WhenAnnaMihalovnacamebackfromtheBezuhovs’，themoneywasalreadyonthecountess’slittletable，allinnewnotes，underherpocket—handkerchief。AnnaMihalovnanoticedthatthecountesswasflutteredaboutsomething。

“Well，mydear？”queriedthecountess。

“Ah，heisinaterriblecondition！Onewouldnotrecognisehim，heissoill，soill；Iwasthereonlyaminute，anddidnotsaytwowords。”

“Annette，forGod’ssakedon’trefuseme，”thecountesssaidsuddenlywithablush，whichwasstrangelyincongruouswithherelderly，thin，anddignifiedface，takingthemoneyfromunderherhandkerchief。AnnaMihalovnainstantlygraspedthesituation，andwasalreadybendingovertoembracethecountessattheappropriatemoment。

“ThisisforBoris，fromme，forhisequipment…”

AnnaMihalovnawasalreadyembracingherandweeping。Thecountesswepttoo。Theyweptbecausetheywerefriends，andbecausetheyweresoft—hearted，andthatthey，whohadbeenfriendsinyouth，shouldhavetothinkofanythingsobaseasmoney，andthattheiryouthwasover。…Butthetearsofbothweresweettothem。…

Chapter15

COUNTESSROSTOV，withherdaughtersandthegreaternumberoftheguests，wassittinginthedrawing—room。Thecountledthegentlemenofthepartytohisroom，callingtheirattentiontohisconnoisseur’scollectionofTurkishpipes。Nowandthenhewentoutandinquired，hadshecomeyet？TheywerewaitingforMaryaDmitryevnaAhrosimov，knowninsocietyasleterribledragon，aladywhoowedherrenownnottoherwealthorherrank，buttohermentaldirectnessandheropen，unconventionalbehaviour。MaryaDmitryevnawasknowntotheimperialfamily；shewasknowntoallMoscowandallPetersburg，andbothcities，whiletheymarvelledather，laughedintheirsleevesatherrudeness，andtoldgoodstoriesabouther，nevertheless，allwithoutexceptionrespectedandfearedher。

Inthecount’sroom，fullofsmoke，therewastalkofthewar，whichhadbeendeclaredinamanifesto，andoftheleviesoftroops。Themanifestonoonehadyetread，buteveryoneknewofitsappearance。Thecountwassittingonanottomanwithamansmokingandtalkingoneachsideofhim。Thecounthimselfwasneithersmokingnortalking，but，withhisheadcockedfirstononesideandthenontheother，gazedwithevidentsatisfactionatthesmokers，andlistenedtotheargumenthehadgotupbetweenhistwoneighbours。

Oneofthesetwowasacivilianwithathin，wrinkled，bilious，close—shavenface，amanpastmiddleage，thoughdressedlikethemostfashionableyoungman。Hesatwithhislegupontheottoman，asthoughhewereathome，andwiththeambermouthpieceinthesideofhismouth，hesmokedspasmodically，puckeringuphisface。Thiswasanoldbachelor，Shinshin，acousinofthecountess’s，famedinMoscowdrawing—roomsforhisbitingwit。Heseemedsuperciliousinhismannertohiscompanion，afresh，rosyofficeroftheGuards，irreproachablywashedandbrushedandbuttoned。Heheldhispipeinthemiddleofhismouth，anddrawinginalittlesmoke，sentitcoilinginringsoutofhisfineredlips。HewasLieutenantBerg，anofficerintheSemenovskyregimentwithwhomBoriswastogoaway，andaboutwhomNatashahadtauntedVera，callingBerghersuitor。Thecountsatbetweenthesetwolisteningintentlytothem。Thecount’sfavouriteentertainment，nexttoplayingboston，ofwhichhewasveryfond，wasthatoflisteningtoconversation，especiallywhenhehadsucceededingettingupadisputebetweentwotalkativefriends。

“Come，howisit，montrèshonorableAlphonseKarlitch，”saidShinshin，chuckling，andusingacombinationofthemostpopularRussiancolloquialismsandthemostrecherchèsFrenchexpressions，whichconstitutedthepeculiarityofhisphraseology。“Youreckonyou’llgetanincomefromthegovernment，andyouwanttogetalittlesomethingfromyourcompanytoo？”

“No，PyotrNikolaitch，Ionlywanttoshowthatinthecavalrytheadvantagesarefewascomparedwiththeinfantry。Considermypositionnow，forinstance，PyotrNikolaitch。”Bergtalkedveryprecisely，serenely，andpolitely。Allhesaidwasalwaysconcerninghimself。Healwaysmaintainedaserenesilencewhenanysubjectwasdiscussedthathadnodirectbearingonhimself。Andhecouldbesilentinthatwayforseveralhoursatatime，neitherexperiencingnorcausinginotherstheslightestembarrassment。Butassoonastheconversationconcernedhimpersonally，hebegantotalkatlengthandwithvisiblesatisfaction。

“Considermyposition，PyotrNikolaitch:ifIwereinthecavalry，Ishouldgetnomorethantwohundredroubleseveryfourmonths，evenattherankoflieutenant，whileasitisIgettwohundredandthirty，”heexplainedwithabeaming，friendlysmile，lookingatShinshinandthecountasthoughhehadnodoubtthathissuccesswouldalwaysbethechiefgoalofallotherpeople’swishes。“Besidesthat，PyotrNikolaitch，exchangingintotheGuards，I’msomuchnearerthefront，”pursuedBerg，“andvacanciesoccursomuchmorefrequentlyintheinfantryguards。ThenyoucanfancyhowwellIcanmanageontwohundredandthirtyroubles。Why，I’mputtingbyandsendingsomeofftomyfathertoo，”hepursued，lettingoffaringofsmoke。

“Thereisabalance。AGermanwillthrashwheatoutoftheheadofanaxe，astheRussianproverbhasit，”saidShinshin，shiftinghispipetotheothersideofhismouthandwinkingtothecount。

Thecountchuckled。TheothervisitorsseeingthatShinshinwastalkingcameuptolisten。Berg，withoutperceivingeithertheirsneersortheirlackofinterest，proceededtoexplainhowbyexchangingintotheguardshehadalreadygainedastepinadvanceofhisoldcomradesinthecorps；howinwar—timethecommanderofacompanymaysoeasilybekilled，andheasnextincommandmightveryeasilysucceedhim，andhoweveryoneintheregimentlikedhim，andhowpleasedhisfatherwaswithhim。Bergwasunmistakablyenjoyinghimselfashetoldallthis，andseemednevertosuspectthatotherpeopletoomighthavetheirowninterests。Butallhesaidwassonice，sosedate，thena？vetéofhisyouthfulegoismwassoundisguised，thathedisarmedhislisteners。

“Well，mygoodfellow，whetheryou’reintheinfantryorinthecavalry，you’llalwaysgetonallright，thatIventuretopredict，”saidShinshin，pattinghimontheshoulder，andsettinghisfeetdownofftheottoman。Bergsmiledgleefully。Thecountandtheguestsafterhimwentintothedrawing—room。

Itwasthatintervaljustbeforeadinnerwhentheassembledguestsdonotcaretoenteronalengthyconversation，expectingtobesummonedtothedining—room；whiletheyfeelitincumbentonthemtomoveaboutandnottobesilent，soastoshowthattheyarenotimpatienttositdowntotable。Thehostandhostesslooktowardsthedoor，andoccasionallyatoneanother。Thegueststryfromtheseglancestodivinewhomorwhattheyarewaitingfor；someimportantrelationlateinarriving，orsomedishwhichisnotready。

Pierrearrivedjustatdinner—time，andawkwardlysatdowninthemiddleofthedrawing—roominthefirsteasy—chairhecameacross，blockingupthewayforeveryone。Thecountesstriedtomakehimtalk，buthelookedna？velyroundhimoverhisspectaclesasthoughhewerelookingforsomeone，andrepliedinmonosyllablestoallthecountess’squestions。Hewasintheway，andwastheonlypersonunawareofit。Thegreaternumberoftheguests，knowingthestoryofthebear，lookedinquisitivelyatthisbig，stout，inoffensive—lookingperson，puzzledtothinkhowsuchaspiritlessandstaidyoungmancouldhaveplayedsuchaprank。

“Youhaveonlylatelyarrived？”thecountessaskedhim。

“Oui，madame。”

“Youhavenotseenmyhusband？”

“Non，madame。”Hesmiledveryinappropriately。

“YouhavelatelybeeninParis，Ibelieve？Isupposeit’sveryinteresting。”

“Veryinteresting。”

ThecountessexchangedglanceswithAnnaMihalovna。AnnaMihalovnasawthatshewasaskedtoundertaketheyoungman，andsittingdownbyhimshebegantalkingofhisfather。Buttoherastothecountessherepliedonlyinmonosyllables。Theotherguestswereallbusilyengagedtogether。“TheRazumovskys…Itwasverycharming…Youaresokind…CountessApraxin…”roseinmurmursonallsides。Thecountessgotupandwentintothereceptionhall。

“MaryaDmitryevna？”hervoicewasheardaskingfromthere。

“Herself，”aroughvoicewasheardinreply，andimmediatelyafter，MaryaDmitryevnawalkedintotheroom。Allthegirlsandeventheladies，excepttheveryoldones，gotup。MaryaDmitryevna，astoutwomanoffifty，stoppedinthedoorway，andholdingherheadwithitsgreycurlserect，shelookeddownattheguestsandasthoughtuckinguphercuffs，shedeliberatelyarrangedthewidesleevesofhergown。MaryaDmitryevnaalwaysspokeRussian。

“Healthandhappinesstotheladywhosename—daywearekeepingandtoherchildren，”shesaidinherloud，richvoicethatdominatedallothersounds。“Well，youoldsinner，”sheturnedtothecountwhowaskissingherhand。“IsupposeyouaretiredofMoscow—nowheretogooutwiththedogs？Well，mygoodman，what’stobedone？thesenestlingswillgrowup。…”Shepointedtothegirls。“Willy—nilly，youmustlookoutforyoungmenforthem。”

“Well，myCossack？”（MaryaDmitryevnausedtocallNatashaaCossack）shesaid，strokingthehandofNatasha，whocameuptokissherhandgailywithoutshyness。“Iknowyou’reawickedgirl，butIlikeyou。”

Shetookoutofherhugereticulesomeamberearringswithdrops，andgivingthemtoNatasha，whosebeamingbirthdayfaceflushedrosyred，sheturnedawayimmediatelyandaddressedPierre。

“Ay，ay！comehere，sir！”shesaidinanintentionallyquietandgentlevoice。“Comehere，sir…”Andshetuckedhersleeveuphigherinanominousmanner。

Pierrewentup，lookinginnocentlyatheroverhisspectacles。

“Comealong，comealong，sir！Iwastheonlypersonthattoldyourfatherthetruthwhenhewasinhighfavour，andinyourcaseitisasacredduty。”Shepaused。Everyonewasmutelyexpectantofwhatwastofollow，feelingthatthiswasmerelyaprelude。“Aprettyfellow，there’snodenying！aprettyfellow！…Hisfatherislyingonhisdeathbed，andhe’samusinghimself，settingapolice—constableastrideonabear！Forshame，sir，forshame！Youhadbetterhavegonetothewar。”

Sheturnedawayandgaveherhandtothecount，whocouldhardlykeepfromlaughing。

“Well，Isupposedinner’sready，eh？”saidMaryaDmitrvevna。ThecountledthewaywithMaryaDmitryevna，thenfollowedthecountess，takeninbyacolonelofhussars，apersonofimportance，asNikolaywastotravelinhiscompanytojointheregiment；thenAnnaMihalovnawithShinshin。BerggavehisarmtoVera，JulieKaraginwalkedinsmilingwithNikolay。Theywerefollowedbyastringofothercouples，stretchingrightacrossthehall，andbehindall，thechildrenwiththeirtutorsandgovernessestroopedin，walkedsingly。Therewasabustleamongthewaitersandacreakingofchairs；theorchestrabeganplaying，asthegueststooktheirplaces。Thenthestrainsofthecount’shouseholdbandweresucceededbytheclatterofknivesandforks，theconversationoftheguests，andthesubduedtreadofthewaiters。Thecountesspresidedatoneendofthetable。OnherrightwasMaryaDmitryevna；onherleftAnnaMihalovnaandtheotherladiesoftheparty。Attheotherendsatthecount，withthecolonelofhussarsonhisleft，andonhisrightShinshinandtheotherguestsofthemalesex。Ononesideofthelargetablesatthemoregrown—upoftheyoungpeople:VerabesideBerg，PierrebesideBoris。Ontheothersidewerethechildrenwiththeirtutorsandgovernesses。Thecountpeepedfrombehindthecrystalofthedecantersandfruit—dishesathiswifeandherhighcapwithblueribbons，andzealouslypouredoutwineforhisneighbours，notoverlookinghimself。Thecountess，too，whilemindfulofherdutiesashostess，castsignificantglancesfrombehindthepineapplesatherhusband，whosefaceandbaldheadstruckheraslookingparticularlyredagainsthisgreyhair。Attheladies’endtherewasarhythmicmurmuroftalk，butattheotherendofthetablethemen’svoicesgrewlouderandlouder，especiallythevoiceofthecolonelofhussars，who，gettingmoreandmoreflushed，ateanddranksomuchthatthecountheldhimupasapatterntotherest。BergwithatendersmilewastellingVerathatlovewasanemotionnotofearthbutofheaven。BoriswastellinghisnewfriendPierrethenamesoftheguests，whileheexchangedglanceswithNatashasittingoppositehim。Pierresaidlittle，lookedaboutatthenewfaces，andateagreatdeal。Ofthetwosoupshechoseàlatortue，andfromthatcoursetothefish—pastiesandthegrouse，hedidnotletasingledishpass，andtookeverysortofwinethatthebutlerofferedhim，ashemysteriouslypokedabottlewrappedinanapkinoverhisneighbour’sshoulder，murmuring，“DryMadeira，”or“Hungarian，”or“Rhinewine。”Pierretookawine—glassatrandomoutofthefourcrystalglassesengravedwiththecount’screstthatweresetateachplace，anddrankwithrelish，staringattheguestswithacountenancethatbecamemoreandmoreamiableasthedinnerwenton。Natasha，whosatoppositehim，gazedatBorisasgirlsofthirteengazeattheboywhomtheyhavejustkissedforthefirsttime，andwithwhomtheyareinlove。ThisgazesometimesstrayedtoPierre，andatthelookonthefunny，excitedlittlegirl’sface，hefeltanimpulsetolaughhimselfwithoutknowingwhy。

NikolaywassittingalongwayfromSonya，besideJulieKaragin，andagainsmilingthesameunconscioussmile，hewastalkingtoher。Sonyaworeacompanysmile，butshewasvisiblyinagoniesofjealousy；atonemomentsheturnedpale，thenshecrimsoned，andallherenergieswereconcentratedonlisteningtowhatNikolayandJulieweresaying。Thegovernesslookednervouslyabouther，asthoughpreparingtoresentanyslightthatmightbeofferedtothechildren。TheGermantutorwastryingtolearnbyheartalistofallthekindsofdishes，desserts，andwines，inordertowriteadetaileddescriptionofthemtothefolksathomeinGermany，andwasgreatlymortifiedthatthebutlerwiththebottleinthenapkinhadpassedhimover。TheGermanknittedhisbrows，andtriedtolookasthoughhewouldnothavecaredtotakethatwine，buthewasmortifiedbecausenoonewouldunderstandthathehadnotwantedthewinetoquenchhisthirst，orthroughgreed，butfromaconscientiousdesireforknowledge。

Chapter16

ATTHEMEN’SENDofthetabletheconversationwasbecomingmoreandmorelively。ThecolonelwasassertingthattheproclamationofthedeclarationofwarhadalreadybeenissuedinPetersburg，andthatacopy，whichhehadseenhimself，hadthatdaybeenbroughtbyacouriertothecommander—in—chief。

“AndwhatevilspiritmustmakeusgotowarwithBonaparte？”saidShinshin。“HehasalreadymadeAustriatakeabackseat。Iamafraiditmaybeourturnthistime。”

Thecolonelwasastout，tall，andplethoricGerman，evidentlyazealousofficerandgoodpatriot。HeresentedShinshin’swords。

“Thereasonwhy，mygoodsir，”hesaid，speakingwithaGermanaccent，“isjustthattheemperorknowsthat。InhisproclamationhesaysthathecannotbeholdwithequanimitythedangerthreateningRussia，andthesecurityoftheempire，itsdignity，andthesacrednessofitsalliances。”Helaidaspecialemphasisonthewordalliances，asthoughthegistofthematterlayinthatword。Andwiththeunfailingmemoryforofficialmattersthatwaspeculiartohim，herepeatedtheintroductorywordsoftheproclamation…“andthedesire，whichconstitutestheSovereign’ssoleandimmutableaim，toestablishpeaceonasecurefoundation，havedeterminedhimtodespatchnowapartofthetroopsabroad，andtomakedispositionsforcarryingoutthisnewproject。Thatisthereasonwhy，mydearsir，”heconcluded，tossingoffaglassofwineinedifyingfashion，andlookingtowardsthecountforencouragement。

“Doyouknowtheproverb，‘Erema，Erema，you’dbetterstayathomeandmindyourspindle’？”saidShinshin，frowningandsmiling。“Thatsuitsustoahair。Why，Suvorovevenwasdefeatedhollow，andwhereareourSuvorovsnowadays？Ijustaskyouthat，”hesaid，continuallyshiftingfromRussiantoFrenchandbackagain。

“Weoughttofighttothelastdropofourblood，”saidthecolonel，thumpingthetable，“andtodieforouremperor，andthenallwillbewell。Andtodiscussitaslittleaspossible，”heconcluded，turningagaintothecount，anddrawlingouttheword“possible。”“That’showweoldhussarslookatit；that’sallwehavetosay。Andhowdoyoulookatit，youngmanandyounghussar？”headded，addressingNikolay，who，catchingthatitwasthewartheywerediscussing，haddroppedhisconversationwithJulie，andwasalleyesandallears，intentonthecolonel。

“Iperfectlyagreewithyou，”answeredNikolay，growinghotallover，twistinghisplateround，andchangingtheplacesoftheglasseswithafaceasdesperateanddeterminedasthoughhewereexposedtogreatdangeratthatactualmoment。“IamconvincedthattheRussiansmustdieorconquer，”hesaid。Hewashimself，liketherestoftheparty，consciousafterthewordswereutteredthathehadspokenwithanenthusiasmandfervouroutofkeepingwiththeoccasion，andsohewasembarrassed。

“Thatwasveryfine，whatyoujustsaid，”Juliesittingbesidehimsaidbreathlessly。Sonyatrembledalloverandcrimsonedtoherears，andbehindherears，anddownherneckandshoulders，whileNikolaywasspeaking。Pierrelistenedtothecolonel’sremarks，andnoddedhisheadapprovingly。

“That’scapital，”saidhe。

“You’reatruehussar，youngman，”thecolonelshouted，thumpingonthetableagain。

“Whatareyoumakingsuchanoiseaboutoverthere？”MaryaDmitryevna’sbassvoicewassuddenlyheardaskingacrossthetable。“Whatareyouthumpingthetablefor？”sheaddressedthecolonel。“Whomareyousohotagainst？Youimagine，Isuppose，thattheFrencharebeforeyou？”

“Ispeakthetruth，”saidthehussar，smiling。

“It’sallaboutthewar，”thecountshoutedacrossthetable。“Myson’sgoing，yousee，MaryaDmitryevna，myson’sgoing。”

“AndI’vefoursonsinthearmy，butIdon’tgrieve。All’sinGod’shands；onemaydieinone’sbed，andinbattleGodmayspare，”MaryaDmitryevna’sdeepvoiceboomedback，speakingwithouttheslightesteffortfromthefurtherendofthetable。

“That’strue。”

Andtheconversationconcentratedintotwogroupsagain，oneattheladies’end，andoneatthemen’s。

“Youdon’tdaretoask！”saidherlittlebrothertoNatasha，“andyouwon’task！”

“Iwillask，”answeredNatasha。Herfacesuddenlyglowed，expressingadesperateandmirthfulresolution。Sheroseinherseat，hereyesinvitingPierretolisten，andaddressedhermother。

“Mamma！”herchildishcontraltorangoutoverthetable。

“Whatisit？”thecountessaskedindismay；butseeingfromherdaughter’sfacethatitwasmischief，sheshookherhandathersternly，withathreateningandforbiddingmovementofherhead。

Allconversationwashushed。

“Mamma！whatpuddingwilltherebe？”Natasha’slittlevoicerangoutstillmoreresolutelyanddeliberately。

Thecountesstriedtofrown，butcouldnot。MaryaDmitryevnashookherfatfinger。

“Cossack！”shesaidmenacingly。

Mostoftheguestslookedattheparents，notknowinghowtheyweretotakethissally。

“I’llgiveittoyou，”saidthecountess。

“Mamma！whatpuddingwillitbe？”Natashacried，withboldandsaucygaiety，feelingsurethatherprankwouldbetakenintherightspirit。SonyaandfatlittlePetyawerehidingtheirgiggles。“YouseeIdidask，”NatashawhisperedtoherlittlebrotherandPierre，atwhomsheglancedagain。

“Ice—pudding，onlyyouarenottohaveany，”saidMaryaDmitryevna。Natashasawtherewasnothingtobeafraidof，andsoshewasnotfrightenedatMaryaDmitryevnaeven。

“MaryaDmitryevna！whatsortofice—pudding？Idon’tlikeicecream。”

“Carrot—ices。”

“No，whatsort，MaryaDmitryevna，whatsort？”shealmostshrieked。“Iwanttoknow。”MaryaDmitryevnaandthecountessburstoutlaughing，andallthepartyfollowedtheirexample。Theyalllaughed，notatMaryaDmitryevna’sanswer，butattheirrepressibleboldnessandsmartnessofthelittlegirl，whohadthepluckandthewittotackleMaryaDmitryevnainthisfashion。

Natashaonlydesistedwhenshehadbeentolditwastobepineappleice。Beforetheices，champagnewaspassedround。Againthebandstruckup，thecountkissedthecountess，andtheguestsgettingupfromthetablecongratulatedthecountess，andclinkedglassesacrossthetablewiththecount，thechildren，andoneanother。Againthewaitersdartedabout，chairsgratedonthefloor，andinthesameorder，butwithflushedfaces，theguestsreturnedtothedrawing—roomandthecount’sstudy。

Chapter17

THECARD—TABLESwereopened，partiesweremadeupforboston，andthecount’sguestssettledthemselvesinthetwodrawing—rooms，thedivan—room，andthelibrary。

Thecount，holdinghiscardsinafan，withsomedifficultykepthimselffromdroppingintohiscustomaryafter—dinnernap，andlaughedateverything。Theyoungpeople，atthecountess’ssuggestion，gatheredabouttheclavichordandtheharp。Juliewasfirstpressedbyeveryonetoperform，andplayedapiecewithvariationsontheharp。ThenshejoinedtheotheryoungladiesinbeggingNatashaandNikolay，whowerenotedfortheirmusicaltalents，tosingsomething。Natasha，whowastreatedbyeveryoneasthoughsheweregrown—up，wasvisiblyveryproudofit，andatthesametimemadeshybyit。

“Whatarewetosing？”sheasked。

“The‘Spring，’”answeredNikolay。

“Well，then，let’smakehaste。Boris，comehere，”saidNatasha。“Butwhere’sSonya？”Shelookedround，andseeingthatherfriendwasnotintheroom，sheranofftofindher。

AfterrunningtoSonya’sroom，andnotfindingherthere，Natasharantothenursery:Sonyawasnotthereeither。Natashaknewthatshemustbeonthechestinthecorridor。ThechestinthecorridorwasthesceneofthewoesoftheyoungerfemininegenerationofthehouseofRostov。Yes，Sonyawasonthechest，lyingfacedownwards，crushinghergossamerpinkfrockontheiroldnurse’sdirtystripedfeather—bed。Herfacehiddeninherfingers，shewassobbing，andherlittlebareshoulderswereheaving。Natasha’sbirthdayfacethathadbeenfestiveandexcitedallday，changedatonce；hereyesworeafixedlook，thenherbroadneckquivered，andthecornersofherlipsdrooped。

“Sonya！whatisit？…what’sthematterwithyou？Oo—oo—oo！…”andNatasha，lettingherbigmouthdropopenandbecomingquiteugly，wailedlikeababy，notknowingwhy，simplybecauseSonyawascrying。Sonyatriedtoliftupherhead，triedtoanswer，butcouldnot，andburiedherfacemorethanever。Natashacried，sittingontheedgeofthebluefeather—bedandhuggingherfriend。Makinganeffort，Sonyagotup，begantodryhertearsandtotalk。

“Nikolinka’sgoingawayinaweek，his…paper…hascome…hetoldmehimself。…ButstillIshouldn’tcry…”（sheshowedasheetofpapershewasholdinginherhand；onitwereverseswrittenbyNikolay）。“Ishouldn’thavecried；butyoucan’t…noonecanunderstand…whatasoulhehas。”

Andagainshefelltoweepingatthethoughtofhownoblehissoulwas。

“It’sallrightforyou…I’mnotenvious…IloveyouandBoristoo，”shesaid，controllingherselfalittle；“he’ssonice…therearenodifficultiesinyourway。ButNikolay’smycousin…themetropolitanchiefpriesthimself…hasto…orelseit’simpossible。Andso，ifmamma’stold”（Sonyalookedonthecountessandaddressedherasamother），“she’llsaythatI’mspoilingNikolay’scareer，thatIhavenoheart，thatI’mungrateful，thoughreally…inGod’sname”（shemadethesignofthecross）“Iloveherso，andallofyou，onlyVera…Whyisit？WhathaveIdonetoher？IamsogratefultoyouthatIwouldbegladtosacrificeeverythingforyou，butIhavenothing。…”

Sonyacouldsaynomore，andagainsheburiedherheadinherhandsandthefeather—bed。Natashatriedtocomforther，butherfaceshowedthatshegraspedallthegravityofherfriend’strouble。

“Sonya！”shesaidallatonce，asthoughshehadguessedtherealcauseofhercousin’smisery，“ofcourseVera’sbeentalkingtoyousincedinner？Yes？”

“Yes，theseversesNikolaywrotehimself，andIcopiedsomeothers；andshefoundthemonmytable，andsaidsheshouldshowthemtomamma，andshesaidtoothatIwasungrateful，andthatmammawouldneverallowhimtomarryme，butthathewouldmarryJulie。Youseehowhehasbeenwithherallday…Natasha！whyisit？”

Andagainshesobbedmorebitterlythanever。Natashaliftedherup，huggedher，and，smilingthroughhertears，begancomfortingher。

“Sonya，don’tyoubelieveher，darling；don’tbelieveher。DoyourememberhowwetalkedwithNikolay，allthreeofustogether，inthedivan—room，doyouremember，aftersupper？Why，wesettledhowitshouldallbe。Idon’tquiteremembernow，butdoyouremember，itwasallrightandallpossible。Why，uncleShinshin’sbrotherismarriedtohisfirstcousin，andwe’reonlysecondcousins，youknow。AndBorissaidthatit’squiteeasilyarranged。YouknowItoldhimallaboutit。He’ssocleverandsogood，”saidNatasha。…“Don’tcry，Sonya，darling，sweetone，precious，Sonya，”andshekissedher，laughing。“Veraisspiteful；nevermindher！anditwillallcomerightandshewon’ttellmamma。Nikolinkawilltellherhimself，andhe’sneverthoughtofJulie。”

Andshekissedheronthehead。Sonyagotup，andthekittenrevived；itseyessparkled，anditwasready，itseemed，towagitstail，springonitssoftpawsandbegintoplaywithaball，initsownnatural，kittenishway。

“Doyouthinkso？Really？Truly？”shesaidrapidly，smoothingherfrockandherhair。

“Really，truly，”answeredNatasha，puttingbackastraycoilofroughhaironherfriend’shead；andtheybothlaughed。“Well，comealongandsingthe‘Spring。’”

“Let’sgo，then。”

“AnddoyouknowthatfatPierre，whowassittingoppositeme，he’ssofunny！”Natashasaidsuddenly，stopping。“Iamenjoyingmyselfso，”andNatasharanalongthecorridor。

Brushingoffthefeatherflufffromherfrock，andthrustingtheversesintoherbodicenextherlittlethroatandprominentbreast—bones，Sonyaranwithflushedfaceandlight，happysteps，followingNatashaalongthecorridortothedivan—room。Attherequestoftheirgueststheyoungpeoplesangthequartettethe“Spring，”withwhicheveryonewasdelighted；thenNikolaysangasonghehadlatelylearnt。

“Howsweetinthemoon’skindlyray，

Infancytothyselftosay，

Thatearthholdsstillonedeartothee！

Whosethoughts，whosedreamsareallofthee！

Thatherfairfingersasofold

Straystillupontheharpofgold，

Makingsweet，passionateharmony，

Thattohersidedothsummonthee！

To—morrowandthyblissisnear！

Alas！all’spast！sheisnothere！”

Andhehadhardlysungthelastwordswhentheyoungpeopleweregettingreadytodanceinthebighall，andthemusiciansbeganstampingwiththeirfeetandcoughingintheorchestra。

Pierrewassittinginthedrawing—room，whereShinshinhadstartedaconversationwithhimonthepoliticalsituation，asasubjectlikelytobeofinteresttoanyonewhohadjustcomehomefromabroad，thoughitdidnotinfactinterestPierre。Severalotherpersonsjoinedintheconversation。Whentheorchestrastruckup，Natashawalkedintothedrawing—room，andgoingstraightuptoPierre，laughingandblushing，shesaid，“Mammatoldmetoaskyoutodance。”

“I’mafraidofmuddlingthefigures，”saidPierre，“butifyouwillbemyteacher…”andhegavehisfathandtotheslimlittlegirl，puttinghisarmlowdowntoreachherlevel。

Whilethecoupleswereplacingthemselvesandthemusiciansweretuningup，Pierresatdownwithhislittlepartner。Natashawasperfectlyhappy；shewasdancingwithagrown—upperson，withamanwhohadjustcomefromabroad。Shewassittinginviewofeveryoneandtalkingtohimlikeagrown—upperson。Shehadinherhandafan，whichsomeladyhadgivenhertohold，andtakingthemostmodishpose（Godknowswhereandwhenshehadlearntit），fanningherselfandsmilingalloverherface，shetalkedtoherpartner。

“Whatagirl！Justlookather，lookather！”saidtheoldcountess，crossingthebighallandpointingtoNatasha。Natashacolouredandlaughed。

“Why，whatdoyoumean，mamma？Whyshouldyoulaugh？Isthereanythingstrangeaboutit？”

Inthemiddleofthethirdécossaisetherewasaclatterofchairsinthedrawing—room，wherethecountandMaryaDmitryevnawereplaying，andthegreaternumberofthemorehonouredguestsandelderlypeoplestretchingthemselvesaftersittingsolong，puttheirpocket—booksandpursesintheirpocketsandcameouttothedoorofthebighall。InfrontofallcameMaryaDmitryevnaandthecount，bothwithradiantfaces。Thecountgavehisarm，curvedintoahoop，toMaryaDmitryevnawithplayfullyexaggeratedceremony，likeaballet—dancer。Hedrewhimselfup，andhisfacebeamedwithapeculiar，jauntily—knowingsmile，andassoonastheyhadfinisheddancingthelastfigureoftheécossaise，heclappedhishandstotheorchestra，andshoutedtothefirstviolin:“Semyon！doyouknow‘DanielCooper’？”

Thatwasthecount’sfavouritedancethathehaddancedinhisyouth。（DanielCooperwasthenameofafigureoftheanglaise。）

“Lookatpapa！”Natashashoutedtoalltheroom（entirelyforgettingthatshewasdancingwithagrown—uppartner），andduckingdowntillhercurlyheadalmosttouchedherknees，shewentoffintoherringinglaughthatfilledthehall。Everyoneinthehallwas，infact，lookingwithasmileofdelightatthegleefuloldgentleman。Standingbesidehismajesticpartner，MaryaDmitryevna，whowastallerthanhewas，hecurvedhisarms，swayingthemintimetothemusic，movedhisshoulders，twirledwithhislegs，lightlytappingwithhisheels，andwithabroadeninggrinonhisroundface，preparedthespectatorsforwhatwastocome。Assoonastheorchestraplayedthegay，irresistibleairofDanielCooper，somewhatlikealivelierRussiantrepak，allthedoorwaysofthebighallweresuddenlyfilledwiththesmilingfacesofthehouse—serfs—menononeside，andwomenontheother—cometolookattheirmastermakingmerry。

“Ourlittlefather！Aneagleheis！”theoldnursesaidoutloudatonedoor。

Thecountdancedwellandknewthathedid，buthispartnercouldnotdanceatall，anddidnotcareaboutdancingwell。Herportlyfigurestooderect，withhermightyarmshangingbyherside（shehadhandedherreticuletothecountess）。Itwasonlyherstern，butcomelyfacethatdanced。Whatwasexpressedbythewholeroundpersonofthecount，wasexpressedbyMaryaDmitryevnainhermoreandmorebeamingcountenanceandpuckerednose。Whilethecount，withgreaterandgreaterexpenditureofenergy，enchantedthespectatorsbytheunexpectednessofthenimblepirouettesandcapersofhissupplelegs，MaryaDmitryevnawiththeslightesteffortinthemovementofhershouldersorcurvingofherarms，whentheyturnedormarkedthetimewiththeirfeet，producednolessimpressionfromthecontrast，whicheveryoneappreciated，withherportlinessandherhabitualseverityofdemeanour。Thedancegrewmoreandmoreanimated。Thevis—à—viscouldnotobtainonemoment’sattention，anddidnotattempttodoso。AllattentionwasabsorbedbythecountandMaryaDmitryevna。Natashapulledatthesleeveorgownofeveryonepresent，urgingthemtolookatpapa，thoughtheynevertooktheireyesoffthedancers。Inthepausesinthedancethecountdrewadeepbreath，wavedhishandsandshoutedtothemusiciantoplayfaster。Moreandmorequickly，moreandmorenimblythecountpirouetted，turningnowonhistoesandnowonhisheels，roundMaryaDmitryevna。Atlast，twistinghisladyroundtoherplace，heexecutedthelaststeps，kickinghissupplelegsupbehindhim，andbowinghisperspiringheadandsmilingface，witharoundsweepofhisrightarm，amidstathunderofapplauseandlaughter，inwhichNatasha’slaughwasloudest。Bothpartnersstoodstill，breathingheavily，andmoppingtheirfaceswiththeirbatistehandkerchiefs。

“That’showtheyusedtodanceinourday，machère，saidthecount。

“Bravo，DanielCooper！”saidMaryaDmitryevna，tuckinguphersleevesanddrawingadeep，prolongedbreath。

Chapter18

WHILEINTHEROSTOVS’HALLtheyweredancingthesixthanglaise，whilethewearyorchestraplayedwrongnotes，andthetiredfootmenandcooksweregettingthesupper，CountBezuhovhadjusthadhissixthstroke。Thedoctorsdeclaredthattherewasnohopeofrecovery；thesickmanreceivedabsolutionandthesacramentwhileunconscious。Preparationswerebeingmadeforadministeringextremeunction，andthehousewasfullofthebustleandthrillofsuspenseusualatsuchmoments。Outsidethehouseundertakerswerecrowdingbeyondthegates，tryingtoescapethenoticeofthecarriagesthatdroveup，buteagerlyanticipatingagoodorderforthecount’sfuneral。ThegovernorofMoscow，whohadbeenconstantlysendinghisadjutantstoinquireafterthecount’scondition，camehimselfthateveningtosaygood—byetotherenownedgrandeeofCatherine’scourt，CountBezuhov。

Themagnificentreception—roomwasfull。Everyonestooduprespectfullywhenthegovernor，afterbeinghalfanhouralonewiththesickman，cameoutofthesick—room。Bestowingscantyrecognitiononthebowswithwhichhewasreceived，hetriedtoescapeasquicklyaspossiblefromthegazeofthedoctors，ecclesiasticalpersonages，andrelations。PrinceVassily，whohadgrownpalerandthinnerduringthelastfewdays，escortedthegovernorout，andsoftlyrepeatedsomethingtohimseveraltimesover。

Afterseeingthegovernor，PrinceVassilysatdownonachairinthehallalone，crossingoneleghighovertheother，leaninghiselbowonhisknee，andcoveringhiseyeswithhishand。Aftersittingsoforsometimehegotup，andwithstepsmorehurriedthanhiswont，hecrossedthelongcorridor，lookingroundhimwithfrightenedeyes，andwenttothebackpartofthehousetotheapartmentsoftheeldestprincess。

Thepersonshehadleftinthedimlylightedreception—room，nexttothesick—room，talkedinbrokenwhispersamongthemselves，pausing，andlookingroundwitheyesfullofsuspenseandinquirywheneverthedoorthatledintothedyingman’sroomcreakedassomeonewentinorcameout。

“Man’slimitation，”saidalittleman，anecclesiasticofsomesort，toalady，whowassittingnearhimlisteningna？velytohiswords—“hislimitationisfixed，thereisnooversteppingit。”

“Iwonderifitwon’tbelateforextremeunction？”inquiredthelady，usinghisclericaltitle，andapparentlyhavingnoopinionofherownonthematter。

“Itisagreatmystery，ma’am，”answeredtheclerk，passinghishandsoverhisbaldhead，onwhichlayafewtressesofcarefullycombed，halfgreyhair。

“Whowasthat？wasitthegovernorhimself？”theywereaskingattheotherendoftheroom。“Whatayoung—lookingman！”

“Andhe’soversixty！。…What，dotheysay，thecountdoesnotknowanyone？Dotheymeantogiveextremeunction？”

“Iknewamanwhoreceivedextremeunctionseventimes。”

Thesecondprincesscameoutofthesick—roomwithtearfuleyes，andsatdownbesideDoctorLorrain，whowassittinginagracefulposeundertheportraitofCatherine，withhiselbowonthetable。

“Veryfine，”saidthedoctorinreplytoaquestionabouttheweather；“veryfine，princess，andbesides，atMoscow，onemightsupposeoneselfinthecountry。”

“Mightonenot？”saidtheprincess，sighing。“Somayhehavesomethingtodrink？”Lorrainthoughtamoment。

“Hehastakenhismedicine？”

“Yes。”

Thedoctorlookedathismemoranda。

“Takeaglassofboiledwaterandputinapinch”（heshowedwithhisdelicatefingerswhatwasmeantbyapinch）“ofcreamoftartar。”

“Therehasneverbeenacase，”saidtheGermandoctortotheadjutant，speakingbrokenRussian，“ofrecoveryafterhavingathirdstroke。”

“Andwhatavigorousmanhewas！”saidtheadjutant。“Andtowhomwillhisgreatwealthgo？”headdedinawhisper。

“Candidateswillbefound，”theGermanreplied，smiling。Everyonelookedroundagainatthedoor；itcreaked，andthesecondprincesshavingmadethedrinkaccordingtoLorrain’sdirection，carrieditintothesick—room。TheGermandoctorwentuptoLorrain。

“Canitdragontillto—morrowmorning？”askedtheGerman，withavileFrenchaccent。

Lorrain，withcompressedlipsandasternface，movedhisfingerbeforehisnosetoexpressanegative。

“To—night，notlater，”hesaidsoftly，andwithadecoroussmileofsatisfactionatbeingabletounderstandandtoexpresstheexactpositionofthesickman，hewalkedaway。

MeanwhilePrinceVassilyhadopenedthedooroftheprincess’sroom。

Itwashalfdarkintheroom；therewereonlytwolampsburningbeforetheholypictures，andtherewasasweetperfumeofincenseandflowers。Thewholeroomwasfurnishedwithminiaturefurniture，littlesideboards，smallbookcases，andsmalltables。Behindascreencouldbeseenthewhitecoveringsofahighfeather—bed。Alittledogbarked。

“Ah，isthatyou，moncousin？”

Shegotupandsmoothedherhair，whichwasalways，evennow，soextraordinarilysmooththatitseemedasthoughmadeoutofonepiecewithherheadandcoveredwithvarnish。

“Hasanythinghappened？”sheasked。“Iamincontinualdread。”

“Nothing，everythingisunchanged。Ihaveonlycometohavealittletalkwithyou，Katish，aboutbusiness，”saidtheprince，sittingdownwearilyinthelowchairfromwhichshehadjustrisen。“Howwarmitishere，though，”hesaid。“Come，sithere；letustalk。”

“Iwonderedwhetheranythinghadhappened，”saidtheprincess，andwithherstonilysevereexpressionunchanged，shesatdownoppositetheprince，preparingherselftolisten。“Ihavebeentryingtogetsomesleep，moncousin，butIcan’t。”

“Well，mydear？”saidPrinceVassily，takingtheprincess’shand，andbendingitdownwardsashishabitwas。

Itwasplainthatthis“well？”referredtomuchthattheybothcomprehendedwithoutmentioningitinwords。

Theprincess，withherspare，uprightfigure，sodisproportionatelylonginthebody，lookedstraightattheprincewithnosignofemotioninherprominentgreyeyes。Sheshookherhead，andsighinglookedtowardstheholypictures。Hergesturemighthavebeeninterpretedasanexpressionofgriefanddevotion，orasanexpressionofwearinessandthehopeofaspeedyrelease。PrinceVassilytookitasanexpressionofweariness。

“Anddoyousupposeit’sanyeasierforme？”hesaid。“Iamaswornoutasaposthorse。Imusthavealittletalkwithyou，Katish，andaveryseriousone。”

PrinceVassilypaused。andhischeeksbegantwitchingnervously，firstononeside，thenontheother，givinghisfaceanunpleasantexpressionsuchaswasneverseenonhiscountenancewhenhewasindrawing—rooms。Hiseyes，too，weredifferentfromusual:atonemomenttheystaredwithasortofinsolentjocoseness，atthenexttheylookedroundfurtively。

Theprincess，pullingherdogonherlapwithherthin，dryhands，gazedintentlyattheeyesofPrinceVassily，butitwasevidentthatshewouldnotbreakthesilence，ifshehadtositsilenttillmorning。

“Yousee，mydearprincessandcousin，KaterinaSemyonovna，”pursuedPrinceVassily，obviouslywithsomeinnerconflictbracinghimselftogoonwithwhathewantedtosay，“atsuchmomentsasthepresent，onehastothinkofeverything。Onemustthinkofthefuture，ofyou…Icareforallofyouasifyouweremyownchildren；youknowthat。”

Theprincesslookedathimwiththesamedullimmovablegaze。

“Finally，wehavetothinkofmyfamilytoo，”continuedPrinceVassily，angrilypushingawayalittletableandnotlookingather:“youknow，Katish，thatyouthreeMamontovsistersandmywife，—wearetheonlydirectheirsofthecount。Iknow，Iknowhowpainfulitisforyoutospeakandthinkofsuchthings。Andit’sashardforme；but，mydear，Iamamanoverfifty，Imustbereadyforanything。DoyouknowthatIhavesentforPierre，andthatthecount，pointingstraightathisportrait，hasaskedforhim？”

PrinceVassilylookedinquiringlyattheprincess，buthecouldnotmakeoutwhethershewasconsideringwhathehadsaid，orwassimplystaringathim。

“IpraytoGodforonethingonlycontinually，moncousin，”shereplied，“thatHemayhavemercyuponhim，andallowhisnoblesoultoleavethis…”

“Yes，quiteso，”PrinceVassilycontinuedimpatiently，rubbinghisbaldheadandagainwrathfullymovingthetabletowardshimthathehadjustmovedaway，“butinfact…infactthepointis，asyouareyourselfaware，thatlastwinterthecountmadeawillbywhich，passingoverhisdirectheirsandus，hebequeathedallhispropertytoPierre。”

“Hemayhavemadeeversomanywills！”theprincesssaidplacidly；“buthecan’tleaveittoPierre。Pierreisillegitimate。”

“Machère，”saidPrinceVassilysuddenly，pushingthetableagainsthim，growingmoreearnestandbeginningtospeakmorerapidly:“butwhatifaletterhasbeenwrittentotheEmperor，andthecounthaspetitionedhimtolegitimisePierre？Youunderstand，thatthecount’sserviceswouldmakehispetitioncarryweight…”

Theprincesssmiled，aspeoplesmilewhobelievethattheyknowmuchmoreaboutthesubjectthanthosewithwhomtheyaretalking。

“Icansaymore，”PrinceVassilywenton，claspingherhand；“thatletterhasbeenwritten，thoughithasnotbeensentoff，andtheEmperorhasheardaboutit。Thequestiononlyiswhetherithasbeendestroyedornot。Ifnot，assoonasallisover，”PrinceVassilysighed，givinghertherebytounderstandwhathemeantpreciselybythewords“allisover，”“andtheyopenthecount’spapers，thewillwiththeletterwillbegiventotheEmperor，andhispetitionwillcertainlybegranted。Pierre，asthelegitimateson，willreceiveeverything。”

“Whataboutourshare？”theprincessinquired，smilingironicallyasthoughanythingbutthatmighthappen。

“Why，mypoorKatish，itisasclearasdaylight。Hewillthenbetheonlylegalheirofall，andyouwon’treceiveasmuchasthis，see。Yououghttoknow，mydear，whetherthewillandthepetitionwerewritten，andwhethertheyhavebeendestroyed，andiftheyhavesomehowbeenoverlooked，thenyououghttoknowwheretheyareandtofindthem，because…”

“Thatwouldberathertoomuch！”theprincessinterruptedhim，smilingsardonically，withnochangeintheexpressionofhereyes。“Iamawoman，andyouthinkweareallsilly；butIdoknowsomuch，thatanillegitimatesoncan’tinherit…Unbatard，”sheadded，supposingthatbythistranslationofthewordshewasconclusivelyprovingtotheprincethegroundlessnessofhiscontention。

“Howcanyounotunderstand，Katish，really！Youaresointelligent；howisityoudon’tunderstandthatifthecounthaswrittenalettertotheEmperor，begginghimtorecognisehissonaslegitimate，thenPierrewillnotbePierrebutCountBezuhov，andthenhewillinheriteverythingunderthewill？Andifthewillandtheletterhavenotbeendestroyed，thenexcepttheconsolationofhavingbeendutifulandofallthatresultsfromhavingdoneyourduty，nothingisleftforyou。That’sthefact。”

“Iknowthatthewillwasmade，butIknow，too，thatitisinvalid，andyouseemtotakemeforaperfectfool，moncousin，”saidtheprincess，withtheairwithwhichwomenspeakwhentheyimaginetheyaresayingsomethingwittyandbiting。

“Mydearprincess，KaterinaSemyonovna！”PrinceVassilybeganimpatiently，“Ihavecometoyounottoprovokeyou，buttotalktoyouasakinswoman，agood，kind—hearted，truekinswoman，ofyourowninterests。ItellyouforthetenthtimethatifthelettertotheEmperorandthewillinPierre’sfavourareamongthecount’spapers，you，mydeargirl，andyoursistersarenotheiresses。Ifyoudon’tbelieveme，believepeoplewhoknow；IhavejustbeentalkingtoDmitryOnufritch”（thiswasthefamilysolicitor）；“hesaidthesame。”

Therewasobviouslysomesuddenchangeintheprincess’sideas；herthinlipsturnedwhite（hereyesdidnotchange），andwhenshebegantospeak，hervoicepassedthroughtransitions，whichsheclearlydidnotherselfanticipate。

“Thatwouldbeaprettything，”shesaid。“Iwantednothing，andIwantnothing。”Sheflungherdogoffherlapandsmoothedoutthefoldsofherskirt。

“That’sthegratitude，that’stherecognitionpeoplegetwhohavesacrificedeverythingforhim，”shesaid。“Verynice！Excellent！Idon’twantanything，prince。”

“Yes，butyouarenotalone，youhavesisters，”answeredPrinceVassily。Buttheprincessdidnotheedhim。

“Yes，Iknewitlongago，butI’dforgottenthatIcouldexpectnothinginthishousebutbaseness，deceit，envy，scheming，nothingbutingratitude，theblackestingratitude…”

“Doyouordoyounotknowwherethatwillis？”askedPrinceVassily，thetwitchingofhischeeksmoremarkedthanever。

“Yes，Ihavebeenfoolish；Istillkeptfaithinpeople，andcaredforthemandsacrificedmyself。Butnoonesucceedsexceptthosewhoarebaseandvile。Iknowwhoseplottingthisis。”

Theprincesswouldhaverisen，buttheprinceheldherbythearm。Theprincesshadtheairofapersonwhohassuddenlylostfaithinthewholehumanrace。Shelookedviciouslyathercompanion。

“Thereisstilltime，mydear。Remember，Katish，thatallthiswasdoneheedlessly，inamomentofanger，ofillness，andthenforgotten。Ourduty，mydeargirl，istocorrecthismistake，tosoftenhislastmomentsbynotlettinghimcommitthisinjustice，notlettinghimdiewiththethoughtthathehasmademiserablethose…”

“Thosewhohavesacrificedeverythingforhim，”theprincesscaughthimup；andshemadeanimpulsiveeffortagaintostandup，buttheprincewouldnotlether，“asacrificehehasneverknownhowtoappreciate。No，moncousin，”sheadded，withasigh，“Iwillrememberthatonecanexpectnorewardinthisworld，thatinthisworldthereisnohonour，nojustice。Cunningandwickednessiswhatonewantsinthisworld。”

“Come，voyons，calmyourself；Iknowyournobleheart。”

“No，Ihaveawickedheart。”

“Iknowyourheart，”repeatedtheprince。“Ivalueyouraffection，andIcouldwishyouhadthesameopinionofme。Calmyourselfandletustalksensiblywhilethereistime—perhapstwenty—fourhours，perhapsone。Tellmeallyouknowaboutthewill，andwhat’sofmostconsequence，whereitis；youmustknow。Wewilltakeitnowatonceandshowittothecount。Hehasnodoubtforgottenaboutitandwouldwishtodestroyit。Youunderstandthatmydesireistocarryouthiswishesreligiously。ThatiswhatIcameherefor。Iamonlyheretobeofusetohimandtoyou。”

“NowIseeitall。Iknowwhoseplottingthisis。Iknow，”theprincesswassaying。

“That’snotthepoint，mydear。”

“It’sallyourpreciousAnnaMihalovna，yourprotégéewhomIwouldn’ttakeasahousemaid，thenastycreature。”

“Donotletuswastetime。”

“Oh，don’ttalktome！Lastwintersheforcedherwayinhereandtoldsuchapackofvile，meantalestothecountaboutallofus，especiallySophie—Ican’trepeatthem—thatitmadethecountill，andhewouldn’tseeusforafortnight。Itwasatthattime，Iknow，hewrotethathateful，infamousdocument，butIthoughtitwasofnoconsequence。”

“Thereweare。Whydidn’tyoutellusaboutitbefore？”

“It’sintheinlaidportfoliothathekeepsunderhispillow。NowIknow，”saidtheprincess，makingnoreply。“Yes，ifIhaveasintomyaccount，agreatsin，it’smyhatredofthatinfamouswoman，”almostshriekedtheprincess，utterlytransformed。“Andwhydoessheforceherselfinhere？ButI’llhaveitoutwithher。Thetimewillcome！”

Chapter19

ATTHETIMEthattheseconversationsweretakingplaceinthereception—roomandtheprincess’sroom，acarriagewithPierre（whohadbeensentfor）andAnnaMihalovna（whohadthoughtfittocomewithhim）initwasdrivingintothecourtofCountBezuhov’smansion。Whenthesoundofthecarriagewheelswasmuffledbythestrawinthestreet，AnnaMihalovnaturnedwithwordsofconsolationtohercompanion，discoveredthathewasasleepinhiscornerofthecarriage，andwakedhimup。Rousinghimself，PierrefollowedAnnaMihalovnaoutofthecarriage，andonlythenbegantothinkoftheinterviewwithhisdyingfatherthatawaitedhim。Henoticedthattheyhaddrivennotuptothevisitors’approach，buttothebackentrance。Ashegotdownfromthecarriagestep，twomeninthedressoftradesmenhastilyscurriedawayfromtheentranceintotheshadowofthewall。Pierre，ashestoodwaiting，noticedseveralothersimilarpersonsstandingintheshadowofthehouseonbothsides。ButneitherAnnaMihalovnanorthefootmanandcoachman，whomusthaveseenthesepeople，tookanynoticeofthem。Soitmustbeallright，Pierredecided，andhefollowedAnnaMihalovna。WithhurryingfootstepsAnnaMihalovnawalkedupthedimlylighted，narrowstonestaircase，urgingonPierre，wholaggedbehind。ThoughPierrehadnonotionwhyhehadtogotothecountatall，andstilllesswhyhehadtogobythebackstairs，yet，impressedbyAnnaMihalovna’sassuranceandhaste，hemadeuphismindthatitwasundoubtedlynecessaryforhimtodoso。Half—wayupthestairstheywerealmostknockedoverbysomemenwithpails，whorandowntowardsthem，trampingloudlywiththeirbigboots。ThesemenhuddledupagainstthewalltoletPierreandAnnaMihalovnapass，andshowednottheslightestsurpriseatseeingthem。

“Isthistheprincess’ssideofthehouse？”AnnaMihalovnaaskedofoneofthem…

“Yes，itis，”answeredthefootmaninabold，loudvoice，asthoughanythingwerepermissibleatsuchatime；“thedoorontheleft，ma’am。”

“Perhapsthecounthasnotaskedforme，”saidPierre，ashereachedthelanding。“Ihadbettergotomyownroom。”AnnaMihalovnastoppedforPierretocatchherup。

“Ah，monami，”shesaid，touchinghishandwithjustthesamegestureasshehadusedinthemorningwithherson。“Believeme，Iamsufferingasmuchasyou；butbeaman。”

“Really，hadInotbettergo？”Pierreaskedaffectionately，lookingatheroverhisspectacles。

“Ah，monami，forgetthewrongthatmayhavebeendoneyou，thinkthatitisyourfather…andperhapsinhisdeathagony，”shesighed。“Ihavelovedyoulikeasonfromthefirst。Trustinme，Pierre。Ishallnotforgetyourinterests。”

Pierredidnotunderstandaword。Againhefeltmorestronglythanbeforethatallthishadtobeso，andheobedientlyfollowedAnnaMihalovna，whowasalreadyopeningthedoor。Thedoorledintothevestibuleofthebackstairs。Inthecornersattheprincess’soldman—servantknittingstockings。Pierrehadneverbeeninthispartofthehouse，andhadnotevensuspectedtheexistenceoftheseapartments。Amaid—servantcarryingatraywithadecanterovertookthem，andAnnaMihalovna（callingher“mydear”and“mygoodgirl”）askedheraftertheprincesses’health，anddrewPierrefurtheralongthestonecorridor。Thefirstdoortotheleftledoutofthecorridorintotheprincesses’livingrooms。Themaidwiththedecanterwasinahurry（everythingseemedtobedoneinahurryatthatmomentinthehouse），andshedidnotclosethedoorafterher。PierreandAnnaMihalovna，astheypassedby，glancedunconsciouslyintotheroomwheretheeldestprincessandPrinceVassilyweresittingclosetogethertalking。Oncatchingsightoftheirpassingfigures，PrinceVassilymadeanimpatientmovementanddrewback，theprincessjumpedup，andwithadespairinggesturesheclosedthedoor，slammingitwithallhermight。Thisactionwassounliketheprincess’shabitualcomposure，thedismaydepictedonthecountenanceofPrinceVassilywassooutofkeepingwithhisdignity，thatPierrestoppedshortandlookedinquiringlyoverhisspectaclesathisguide。AnnaMihalovnamanifestednosurprise；shesimplysmiledalittleandsighed，asthoughtoshowthatshehadanticipatedallthat。

“Beaman，monami，Iamlookingafteryourinterests，”shesaidinresponsetohislookofinquiry，andshewalkedmorequicklyalongthecorridor。

Pierrehadnonotionwhatwasgoingon，andnoinklingofwhatwasmeantbywatchingoverhisinterests。Buthefeltthatallthishadhadtobeso。Fromthecorridortheywentintothehalf—lightedhalladjoiningthecount’sreception—room。Thiswasoneofthecold，sumptuouslyfurnishedroomswhichPierreknew，leadingfromthevisitors’staircase。Buteveninthisapartmenttherewasanemptybathstandinginthemiddleofthefloor，andwaterhadbeenspiltonthecarpet。Theyweremetherebyaservantandachurchattendantwithacenser，whowalkedontiptoeandtooknonoticeofthem。Theywentintothereception—roomopeningintothewintergarden，aroomPierreknewwell，withitstwoItalianwindows，itsbigbustandfull—lengthportraitofCatherine。Thesamepersonswereallsittingalmostinthesamepositionsexchangingwhispersinthereception—room。AllceasedspeakingandlookedroundatAnnaMihalovna，asshecameinwithherpale，tear—stainedface，andatthebig，stoutfigureofPierre，aswithdowncastheadhefollowedhersubmissively。

ThecountenanceofAnnaMihalovnashowedaconsciousnessthatthecrucialmomenthadarrived。WiththeairofaPetersburgladyofexperience，shewalkedintotheroomevenmoreboldlythaninthemorning，keepingPierreatherside。Shefeltthatasshewasbringingthepersonthedyingmanwantedtosee，shemightfeelsecureastoherreception。Witharapidglance，scanningallthepersonsintheroom，andobservingthecount’sspiritualadviser，shedidnotpreciselybowdown，butseemedsomehowsuddenlytoshrinkinstature，andwithatrippingambleswamuptothepriestandreverentiallyreceivedablessingfirstfromoneandthenfromanotherecclesiastic。

“ThankGodthatweareintime，”shesaidtothepriest；“allofus，hiskinsfolk，havebeeninsuchalarm。Thisyoungmanisthecount’sson，”sheaddedmoresoftly，“Itisaterriblemoment。”

Havingutteredthesewordssheapproachedthedoctor。

“Deardoctor，”shesaidtohim，“thisyoungmanisthecount’sson。Isthereanyhope？”

Thedoctordidnotspeakbutrapidlyshruggedhisshouldersandturneduphiseyes。WithpreciselythesamegestureAnnaMihalovnamovedhershouldersandeyes，almostclosinghereyelids，sighedandwentawayfromthedoctortoPierre。SheaddressedPierrewithpeculiardeferenceandtendermelancholy。

“HavefaithinHismercy，”shesaidtohim，andindicatingasofaforhimtositdownandwaitforher，shewentherselfwithinaudiblestepstowardsthedoor，atwhicheveryonewaslooking，andafteralmostnoiselesslyopeningit，shevanishedbehindit。

Pierre，havingdecidedtoobeyhismonitressineverything，movedtowardsthesofashehadpointedouttohim。AssoonasAnnaMihalovnahaddisappeared，henoticedthattheeyesofallthepersonsintheroomwerefixeduponhimwithsomethingmorethancuriosityandsympathyintheirgaze。Henoticedthattheywereallwhisperingtogether，lookingtowardshimwithsomethinglikeaweandevenobsequiousdeference。Theyshowedhimarespectsuchashadneverbeenshownhimbefore。Alady，astrangertohim，theonewhohadbeentalkingtothepriest，gotupandofferedhimherplace。AnadjutantpickeduptheglovePierrehaddroppedandhandedittohim。Thedoctorsrespectfullypausedintheirtalkwhenhepassedbythemandmovedasidetomakewayforhim。Pierrewantedatfirsttositsomewhereelse，soasnottotroublethelady；hewouldhavelikedtopickuptheglovehimselfandtowalkroundthedoctors，whowerereallynotatallintheway。Buthefeltallatoncethattodosowouldbeimproper；hefeltthathewasthatnightapersonwhohadtogothroughaterribleceremonywhicheveryoneexpectedofhim，andthatforthatreasonhewasboundtoacceptservicefromeveryone。Hetooktheglovefromtheadjutantinsilence，satdowninthelady’splace，layinghisbighandsonhisknees，sittinginthena？velysymmetricalposeofanEgyptianstatue，anddecidedmentallythatitmustallinevitablybelikethis，andthattoavoidlosinghisheadanddoingsomethingstupid，hemustforthateveningnotactonhisownideas，butabandonhimselfwhollytothewillofthosewhowereguidinghim。

TwominuteshadnotelapsedbeforePrinceVassilycamemajesticallyintotheroom，wearinghiscoatwiththreestarsonit，andcarryinghisheadhigh。Helookedasthoughhehadgrownthinnersincethemorning。Hiseyesseemedlargerthanusualasheglancedroundtheroom，andcaughtsightofPierre。Hewentuptohim，tookhishand（athinghehadneverdonebefore），anddrewitdownwards，asthoughhewantedtotryitsstrength。

“Courage，courage，monami。Hehasaskedtoseeyou，thatiswell…”andhewouldhavegoneon，butPierrethoughtitfittingtoask:“Howis…？”Hehesitated，notknowingwhetheritwasproperforhimtocallthedyingman“thecount”；hefeltashamedtocallhim“father。”

“Hehashadanotherstrokehalf—an—hourago。Courage，monami。”

Pierrewasinaconditionofsuchmentalconfusionthatthewordstrokearousedinhismindtheideaofablowfromsomeheavybody。HelookedinperplexityatPrinceVassily，andonlylatergraspedthatanattackofillnesswascalledastroke。PrinceVassilysaidafewwordstoLorrainashepassedandwenttothedoorontiptoe。Hecouldnotwalkeasilyontiptoe，andjerkedhiswholepersonupanddowninanungainlyfashion。Hewasfollowedbytheeldestprincess，thenbytheclergyandchurchattendants；someservantstoowentinatthedoor。Throughthatdoorastircouldbeheard，andatlastAnnaMihalovna，withafacestillpalebutresoluteintheperformanceofduty，ranoutandtouchingPierreonthearm，said:

“Thegoodnessofheavenisinexhaustible；itistheceremonyofextremeunctionwhichtheyarebeginning。Come。”

Pierrewentin，steppingontothesoftcarpet，andnoticedthattheadjutantandtheunknownladyandsomeservantstoo，allfollowedhimin，asthoughtherewerenoneednowtoaskpermissiontoenterthatroom。

Chapter20

PIERREKNEWWELLthatgreatroom，dividedbycolumnsandanarch，andcarpetedwithPersianrugs。Thepartoftheroombehindthecolumns，whereononesidetherestoodahighmahoganybedsteadwithsilkenhangings，andontheotherahugecaseofholypictures，wasbrightlyanddecorativelylightedup，aschurchesarelightedforeveningservice。Underthegleamingornamentationofthecasestoodalonginvalidchair，andinthechair，onsnow—white，uncrumpled，freshlychangedpillows，coveredtothewaistwithabrightgreenquilt，Pierrerecognisedthemajesticfigureofhisfather，CountBezuhov，withthegreyshockofhairlikealion’smaneoverhisbroadforehead，andthecharacteristicallyaristocratic，deeplinesonhishandsome，reddish—yellowface。Hewaslyingdirectlyundertheholypictures:bothhisgreatstoutarmswerelyingonthequilt。Inhisrighthand，whichlaywiththepalmdownwards，awaxcandlehadbeenthrustbetweenthethumbandforefinger，andanoldservantbendingdownoverthechairhelditinit。Aboutthechairstoodtheclergyintheirshiningceremonialvestments，withtheirlonghairpulledoutoverthem。Theyheldlightedcandlesintheirhands，andwereperformingtheservicewithdeliberatesolemnity。Alittlebehindthemstoodthetwoyoungerprincessesholdinghandkerchiefstotheireyes，andinfrontofthemtheeldest，Katish，stoodwithavindictiveanddeterminedair，neverforaninstanttakinghereyesofftheholyimage，asthoughsheweredeclaringtoallthatshewouldnotanswerforherself，ifsheweretolookaround。AnnaMihalovnawithacountenanceofmeeksorrowandforgivenessstoodatthedoorwiththeunknownlady。PrinceVassilywasstandingclosetotheinvalidchairontheothersideofthedoor。Hehaddrawnacarved，velvetchairuptohim，andwasleaningonthebackofitwithhislefthand，inwhichheheldacandle，whilewithhisrighthecrossedhimself，turninghiseyesupwardseverytimeasheputhisfingertohisforehead。HisfaceexpressedquietpietyandsubmissiontothewillofGod。“Ifyoudon’tunderstandsuchfeelings，somuchtheworseforyou，”hisfaceseemedtosay。

Behindhimstoodtheadjutant，thedoctors，andthemen—servants；themenandthewomenhadseparatedasthoughtheywereinchurch。Allweresilentlycrossingthemselves，nothingwasaudiblebutthereadingoftheservice，thesubdued，deepbasssinging，andintheintervalsofsilencesighscouldbeheardandtheshufflingoffeet。Withasignificantair，whichshowedsheknewwhatshewasabout，AnnaMihalovnawalkedrightacrosstheroomtoPierreandgavehimacandle。Helightedit，andabsorbedinwatchingthepeoplearoundhim，heabsent—mindedlycrossedhimselfwiththehandinwhichheheldthecandle。Theyoungestprincess，Sophie，therosy，laughingonewiththemole，waslookingathim。Shesmiled，hidherfaceinherhandkerchief，andforalongwhiledidnotuncoverit。ButlookingatPierreagain，againshelaughed。Shewasapparentlyunabletolookathimwithoutlaughing，butcouldnotresistlookingathim，andtobeoutoftemptation，shesoftlymovedbehindacolumn。Inthemiddleoftheservicethevoicesofthepriestssuddenlyceased，andtheywhisperedsomethingtooneanother。Theoldservant，whowasholdingthecount’shand，gotupandturnedtotheladies。AnnaMihalovnasteppedforwardand，stoopingoverthesickman，shebeckonedbehindherbacktoLorrain。TheFrenchdoctorhadbeenleaningagainstthecolumnwithoutacandle，intherespectfulattitudeoftheforeigner，whowouldshowthatinspiteofthedifferenceofreligionhecomprehendsallthesolemnityoftheceremonyandevenapprovesofit。Withthenoiselessstepsofamaninfullvigourofhisage，hewentuptothesickman。Hisdelicate，whitefingersliftedhisdisengagedhandfromthequilt，andturningaway，thedoctorbeganfeelingthepulseinabsorbedattention。Theygavethesickmansomedrink；therewasaslightbustlearoundhim，thenallwentbacktotheirplacesandtheservicewascontinued。DuringthisbreakintheproceedingsPierrenoticedthatPrinceVassilymovedawayfromhischair—back，andwiththatsameairofbeingquitesureofwhathewasabout，andofitsbeingsomuchtheworseforothers，iftheyfailedtounderstandit，hedidnotgouptothesickman，butpassedbyhimandjoinedtheeldestprincess。Thentogethertheywentawaytothefurtherendoftheroomtothehighbedsteadunderthesilkcanopy。Whentheymovedawayfromthebedtheprinceandprincessdisappearedtogetherbythefurtherdoor，butbeforetheendoftheservicetheyreturnedoneaftertheothertotheirplaces。Pierrepaidnomoreattentiontothiscircumstancethantoalltherest，havingonceforallmadeuphismindthatallthathesawtakingplacethateveningmustinevitablybeasitwas。

Thesoundsofthechurchsingingceasedandthevoiceofthechiefecclesiasticwasheard，respectfullycongratulatingthesickmanonhisreceptionofthemystery。Thedyingmanlayaslifelessandimmovableasbefore。Everyonewasmovingabouthim，therewasthesoundoffootstepsandofwhispers，AnnaMihalovna’swhisperrisingabovetherest。

Pierreheardhersay:“Undoubtedlyhemustbemovedontothebed；it’simpossible…”

Thesickmanwassosurroundedbythedoctors，theprincessesandtheservants，thatPierrecouldnolongerseethereddish—yellowfacewiththegreymane，whichhehadneverlostsightofforoneinstantduringtheceremony，eventhoughhehadbeenwatchingotherpeopletoo。Pierreguessedfromthecautiousmovementsofthepeopleaboutthechairthattheywereliftingthedyingmanupandmovinghim。

“Holdontomyarm；you’lldrophimso，”heheardthefrightenedwhisperofoneoftheservants。“Lowerdown…anotheronehere，”saidvoices。Andtheirheavybreathingandhurriedtreadseemedtoshowthattheweighttheycarriedwastooheavyforthem。

Astheypassedhim—AnnaMihalovnaamongthem—theyoungmancaughtaglimpseoverpeople’sbacksandnecksofthegreatmuscularopenchest，thegrey，curly，leoninehead，andthemassiveshouldersofthesickman，whichwerepushedup，ashewassupportedunderthearmpits。Hishead，withitsextraordinarilybroadbrowandcheek—bones，itsbeautifulsensualmouth，andhaughty，coldeyes，wasnotdisfiguredbytheproximityofdeath。ItwasjustthesameasPierrehadseenitthreemonthsbefore，whenhisfatherhadbeensendinghimofftoPetersburg。Buttheheadswayedhelplesslywiththejerkystepsofthebearers，andthecold，apatheticeyesdidnotknowonwhattorest。

Theywerebusyforseveralminutesroundthehighbed；thenthepeople，whohadmovedthecount，dispersed。AnnaMihalovnatouchedPierre’sarmandsaid，“Comealong。”WithherPierreapproachedthebed，onwhichthesickmanhadbeenlaidinaceremonialpositioninkeepingwiththesacredritethathadjustbeenperformed。Hewaslyingwithhisheadproppedhighonthepillows。Hishandswerelaidsymmetricallyonthegreensilkquiltwiththepalmsturneddownwards。WhenPierrecameup，thecountlookedstraightathim，buthelookedathimwithagazetheintentandsignificanceofwhichnomancouldfathom。Eithertheseeyessaidnothing，butsimplylookedbecauseaseyestheymustlookatsomething，ortheysaidtoomuch。Pierrestopped，notknowingwhathewastodo，andlookedinquiringlyathismonitress。AnnaMihalovnagavehimahurriedglance，withagestureindicatingthesickman’shandandwithherlipswaftingtowardsitaphantomkiss。Pierredidashewasbid，andcarefullycraninghisnecktoavoidentanglementwiththequilt，kissedthebroad—boned，muscularhand。Therewasnotthefainteststirinthehand，norinanymuscleofthecount’sface。PierreagainlookedinquiringlyatAnnaMihalovnatolearnwhathewastodonow。AnnaMihalovnaglancedtowardsthearmchairthatstoodbesidethebed。Pierreproceededobedientlytositdownthere，hiseyesstillinquiringwhetherhehaddonetherightthing。AnnaMihalovnanoddedapprovingly。AgainPierrefellintothena？velysymmetricalposeofanEgyptianstatue，obviouslydistressedthathisungainlypersontookupsomuchroom，anddoinghisutmosttolookassmallaspossible。Helookedatthecount。ThecountstillgazedatthespotwherePierre’sfacehadbeen，whenhewasstandingup。AnnaMihalovna’sattitudeevincedherconsciousnessofthetouchinggravityofthislastmeetingbetweenfatherandson。Itlastedfortwominutes，whichseemedtoPierreanhour。Suddenlyashudderpassedoverthethickmusclesandfurrowsofthecount’sface。Theshuddergrewmoreintense；thebeautifulmouthwascontorted（itwasonlythenthatPierregraspedhowneardeathhisfatherwas）andfromthecontortedmouththerecameahusky，muffledsound。AnnaMihalovnalookedintentlyatthesickman’smouth，andtryingtoguesswhathewanted，pointedfirsttoPierre，thentosomedrink，theninaninquiringwhispershementionedthenameofPrinceVassily，thenpointedtothequilt。Theeyesandfaceofthesickmanshowedimpatience。Hemadeanefforttoglanceattheservant，whonevermovedawayfromtheheadofhisbed。

“Hisexcellencywantstobeturnedoverontheotherside，”whisperedtheservant，andhegotuptoturntheheavybodyofthecountfacingthewall。

Pierrestooduptohelptheservant。

Whilethecountwasbeingturnedover，oneofhisarmsdraggedhelplesslybehind，andhemadeavainefforttopullitafterhim。WhetherthecountnoticedthefaceofhorrorwithwhichPierrelookedatthatlifelessarm，orwhethersomeotherideapassedthroughhisdyingbrain，helookedattherefractoryarm，attheexpressionofhorroronPierre’sface，againathisarm，andasmilecameonhisface，strangelyoutofkeepingwithitsfeatures；aweak，sufferingsmile，whichseemedmockingathisownhelplessness。Suddenly，atthesightofthatsmile，Pierrefeltalumpinhisthroatandaticklinginhisnose，andtearsdimmedhiseyes。Thesickmanwasturnedtowardsthewall。Hesighed。

“Hehasfallenintoadoze，”saidAnnaMihalovna，noticingtheprincesscomingtotakeherturnbythebedside。“Letusgo。”

Pierrewentout。

Chapter21

THEREWASbynownooneinthereception—roomexceptPrinceVassilyandtheeldestprincess，whowereineagerconversationtogether，sittingundertheportraitofCatherine。TheyweremuteatonceonseeingPierreandhiscompanion，andtheprincessconcealedsomethingasPierrefanciedandmurmured:“Ican’tstandthesightofthatwoman。”

“Katishhashadteaservedinthelittledrawing—room，”PrinceVassilysaidtoAnnaMihalovna。“Go，mypoorAnnaMihalovna，takesomethingoryouwillnotholdout。”

ToPierrehesaidnothing；hesimplypressedhisarmsympathetically。PierreandAnnaMihalovnawentonintothelittledrawing—room。

“ThereisnothingsorevivingasacupofthisexcellentRussiantea，afterasleeplessnight，”saidLorrainwithanairofrestrainedbriskness，sippingitoutofadelicatechinacupwithoutahandle，ashestoodinthelittlecirculardrawing—roomclosetoatablelaidwithtea—thingsandcoldsupper—dishes。AllwhowereinCountBezuhov’shouseonthatnighthad，withaviewtofortifyingthemselves，gatheredaroundthetable。Pierrerememberedwellthatlittlecirculardrawing—roomwithitsmirrorsandlittletables。Whentherehadbeenballsinthecount’shouse，Pierre，whocouldnotdance，hadlikedsittinginthatlittleroomfullofmirrors，watchingtheladiesinball—dresseswithpearlsanddiamondsontheirbareshoulders，astheycrossedthatroomandlookedatthemselvesinthebrightlylightedmirrorsthatrepeatedtheirreflectionsseveraltimes。Nowthesameroomwasdimlylightedwithtwocandles，andinthemiddleofthenightthetea—setandsupper—dishesstoodindisorderononeofthelittletables，andheterogeneous，plainlydressedpersonsweresittingatit，whisperingtogether，andshowingineverywordthatnoonecouldforgetwhatwaspassingatthatmomentandwhatwasstilltocomeinthebedroom。Pierredidnoteatanything，thoughhefeltverymuchinclinedto。Helookedroundinquiringlytowardshismonitress，andperceivedthatshehadgoneoutagainontiptoeintothereception—roomwherePrinceVassilyhadremainedwiththeeldestprincess。Pierresupposedthatthistoowasaninevitablepartoftheproceedings，and，afteralittledelay，hefollowedher。AnnaMihalovnawasstandingbesidetheprincess，andtheywerebothtalkingatonceinexcitedtones。

“Allowme，madam，toknowwhatisandwhatisnottobedone，”saidtheprincess，whowasapparentlyinthesameexasperatedtemperasshehadbeenwhensheslammedthedoorofherroom。

“But，dearprincess，”AnnaMihalovnawassayingmildlyandpersuasively，blockingupthewaytowardsthebedroomandnotlettingtheprincesspass。“Wouldthatnotbetoogreatataxonpooruncleatsuchamoment，whenheneedsrepose？Atsuchmomentstotalkofworldlymatterswhenhissoulisalreadyprepared…”

PrinceVassilywassittinginalowchairinhishabitualattitude，withonelegcrossedhighabovetheother。Hischeeksweretwitchingviolently，andwhentheyrelaxed，theylookedheavierbelow；butheworetheairofamanlittleinterestedinthetwoladies’discussion。

“No，mydearAnnaMihalovna，letKatishactonherowndiscretion。Youknowhowthecountlovesher。”

“Idon’tevenknowwhatisinthisdocument，”saidtheprincess，addressingPrinceVassily，andpointingtotheinlaidportfoliowhichsheheldinherhand。“AllIknowisthattherealwillisinthebureau，andthisisapaperthathasbeenforgotten。…”

ShetriedtogetroundAnnaMihalovna，butthelatter，withanotherlittleskip，barredherwayagain。

“Iknow，dear，sweetprincess，”saidAnnaMihalovna，takingholdoftheportfolio，andsofirmlythatitwasclearshewouldnotreadilyletgoofitagain。“Dearprincess，Ibegyou，Ibeseechyou，sparehim。Ientreatyou。”

Theprincessdidnotspeak。Allthatwasheardwasthesoundofascuffleovertheportfolio。Therecouldbenodoubtthatifsheweretospeak，shewouldsaynothingcomplimentarytoAnnaMihalovna。Thelatterkeptatightgrip，butinspiteofthathervoiceretainedallitssweetgravityandsoftness。

Pierre，comehere，mydearboy。Hewillnotbeonetoomany，Ishouldimagine，inafamilycouncil；eh，prince？”

“Whydon’tyouspeak，moncousin？”theprincessshriekedallofasudden，soloudlythattheyheardhervoice，andwerealarmedbyitinthedrawing—room。“Whydon’tyouspeakwhenhereameddlingoutsidertakesuponherselftointerfere，andmakeasceneontheverythresholdofadyingman’sroom？Schemingcreature，”shemutteredviciously，andtuggedattheportfoliowithallhermight，butAnnaMihalovnatookafewstepsforwardsoasnottolosehergraspofitandchangedhands。

“Ah，”saidPrinceVassily，inreproachfulwonder。Hegotup。“Itisridiculous。Come，letgo。Itellyou。”Theprincessletgo。

“Andyou。”

AnnaMihalovnadidnotheedhim。

“Letgo，Itellyou。Iwilltakeitalluponmyself。Iwillgoandaskhim。I…youletitalone。”

“But，prince，”saidAnnaMihalovna，“afterthissolemnsacrament，lethimhaveamoment’speace。Here，Pierre，tellmeyouropinion，”sheturnedtotheyoungman，whogoinguptothemwasstaringinsurpriseattheexasperatedfaceoftheprincess，whichhadthrownoffallappearanceofdecorum，andthetwitchingcheeksofPrinceVassily。

“Rememberthatyouwillhavetoanswerforalltheconsequences，”saidPrinceVassilysternly；“youdon’tknowwhatyouaredoing。”

“Infamouswoman，”shriekedtheprincess，suddenlypouncingonAnnaMihalovnaandtearingtheportfoliofromher。PrinceVassilybowedhisheadandflunguphishands。

Atthatinstantthedoor，thedreadfuldooratwhichPierrehadgazedsolong，andwhichhadopenedsosoftly，wasflungrapidly，noisilyopen，bangingagainstthewall，andthesecondprincessranoutwringingherhands。