"Onethinghascomeontopofanother：herragstobuy，andnowapurchaserhasturnedupfortheMoscowestateandforthehouse。Ifyouwillbesokind，I’llfixatimeandgodowntotheestatejustforaday，andleavemylassieswithyou。"
"Allright。Allright。They’llbesafewithme，assafeasinChancery！I’lltakethemwheretheymustgo，scoldthemabit，andpetthemabit，"saidMaryaDmitrievna，touchinghergoddaughterandfavorite，Natasha，onthecheekwithherlargehand。
NextmorningMaryaDmitrievnatooktheyoungladiestotheIberianshrineoftheMotherofGodandtoMadameSuppert—Roguet，whowassoafraidofMaryaDmitrievnathatshealwaysletherhavecostumesatalossmerelytogetridofher。MaryaDmitrievnaorderedalmostthewholetrousseau。WhentheygothomesheturnedeverybodyoutoftheroomexceptNataisha，andthencalledherpettoherarmchair。
"Well，nowwe’lltalk。Icongratulateyouonyourbetrothed。
You’vehookedafinefellow！IamgladforyoursakeandI’veknownhimsincehewassohigh。"Sheheldherhandacoupleoffeetfromtheground。Natashablushedhappily。"Ilikehimandallhisfamily。Nowlisten！YouknowthatoldPrinceNicholasmuchdislikeshisson’smarrying。Theoldfellow’scrotchety！OfcoursePrinceAndrewisnotachildandcanshiftwithouthim，butit’snotnicetoenterafamilyagainstafather’swill。Onewantstodoitpeacefullyandlovingly。
You’reaclevergirlandyou’llknowhowtomanage。Bekind，anduseyourwits。Thenallwillbewell。"
Natasharemainedsilent，fromshynessMaryaDmitrievnasupposed，butreallybecauseshedislikedanyoneinterferinginwhattouchedherloveofPrinceAndrew，whichseemedtohersoapartfromallhumanaffairsthatnoonecouldunderstandit。ShelovedandknewPrinceAndrew，helovedheronly，andwastocomeoneofthesedaysandtakeher。Shewantednothingmore。
"YouseeIhaveknownhimalongtimeandamalsofondofMary，yourfuturesister—in—law。’Husbands’sistersbringupblisters，’butthisonewouldn’thurtafly。Shehasaskedmetobringyoutwotogether。Tomorrowyou’llgowithyourfathertoseeher。Beveryniceandaffectionatetoher：you’reyoungerthanshe。Whenhecomes，he’llfindyoualreadyknowhissisterandfatherandarelikedbythem。
AmIrightornot？Won’tthatbebest？"
"Yes，itwill，"Natashaansweredreluctantly。
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Nextday，byMaryaDmitrievna’sadvice，CountRostovtookNatashatocallonPrinceNicholasBolkonski。Thecountdidnotsetoutcheerfullyonthisvisit，athearthefeltafraid。Hewellrememberedthelastinterviewhehadhadwiththeoldprinceatthetimeoftheenrollment，wheninreplytoaninvitationtodinnerhehadhadtolistentoanangryreprimandfornothavingprovidedhisfullquotaofmen。Natasha，ontheotherhand，havingputonherbestgown，wasinthehighestspirits。"Theycan’thelplikingme，"
shethought。"Everybodyalwayshaslikedme，andIamsowillingtodoanythingtheywish，soreadytobefondofhim—forbeinghisfather—andofher—forbeinghissister—thatthereisnoreasonforthemnottolikeme……"
TheydroveuptothegloomyoldhouseontheVozdvizhenkaandenteredthevestibule。
"Well，theLordhavemercyonus！"saidthecount，halfinjest，halfinearnest；butNatashanoticedthatherfatherwasflurriedonenteringtheanteroomandinquiredtimidlyandsoftlywhethertheprinceandprincesswereathome。
Whentheyhadbeenannouncedaperturbationwasnoticeableamongtheservants。Thefootmanwhohadgonetoannouncethemwasstoppedbyanotherinthelargehallandtheywhisperedtooneanother。Thenamaidservantranintothehallandhurriedlysaidsomething，mentioningtheprincess。Atlastanold，crosslookingfootmancameandannouncedtotheRostovsthattheprincewasnotreceiving，butthattheprincessbeggedthemtowalkup。ThefirstpersonwhocametomeetthevisitorswasMademoiselleBourienne。Shegreetedthefatheranddaughterwithspecialpolitenessandshowedthemtotheprincess’
room。Theprincess，lookingexcitedandnervous，herfaceflushedinpatches，ranintomeetthevisitors，treadingheavily，andvainlytryingtoappearcordialandatease。FromthefirstglancePrincessMarydidnotlikeNatasha。Shethoughthertoofashionablydressed，frivolouslygayandvain。Shedidnotatallrealizethatbeforehavingseenherfuturesister—in—lawshewasprejudicedagainstherbyinvoluntaryenvyofherbeauty，youth，andhappiness，aswellasbyjealousyofherbrother’sloveforher。Apartfromthisinsuperableantipathytoher，PrincessMarywasagitatedjustthenbecauseontheRostovs’beingannounced，theoldprincehadshoutedthathedidnotwishtoseethem，thatPrincessMarymightdosoifshechose，buttheywerenottobeadmittedtohim。Shehaddecidedtoreceivethem，butfearedlesttheprincemightatanymomentindulgeinsomefreak，asheseemedmuchupsetbytheRostovs’visit。
"There，mydearprincess，I’vebroughtyoumysongstress，"saidthecount，bowingandlookingrounduneasilyasifafraidtheoldprincemightappear。"Iamsogladyoushouldgettoknowoneanother……verysorrytheprinceisstillailing，"andafterafewmorecommonplaceremarksherose。"Ifyou’llallowmetoleavemyNatashainyourhandsforaquarterofanhour，Princess，I’lldriveroundtoseeAnnaSemenovna，it’squitenearintheDogs’Square，andthenI’llcomebackforher。"
Thecounthaddevisedthisdiplomaticruseasheafterwardstoldhisdaughtertogivethefuturesisters—in—lawanopportunitytotalktooneanotherfreely，butanothermotivewastoavoidthedangerofencounteringtheoldprince，ofwhomhewasafraid。Hedidnotmentionthistohisdaughter，butNatashanoticedherfather’snervousnessandanxietyandfeltmortifiedbyit。Sheblushedforhim，grewstillangrierathavingblushed，andlookedattheprincesswithaboldanddefiantexpressionwhichsaidthatshewasnotafraidofanybody。Theprincesstoldthecountthatshewouldbedelighted，andonlybeggedhimtostaylongeratAnnaSemenovna’s，andhedeparted。
DespitetheuneasyglancesthrownatherbyPrincessMary—whowishedtohaveatete—a—tetewithNatasha—MademoiselleBourienneremainedintheroomandpersistentlytalkedaboutMoscowamusementsandtheaters。Natashafeltoffendedbythehesitationshehadnoticedintheanteroom，byherfather’snervousness，andbytheunnaturalmanneroftheprincesswho—shethought—wasmakingafavorofreceivingher，andsoeverythingdispleasedher。ShedidnotlikePrincessMary，whomshethoughtveryplain，affected，anddry。NatashasuddenlyshrankintoherselfandinvoluntarilyassumedanoffhandairwhichalienatedPrincessMarystillmore。Afterfiveminutesofirksome，constrainedconversation，theyheardthesoundofslipperedfeetrapidlyapproaching。PrincessMarylookedfrightened。
Thedooropenedandtheoldprince，inadress，inggownandawhitenightcap，camein。
"Ah，madam！"hebegan。"Madam，Countess……CountessRostova，ifIamnotmistaken……Ibegyoutoexcuseme，toexcuseme……Ididnotknow，madam。Godismywitness，Ididnotknowyouhadhonoreduswithavisit，andIcameinsuchacostumeonlytoseemydaughter。Ibegyoutoexcuseme……Godismywitness，Ididn’tknow—"herepeated，stressingtheword"God"sounnaturallyandsounpleasantlythatPrincessMarystoodwithdowncasteyesnotdaringtolookeitheratherfatheroratNatasha。
Nordidthelatter，havingrisenandcurtsied，knowwhattodo。
MademoiselleBouriennealonesmiledagreeably。
"Ibegyoutoexcuseme，excuseme！Godismywitness，Ididnotknow，"mutteredtheoldman，andafterlookingNatashaoverfromheadtofoothewentout。
MademoiselleBouriennewasthefirsttorecoverherselfafterthisapparitionandbeganspeakingabouttheprince’sindisposition。
NatashaandPrincessMarylookedatoneanotherinsilence，andthelongertheydidsowithoutsayingwhattheywantedtosay，thegreatergrewtheirantipathytooneanother。
Whenthecountreturned，Natashawasimpolitelypleasedandhastenedtogetaway：atthatmomentshehatedthestiff，elderlyprincess，whocouldplaceherinsuchanembarrassingpositionandhadspenthalfanhourwithherwithoutoncementioningPrinceAndrew。"Icouldn’tbegintalkingabouthiminthepresenceofthatFrenchwoman，"thoughtNatasha。ThesamethoughtwasmeanwhiletormentingPrincessMary。
SheknewwhatsheoughttohavesaidtoNatasha，butshehadbeenunabletosayitbecauseMademoiselleBouriennewasintheway，andbecause，withoutknowingwhy，shefeltitverydifficulttospeakofthemarriage。Whenthecountwasalreadyleavingtheroom，PrincessMarywentuphurriedlytoNatasha，tookherbythehand，andsaidwithadeepsigh：
"Wait，Imust……"
Natashaglancedatherironicallywithoutknowingwhy。
"DearNatalie，"saidPrincessMary，"IwantyoutoknowthatIamgladmybrotherhasfoundhappiness……"
Shepaused，feelingthatshewasnottellingthetruth。Natashanoticedthisandguesseditsreason。
"Ithink，Princess，itisnotconvenienttospeakofthatnow，"
shesaidwithexternaldignityandcoldness，thoughshefeltthetearschokingher。
"WhathaveIsaidandwhathaveIdone？"thoughtshe，assoonasshewasoutoftheroom。
TheywaitedalongtimeforNatashatocometodinnerthatday。
Shesatinherroomcryinglikeachild，blowinghernoseandsobbing。
Sonyastoodbesideher，kissingherhair。
"Natasha，whatisitabout？"sheasked。"Whatdotheymattertoyou？
Itwillallpass，Natasha。"
"Butifyouonlyknewhowoffensiveitwas……asifI……"
"Don’ttalkaboutit，Natasha。Itwasn’tyourfaultsowhyshouldyoumind？Kissme，"saidSonya。
Natasharaisedherheadand，kissingherfriendonthelips，pressedherwetfaceagainsther。
"Ican’ttellyou，Idon’tknow。Noone’stoblame，"saidNatasha—
"It’smyfault。Butitallhurtsterribly。Oh，whydoesn’thecome？……"
Shecameintodinnerwithredeyes。MaryaDmitrievna，whoknewhowtheprincehadreceivedtheRostovs，pretendednottonoticehowupsetNatashawasandjestedresolutelyandloudlyattablewiththecountandtheotherguests。
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ThateveningtheRostovswenttotheOpera，forwhichMaryaDmitrievnahadtakenabox。
Natashadidnotwanttogo，butcouldnotrefuseMaryaDmitrievna’skindofferwhichwasintendedexpresslyforher。Whenshecamereadydressedintotheballroomtoawaitherfather，andlookinginthelargemirrortheresawthatshewaspretty，verypretty，shefeltevenmoresad，butitwasasweet，tendersadness。
"OGod，ifhewereherenowIwouldnotbehaveasIdidthen，butdifferently。Iwouldnotbesillyandafraidofthings，Iwouldsimplyembracehim，clingtohim，andmakehimlookatmewiththosesearchinginquiringeyeswithwhichhehassooftenlookedatme，andthenIwouldmakehimlaughasheusedtolaugh。Andhiseyes—howIseethoseeyes！"thoughtNatasha。"Andwhatdohisfatherandsistermattertome？Ilovehimalone，him，him，withthatfaceandthoseeyes，withhissmile，manlyandyetchildlike……No，Ihadbetternotthinkofhim；notthinkofhimbutforgethim，quiteforgethimforthepresent。Ican’tbearthiswaitingandIshallcryinaminute！"
andsheturnedawayfromtheglass，makinganeffortnottocry。
"AndhowcanSonyaloveNicholassocalmlyandquietlyandwaitsolongandsopatiently？"thoughtshe，lookingatSonya，whoalsocameinquiteready，withafaninherhand。"No，she’saltogetherdifferent。Ican’t！"
Natashaatthatmomentfeltsosoftenedandtenderthatitwasnotenoughforhertoloveandknowshewasbeloved，shewantednow，atonce，toembracethemansheloved，tospeakandhearfromhimwordsoflovesuchasfilledherheart。Whileshesatinthecarriagebesideherfather，pensivelywatchingthelightsofthestreetlampsflickeringonthefrozenwindow，shefeltstillsadderandmoreinlove，andforgotwhereshewasgoingandwithwhom。Havingfallenintothelineofcarriages，theRostovs’carriagedroveuptothetheater，itswheelssqueakingoverthesnow。NatashaandSonya，holdinguptheirdresses，jumpedoutquickly。Thecountgotouthelpedbythefootmen，and，passingamongmenandwomenwhowereenteringandtheprogramsellers，theyallthreewentalongthecorridortothefirstrowofboxes。Throughthecloseddoorsthemusicwasalreadyaudible。
"Natasha，yourhair！……"whisperedSonya。
Anattendantdeferentiallyandquicklyslippedbeforetheladiesandopenedthedooroftheirbox。Themusicsoundedlouderandthroughthedoorrowsofbrightlylitboxesinwhichladiessatwithbarearmsandshoulders，andnoisystallsbrilliantwithuniforms，glitteredbeforetheireyes。AladyenteringthenextboxshotaglanceoffeminineenvyatNatasha。Thecurtainhadnotyetrisenandtheoverturewasbeingplayed。Natasha，smoothinghergown，wentinwithSonyaandsatdown，scanningthebrillianttiersofboxesopposite。
Asensationshehadnotexperiencedforalongtime—thatofhundredsofeyeslookingatherbarearmsandneck—suddenlyaffectedherbothagreeablyanddisagreeablyandcalledupawholecrowdofmemories，desiresandemotionsassociatedwiththatfeeling。
Thetworemarkablyprettygirls，NatashaandSonya，withCountRostovwhohadnotbeenseeninMoscowforalongtime，attractedgeneralattention。Moreover，everybodyknewvaguelyofNatasha’sengagementtoPrinceAndrew，andknewthattheRostovshadlivedinthecountryeversince，andalllookedwithcuriosityatafianceewhowasmakingoneofthebestmatchesinRussia。
Natasha’slooks，aseveryonetoldher，hadimprovedinthecountry，andthateveningthankstoheragitationshewasparticularlypretty。Shestruckthosewhosawherbyherfullnessoflifeandbeauty，combinedwithherindifferencetoeverythingabouther。Herblackeyeslookedatthecrowdwithoutseekinganyone，andherdelicatearm，baretoabovetheelbow，layonthevelvetedgeofthebox，while，evidentlyunconsciously，sheopenedandclosedherhandintimetothemusic，crumplingherprogram。"Look，there’sAlenina，"
saidSonya，"withhermother，isn’tit？"
"Dearme，MichaelKirilovichhasgrownstillstouter！"remarkedthecount。
"LookatourAnnaMikhaylovna—whataheaddressshehason！"
"TheKaragins，Julie—andBoriswiththem。Onecanseeatoncethatthey’reengaged……"
"Drubetskoyhasproposed？"
"Ohyes，Iheardittoday，"saidShinshin，comingintotheRostovs’box。
Natashalookedinthedirectioninwhichherfather’seyeswereturnedandsawJuliesittingbesidehermotherwithahappylookonherfaceandastringofpearlsroundherthickredneck—whichNatashaknewwascoveredwithpowder。Behindthem，wearingasmileandleaningoverwithaneartoJulie’smouth，wasBoris’handsomesmoothlybrushedhead。HelookedtheRostovsfromunderhisbrowsandsaidsomething，smiling，tohisbetrothed。
"Theyaretalkingaboutus，aboutmeandhim！"thoughtNatasha。"Andhenodoubtiscalmingherjealousyofme。Theyneedn’ttroublethemselves！IfonlytheyknewhowlittleIamconcernedaboutanyofthem。"
BehindthemsatAnnaMikhaylovnawearingagreenheaddressandwithahappylookofresignationtothewillofGodonherface。TheirboxwaspervadedbythatatmosphereofanaffiancedcouplewhichNatashaknewsowellandlikedsomuch。Sheturnedawayandsuddenlyrememberedallthathadbeensohumiliatinginhermorning’svisit。
"Whatrighthashenottowishtoreceivemeintohisfamily？Oh，betternotthinkofit—nottillhecomesback！"shetoldherself，andbeganlookingatthefaces，somestrangeandsomefamiliar，inthestalls。Inthefront，intheverycenter，leaningbackagainsttheorchestrarail，stoodDolokhovinaPersiandress，hiscurlyhairbrushedupintoahugeshock。Hestoodinfullviewoftheaudience，wellawarethathewasattractingeveryone’sattention，yetasmuchateaseasthoughhewereinhisownroom。AroundhimthrongedMoscow’smostbrilliantyoungmen，whomheevidentlydominated。
Thecount，laughing，nudgedtheblushingSonyaandpointedtoherformeradorer。
"Doyourecognizehim？"saidhe。"Andwherehashesprungfrom？"
heasked，turningtoShinshin。"Didn’thevanishsomewhere？"
"Hedid，"repliedShinshin。"HewasintheCaucasusandranawayfromthere。TheysayhehasbeenactingasministertosomerulingprinceinPersia，wherehekilledtheShah’sbrother。NowalltheMoscowladiesaremadabouthim！It’s’DolokhovthePersian’thatdoesit！WeneverhearawordbutDolokhovismentioned。Theyswearbyhim，theyofferhimtoyouastheywouldadishofchoicesterlet。DolokhovandAnatoleKuraginhaveturnedallourladies’heads。"
Atall，beautifulwomanwithamassofplaitedhairandmuchexposedplumpwhiteshouldersandneck，roundwhichsheworeadoublestringoflargepearls，enteredtheadjoiningboxrustlingherheavysilkdressandtookalongtimesettlingintoherplace。
Natashainvoluntarilygazedatthatneck，thoseshoulders，andpearlsandcoiffure，andadmiredthebeautyoftheshouldersandthepearls。WhileNatashawasfixinghergazeonherforthesecondtimetheladylookedroundand，meetingthecount’seyes，noddedtohimandsmiled。ShewastheCountessBezukhova，Pierre’swife，andthecount，whokneweveryoneinsociety，leanedoverandspoketoher。
"Haveyoubeenherelong，Countess？"heinquired。"I’llcall，I’llcalltokissyourhand。I’mhereonbusinessandhavebroughtmygirlswithme。TheysaySemenovaactsmarvelously。CountPierreneverusedtoforgetus。Ishehere？"
"Yes，hemeanttolookin，"answeredHelene，andglancedattentivelyatNatasha。
CountRostovresumedhisseat。
"Handsome，isn’tshe？"hewhisperedtoNatasha。
"Wonderful！"answeredNatasha。"She’sawomanonecouldeasilyfallinlovewith。"
Justthenthelastchordsoftheoverturewereheardandtheconductortappedwithhisstick。Somelatecomerstooktheirseatsinthestalls，andthecurtainrose。
Assoonasitroseeveryoneintheboxesandstallsbecamesilent，andallthemen，oldandyoung，inuniformandeveningdress，andallthewomenwithgemsontheirbareflesh，turnedtheirwholeattentionwitheagercuriositytothestage。Natashatoobegantolookatit。
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CHAPTERIX
Thefloorofthestageconsistedofsmoothboards，atthesideswassomepaintedcardboardrepresentingtrees，andatthebackwasaclothstretchedoverboards。Inthecenterofthestagesatsomegirlsinredbodicesandwhiteskirts。Oneveryfatgirlinawhitesilkdresssatapartonalowbench，tothebackofwhichapieceofgreencardboardwasglued。Theyallsangsomething。Whentheyhadfinishedtheirsongthegirlinwhitewentuptotheprompter’sboxandamanwithtightsilktrousersoverhisstoutlegs，andholdingaplumeandadagger，wentuptoherandbegansinging，wavinghisarmsabout。
Firstthemaninthetighttrouserssangalone，thenshesang，thentheybothpausedwhiletheorchestraplayedandthemanfingeredthehandofthegirlinwhite，obviouslyawaitingthebeattostartsingingwithher。Theysangtogetherandeveryoneinthetheaterbeganclappingandshouting，whilethemanandwomanonthestage—whorepresentedlovers—begansmiling，spreadingouttheirarms，andbowing。
Afterherlifeinthecountry，andinherpresentseriousmood，allthisseemedgrotesqueandamazingtoNatasha。Shecouldnotfollowtheoperanorevenlistentothemusic；shesawonlythepaintedcardboardandthequeerlydressedmenandwomenwhomoved，spoke，andsangsostrangelyinthatbrilliantlight。Sheknewwhatitwasallmeanttorepresent，butitwassopretentiouslyfalseandunnaturalthatshefirstfeltashamedfortheactorsandthenamusedatthem。Shelookedatthefacesoftheaudience，seekinginthemthesamesenseofridiculeandperplexitysheherselfexperienced，buttheyallseemedattentivetowhatwashappeningonthestage，andexpresseddelightwhichtoNatashaseemedfeigned。"Isupposeithastobelikethis！"shethought。Shekeptlookingroundinturnattherowsofpomadedheadsinthestallsandthenattheseminudewomenintheboxes，especiallyatHeleneinthenextbox，who—apparentlyquiteunclothed—satwithaquiettranquilsmile，nottakinghereyesoffthestage。Andfeelingthebrightlightthatfloodedthewholeplaceandthewarmairheatedbythecrowd，Natashalittlebylittlebegantopassintoastateofintoxicationshehadnotexperiencedforalongwhile。Shedidnotrealizewhoandwhereshewas，norwhatwasgoingonbeforeher。Asshelookedandthought，thestrangestfanciesunexpectedlyanddisconnectedlypassedthroughhermind：theideaoccurredtoherofjumpingontotheedgeoftheboxandsingingtheairtheactresswassinging，thenshewishedtotouchwithherfananoldgentlemansittingnotfarfromher，thentoleanovertoHeleneandtickleher。
Atamomentwhenallwasquietbeforethecommencementofasong，adoorleadingtothestallsonthesidenearesttheRostovs’boxcreaked，andthestepsofabelatedarrivalwereheard。"There’sKuragin！"whisperedShinshin。CountessBezukhovaturnedsmilingtothenewcomer，andNatasha，followingthedirectionofthatlook，sawanexceptionallyhandsomeadjutantapproachingtheirboxwithaself—assuredyetcourteousbearing。ThiswasAnatoleKuraginwhomshehadseenandnoticedlongagoattheballinPetersburg。Hewasnowinanadjutant’suniformwithoneepauletandashoulderknot。
Hemovedwitharestrainedswaggerwhichwouldhavebeenridiculoushadhenotbeensogood—lookingandhadhishandsomefacenotwornsuchanexpressionofgood—humoredcomplacencyandgaiety。Thoughtheperformancewasproceeding，hewalkeddeliberatelydownthecarpetedgangway，hisswordandspursslightlyjinglingandhishandsomeperfumedheadheldhigh。HavinglookedatNatashaheapproachedhissister，laidhiswellglovedhandontheedgeofherbox，noddedtoher，andleaningforwardaskedaquestion，withamotiontowardNatasha。
"Maischarmante！"saidhe，evidentlyreferringtoNatasha，whodidnotexactlyhearhiswordsbutunderstoodthemfromthemovementofhislips。ThenhetookhisplaceinthefirstrowofthestallsandsatdownbesideDolokhov，nudgingwithhiselbowinafriendlyandoffhandwaythatDolokhovwhomotherstreatedsofawningly。Hewinkedathimgaily，smiled，andrestedhisfootagainsttheorchestrascreen。
"Howlikethebrotheristothesister，"remarkedthecount。"Andhowhandsometheybothare！"
Shinshin，loweringhisvoice，begantotellthecountofsomeintrigueofKuragin’sinMoscow，andNatashatriedtooverhearitjustbecausehehadsaidshewas"charmante。"
Thefirstactwasover。Inthestallseveryonebeganmovingabout，goingoutandcomingin。
BoriscametotheRostovs’box，receivedtheircongratulationsverysimply，andraisinghiseyebrowswithanabsent—mindedsmileconveyedtoNatashaandSonyahisfiancee’sinvitationtoherwedding，andwentaway。Natashawithagay，coquettishsmiletalkedtohim，andcongratulatedonhisapproachingweddingthatsameBoriswithwhomshehadformerlybeeninlove。Inthestateofintoxicationshewasin，everythingseemedsimpleandnatural。
ThescantilycladHelenesmiledateveryoneinthesameway，andNatashagaveBorisasimilarsmile。
Helene’sboxwasfilledandsurroundedfromthestallsbythemostdistinguishedandintellectualmen，whoseemedtoviewithoneanotherintheirwishtoleteveryoneseethattheyknewher。
Duringthewholeofthatentr’acteKuraginstoodwithDolokhovinfrontoftheorchestrapartition，lookingattheRostovs’box。Natashaknewhewastalkingaboutherandthisaffordedherpleasure。Sheeventurnedsothatheshouldseeherprofileinwhatshethoughtwasitsmostbecomingaspect。BeforethebeginningofthesecondactPierreappearedinthestalls。TheRostovshadnotseenhimsincetheirarrival。Hisfacelookedsad，andhehadgrownstillstoutersinceNatashalastsawhim。Hepasseduptothefrontrows，notnoticinganyone。Anatolewentuptohimandbeganspeakingtohim，lookingatandindicatingtheRostovs’box。OnseeingNatashaPierregrewanimatedand，hastilypassingbetweentherows，cametowardtheirbox。
Whenhegotthereheleanedonhiselbowsand，smiling，talkedtoherforalongtime。WhileconversingwithPierre，Natashaheardaman’svoiceinCountessBezukhova’sboxandsomethingtoldheritwasKuragin。Sheturnedandtheireyesmet。Almostsmiling，hegazedstraightintohereyeswithsuchanenrapturedcaressinglookthatitseemedstrangetobesonearhim，tolookathimlikethat，tobesosureheadmiredher，andnottobeacquaintedwithhim。
Inthesecondacttherewassceneryrepresentingtombstones，therewasaroundholeinthecanvastorepresentthemoon，shadeswereraisedoverthefootlights，andfromhornsandcontrabasscamedeepnoteswhilemanypeopleappearedfromrightandleftwearingblackcloaksandholdingthingslikedaggersintheirhands。Theybeganwavingtheirarms。Thensomeotherpeopleraninandbegandraggingawaythemaidenwhohadbeeninwhiteandwasnowinlightblue。
Theydidnotdragherawayatonce，butsangwithherforalongtimeandthenatlastdraggedheroff，andbehindthescenessomethingmetallicwasstruckthreetimesandeveryonekneltdownandsangaprayer。Allthesethingswererepeatedlyinterruptedbytheenthusiasticshoutsoftheaudience。
DuringthisacteverytimeNatashalookedtowardthestallsshesawAnatoleKuraginwithanarmthrownacrossthebackofhischair，staringather。Shewaspleasedtoseethathewascaptivatedbyheranditdidnotoccurtoherthattherewasanythingwronginit。
WhenthesecondactwasoverCountessBezukhovarose，turnedtotheRostovs’box—herwholebosomcompletelyexposed—beckonedtheoldcountwithaglovedfinger，andpayingnoattentiontothosewhohadenteredherboxbegantalkingtohimwithanamiablesmile。
"Domakemeacquaintedwithyourcharmingdaughters，"saidshe。"ThewholetownissingingtheirpraisesandIdon’tevenknowthen！"
Natasharoseandcurtsiedtothesplendidcountess。Shewassopleasedbypraisefromthisbrilliantbeautythatsheblushedwithpleasure。
"IwanttobecomeaMoscovitetoo，now，"saidHelene。"Howisityou’renotashamedtoburysuchpearlsinthecountry？"
CountessBezukhovaquitedeservedherreputationofbeingafascinatingwoman。Shecouldsaywhatshedidnotthink—especiallywhatwasflattering—quitesimplyandnaturally。
"Dearcount，youmustletmelookafteryourdaughters！ThoughI
amnotstayingherelongthistime—norareyou—Iwilltrytoamusethem。IhavealreadyheardmuchofyouinPetersburgandwantedtogettoknowyou，"saidshetoNatashawithherstereotypedandlovelysmile。"Ihadheardaboutyoufrommypage，Drubetskoy。Haveyouheardheisgettingmarried？Andalsofrommyhusband’sfriendBolkonski，PrinceAndrewBolkonski，"shewentonwithspecialemphasis，implyingthatsheknewofhisrelationtoNatasha。Togetbetteracquaintedsheaskedthatoneoftheyoungladiesshouldcomeintoherboxfortherestoftheperformance，andNatashamovedovertoit。
Thesceneofthethirdactrepresentedapalaceinwhichmanycandleswereburningandpicturesofknightswithshortbeardshungonthewalls。Inthemiddlestoodwhatwereprobablyakingandaqueen。Thekingwavedhisrightarmand，evidentlynervous，sangsomethingbadlyandsatdownonacrimsonthrone。Themaidenwhohadbeenfirstinwhiteandtheninlightblue，nowworeonlyasmock，andstoodbesidethethronewithherhairdown。Shesangsomethingmournfully，addressingthequeen，butthekingwavedhisarmseverely，andmenandwomenwithbarelegscameinfrombothsidesandbegandancingalltogether。Thentheviolinsplayedveryshrillyandmerrilyandoneofthewomenwiththickbarelegsandthinarms，separatingfromtheothers，wentbehindthewings，adjustedherbodice，returnedtothemiddleofthestage，andbeganjumpingandstrikingonefootrapidlyagainsttheother。Inthestallseveryoneclappedandshouted"bravo！"Thenoneofthemenwentintoacornerofthestage。Thecymbalsandhornsintheorchestrastruckupmoreloudly，andthismanwithbarelegsjumpedveryhighandwavedhisfeetaboutveryrapidly。HewasDuport，whoreceivedsixtythousandrublesayearforthisart。Everybodyinthestalls，boxes，andgalleriesbeganclappingandshoutingwithalltheirmight，andthemanstoppedandbegansmilingandbowingtoallsides。Thenothermenandwomendancedwithbarelegs。Thenthekingagainshoutedtothesoundofmusic，andtheyallbegansinging。Butsuddenlyastormcameon，chromaticscalesanddiminishedseventhswereheardintheorchestra，everyoneranoff，againdraggingoneoftheirnumberaway，andthecurtaindropped。Oncemoretherewasaterriblenoiseandclatteramongtheaudience，andwithrapturousfaceseveryonebeganshouting："Duport！Duport！Duport！"Natashanolongerthoughtthisstrange。Shelookaboutwithpleasure，smilingjoyfully。
"Isn’tDuportdelightful？"Heleneaskedher。
"Oh，yes，"repliedNatasha。
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Duringtheentr’acteawhiffofcoldaircameintoHelene’sbox，thedooropened，andAnatoleentered，stoopingandtryingnottobrushagainstanyone。
"Letmeintroducemybrothertoyou，"saidHelene，hereyesshiftinguneasilyfromNatashatoAnatole。
Natashaturnedherprettylittleheadtowardtheelegantyoungofficerandsmiledathimoverherbareshoulder。Anatole，whowasashandsomeatclosequartersasatadistance，satdownbesideherandtoldherhehadlongwishedtohavethishappiness—eversincetheNaryshkins’ballinfact，atwhichhehadhadthewell—rememberedpleasureofseeingher。Kuraginwasmuchmoresensibleandsimplewithwomenthanamongmen。Hetalkedboldlyandnaturally，andNatashawasstrangelyandagreeablystruckbythefactthattherewasnothingformidableinthismanaboutwhomtherewassomuchtalk，butthatonthecontraryhissmilewasmostnaive，cheerful，andgood—natured。
KuraginaskedheropinionoftheperformanceandtoldherhowatapreviousperformanceSemenovahadfallendownonthestage。
"Anddoyouknow，Countess，"hesaid，suddenlyaddressingherasanold，familiaracquaintance，"wearegettingupacostumetournament；yououghttotakepartinit！Itwillbegreatfun。WeshallallmeetattheKaragins’！Pleasecome！No！Really，eh？"saidhe。
Whilesayingthisheneverremovedhissmilingeyesfromherface，herneck，andherbarearms。Natashaknewforcertainthathewasenrapturedbyher。Thispleasedher，yethispresencemadeherfeelconstrainedandoppressed。Whenshewasnotlookingathimshefeltthathewaslookingathershoulders，andsheinvoluntarilycaughthiseyesothatheshouldlookintohersratherthanthis。Butlookingintohiseyesshewasfrightened，realizingthattherewasnotthatbarrierofmodestyshehadalwaysfeltbetweenherselfandothermen。Shedidnotknowhowitwasthatwithinfiveminutesshehadcometofeelherselfterriblyneartothisman。Whensheturnedawayshefearedhemightseizeherfrombehindbyherbarearmandkissherontheneck。Theyspokeofmostordinarythings，yetshefeltthattheywereclosertooneanotherthanshehadeverbeentoanyman。
NatashakeptturningtoHeleneandtoherfather，asifaskingwhatitallmeant，butHelenewasengagedinconversationwithageneralanddidnotanswerherlook，andherfather’seyessaidnothingbutwhattheyalwayssaid："Havingagoodtime？Well，I’mgladofit！"
DuringoneofthesemomentsofawkwardsilencewhenAnatole’sprominenteyesweregazingcalmlyandfixedlyather，Natasha，tobreakthesilence，askedhimhowhelikedMoscow。Sheaskedthequestionandblushed。Shefeltallthetimethatbytalkingtohimshewasdoingsomethingimproper。Anatolesmiledasthoughtoencourageher。
"AtfirstIdidnotlikeitmuch，becausewhatmakesatownpleasantcesontlesjoliesfemmes，*isn’tthatso？ButnowIlikeitverymuchindeed，"hesaid，lookingathersignificantly。"You’llcometothecostumetournament，Countess？Docome！"andputtingouthishandtoherbouquetanddroppinghisvoice，headded，"Youwillbetheprettiestthere。Docome，dearcountess，andgivemethisflowerasapledge！"
*Aretheprettywomen。
Natashadidnotunderstandwhathewassayinganymorethanhedidhimself，butshefeltthathisincomprehensiblewordshadanimproperintention。Shedidnotknowwhattosayandturnedawayasifshehadnotheardhisremark。Butassoonasshehadturnedawayshefeltthathewasthere，behind，soclosebehindher。
"Howishenow？Confused？Angry？OughtItoputitright？"sheaskedherself，andshecouldnotrefrainfromturninground。Shelookedstraightintohiseyes，andhisnearness，self—assurance，andthegood—naturedtendernessofhissmilevanquishedher。Shesmiledjustashewasdoing，gazingstraightintohiseyes。Andagainshefeltwithhorrorthatnobarrierlaybetweenhimandher。
Thecurtainroseagain。Anatoleleftthebox，sereneandgay。
Natashawentbacktoherfatherintheotherbox，nowquitesubmissivetotheworldshefoundherselfin。Allthatwasgoingonbeforehernowseemedquitenatural，butontheotherhandallherpreviousthoughtsofherbetrothed，ofPrincessMary，oroflifeinthecountrydidnotoncerecurtohermindandwereasifbelongingtoaremotepast。
Inthefourthacttherewassomesortofdevilwhosangwavinghisarmabout，tilltheboardswerewithdrawnfromunderhimandhedisappeareddownbelow。ThatwastheonlypartofthefourthactthatNatashasaw。Shefeltagitatedandtormented，andthecauseofthiswasKuraginwhomshecouldnothelpwatching。AstheywereleavingthetheaterAnatolecameuptothem，calledtheircarriage，andhelpedthemin。AshewasputtingNatashainhepressedherarmabovetheelbow。Agitatedandflushedsheturnedround。Hewaslookingatherwithglitteringeyes，smilingtenderly。
OnlyaftershehadreachedhomewasNatashaableclearlytothinkoverwhathadhappenedtoher，andsuddenlyrememberingPrinceAndrewshewashorrified，andatteatowhichallhadsatdownaftertheopera，shegavealoudexclamation，flushed，andranoutoftheroom。
"OGod！Iamlost！"shesaidtoherself。"HowcouldIlethim？"
Shesatforalongtimehidingherflushedfaceinherhandstryingtorealizewhathadhappenedtoher，butwasunableeithertounderstandwhathadhappenedorwhatshefelt。Everythingseemeddark，obscure，andterrible。Thereinthatenormous，illuminatedtheaterwherethebare—leggedDuport，inatinsel—decoratedjacket，jumpedabouttothemusiconwetboards，andyounggirlsandoldmen，andthenearlynakedHelenewithherproud，calmsmile，rapturouslycried"bravo！"—thereinthepresenceofthatHeleneithadallseemedclearandsimple；butnow，alonebyherself，itwasincomprehensible。
"Whatisit？WhatwasthatterrorIfeltofhim？WhatisthisgnawingofconscienceIamfeelingnow？"shethought。
OnlytotheoldcountessatnightinbedcouldNatashahavetoldallshewasfeeling。SheknewthatSonyawithhersevereandsimpleviewswouldeithernotunderstanditatallorwouldbehorrifiedatsuchaconfession。SoNatashatriedtosolvewhatwastorturingherbyherself。
"AmIspoiledforAndrew’sloveornot？"sheaskedherself，andwithsoothingironyreplied："WhatafoolIamtoaskthat！Whatdidhappentome？Nothing！Ihavedonenothing，Ididn’tleadhimonatall。
NobodywillknowandIshallneverseehimagain，"shetoldherself。
"Soitisplainthatnothinghashappenedandthereisnothingtorepentof，andAndrewcanlovemestill。Butwhy’still？’OGod，whyisn’thehere？"Natashaquietedherselfforamoment，butagainsomeinstincttoldherthatthoughallthiswastrue，andthoughnothinghadhappened，yettheformerpurityofherloveforPrinceAndrewhadperished。AndagaininimaginationshewentoverherwholeconversationwithKuragin，andagainsawtheface，gestures，andtendersmileofthatboldhandsomemanwhenhepressedherarm。
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CHAPTERXI
AnatoleKuraginwasstayinginMoscowbecausehisfatherhadsenthimawayfromPetersburg，wherehehadbeenspendingtwentythousandrublesayearincash，besidesrunningupdebtsforasmuchmore，whichhiscreditorsdemandedfromhisfather。
Hisfatherannouncedtohimthathewouldnowpayhalfhisdebtsforthelasttime，butonlyonconditionthathewenttoMoscowasadjutanttothecommanderinchief—aposthisfatherhadprocuredforhim—andwouldatlasttrytomakeagoodmatchthere。HeindicatedtohimPrincessMaryandJulieKaragina。
AnatoleconsentedandwenttoMoscow，whereheputupatPierre’shouse。Pierrereceivedhimunwillinglyatfirst，butgotusedtohimafterawhile，sometimesevenaccompaniedhimonhiscarousals，andgavehimmoneyundertheguiseofloans。
AsShinshinhadremarked，fromthetimeofhisarrivalAnatolehadturnedtheheadsoftheMoscowladies，especiallybythefactthatheslightedthemandplainlypreferredthegypsygirlsandFrenchactresses—withthechiefofwhom，MademoiselleGeorge，hewassaidtobeonintimaterelations。HehadnevermissedacarousalatDanilov’sorotherMoscowrevelers’，drankwholenightsthrough，outvyingeveryoneelse，andwasatalltheballsandpartiesofthebestsociety。Therewastalkofhisintrigueswithsomeoftheladies，andheflirtedwithafewofthemattheballs。Buthedidnotrunaftertheunmarriedgirls，especiallytherichheiresseswhoweremostofthemplain。Therewasaspecialreasonforthis，ashehadgotmarriedtwoyearsbefore—afactknownonlytohismostintimatefriends。AtthattimewhilewithhisregimentinPoland，aPolishlandownerofsmallmeanshadforcedhimtomarryhisdaughter。Anatolehadverysoonabandonedhiswifeand，forapaymentwhichheagreedtosendtohisfather—in—law，hadarrangedtobefreetopasshimselfoffasabachelor。
Anatolewasalwayscontentwithhisposition，withhimself，andwithothers。Hewasinstinctivelyandthoroughlyconvincedthatwasimpossibleforhimtoliveotherwisethanashedidandthathehadneverinhislifedoneanythingbase。Hewasincapableofconsideringhowhisactionsmightaffectothersorwhattheconsequencesofthisorthatactionofhismightbe。Hewasconvincedthat，asaduckissomadethatitmustliveinwater，soGodhadmadehimsuchthathemustspendthirtythousandrublesayearandalwaysoccupyaprominentpositioninsociety。Hebelievedthissofirmlythatothers，lookingathim，werepersuadedofittooanddidnotrefusehimeitheraleadingplaceinsocietyormoney，whichheborrowedfromanyoneandeveryoneandevidentlywouldnotrepay。
Hewasnotagambler，atanyratehedidnotcareaboutwinning。
Hewasnotvain。Hedidnotmindwhatpeoplethoughtofhim。Stilllesscouldhebeaccusedofambition。Morethanoncehehadvexedhisfatherbyspoilinghisowncareer，andhelaughedatdistinctionsofallkinds。Hewasnotmean，anddidnotrefuseanyonewhoaskedofhim。Allhecaredaboutwasgaietyandwomen，andasaccordingtohisideastherewasnothingdishonorableinthesetastes，andhewasincapableofconsideringwhatthegratificationofhistastesentailedforothers，hehonestlyconsideredhimselfirreproachable，sincerelydespisedroguesandbadpeople，andwithatranquilconsciencecarriedhisheadhigh。
Rakes，thosemaleMagdalenes，haveasecretfeelingofinnocencesimilartothatwhichfemaleMagdaleneshave，basedonthesamehopeofforgiveness。"Allwillbeforgivenher，forshelovedmuch；andallwillbeforgivenhim，forheenjoyedmuch。"
Dolokhov，whohadreappearedthatyearinMoscowafterhisexileandhisPersianadventures，andwasleadingalifeofluxury，gambling，anddissipation，associatedwithhisoldPetersburgcomradeKuraginandmadeuseofhimforhisownends。
AnatolewassincerelyfondofDolokhovforhisclevernessandaudacity。Dolokhov，whoneededAnatoleKuragin’sname，position，andconnectionsasabaittodrawrichyoungmenintohisgamblingset，madeuseofhimandamusedhimselfathisexpensewithoutlettingtheotherfeelit。ApartfromtheadvantagehederivedfromAnatole，theveryprocessofdominatinganother’swillwasinitselfapleasure，ahabit，andanecessitytoDolokhov。
NatashahadmadeastrongimpressiononKuragin。AtsupperaftertheoperahedescribedtoDolokhovwiththeairofaconnoisseurtheattractionsofherarms，shoulders，feet，andhairandexpressedhisintentionofmakinglovetoher。Anatolehadnonotionandwasincapableofconsideringwhatmightcomeofsuchlove—making，asheneverhadanynotionoftheoutcomeofanyofhisactions。
"She’sfirst—rate，mydearfellow，butnotforus，"repliedDolokhov。
"Iwilltellmysistertoaskhertodinner，"saidAnatole。"Eh？"
"You’dbetterwaittillshe’smarried……"
"Youknow，Iadorelittlegirls，theylosetheirheadsatonce，"
pursuedAnatole。
"Youhavebeencaughtoncealreadybya’littlegirl，’"saidDolokhovwhoknewofKuragin’smarriage。"Takecare！"
"Well，thatcan’thappentwice！Eh？"saidAnatole，withagood—humoredlaugh。
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ThedayaftertheoperatheRostovswentnowhereandnobodycametoseethem。MaryaDmitrievnatalkedtothecountaboutsomethingwhichtheyconcealedfromNatasha。Natashaguessedtheyweretalkingabouttheoldprinceandplanningsomething，andthisdisquietedandoffendedher。ShewasexpectingPrinceAndrewanymomentandtwicethatdaysentamanservanttotheVozdvizhenkatoascertainwhetherhehadcome。Hehadnotarrived。ShesufferedmorenowthanduringherfirstdaysinMoscow。ToherimpatienceandpiningforhimwerenowaddedtheunpleasantrecollectionofherinterviewwithPrincessMaryandtheoldprince，andafearandanxietyofwhichshedidnotunderstandthecause。Shecontinuallyfanciedthateitherhewouldnevercomeorthatsomethingwouldhappentoherbeforehecame。Shecouldnolongerthinkofhimbyherselfcalmlyandcontinuouslyasshehaddonebefore。Assoonasshebegantothinkofhim，therecollectionoftheoldprince，ofPrincessMary，ofthetheater，andofKuraginmingledwithherthoughts。Thequestionagainpresenteditselfwhethershewasnotguilty，whethershehadnotalreadybrokenfaithwithPrinceAndrew，andagainshefoundherselfrecallingtotheminutestdetaileveryword，everygesture，andeveryshadeintheplayofexpressiononthefaceofthemanwhohadbeenabletoarouseinhersuchanincomprehensibleandterrifyingfeeling。TothefamilyNatashaseemedlivelierthanusual，butshewasfarlesstranquilandhappythanbefore。
OnSundaymorningMaryaDmitrievnainvitedhervisitorstoMassatherparishchurch—theChurchoftheAssumptionbuiltoverthegravesofvictimsoftheplague。
"Idon’tlikethosefashionablechurches，"shesaid，evidentlypridingherselfonherindependenceofthought。"Godisthesameeverywhere。Wehaveanexcellentpriest，heconductstheservicedecentlyandwithdignity，andthedeaconisthesame。Whatholinessisthereingivingconcertsinthechoir？Idon’tlikeit，it’sjustself—indulgence！"
MaryaDmitrievnalikedSundaysandknewhowtokeepthem。HerwholehousewasscrubbedandcleanedonSaturdays；neithershenortheservantsworked，andtheyallworeholidaydressandwenttochurch。
Athertabletherewereextradishesatdinner，andtheservantshadvodkaandroastgooseorsucklingpig。ButinnothinginthehousewastheholidaysonoticeableasinMaryaDmitrievna’sbroad，sternface，whichonthatdayworeaninvariablelookofsolemnfestivity。
AfterMass，whentheyhadfinishedtheircoffeeinthediningroomwheretheloosecovershadbeenremovedfromthefurniture，aservantannouncedthatthecarriagewasready，andMaryaDmitrievnarosewithasternair。Sheworeherholidayshawl，inwhichshepaidcalls，andannouncedthatshewasgoingtoseePrinceNicholasBolkonskitohaveanexplanationwithhimaboutNatasha。
Aftershehadgone，adressmakerfromMadameSuppert—RoguetwaitedontheRostovs，andNatasha，verygladofthisdiversion，havingshutherselfintoaroomadjoiningthedrawingroom，occupiedherselftryingonthenewdresses。Justasshehadputonabodicewithoutsleevesandonlytackedtogether，andwasturningherheadtoseeintheglasshowthebackfitted，sheheardinthedrawingroomtheanimatedsoundsofherfather’svoiceandanother’s—awoman’s—
thatmadeherflush。ItwasHelene。NatashahadnottimetotakeoffthebodicebeforethedooropenedandCountessBezukhova，dressedinapurplevelvetgownwithahighcollar，cameintotheroombeamingwithgood—humoredamiablesmiles。
"Oh，myenchantress！"shecriedtotheblushingNatasha。
"Charming！No，thisisreallybeyondanything，mydearcount，"saidshetoCountRostovwhohadfollowedherin。"HowcanyouliveinMoscowandgonowhere？No，Iwon’tletyouoff！MademoiselleGeorgewillreciteatmyhousetonightandthere’llbesomepeople，andifyoudon’tbringyourlovelygirls—whoareprettierthanMademoiselleGeorge—Iwon’tknowyou！MyhusbandisawayinTverorI
wouldsendhimtofetchyou。Youmustcome。Youpositivelymust！
Betweeneightandnine。"
Shenoddedtothedressmaker，whomsheknewandwhohadcurtsiedrespectfullytoher，andseatedherselfinanarmchairbesidethelookingglass，drapingthefoldsofhervelvetdresspicturesquely。
Shedidnotceasechatteringgood—naturedlyandgaily，continuallypraisingNatasha’sbeauty。ShelookedatNatasha’sdressesandpraisedthem，aswellasanewdressofherownmadeof"metallicgauze，"
whichshehadreceivedfromParis，andadvisedNatashatohaveonelikeit。
"Butanythingsuitsyou，mycharmer！"sheremarked。
AsmileofpleasureneverleftNatasha’sface。ShefelthappyandasifshewereblossomingunderthepraiseofthisdearCountessBezukhovawhohadformerlyseemedtohersounapproachableandimportantandwasnowsokindtoher。Natashabrightenedupandfeltalmostinlovewiththiswoman，whowassobeautifulandsokind。
HeleneforherpartwassincerelydelightedwithNatashaandwishedtogiveheragoodtime。AnatolehadaskedhertobringhimandNatashatogether，andshewascallingontheRostovsforthatpurpose。TheideaofthrowingherbrotherandNatashatogetheramusedher。
Thoughatonetime，inPetersburg，shehadbeenannoyedwithNatashafordrawingBorisaway，shedidnotthinkofthatnow，andinherownwayheartilywishedNatashawell。AsshewasleavingtheRostovsshecalledherprotegeeaside。
"Mybrotherdinedwithmeyesterday—wenearlydiedoflaughter—
heatenothingandkeptsighingforyou，mycharmer！Heismadly，quitemadly，inlovewithyou，mydear。"
Natashablushedscarletwhensheheardthis。
"Howsheblushes，howsheblushes，mypretty！"saidHelene。"Youmustcertainlycome。Ifyoulovesomebody，mycharmer，thatisnotareasontoshutyourselfup。Evenifyouareengaged，Iamsureyourfiancewouldwishyoutogointosocietyratherthanbeboredtodeath。"
"SosheknowsIamengaged，andsheandherhusbandPierre—thatgoodPierre—havetalkedandlaughedaboutthis。Soit’sallright。"
Andagain，underHelene’sinfluence，whathadseemedterriblenowseemedsimpleandnatural。"Andsheissuchagrandedame，sokind，andevidentlylikesmesomuch。Andwhynotenjoymyself？"thoughtNatasha，gazingatHelenewithwide—open，wonderingeyes。
MaryaDmitrievnacamebacktodinnertaciturnandserious，havingevidentlysufferedadefeatattheoldprince’s。Shewasstilltooagitatedbytheencountertobeabletotalkoftheaffaircalmly。
Inanswertothecount’sinquiriessherepliedthatthingswereallrightandthatshewouldtellaboutitnextday。OnhearingofCountessBezukhova’svisitandtheinvitationforthatevening，MaryaDmitrievnaremarked：
"Idon’tcaretohaveanythingtodowithBezukhovaanddon’tadviseyouto；however，ifyou’vepromised—go。Itwilldivertyourthoughts，"sheadded，addressingNatasha。
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CountRostovtookthegirlstoCountessBezukhova’s。Therewereagoodmanypeoplethere，butnearlyallstrangerstoNatasha。CountRostovwasdispleasedtoseethatthecompanyconsistedalmostentirelyofmenandwomenknownforthefreedomoftheirconduct。
MademoiselleGeorgewasstandinginacornerofthedrawingroomsurroundedbyyoungmen。TherewereseveralFrenchmenpresent，amongthemMetivierwhofromthetimeHelenereachedMoscowhadbeenanintimateinherhouse。ThecountdecidednottositdowntocardsorlethisgirlsoutofhissightandtogetawayassoonasMademoiselleGeorge’sperformancewasover。
Anatolewasatthedoor，evidentlyonthelookoutfortheRostovs。
ImmediatelyaftergreetingthecounthewentuptoNatashaandfollowedher。Assoonasshesawhimshewasseizedbythesamefeelingshehadhadattheopera—gratifiedvanityathisadmirationofherandfearattheabsenceofamoralbarrierbetweenthem。
HelenewelcomedNatashadelightedlyandwasloudinadmirationofherbeautyandherdress。SoonaftertheirarrivalMademoiselleGeorgewentoutoftheroomtochangehercostume。Inthedrawingroompeoplebeganarrangingthechairsandtakingtheirseats。AnatolemovedachairforNatashaandwasabouttositdownbesideher，butthecount，whoneverlostsightofher，tooktheseathimself。Anatolesatdownbehindher。
MademoiselleGeorge，withherbare，fat，dimpledarms，andaredshawldrapedoveroneshoulder，cameintothespaceleftvacantforher，andassumedanunnaturalpose。Enthusiasticwhisperingwasaudible。
MademoiselleGeorgelookedsternlyandgloomilyattheaudienceandbeganrecitingsomeFrenchversesdescribingherguiltyloveforherson。Insomeplacessheraisedhervoice，inothersshewhispered，liftingherheadtriumphantly；sometimesshepausedandutteredhoarsesounds，rollinghereyes。
"Adorable！divine！delicious！"washeardfromeveryside。
Natashalookedatthefatactress，butneithersawnorheardnorunderstoodanythingofwhatwentonbeforeher。Sheonlyfeltherselfagaincompletelyborneawayintothisstrangesenselessworld—
soremotefromheroldworld—aworldinwhichitwasimpossibletoknowwhatwasgoodorbad，reasonableorsenseless。BehindhersatAnatole，andconsciousofhisproximitysheexperiencedafrightenedsenseofexpectancy。
AfterthefirstmonologuethewholecompanyroseandsurroundedMademoiselleGeorge，expressingtheirenthusiasm。
"Howbeautifulsheis！"Natasharemarkedtoherfatherwhohadalsorisenandwasmovingthroughthecrowdtowardtheactress。
"Idon’tthinksowhenIlookatyou！"saidAnatole，followingNatasha。Hesaidthisatamomentwhenshealonecouldhearhim。
"Youareenchanting……fromthemomentIsawyouIhaveneverceased……"
"Come，come，Natasha！"saidthecount，asheturnedbackforhisdaughter。"Howbeautifulsheis！"Natashawithoutsayinganythingsteppeduptoherfatherandlookedathimwithsurprisedinquiringeyes。
Aftergivingseveralrecitations，MademoiselleGeorgeleft，andCountessBezukhovaaskedhervisitorsintotheballroom。
Thecountwishedtogohome，butHeleneentreatedhimnottospoilherimprovisedball，andtheRostovsstayedon。AnatoleaskedNatashaforavalseandastheydancedhepressedherwaistandhandandtoldhershewasbewitchingandthathelovedher。Duringtheecossaise，whichshealsodancedwithhim，Anatolesaidnothingwhentheyhappenedtobebythemselves，butmerelygazedather。Natashaliftedherfrightenedeyestohim，buttherewassuchconfidenttendernessinhisaffectionatelookandsmilethatshecouldnot，whilstlookingathim，saywhatshehadtosay。Sheloweredhereyes。
"Don’tsaysuchthingstome。Iambetrothedandloveanother，"
shesaidrapidly……Sheglancedathim。
Anatolewasnotupsetorpainedbywhatshehadsaid。
"Don’tspeaktomeofthat！WhatcanIdo？"saidhe。"ItellyouI
ammadly，madly，inlovewithyou！Isitmyfaultthatyouareenchanting？……It’sourturntobegin。"
Natasha，animatedandexcited，lookedaboutherwithwide—openfrightenedeyesandseemedmerrierthanusual。Sheunderstoodhardlyanythingthatwentonthatevening。TheydancedtheecossaiseandtheGrossvater。Herfatheraskedhertocomehome，butshebeggedtoremain。Wherevershewentandwhomevershewasspeakingto，shefelthiseyesuponher。Lateronsherecalledhowshehadaskedherfathertolethergotothedressingroomtorearrangeherdress，thatHelenehadfollowedherandspokenlaughinglyofherbrother’slove，andthatsheagainmetAnatoleinthelittlesittingroom。Helenehaddisappearedleavingthemalone，andAnatolehadtakenherhandandsaidinatendervoice：
"IcannotcometovisityoubutisitpossiblethatIshallneverseeyou？Iloveyoumadly。CanInever……？"and，blockingherpath，hebroughthisfaceclosetohers。
Hislarge，glittering，masculineeyesweresoclosetohersthatshesawnothingbutthem。
"Natalie？"hewhisperedinquiringlywhileshefeltherhandsbeingpainfullypressed。"Natalie？"
"Idon’tunderstand。Ihavenothingtosay，"hereyesreplied。
Burninglipswerepressedtohers，andatthesameinstantshefeltherselfreleased，andHelene’sfootstepsandtherustleofherdresswereheardintheroom。Natashalookedroundather，andthen，redandtrembling，threwafrightenedlookofinquiryatAnatoleandmovedtowardthedoor。
"Oneword，justone，forGod’ssake！"criedAnatole。
Shepaused。Shesowantedawordfromhimthatwouldexplaintoherwhathadhappenedandtowhichshecouldfindnoanswer。
"Natalie，justaword，onlyone！"hekeptrepeating，evidentlynotknowingwhattosayandherepeatedittillHelenecameuptothem。
HelenereturnedwithNatashatothedrawingroom。TheRostovswentawaywithoutstayingforsupper。
AfterreachinghomeNatashadidnotsleepallnight。ShewastormentedbytheinsolublequestionwhethershelovedAnatoleorPrinceAndrew。ShelovedPrinceAndrew—sheremembereddistinctlyhowdeeplyshelovedhim。ButshealsolovedAnatole，ofthattherewasnodoubt。"Elsehowcouldallthishavehappened？"thoughtshe。
"If，afterthat，Icouldreturnhissmilewhensayinggood—by，ifI
wasabletoletitcometothat，itmeansthatIlovedhimfromthefirst。Itmeansthatheiskind，noble，andsplendid，andIcouldnothelplovinghim。WhatamItodoifIlovehimandtheotheronetoo？"sheaskedherself，unabletofindananswertotheseterriblequestions。
BK8CH14
CHAPTERXIV
Morningcamewithitscaresandbustle。Everyonegotupandbegantomoveaboutandtalk，dressmakerscameagain。MaryaDmitrievnaappeared，andtheywerecalledtobreakfast。Natashakeptlookinguneasilyateverybodywithwide—openeyes，asifwishingtointercepteveryglancedirectedtowardher，andtriedtoappearthesameasusual。
Afterbreakfast，whichwasherbesttime，MaryaDmitrievnasatdowninherarmchairandcalledNatashaandthecounttoher。
"Well，friends，Ihavenowthoughtthewholematteroverandthisismyadvice，"shebegan。"Yesterday，asyouknow，IwenttoseePrinceBolkonski。Well，Ihadatalkwithhim……Hetookitintohisheadtobeginshouting，butIamnotonetobeshouteddown。IsaidwhatIhadtosay！"
"Well，andhe？"askedthecount。
"He？He’scrazy……hedidnotwanttolisten。Butwhat’stheuseoftalking？Asitiswehavewornthepoorgirlout，"saidMaryaDmitrievna。"MyadvicetoyouisfinishyourbusinessandgobackhometoOtradnoe……andwaitthere。"
"Oh，no！"exclaimedNatasha。
"Yes，goback，"saidMaryaDmitrievna，"andwaitthere。Ifyourbetrothedcomesherenow—therewillbenoavoidingaquarrel；butalonewiththeoldmanhewilltalkthingsoverandthencomeontoyou。"
CountRostovapprovedofthissuggestion，appreciatingitsreasonableness。IftheoldmancamerounditwouldbeallthebettertovisithiminMoscoworatBaldHillslateron；andifnot，thewedding，againsthiswishes，couldonlybearrangedatOtradnoe。
"Thatisperfectlytrue。AndIamsorryIwenttoseehimandtookher，"saidtheoldcount。
"No，whybesorry？Beinghere，youhadtopayyourrespects。Butifhewon’t—that’shisaffair，"saidMaryaDmitrievna，lookingforsomethinginherreticule。"Besides，thetrousseauisready，sothereisnothingtowaitfor；andwhatisnotreadyI’llsendafteryou。ThoughIdon’tlikelettingyougo，itisthebestway。Sogo，withGod’sblessing！"
HavingfoundwhatshewaslookingforinthereticuleshehandedittoNatasha。ItwasaletterfromPrincessMary。
"Shehaswrittentoyou。Howshetormentsherself，poorthing！She’safraidyoumightthinkthatshedoesnotlikeyou。"
"Butshedoesn’tlikeme，"saidNatasha。
"Don’ttalknonsense！"criedMaryaDmitrievna。
"Ishan’tbelieveanyone，Iknowshedoesn’tlikeme，"repliedNatashaboldlyasshetooktheletter，andherfaceexpressedacoldandangryresolutionthatcausedMaryaDmitrievnatolookathermoreintentlyandtofrown。
"Don’tanswerlikethat，mygoodgirl！"shesaid。"WhatIsayistrue！Writeananswer！"NatashadidnotreplyandwenttoherownroomtoreadPrincessMary’sletter。
PrincessMarywrotethatshewasindespairatthemisunderstandingthathadoccurredbetweenthem。Whateverherfather’sfeelingsmightbe，shebeggedNatashatobelievethatshecouldnothelplovingherastheonechosenbyherbrother，forwhosehappinessshewasreadytosacrificeeverything。
"Donotthink，however，"shewrote，"thatmyfatherisill—disposedtowardyou。Heisaninvalidandanoldmanwhomustbeforgiven；butheisgoodandmagnanimousandwillloveherwhomakeshissonhappy。"PrincessMarywentontoaskNatashatofixatimewhenshecouldseeheragain。
AfterreadingtheletterNatashasatdownatthewritingtabletoanswerit。"DearPrincess，"shewroteinFrenchquicklyandmechanically，andthenpaused。Whatmorecouldshewriteafterallthathadhappenedtheeveningbefore？"Yes，yes！Allthathashappened，andnowallischanged，"shethoughtasshesatwiththelettershehadbegunbeforeher。"MustIbreakoffwithhim？MustI
really？That’sawful……andtoescapefromthesedreadfulthoughtsshewenttoSonyaandbegansortingpatternswithher。
AfterdinnerNatashawenttoherroomandagaintookupPrincessMary’sletter。"Canitbethatitisallover？"shethought。"Canitbethatallthishashappenedsoquicklyandhasdestroyedallthatwentbefore？"SherecalledherloveforPrinceAndrewinallitsformerstrength，andatthesametimefeltthatshelovedKuragin。ShevividlypicturedherselfasPrinceAndrew’swife，andthescenesofhappinesswithhimshehadsooftenrepeatedinherimagination，andatthesametime，aglowwithexcitement，recalledeverydetailofyesterday’sinterviewwithAnatole。
"Whycouldthatnotbeaswell？"shesometimesaskedherselfincompletebewilderment。"OnlysocouldIbecompletelyhappy；butnowI
havetochoose，andIcan’tbehappywithouteitherofthem。Only，"
shethought，"totellPrinceAndrewwhathashappenedortohideitfromhimarebothequallyimpossible。Butwiththatonenothingisspoiled。ButamIreallytoabandonforeverthejoyofPrinceAndrew’slove，inwhichIhavelivedsolong？"
"Please，Miss！"whisperedamaidenteringtheroomwithamysteriousair。"Amantoldmetogiveyouthis—"andshehandedNatashaaletter。
"Only，forChrist’ssake……"thegirlwenton，asNatasha，withoutthinking，mechanicallybrokethesealandreadaloveletterfromAnatole，ofwhich，withouttakinginaword，sheunderstoodonlythatitwasaletterfromhim—fromthemansheloved。Yes，shelovedhim，orelsehowcouldthathavehappenedwhichhadhappened？
Andhowcouldshehavealoveletterfromhiminherhand？
WithtremblinghandsNatashaheldthatpassionateloveletterwhichDolokhovhadcomposedforAnatole，andasshereaditshefoundinitanechoofallthatsheherselfimaginedshewasfeeling。
"Sinceyesterdayeveningmyfatehasbeensealed；tobelovedbyyouortodie。Thereisnootherwayforme，"theletterbegan。Thenhewentontosaythatheknewherparentswouldnotgivehertohim—forthisthereweresecretreasonshecouldrevealonlytoher—butthatifshelovedhimsheneedonlysaythewordyes，andnohumanpowercouldhindertheirbliss。Lovewouldconquerall。Hewouldstealherawayandcarryherofftotheendsoftheearth。
"Yes，yes！Ilovehim！"thoughtNatasha，readingtheletterforthetwentiethtimeandfindingsomepeculiarlydeepmeaningineachwordofit。
ThateveningMaryaDmitrievnawasgoingtotheAkharovs’andproposedtotakethegirlswithher。Natasha，pleadingaheadache，remainedathome。
BK8CH15
CHAPTERXV
OnreturninglateintheeveningSonyawenttoNatasha’sroom，andtohersurprisefoundherstilldressedandasleeponthesofa。Openonthetable，besideherlayAnatole’sletter。Sonyapickeditupandreadit。
AsshereadsheglancedatthesleepingNatasha，tryingtofindinherfaceanexplanationofwhatshewasreading，butdidnotfindit。Herfacewascalm，gentle，andhappy。Clutchingherbreasttokeepherselffromchoking，Sonya，paleandtremblingwithfearandagitation，satdowninanarmchairandburstintotears。
"HowwasitInoticednothing？Howcoulditgosofar？CanshehaveleftofflovingPrinceAndrew？AndhowcouldsheletKuragingotosuchlengths？Heisadeceiverandavillain，that’splain！WhatwillNicholas，dearnobleNicholas，dowhenhehearsofit？Sothisisthemeaningofherexcited，resolute，unnaturallookthedaybeforeyesterday，yesterday，andtoday，"thoughtSonya。"Butitcan’tbethatsheloveshim！Sheprobablyopenedtheletterwithoutknowingwhoitwasfrom。Probablysheisoffendedbyit。Shecouldnotdosuchathing！"
SonyawipedawayhertearsandwentuptoNatasha，againscanningherface。
"Natasha！"shesaid，justaudibly。
NatashaawokeandsawSonya。
"Ah，you’reback？"
Andwiththedecisionandtendernessthatoftencomeatthemomentofawakening，sheembracedherfriend，butnoticingSonya’slookofembarrassment，herownfaceexpressedconfusionandsuspicion。
"Sonya，you’vereadthatletter？"shedemanded。
"Yes，"answeredSonyasoftly。
Natashasmiledrapturously。
"No，Sonya，Ican’tanylonger！"shesaid。"Ican’thideitfromyouanylonger。Youknow，weloveoneanother！Sonya，darling，hewrites……Sonya……"
Sonyastaredopen—eyedatNatasha，unabletobelieveherears。
"AndBolkonski？"sheasked。
"Ah，Sonya，ifyouonlyknewhowhappyIam！"criedNatasha。"Youdon’tknowwhatloveis……"
"But，Natasha，canthatbeallover？"
NatashalookedatSonyawithwide—openeyesasifshecouldnotgraspthequestion。
"Well，then，areyourefusingPrinceAndrew？"saidSonya。
"Oh，youdon’tunderstandanything！Don’ttalknonsense，justlisten！"saidNatasha，withmomentaryvexation。
"ButIcan’tbelieveit，"insistedSonya。"Idon’tunderstand。Howisityouhavelovedamanforawholeyearandsuddenly……Why，youhaveonlyseenhimthreetimes！Natasha，Idon’tbelieveyou，you’rejoking！Inthreedaystoforgeteverythingandso……"
"Threedays？"saidNatasha。"ItseemstomeI’velovedhimahundredyears。ItseemstomethatIhaveneverlovedanyonebefore。Youcan’tunderstandit……Sonya，waitabit，sithere，"andNatashaembracedandkissedher。
"Ihadheardthatithappenslikethis，andyoumusthaveheardittoo，butit’sonlynowthatIfeelsuchlove。It’snotthesameasbefore。AssoonasIsawhimIfelthewasmymasterandIhisslave，andthatIcouldnothelplovinghim。Yes，hisslave！
WhateverheordersIshalldo。Youdon’tunderstandthat。WhatcanI
do？WhatcanIdo，Sonya？"criedNatashawithahappyyetfrightenedexpression。
"Butthinkwhatyouaredoing，"criedSonya。"Ican’tleaveitlikethis。Thissecretcorrespondence……Howcouldyoulethimgosofar？"shewenton，withahorroranddisgustshecouldhardlyconceal。
"ItoldyouthatIhavenowill，"Natashareplied。"Whycan’tyouunderstand？Ilovehim！"
"ThenIwon’tletitcometothat……Ishalltell！"criedSonya，burstingintotears。
"Whatdoyoumean？ForGod’ssake……Ifyoutell，youaremyenemy！"
declaredNatasha。"Youwantmetobemiserable，youwantustobeseparated……"
WhenshesawNatasha’sfright，Sonyashedtearsofshameandpityforherfriend。
"Butwhathashappenedbetweenyou？"sheasked。"Whathashesaidtoyou？Whydoesn’thecometothehouse？"
Natashadidnotanswerherquestions。
"ForGod’ssake，Sonya，don’ttellanyone，don’ttortureme，"
Natashaentreated。"Remembernooneoughttointerfereinsuchmatters！Ihaveconfidedinyou……"
"Butwhythissecrecy？Whydoesn’thecometothehouse？"askedSonya。"Whydoesn’theopenlyaskforyourhand？YouknowPrinceAndrewgaveyoucompletefreedom—ifitisreallyso；butIdon’tbelieveit！Natasha，haveyouconsideredwhatthesesecretreasonscanbe？"
NatashalookedatSonyawithastonishment。Evidentlythisquestionpresenteditselftohermindforthefirsttimeandshedidnotknowhowtoanswerit。
"Idon’tknowwhatthereasonsare。Buttheremustbereasons！"
Sonyasighedandshookherheadincredulously。
"Iftherewerereasons……"shebegan。
ButNatasha，guessingherdoubts，interruptedherinalarm。
"Sonya，onecan’tdoubthim！Onecan’t，onecan’t！Don’tyouunderstand？"shecried。
"Doesheloveyou？"
"Doesheloveme？"Natasharepeatedwithasmileofpityatherfriend’slackofcomprehension。"Why，youhavereadhisletterandyouhaveseenhim。"
"Butifheisdishonorable？"
"He！dishonorable？Ifyouonlyknew！"exclaimedNatasha。
"Ifheisanhonorablemanheshouldeitherdeclarehisintentionsorceaseseeingyou；andifyouwon’tdothis，Iwill。Iwillwritetohim，andIwilltellPapa！"saidSonyaresolutely。
"ButIcan’tlivewithouthim！"criedNatasha。