofbeingwrong。
　　"There！That’sjusthowshestartedandjusthowshecameupsmilingtimidlywhenallthishappenedbefore，"thoughtNatasha，"andinjustthesamewayIthoughttherewassomethinglackinginher。"
　　"No，it’sthechorusfromTheWater—Carrier，listen！"andNatashasangtheairofthechorussothatSonyashouldcatchit。"Wherewereyougoing？"sheasked。
　　"Tochangethewaterinthisglass。Iamjustfinishingthedesign。"
　　"Youalwaysfindsomethingtodo，butIcan’t，"saidNatasha。"Andwhere’sNicholas？"
　　"Asleep，Ithink。"
　　"Sonya，goandwakehim，"saidNatasha。"TellhimIwanthimtocomeandsing。"
　　Shesatawhile，wonderingwhatthemeaningofitallhavinghappenedbeforecouldbe，andwithoutsolvingthisproblem，oratallregrettingnothavingdoneso，sheagainpassedinfancytothetimewhenshewaswithhimandhewaslookingatherwithalover’seyes。
　　"Oh，ifonlyhewouldcomequicker！Iamsoafraiditwillneverbe！
　　And，worstofall，Iamgrowingold—that’sthething！Therewon’tthenbeinmewhatthereisnow。Butperhapshe’llcometoday，willcomeimmediately。Perhapshehascomeandissittinginthedrawingroom。PerhapshecameyesterdayandIhaveforgottenit。"Sherose，putdowntheguitar，andwenttothedrawingroom。
　　Allthedomesticcircle，tutors，governesses，andguests，werealreadyattheteatable。Theservantsstoodroundthetable—butPrinceAndrewwasnotthereandlifewasgoingonasbefore。
　　"Ah，heresheis！"saidtheoldcount，whenhesawNatashaenter。
　　"Well，sitdownbyme。"ButNatashastayedbyhermotherandglancedroundasiflookingforsomething。
　　"Mamma！"shemuttered，"givehimtome，givehim，Mamma，quickly，quickly！"andsheagainhaddifficultyinrepressinghersobs。
　　ShesatdownatthetableandlistenedtotheconversationbetweentheeldersandNicholas，whohadalsocometothetable。"MyGod，myGod！Thesamefaces，thesametalk，Papaholdinghiscupandblowinginthesameway！"thoughtNatasha，feelingwithhorrorasenseofrepulsionrisingupinherforthewholehousehold，becausetheywerealwaysthesame。
　　Aftertea，Nicholas，Sonya，andNatashawenttothesittingroom，totheirfavoritecornerwheretheirmostintimatetalksalwaysbegan。
　　BK7CH10
　　CHAPTERX
　　Doesiteverhappentoyou，"saidNatashatoherbrother，whentheysettleddowninthesittingroom，"doesiteverhappentoyoutofeelasiftherewerenothingmoretocome—nothing；thateverythinggoodispast？Andtofeelnotexactlydull，butsad？"
　　"Ishouldthinkso！"hereplied。"Ihavefeltlikethatwheneverythingwasallrightandeveryonewascheerful。ThethoughthascomeintomymindthatIwasalreadytiredofitall，andthatwemustalldie。OnceintheregimentIhadnotgonetosomemerrymakingwheretherewasmusic……andsuddenlyIfeltsodepressed……"
　　"Ohyes，Iknow，Iknow，Iknow！"Natashainterruptedhim。"WhenI
　　wasquitelittlethatusedtobesowithme。DoyourememberwhenI
　　waspunishedonceaboutsomeplums？Youwerealldancing，andIsatsobbingintheschoolroom？Ishallneverforgetit：Ifeltsadandsorryforeveryone，formyself，andforeveryone。AndIwasinnocent—thatwasthechiefthing，"saidNatasha。"Doyouremember？"
　　"Iremember，"answeredNicholas。"IrememberthatIcametoyouafterwardsandwantedtocomfortyou，butdoyouknow，Ifeltashamedto。Wewereterriblyabsurd。Ihadafunnydollthenandwantedtogiveittoyou。Doyouremember？"
　　"Anddoyouremember，"Natashaaskedwithapensivesmile，"howonce，long，longago，whenwewerequitelittle，Unclecalledusintothestudy—thatwasintheoldhouse—anditwasdark—wewentinandsuddenlytherestood……"
　　"ANegro，"chimedinNicholaswithasmileofdelight。"OfcourseIremember。EvennowIdon’tknowwhethertherereallywasaNegro，orifweonlydreameditorweretoldabouthim。"
　　"Hewasgray，youremember，andhadwhiteteeth，andstoodandlookedatus……"
　　"Sonya，doyouremember？"askedNicholas。
　　"Yes，yes，Idoremembersomethingtoo，"Sonyaansweredtimidly。
　　"YouknowIhaveaskedPapaandMammaaboutthatNegro，"saidNatasha，"andtheysaytherewasnoNegroatall。Butyousee，youremember！"
　　"OfcourseIdo，IrememberhisteethasifIhadjustseenthem。"
　　"Howstrangeitis！It’sasifitwereadream！Ilikethat。"
　　"Anddoyourememberhowwerolledhard—boiledeggsintheballroom，andsuddenlytwooldwomenbeganspinningroundonthecarpet？Wasthatrealornot？Doyourememberwhatfunitwas？"
　　"Yes，andyourememberhowPapainhisblueovercoatfiredagunintheporch？"
　　Sotheywentthroughtheirmemories，smilingwithpleasure：notthesadmemoriesofoldage，butpoetic，youthfulones—thoseimpressionsofone’smostdistantpastinwhichdreamsandrealitiesblend—andtheylaughedwithquietenjoyment。
　　Sonya，asalways，didnotquitekeeppacewiththem，thoughtheysharedthesamereminiscences。
　　Muchthattheyrememberedhadslippedfromhermind，andwhatsherecalleddidnotarousethesamepoeticfeelingastheyexperienced。
　　Shesimplyenjoyedtheirpleasureandtriedtofitinwithit。
　　SheonlyreallytookpartwhentheyrecalledSonya’sfirstarrival。ShetoldthemhowafraidshehadbeenofNicholasbecausehehadonacordedjacketandhernursehadtoldherthatshe，too，wouldbesewnupwithcords。
　　"AndIremembertheirtellingmethatyouhadbeenbornunderacabbage，"saidNatasha，andIrememberthatIdarednotdisbelieveitthen，butknewthatitwasnottrue，andIfeltsouncomfortable。"
　　Whiletheyweretalkingamaidthrustherheadinattheotherdoorofthesittingroom。
　　"Theyhavebroughtthecock，Miss，"shesaidinawhisper。
　　"Itisn’twanted，Petya。Tellthemtotakeitaway，"repliedNatasha。
　　Inthemiddleoftheirtalkinthesittingroom，Dimmlercameinandwentuptotheharpthatstoodthereinacorner。Hetookoffitsclothcovering，andtheharpgaveoutajarringsound。
　　"Mr。Dimmler，pleaseplaymyfavoritenocturnebyField，"cametheoldcountess’voicefromthedrawingroom。
　　Dimmlerstruckachordand，turningtoNatasha，Nicholas，andSonya，remarked："Howquietyouyoungpeopleare！"
　　"Yes，we’rephilosophizing，"saidNatasha，glancingroundforamomentandthencontinuingtheconversation。Theywerenowdiscussingdreams。
　　Dimmlerbegantoplay；Natashawentontiptoenoiselesslytothetable，tookupacandle，carrieditout，andreturned，seatingherselfquietlyinherformerplace。Itwasdarkintheroomespeciallywheretheyweresittingonthesofa，butthroughthebigwindowsthesilverylightofthefullmoonfellonthefloor。Dimmlerhadfinishedthepiecebutstillsatsoftlyrunninghisfingersoverthestrings，evidentlyuncertainwhethertostoportoplaysomethingelse。
　　"Doyouknow，"saidNatashainawhisper，movingclosertoNicholasandSonya，"thatwhenonegoesonandonrecallingmemories，oneatlastbeginstorememberwhathappenedbeforeonewasintheworld……"
　　"Thatismetempsychosis，"saidSonya，whohadalwayslearnedwell，andrememberedeverything。"TheEgyptiansbelievedthatoursoulshavelivedinanimals，andwillgobackintoanimalsagain。"
　　"No，Idon’tbelieveweeverwereinanimals，"saidNatasha，stillinawhisperthoughthemusichadceased。"ButIamcertainthatwewereangelssomewherethere，andhavebeenhere，andthatiswhyweremember……"
　　"MayIjoinyou？"saidDimmlerwhohadcomeupquietly，andhesatdownbythem。
　　"Ifwehavebeenangels，whyhavewefallenlower？"saidNicholas。
　　"No，thatcan’tbe！"
　　"Notlower，whosaidwewerelower？……HowdoIknowwhatIwasbefore？"Natasharejoinedwithconviction。"Thesoulisimmortal—wellthen，ifIshallalwaysliveImusthavelivedbefore，livedforawholeeternity。"
　　"Yes，butitishardforustoimagineeternity，"remarkedDimmler，whohadjoinedtheyoungfolkwithamildlycondescendingsmilebutnowspokeasquietlyandseriouslyasthey。
　　"Whyisithardtoimagineeternity？"saidNatasha。"Itisnowtoday，anditwillbetomorrow，andalways；andtherewasyesterday，andthedaybefore……"
　　"Natasha！Nowit’syourturn。Singmesomething，"theyheardthecountesssay。"Whyareyousittingtherelikeconspirators？"
　　"Mamma，Idon’tatallwantto，"repliedNatasha，butallthesamesherose。
　　Noneofthem，noteventhemiddle—agedDimmler，wantedtobreakofftheirconversationandquitthatcornerinthesittingroom，butNatashagotupandNicholassatdownattheclavichord。Standingasusualinthemiddleofthehallandchoosingtheplacewheretheresonancewasbest，Natashabegantosinghermother’sfavoritesong。
　　Shehadsaidshedidnotwanttosing，butitwaslongsinceshehadsung，andlongbeforesheagainsang，asshedidthatevening。Thecount，fromhisstudywherehewastalkingtoMitenka，heardherand，likeaschoolboyinahurrytorunouttoplay，blunderedinhistalkwhilegivingorderstothesteward，andatlaststopped，whileMitenkastoodinfrontofhimalsolisteningandsmiling。
　　Nicholasdidnottakehiseyesoffhissisteranddrewbreathintimewithher。Sonya，asshelistened，thoughtoftheimmensedifferencetherewasbetweenherselfandherfriend，andhowimpossibleitwasforhertobeanythinglikeasbewitchingashercousin。Theoldcountesssatwithablissfulyetsadsmileandwithtearsinhereyes，occasionallyshakingherhead。ShethoughtofNatashaandofherownyouth，andofhowtherewassomethingunnaturalanddreadfulinthisimpendingmarriageofNatashaandPrinceAndrew。
　　Dimmler，whohadseatedhimselfbesidethecountess，listenedwithclosedeyes。
　　"Ah，Countess，"hesaidatlast，"that’saEuropeantalent，shehasnothingtolearn—whatsoftness，tenderness，andstrength……"
　　"Ah，howafraidIamforher，howafraidIam！"saidthecountess，notrealizingtowhomshewasspeaking。HermaternalinstincttoldherthatNatashahadtoomuchofsomething，andthatbecauseofthisshewouldnotbehappy。BeforeNatashahadfinishedsinging，fourteen—year—oldPetyarushedindelightedly，tosaythatsomemummershadarrived。
　　Natashastoppedabruptly。
　　"Idiot！"shescreamedatherbrotherand，runningtoachair，threwherselfonit，sobbingsoviolentlythatshecouldnotstopforalongtime。
　　"It’snothing，Mamma，reallyit’snothing；onlyPetyastartledme，"shesaid，tryingtosmile，buthertearsstillflowedandsobsstillchokedher。
　　Themummerssomeofthehouseserfsdressedupasbears，Turks，innkeepers，andladies—frighteningandfunny—bringinginwiththemthecoldfromoutsideandafeelingofgaiety，crowded，atfirsttimidly，intotheanteroom，thenhidingbehindoneanothertheypushedintotheballroomwhere，shylyatfirstandthenmoreandmoremerrilyandheartily，theystartedsinging，dancing，andplayingChristmasgames。Thecountess，whenshehadidentifiedthemandlaughedattheircostumes，wentintothedrawingroom。Thecountsatintheballroom，smilingradiantlyandapplaudingtheplayers。Theyoungpeoplehaddisappeared。
　　Halfanhourlaterthereappearedamongtheothermummersintheballroomanoldladyinahoopedskirt—thiswasNicholas。ATurkishgirlwasPetya。AclownwasDimmler。AnhussarwasNatasha，andaCircassianwasSonyawithburnt—corkmustacheandeyebrows。
　　Afterthecondescendingsurprise，nonrecognition，andpraise，fromthosewhowerenotthemselvesdressedup，theyoungpeopledecidedthattheircostumesweresogoodthattheyoughttobeshownelsewhere。
　　Nicholas，who，astheroadswereinsplendidcondition，wantedtotakethemallforadriveinhistroyka，proposedtotakewiththemaboutadozenoftheserfmummersanddriveto"Uncle’s。"
　　"No，whydisturbtheoldfellow？"saidthecountess。"Besides，youwouldn’thaveroomtoturnroundthere。Ifyoumustgo，gototheMelyukovs’"
　　Melyukovawasawidow，who，withherfamilyandtheirtutorsandgovernesses，livedthreemilesfromtheRostovs。
　　"That’sright，mydear，"chimedintheoldcount，thoroughlyaroused。"I’lldressupatonceandgowiththem。I’llmakePashetteopenhereyes。"
　　Butthecountesswouldnotagreetohisgoing；hehadhadabadlegalltheselastdays。Itwasdecidedthatthecountmustnotgo，butthatifLouisaIvanovnaMadameSchosswouldgowiththem，theyoungladiesmightgototheMelyukovs’，Sonya，generallysotimidandshy，moreurgentlythananyonebeggingLouisaIvanovnanottorefuse。
　　Sonya’scostumewasthebestofall。Hermustacheandeyebrowswereextraordinarilybecoming。Everyonetoldhershelookedveryhandsome，andshewasinaspiritedandenergeticmoodunusualwithher。Someinnervoicetoldherthatnoworneverherfatewouldbedecided，andinhermaleattiresheseemedquiteadifferentperson。
　　LouisaIvanovnaconsentedtogo，andinhalfanhourfourtroykasleighswithlargeandsmallbells，theirrunnerssqueakingandwhistlingoverthefrozensnow，droveuptotheporch。
　　Natashawasforemostinsettingamerryholidaytone，which，passingfromonetoanother，grewstrongerandstrongerandreacheditsclimaxwhentheyallcameoutintothefrostandgotintothesleighs，talking，callingtooneanother，laughing，andshouting。
　　Twoofthetroykasweretheusualhouseholdsleighs，thethirdwastheoldcount’swithatrotterfromtheOrlovstudasshafthorse，thefourthwasNicholas’ownwithashortshaggyblackshafthorse。
　　Nicholas，inhisoldlady’sdressoverwhichhehadbeltedhishussarovercoat，stoodinthemiddleofthesleigh，reinsinhand。
　　Itwassolightthathecouldseethemoonlightreflectedfromthemetalharnessdisksandfromtheeyesofthehorses，wholookedroundinalarmatthenoisypartyundertheshadowoftheporchroof。
　　Natasha，Sonya，MadameSchoss，andtwomaidsgotintoNicholas’
　　sleigh；Dimmler，hiswife，andPetya，intotheoldcount’s，andtherestofthemummersseatedthemselvesintheothertwosleighs。
　　"Yougoahead，Zakhar！"shoutedNicholastohisfather’scoachman，wishingforachancetoracepasthim。
　　Theoldcount’stroyka，withDimmlerandhisparty，startedforward，squeakingonitsrunnersasthoughfreezingtothesnow，itsdeep—tonedbellclanging。Thesidehorses，pressingagainsttheshaftsofthemiddlehorse，sankinthesnow，whichwasdryandglitteredlikesugar，andthrewitup。
　　Nicholassetoff，followingthefirstsleigh；behindhimtheothersmovednoisily，theirrunnerssqueaking。Atfirsttheydroveatasteadytrotalongthenarrowroad。Whiletheydrovepastthegardentheshadowsofthebaretreesoftenfellacrosstheroadandhidthebrilliantmoonlight，butassoonastheywerepastthefence，thesnowyplainbathedinmoonlightandmotionlessspreadoutbeforethemglitteringlikediamondsanddappledwithbluishshadows。Bang，bang！wentthefirstsleighoveracradleholeinthesnowoftheroad，andeachoftheothersleighsjoltedinthesameway，andrudelybreakingthefrost—boundstillness，thetroykasbegantospeedalongtheroad，oneaftertheother。
　　"Ahare’strack，alotoftracks！"rangoutNatasha’svoicethroughthefrost—boundair。
　　"Howlightitis，Nicholas！"cameSonya’svoice。
　　NicholasglancedroundatSonya，andbentdowntoseeherfacecloser。Quiteanew，sweetfacewithblackeyebrowsandmustachespeepedupathimfromhersablefurs—socloseandyetsodistant—
　　inthemoonlight。
　　"ThatusedtobeSonya，"thoughthe，andlookedathercloserandsmiled。
　　"Whatisit，Nicholas？"
　　"Nothing，"saidheandturnedagaintothehorses。
　　Whentheycameoutontothebeatenhighroad—polishedbysleighrunnersandcutupbyrough—shodhoofs，themarksofwhichwerevisibleinthemoonlight—thehorsesbegantotugatthereinsoftheirownaccordandincreasedtheirpace。Thenearsidehorse，archinghisheadandbreakingintoashortcanter，tuggedathistraces。Theshafthorseswayedfromsidetoside，movinghisearsasifasking："Isn’tittimetobeginnow？"Infront，alreadyfaraheadthedeepbellofthesleighringingfartherandfartheroff，theblackhorsesdrivenbyZakharcouldbeclearlyseenagainstthewhitesnow。Fromthatsleighonecouldheartheshouts，laughter，andvoicesofthemummers。
　　"Geeup，mydarlings！"shoutedNicholas，pullingthereinstoonesideandflourishingthewhip。
　　Itwasonlybythekeenerwindthatmetthemandthejerksgivenbythesidehorseswhopulledharder—everincreasingtheirgallop—
　　thatonenoticedhowfastthetroykawasflying。Nicholaslookedback。
　　Withscreamssqueals，andwavingofwhipsthatcausedeventheshafthorsestogallop—theothersleighsfollowed。Theshafthorseswungsteadilybeneaththebowoveritshead，withnothoughtofslackeningpaceandreadytoputonspeedwhenrequired。
　　Nicholasovertookthefirstsleigh。Theyweredrivingdownhillandcomingoutuponabroadtroddentrackacrossameadow，nearariver。
　　"Wherearewe？"thoughthe。"It’stheKosoymeadow，Isuppose。Butno—thisissomethingnewI’veneverseenbefore。Thisisn’ttheKosoymeadownortheDemkinhill，andheavenonlyknowswhatitis！Itissomethingnewandenchanted。Well，whateveritmaybe……"Andshoutingtohishorses，hebegantopassthefirstsleigh。
　　Zakharheldbackhishorsesandturnedhisface，whichwasalreadycoveredwithhoarfrosttohiseyebrows。
　　Nicholasgavethehorsestherein，andZakhar，stretchingouthisarms，cluckedhistongueandlethishorsesgo。
　　"Now，lookout，master！"hecried。
　　Fasterstillthetwotroykasflewsidebyside，andfastermovedthefeetofthegallopingsidehorses。Nicholasbegantodrawahead。
　　Zakhar，whilestillkeepinghisarmsextended，raisedonehandwiththereins。
　　"Noyouwon’t，master！"heshouted。
　　NicholasputallhishorsestoagallopandpassedZakhar。Thehorsesshoweredthefinedrysnowonthefacesofthoseinthesleigh—
　　besidethemsoundedquickringingbellsandtheycaughtconfusedglimpsesofswiftlymovinglegsandtheshadowsofthetroykatheywerepassing。Thewhistlingsoundoftherunnersonthesnowandthevoicesofgirlsshriekingwereheardfromdifferentsides。
　　Againcheckinghishorses，Nicholaslookedaroundhim。Theywerestillsurroundedbythemagicplainbathedinmoonlightandspangledwithstars。
　　"ZakharisshoutingthatIshouldturntotheleft，butwhytotheleft？"thoughtNicholas。"ArewegettingtotheMelyukovs’？IsthisMelyukovka？Heavenonlyknowswherewearegoing，andheavenknowswhatishappeningtous—butitisverystrangeandpleasantwhateveritis。"Andhelookedroundinthesleigh。
　　"Look，hismustacheandeyelashesareallwhite！"saidoneofthestrange，pretty，unfamiliarpeople—theonewithfineeyebrowsandmustache。
　　"IthinkthisusedtobeNatasha，"thoughtNicholas，"andthatwasMadameSchoss，butperhapsit’snot，andthisCircassianwiththemustacheIdon’tknow，butIloveher。"
　　"Aren’tyoucold？"heasked。
　　Theydidnotanswerbutbegantolaugh。Dimmlerfromthesleighbehindshoutedsomething—probablysomethingfunny—buttheycouldnotmakeoutwhathesaid。
　　"Yes，yes！"somevoicesanswered，laughing。
　　"Butherewasafairyforestwithblackmovingshadows，andaglitterofdiamondsandaflightofmarblestepsandthesilverroofsoffairybuildingsandtheshrillyellsofsomeanimals。AndifthisisreallyMelyukovka，itisstillstrangerthatwedroveheavenknowswhereandhavecometoMelyukovka，"thoughtNicholas。
　　ItreallywasMelyukovka，andmaidsandfootmenwithmerryfacescamerunning，outtotheporchcarryingcandles。
　　"Whoisit？"askedsomeoneintheporch。
　　"Themummersfromthecount’s。Iknowbythehorses，"repliedsomevoices。
　　BK7CH11
　　CHAPTERXI
　　PelageyaDanilovnaMelyukova，abroadlybuilt，energeticwomanwearingspectacles，satinthedrawingroominaloosedress，surroundedbyherdaughterswhomshewastryingtokeepfromfeelingdull。Theywerequietlydroppingmeltedwaxintosnowandlookingattheshadowsthewaxfigureswouldthrowonthewall，whentheyheardthestepsandvoicesofnewarrivalsinthevestibule。
　　Hussars，ladies，witches，clowns，andbears，afterclearingtheirthroatsandwipingthehoarfrostfromtheirfacesinthevestibule，cameintotheballroomwherecandleswerehurriedlylighted。Theclown—Dimmler—andthelady—Nicholas—startedadance。Surroundedbythescreamingchildrenthemummers，coveringtheirfacesanddisguisingtheirvoices，bowedtotheirhostessandarrangedthemselvesabouttheroom。
　　"Dearme！there’snorecognizingthem！AndNatasha！Seewhomshelookslike！Shereallyremindsmeofsomebody。ButHerrDimmler—isn’thegood！Ididn’tknowhim！Andhowhedances。Dearme，there’saCircassian。Really，howbecomingitistodearSonya。Andwhoisthat？
　　Well，youhavecheeredusup！NikitaandVanya—clearawaythetables！
　　Andweweresittingsoquietly。Ha，ha，ha！……Thehussar，thehussar！
　　Justlikeaboy！Andthelegs！……Ican’tlookathim……"differentvoicesweresaying。
　　Natasha，theyoungMelyukovs’favorite，disappearedwiththemintothebackroomswhereacorkandvariousdressinggownsandmalegarmentswerecalledforandreceivedfromthefootmanbybaregirlisharmsfrombehindthedoor。Tenminuteslater，alltheyoungMelyukovsjoinedthemummers。
　　PelageyaDanilovna，havinggivenorderstocleartheroomsforthevisitorsandarrangedaboutrefreshmentsforthegentryandtheserfs，wentaboutamongthemummerswithoutremovingherspectacles，peeringintotheirfaceswithasuppressedsmileandfailingtorecognizeanyofthem。ItwasnotmerelyDimmlerandtheRostovsshefailedtorecognize，shedidnotevenrecognizeherowndaughters，orherlatehusband’s，dressinggownsanduniforms，whichtheyhadputon。
　　"Andwhoisisthis？"sheaskedhergoverness，peeringintothefaceofherowndaughterdressedupasaKazan—Tartar。"IsupposeitisoneoftheRostovs！Well，Mr。Hussar，andwhatregimentdoyouservein？"sheaskedNatasha。"Here，handsomefruitjellytotheTurk！"sheorderedthebutlerwhowashandingthingsround。"That’snotforbiddenbyhislaw。"
　　Sometimes，asshelookedatthestrangebutamusingcaperscutbythedancers，who—havingdecidedonceforallthatbeingdisguised，noonewouldrecognizethem—werenotatallshy，PelageyaDanilovnahidherfaceinherhandkerchief，andherwholestoutbodyshookwithirrepressible，kindly，elderlylaughter。
　　"MylittleSasha！LookatSasha！"shesaid。
　　AfterRussiancountrydancesandchorusdances，PelageyaDanilovnamadetheserfsandgentryjoininonelargecircle：aring，astring，andasilverrublewerefetchedandtheyallplayedgamestogether。
　　Inanhour，allthecostumeswerecrumpledanddisordered。Thecorkedeyebrowsandmustachesweresmearedovertheperspiring，flushed，andmerryfaces。PelageyaDanilovnabegantorecognizethemummers，admiredtheircleverlycontrivedcostumes，andparticularlyhowtheysuitedtheyoungladies，andshethankedthemallforhavingentertainedhersowell。Thevisitorswereinvitedtosupperinthedrawingroom，andtheserfshadsomethingservedtothemintheballroom。
　　"Nowtotellone’sfortuneintheemptybathhouseisfrightening！"
　　saidanoldmaidwholivedwiththeMelyukovs，duringsupper。
　　"Why？"saidtheeldestMelyukovgirl。
　　"Youwouldn’tgo，ittakescourage……"
　　"I’llgo，"saidSonya。
　　"Tellwhathappenedtotheyounglady！"saidthesecondMelyukovgirl。
　　"Well，"begantheoldmaid，"ayoungladyoncewentout，tookacock，laidthetablefortwo，allproperly，andsatdown。Aftersittingawhile，shesuddenlyhearssomeonecoming……asleighdrivesupwithharnessbells；shehearshimcoming！Hecomesin，justintheshapeofaman，likeanofficer—comesinandsitsdowntotablewithher。"
　　"Ah！ah！"screamedNatasha，rollinghereyeswithhorror。