\"ButIjustwishtosay，toavoidmisunderstandings，thatyouarequitemistakenifyoureckonmeormymotheramongsuchpeople。Weareverypoor，butformyownpartatanyrate，fortheveryreasonthatyourfatherisrich，Idon’tregardmyselfasarelationofhis，andneitherInormymotherwouldeveraskortakeanythingfromhim。\"
ForalongtimePierrecouldnotunderstand，butwhenhedid，hejumpedupfromthesofa，seizedBorisundertheelbowinhisquick，clumsyway，and，blushingfarmorethanBoris，begantospeakwithafeelingofmingledshameandvexation。
\"Well，thisisstrange！DoyousupposeI……whocouldthink？……I
knowverywell……\"
ButBorisagaininterruptedhim。
\"IamgladIhavespokenoutfully。Perhapsyoudidnotlikeit？Youmustexcuseme，\"saidhe，puttingPierreateaseinsteadofbeingputateasebyhim，\"butIhopeIhavenotoffendedyou。Ialwaysmakeitaruletospeakout……Well，whatansweramItotake？WillyoucometodinnerattheRostovs’？\"
AndBoris，havingapparentlyrelievedhimselfofanonerousdutyandextricatedhimselffromanawkwardsituationandplacedanotherinit，becamequitepleasantagain。
\"No，butIsay，\"saidPierre，calmingdown，\"youareawonderfulfellow！Whatyouhavejustsaidisgood，verygood。Ofcourseyoudon’tknowme。Wehavenotmetforsuchalongtime……notsincewewerechildren。YoumightthinkthatI……Iunderstand，quiteunderstand。Icouldnothavedoneitmyself，Ishouldnothavehadthecourage，butit’ssplendid。Iamverygladtohavemadeyouracquaintance。It’squeer，\"headdedafterapause，\"thatyoushouldhavesuspectedme！\"Hebegantolaugh。\"Well，whatofit！Ihopewe’llgetbetteracquainted，\"andhepressedBoris’hand。\"Doyouknow，I
havenotoncebeenintoseethecount。Hehasnotsentforme……I
amsorryforhimasaman，butwhatcanonedo？\"
\"AndsoyouthinkNapoleonwillmanagetogetanarmyacross？\"askedBoriswithasmile。
PierresawthatBoriswishedtochangethesubject，andbeingofthesamemindhebeganexplainingtheadvantagesanddisadvantagesoftheBoulogneexpedition。
AfootmancameintosummonBoris—theprincesswasgoing。Pierre，inordertomakeBoris’betteracquaintance，promisedtocometodinner，andwarmlypressinghishandlookedaffectionatelyoverhisspectaclesintoBoris’eyes。AfterhehadgonePierrecontinuedpacingupanddowntheroomforalongtime，nolongerpiercinganimaginaryfoewithhisimaginarysword，butsmilingattheremembranceofthatpleasant，intelligent，andresoluteyoungman。
Asoftenhappensinearlyyouth，especiallytoonewholeadsalonelylife，hefeltanunaccountabletendernessforthisyoungmanandmadeuphismindthattheywouldbefriends。
PrinceVasilisawtheprincessoff。Sheheldahandkerchieftohereyesandherfacewastearful。
\"Itisdreadful，dreadful！\"shewassaying，\"butcostmewhatitmayIshalldomyduty。Iwillcomeandspendthenight。Hemustnotbeleftlikethis。Everymomentisprecious。Ican’tthinkwhyhisniecesputitoff。PerhapsGodwillhelpmetofindawaytopreparehim！……Adieu，Prince！MayGodsupportyou……\"
\"Adieu，mabonne，\"answeredPrinceVasiliturningawayfromher。
\"Oh，heisinadreadfulstate，\"saidthemothertohersonwhentheywereinthecarriage。\"Hehardlyrecognizesanybody。\"
\"Idon’tunderstand，Mamma—whatishisattitudetoPierre？\"askedtheson。
\"Thewillwillshowthat，mydear；ourfatealsodependsonit。\"
\"Butwhydoyouexpectthathewillleaveusanything？\"
\"Ah，mydear！Heissorich，andwearesopoor！\"
\"Well，thatishardlyasufficientreason，Mamma……\"
\"Oh，Heaven！Howillheis！\"exclaimedthemother。
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CHAPTERXVII
AfterAnnaMikhaylovnahaddrivenoffwithhersontovisitCountCyrilVladimirovichBezukhov，CountessRostovasatforalongtimeallaloneapplyingherhandkerchieftohereyes。Atlastsherang。
\"Whatisthematterwithyou，mydear？\"shesaidcrosslytothemaidwhokeptherwaitingsomeminutes。\"Don’tyouwishtoserveme？ThenI’llfindyouanotherplace。\"
Thecountesswasupsetbyherfriend’ssorrowandhumiliatingpoverty，andwasthereforeoutofsorts，astateofmindwhichwithheralwaysfoundexpressionincallinghermaid\"mydear\"andspeakingtoherwithexaggeratedpoliteness。
\"Iamverysorry，ma’am，\"answeredthemaid。
\"Askthecounttocometome。\"
Thecountcamewaddlingintoseehiswifewitharatherguiltylookasusual。
\"Well，littlecountess？Whatasauteofgameaumaderewearetohave，mydear！Itastedit。ThethousandrublesIpaidforTaraswerenotill—spent。Heisworthit！\"
Hesatdownbyhiswife，hiselbowsonhiskneesandhishandsrufflinghisgrayhair。
\"Whatareyourcommands，littlecountess？\"
\"Yousee，mydear……What’sthatmess？\"shesaid，pointingtohiswaistcoat。\"It’s，thesaute，mostlikely，\"sheaddedwithasmile。
\"Well，yousee，Count，Iwantsomemoney。\"
Herfacebecamesad。
\"Oh，littlecountess！\"……andthecountbeganbustlingtogetouthispocketbook。
\"Iwantagreatdeal，Count！Iwantfivehundredrubles，\"andtakingouthercambrichandkerchiefshebeganwipingherhusband’swaistcoat。
\"Yes，immediately，immediately！Hey，who’sthere？\"hecalledoutinatoneonlyusedbypersonswhoarecertainthatthosetheycallwillrushtoobeythesummons。\"SendDmitritome！\"
Dmitri，amanofgoodfamilywhohadbeenbroughtupinthecount’shouseandnowmanagedallhisaffairs，steppedsoftlyintotheroom。
\"ThisiswhatIwant，mydearfellow，\"saidthecounttothedeferentialyoungmanwhohadentered。\"Bringme……\"hereflectedamoment，\"yes，bringmesevenhundredrubles，yes！Butmind，don’tbringmesuchtatteredanddirtynotesaslasttime，butnicecleanonesforthecountess。\"
\"Yes，Dmitri，cleanones，please，\"saidthecountess，sighingdeeply。
\"Whenwouldyoulikethem，yourexcellency？\"askedDmitri。\"Allowmetoinformyou……But，don’tbeuneasy，\"headded，noticingthatthecountwasbeginningtobreatheheavilyandquicklywhichwasalwaysasignofapproachinganger。\"Iwasforgetting……Doyouwishitbroughtatonce？\"
\"Yes，yes；justso！Bringit。Giveittothecountess。\"
\"WhatatreasurethatDmitriis，\"addedthecountwithasmilewhentheyoungmanhaddeparted。\"Thereisneverany’impossible’withhim。That’sathingIhate！Everythingispossible。\"
\"Ah，money，Count，money！Howmuchsorrowitcausesintheworld，\"
saidthecountess。\"ButIamingreatneedofthissum。\"
\"You，mylittlecountess，areanotoriousspendthrift，\"saidthecount，andhavingkissedhiswife’shandhewentbacktohisstudy。
WhenAnnaMikhaylovnareturnedfromCountBezukhov’sthemoney，allincleannotes，waslyingreadyunderahandkerchiefonthecountess’littletable，andAnnaMikhaylovnanoticedthatsomethingwasagitatingher。
\"Well，mydear？\"askedthecountess。
\"Oh，whataterriblestateheisin！Onewouldnotknowhim，heissoill！Iwasonlythereafewmomentsandhardlysaidaword……\"
\"Annette，forheaven’ssakedon’trefuseme，\"thecountessbegan，withablushthatlookedverystrangeonherthin，dignified，elderlyface，andshetookthemoneyfromunderthehandkerchief。
AnnaMikhaylovnainstantlyguessedherintentionandstoopedtobereadytoembracethecountessattheappropriatemoment。
\"ThisisforBorisfromme，forhisoutfit。\"
AnnaMikhaylovnawasalreadyembracingherandweeping。Thecountesswepttoo。Theyweptbecausetheywerefriends，andbecausetheywerekindhearted，andbecausethey—friendsfromchildhood—hadtothinkaboutsuchabasethingasmoney，andbecausetheiryouthwasover……
Butthosetearswerepleasanttothemboth。
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CHAPTERXVIII
CountessRostova，withherdaughtersandalargenumberofguests，wasalreadyseatedinthedrawingroom。ThecounttookthegentlemenintohisstudyandshowedthemhischoicecollectionofTurkishpipes。
Fromtimetotimehewentouttoask：\"Hasn’tshecomeyet？\"TheywereexpectingMaryaDmitrievnaAkhrosimova，knowninsocietyasleterribledragon，aladydistinguishednotforwealthorrank，butforcommonsenseandfrankplainnessofspeech。MaryaDmitrievnawasknowntotheImperialfamilyaswellastoallMoscowandPetersburg，andbothcitieswonderedather，laughedprivatelyatherrudenesses，andtoldgoodstoriesabouther，whilenonethelessallwithoutexceptionrespectedandfearedher。
Inthecount’sroom，whichwasfulloftobaccosmoke，theytalkedofwarthathadbeenannouncedinamanifesto，andabouttherecruiting。Noneofthemhadyetseenthemanifesto，buttheyallknewithadappeared。Thecountsatonthesofabetweentwoguestswhoweresmokingandtalking。Heneithersmokednortalked，butbendinghisheadfirsttoonesideandthentotheotherwatchedthesmokerswithevidentpleasureandlistenedtotheconversationofhistwoneighbors，whomheeggedonagainsteachother。
Oneofthemwasasallow，clean—shavencivilianwithathinandwrinkledface，alreadygrowingold，thoughhewasdressedlikeamostfashionableyoungman。Hesatwithhislegsuponthesofaasifquiteathomeand，havingstuckanambermouthpiecefarintohismouth，wasinhalingthesmokespasmodicallyandscrewinguphiseyes。Thiswasanoldbachelor，Shinshin，acousinofthecountess’，amanwith\"asharptongue\"astheysaidinMoscowsociety。Heseemedtobecondescendingtohiscompanion。Thelatter，afresh，rosyofficeroftheGuards，irreproachablywashed，brushed，andbuttoned，heldhispipeinthemiddleofhismouthandwithredlipsgentlyinhaledthesmoke，lettingitescapefromhishandsomemouthinrings。ThiswasLieutenantBerg，anofficerintheSemenovregimentwithwhomBoriswastotraveltojointhearmy，andaboutwhomNatashahad，teasedhereldersisterVera，speakingofBergasher\"intended。\"
Thecountsatbetweenthemandlistenedattentively。Hisfavoriteoccupationwhennotplayingboston，acardgamehewasveryfondof，wasthatoflistener，especiallywhenhesucceededinsettingtwoloquacioustalkersatoneanother。
\"Well，then，oldchap，montreshonorableAlphonseKarlovich，\"
saidShinshin，laughingironicallyandmixingthemostordinaryRussianexpressionswiththechoicestFrenchphrases—whichwasapeculiarityofhisspeech。\"Vouscomptezvousfairedesrentessurl’etat；*youwanttomakesomethingoutofyourcompany？\"
*Youexpecttomakeanincomeoutofthegovernment。
\"No，PeterNikolaevich；Ionlywanttoshowthatinthecavalrytheadvantagesarefarlessthanintheinfantry。Justconsidermyownpositionnow，PeterNikolaevich……\"
Bergalwaysspokequietly，politely，andwithgreatprecision。Hisconversationalwaysrelatedentirelytohimself；hewouldremaincalmandsilentwhenthetalkrelatedtoanytopicthathadnodirectbearingonhimself。Hecouldremainsilentforhourswithoutbeingatallputoutofcountenancehimselformakingothersuncomfortable，butassoonastheconversationconcernedhimselfhewouldbegintotalkcircumstantiallyandwithevidentsatisfaction。
\"Considermyposition，PeterNikolaevich。WereIinthecavalryI
shouldgetnotmorethantwohundredrubleseveryfourmonths，evenwiththerankoflieutenant；butasitisIreceivetwohundredandthirty，\"saidhe，lookingatShinshinandthecountwithajoyful，pleasantsmile，asifitwereobvioustohimthathissuccessmustalwaysbethechiefdesireofeveryoneelse。
\"Besidesthat，PeterNikolaevich，byexchangingintotheGuardsI
shallbeinamoreprominentposition，\"continuedBerg，\"andvacanciesoccurmuchmorefrequentlyintheFootGuards。Thenjustthinkwhatcanbedonewithtwohundredandthirtyrubles！Ievenmanagetoputalittleasideandtosendsomethingtomyfather，\"hewenton，emittingasmokering。
\"Labalanceyest……*AGermanknowshowtoskinaflint，astheproverbsays，\"remarkedShinshin，movinghispipetotheothersideofhismouthandwinkingatthecount。
*Sothatsquaresmatters。
Thecountburstoutlaughing。TheotherguestsseeingthatShinshinwastalkingcameuptolisten。Berg，obliviousofironyorindifference，continuedtoexplainhowbyexchangingintotheGuardshehadalreadygainedasteponhisoldcomradesoftheCadetCorps；
howinwartimethecompanycommandermightgetkilledandhe，asseniorinthecompany，mighteasilysucceedtothepost；howpopularhewaswitheveryoneintheregiment，andhowsatisfiedhisfatherwaswithhim。Bergevidentlyenjoyednarratingallthis，anddidnotseemtosuspectthatothers，too，mighthavetheirowninterests。
Butallhesaidwassoprettilysedate，andthenaiveteofhisyouthfulegotismwassoobvious，thathedisarmedhishearers。
\"Well，myboy，you’llgetalongwhereveryougo—footorhorse—thatI’llwarrant，\"saidShinshin，pattinghimontheshoulderandtakinghisfeetoffthesofa。
Bergsmiledjoyously。Thecount，byhisguests，wentintothedrawingroom。
Itwasjustthemomentbeforeabigdinnerwhentheassembledguests，expectingthesummonstozakuska，*avoidengaginginanylongconversationbutthinkitnecessarytomoveaboutandtalk，inordertoshowthattheyarenotatallimpatientfortheirfood。Thehostandhostesslooktowardthedoor，andnowandthenglanceatoneanother，andthevisitorstrytoguessfromtheseglanceswho，orwhat，theyarewaitingfor—someimportantrelationwhohasnotyetarrived，oradishthatisnotyetready。
*Horsd’oeuvres。
Pierrehadcomejustatdinnertimeandwassittingawkwardlyinthemiddleofthedrawingroomonthefirstchairhehadcomeacross，blockingthewayforeveryone。Thecountesstriedtomakehimtalk，buthewentonnaivelylookingaroundthroughhisspectaclesasifinsearchofsomebodyandansweredallherquestionsinmonosyllables。Hewasinthewayandwastheonlyonewhodidnotnoticethefact。Mostoftheguests，knowingoftheaffairwiththebear，lookedwithcuriosityatthisbig，stout，quietman，wonderinghowsuchaclumsy，modestfellowcouldhaveplayedsuchaprankonapoliceman。
\"Youhaveonlylatelyarrived？\"thecountessaskedhim。
\"Oui，madame，\"repliedhe，lookingaroundhim。
\"Youhavenotyetseenmyhusband？\"
\"Non，madame。\"Hesmiledquiteinappropriately。
\"YouhavebeeninParisrecently，Ibelieve？Isupposeit’sveryinteresting。\"
\"Veryinteresting。\"
ThecountessexchangedglanceswithAnnaMikhaylovna。Thelatterunderstoodthatshewasbeingaskedtoentertainthisyoungman，andsittingdownbesidehimshebegantospeakabouthisfather；butheansweredher，ashehadthecountess，onlyinmonosyllables。Theotherguestswereallconversingwithoneanother。\"TheRazumovskis……Itwascharming……Youareverykind……CountessApraksina……\"washeardonallsides。Thecountessroseandwentintotheballroom。
\"MaryaDmitrievna？\"camehervoicefromthere。
\"Herself，\"cametheanswerinaroughvoice，andMaryaDmitrievnaenteredtheroom。
Alltheunmarriedladiesandeventhemarriedonesexcepttheveryoldestrose。MaryaDmitrievnapausedatthedoor。Tallandstout，holdinghighherfifty—year—oldheadwithitsgraycurls，shestoodsurveyingtheguests，andleisurelyarrangedherwidesleevesasifrollingthemup。MaryaDmitrievnaalwaysspokeinRussian。
\"Healthandhappinesstoherwhosenamedaywearekeepingandtoherchildren，\"shesaid，inherloud，full—tonedvoicewhichdrownedallothers。\"Well，youoldsinner，\"shewenton，turningtothecountwhowaskissingherhand，\"you’refeelingdullinMoscow，I
daresay？Nowheretohuntwithyourdogs？Butwhatistobedone，oldman？Justseehowthesenestlingsaregrowingup，\"andshepointedtothegirls。\"Youmustlookforhusbandsforthemwhetheryoulikeitornot……\"
Well，\"saidshe，\"how’smyCossack？\"MaryaDmitrievnaalwayscalledNatashaaCossackandshestrokedthechild’sarmasshecameupfearlessandgaytokissherhand。\"Iknowshe’sascampofagirl，butIlikeher。\"
Shetookapairofpear—shapedrubyearringsfromherhugereticuleand，havinggiventhemtotherosyNatasha，whobeamedwiththepleasureofhersaint’s—dayfete，turnedawayatonceandaddressedherselftoPierre。
\"Eh，eh，friend！Comehereabit，\"saidshe，assumingasofthightoneofvoice。\"Comehere，myfriend……\"andsheominouslytuckeduphersleevesstillhigher。Pierreapproached，lookingatherinachildlikewaythroughhisspectacles。
\"Comenearer，comenearer，friend！Iusedtobetheonlyonetotellyourfatherthetruthwhenhewasinfavor，andinyourcaseit’smyevidentduty。\"Shepaused。Allweresilent，expectantofwhatwastofollow，forthiswasdearlyonlyaprelude。
\"Afinelad！Myword！Afinelad！……Hisfatherliesonhisdeathbedandheamuseshimselfsettingapolicemanastrideabear！Forshame，sir，forshame！Itwouldbebetterifyouwenttothewar。\"
Sheturnedawayandgaveherhandtothecount，whocouldhardlykeepfromlaughing。
\"Well，Isupposeitistimewewereattable？\"saidMaryaDmitrievna。
ThecountwentinfirstwithMaryaDmitrievna，thecountessfollowedonthearmofacolonelofhussars，amanofimportancetothembecauseNicholaswastogowithhimtotheregiment；thencameAnnaMikhaylovnawithShinshin。BerggavehisarmtoVera。ThesmilingJulieKaraginawentinwithNicholas。Afterthemothercouplesfollowed，fillingthewholedininghall，andlastofallthechildren，tutors，andgovernessesfollowedsingly。Thefootmenbeganmovingabout，chairsscraped，thebandstruckupinthegallery，andtheguestssettleddownintheirplaces。Thenthestrainsofthecount’shouseholdbandwerereplacedbytheclatterofknivesandforks，thevoicesofvisitors，andthesoftstepsofthefootmen。AtoneendofthetablesatthecountesswithMaryaDmitrievnaonherrightandAnnaMikhaylovnaonherleft，theotherladyvisitorswerefartherdown。Attheotherendsatthecount，withthehussarcolonelonhisleftandShinshinandtheothermalevisitorsonhisright。Midwaydownthelongtableononesidesatthegrownupyoungpeople：VerabesideBerg，andPierrebesideBoris；andontheotherside，thechildren，tutors，andgovernesses。Frombehindthecrystaldecantersandfruitvasesthecountkeptglancingathiswifeandhertallcapwithitslight—blueribbons，andbusilyfilledhisneighbors’glasses，notneglectinghisown。Thecountessinturn，withoutomittingherdutiesashostess，threwsignificantglancesfrombehindthepineapplesatherhusbandwhosefaceandbaldheadseemedbytheirrednesstocontrastmorethanusualwithhisgrayhair。Attheladies’
endanevenchatterofvoiceswasheardallthetime，atthemen’sendthevoicessoundedlouderandlouder，especiallythatofthecolonelofhussarswho，growingmoreandmoreflushed，ateanddranksomuchthatthecountheldhimupasapatterntotheotherguests。BergwithtendersmileswassayingtoVerathatloveisnotanearthlybutaheavenlyfeeling。BoriswastellinghisnewfriendPierrewhotheguestswereandexchangingglanceswithNatasha，whowassittingopposite。Pierrespokelittlebutexaminedthenewfaces，andateagreatdeal。Ofthetwosoupshechoseturtlewithsavorypattiesandwentontothegamewithoutomittingasingledishoroneofthewines。Theselatterthebutlerthrustmysteriouslyforward，wrappedinanapkin，frombehindthenextman’sshouldersandwhispered：\"DryMadeira\"……\"Hungarian\"……or\"Rhinewine\"asthecasemightbe。Ofthefourcrystalglassesengravedwiththecount’smonogramthatstoodbeforehisplate，Pierreheldoutoneatrandomanddrankwithenjoyment，gazingwithever—increasingamiabilityattheotherguests。
Natasha，whosatopposite，waslookingatBorisasgirlsofthirteenlookattheboytheyareinlovewithandhavejustkissedforthefirsttime。SometimesthatsamelookfellonPierre，andthatfunnylivelylittlegirl’slookmadehiminclinedtolaughwithoutknowingwhy。
NicholassatatsomedistancefromSonya，besideJulieKaragina，towhomhewasagaintalkingwiththesameinvoluntarysmile。Sonyaworeacompanysmilebutwasevidentlytormentedbyjealousy；nowsheturnedpale，nowblushedandstrainedeverynervetooverhearwhatNicholasandJulieweresayingtooneanother。Thegovernesskeptlookingrounduneasilyasifpreparingtoresentanyslightthatmightbeputuponthechildren。TheGermantutorwastryingtorememberallthedishes，wines，andkindsofdessert，inordertosendafulldescriptionofthedinnertohispeopleinGermany；andhefeltgreatlyoffendedwhenthebutlerwithabottlewrappedinanapkinpassedhimby。Hefrowned，tryingtoappearasifhedidnotwantanyofthatwine，butwasmortifiedbecausenoonewouldunderstandthatitwasnottoquenchhisthirstorfromgreedinessthathewantedit，butsimplyfromaconscientiousdesireforknowledge。
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CHAPTERXIX
Atthemen’sendofthetablethetalkgrewmoreandmoreanimated。ThecoloneltoldthemthatthedeclarationofwarhadalreadyappearedinPetersburgandthatacopy，whichhehadhimselfseen，hadthatdaybeenforwardedbycouriertothecommanderinchief。
\"AndwhythedeucearewegoingtofightBonaparte？\"remarkedShinshin。\"HehasstoppedAustria’scackleandIfearitwillbeourturnnext。\"
Thecolonelwasastout，tall，plethoricGerman，evidentlydevotedtotheserviceandpatrioticallyRussian。HeresentedShinshin’sremark。
\"Itisforthereasson，mygootsir，\"saidhe，speakingwithaGermanaccent，\"forthereassonzatzeEmperorknowszat。HedeclaresinzemanifesstozathecannotfiewwizindifferencezedangervreateningRussiaandzatzesafetyanddignityofzeEmpireasvellaszesanctityofitsalliances……\"hespokethislastwordwithparticularemphasisasifinitlaythegistofthematter。
Thenwiththeunerringofficialmemorythatcharacterizedhimherepeatedfromtheopeningwordsofthemanifesto：……andthewish，whichconstitutestheEmperor’ssoleandabsoluteaim—toestablishpeaceinEuropeonfirmfoundations—hasnowdecidedhimtodespatchpartofthearmyabroadandtocreateanewconditionfortheattainmentofthatpurpose。
\"Zat，mydearsir，isvy……\"heconcluded，drinkingatumblerofwinewithdignityandlookingtothecountforapproval。
\"Connaissez—vousleProverbe：*’Jerome，Jerome，donotroam，butturnspindlesathome！’？\"saidShinshin，puckeringhisbrowsandsmiling。\"Celanousconvientamerveille。*[2]Suvorovnow—heknewwhathewasabout；yettheybeathimaplatecouture，*[3]andwherearewetofindSuvorovsnow？Jevousdemandeunpeu，\"*[4]saidhe，continuallychangingfromFrenchtoRussian。
*Doyouknowtheproverb？
*[2]Thatsuitsusdowntotheground。
*[3]Hollow。
*[4]Ijustaskyouthat。
\"Vemustvighttothelasttr—r—opofourplood！\"saidthecolonel，thumpingthetable；\"andvemusttieforourEmperor，andzenallvillpevell。Andvemustdiscussitaslittleaspo—o—ossible\"……
hedweltparticularlyonthewordpossible……\"aspo—o—ossible，\"heended，againturningtothecount。\"Zatishowveoldhussarslookatit，andzere’sanendofit！Andhowdoyou，ayoungmanandayounghussar，howdoyoujudgeofit？\"headded，addressingNicholas，whowhenheheardthatthewarwasbeingdiscussedhadturnedfromhispartnerwitheyesandearsintentonthecolonel。
\"Iamquiteofyouropinion，\"repliedNicholas，flamingup，turninghisplateroundandmovinghiswineglassesaboutwithasmuchdecisionanddesperationasthoughhewereatthatmomentfacingsomegreatdanger。\"IamconvincedthatweRussiansmustdieorconquer，\"heconcluded，conscious—aswereothers—afterthewordswereutteredthathisremarksweretooenthusiasticandemphaticfortheoccasionandwerethereforeawkward。
\"Whatyousaidjustnowwassplendid！\"saidhispartnerJulie。
SonyatrembledalloverandblushedtoherearsandbehindthemanddowntoherneckandshoulderswhileNicholaswasspeaking。
Pierrelistenedtothecolonel’sspeechandnoddedapprovingly。
\"That’sfine，\"saidhe。
\"Theyoungman’sarealhussar！\"shoutedthecolonel，againthumpingthetable。
\"Whatareyoumakingsuchanoiseaboutoverthere？\"MaryaDmitrievna’sdeepvoicesuddenlyinquiredfromtheotherendofthetable。\"Whatareyouthumpingthetablefor？\"shedemandedofthehussar，\"andwhyareyouexcitingyourself？DoyouthinktheFrencharehere？\"
\"Iamspeakingzetruce，\"repliedthehussarwithasmile。
\"It’sallaboutthewar，\"thecountshouteddownthetable。\"Youknowmyson’sgoing，MaryaDmitrievna？Mysonisgoing。\"
\"IhavefoursonsinthearmybutstillIdon’tfret。ItisallinGod’shands。YoumaydieinyourbedorGodmayspareyouinabattle，\"repliedMaryaDmitrievna’sdeepvoice，whicheasilycarriedthewholelengthofthetable。
\"That’strue！\"
Oncemoretheconversationsconcentrated，theladies’attheoneendandthemen’sattheother。
\"Youwon’task，\"Natasha’slittlebrotherwassaying；\"Iknowyouwon’task！\"
\"Iwill，\"repliedNatasha。
Herfacesuddenlyflushedwithrecklessandjoyousresolution。Shehalfrose，byaglanceinvitingPierre，whosatopposite，tolistentowhatwascoming，andturningtohermother：
\"Mamma！\"rangouttheclearcontraltonotesofherchildishvoice，audiblethewholelengthofthetable。
\"Whatisit？\"askedthecountess，startled；butseeingbyherdaughter’sfacethatitwasonlymischief，sheshookafingerathersternlywithathreateningandforbiddingmovementofherhead。
Theconversationwashushed。
\"Mamma！Whatsweetsarewegoingtohave？\"andNatasha’svoicesoundedstillmorefirmandresolute。
Thecountesstriedtofrown，butcouldnot。MaryaDmitrievnashookherfatfinger。
\"Cossack！\"shesaidthreateningly。
Mostoftheguests，uncertainhowtoregardthissally，lookedattheelders。
\"Youhadbettertakecare！\"saidthecountess。
\"Mamma！Whatsweetsarewegoingtohave？\"Natashaagaincriedboldly，withsaucygaiety，confidentthatherprankwouldbetakeningoodpart。
SonyaandfatlittlePetyadoubledupwithlaughter。
\"Yousee！Ihaveasked，\"whisperedNatashatoherlittlebrotherandtoPierre，glancingathimagain。
\"Icepudding，butyouwon’tgetany，\"saidMaryaDmitrievna。
NatashasawtherewasnothingtobeafraidofandsoshebravedevenMaryaDmitrievna。
\"MaryaDmitrievna！Whatkindoficepudding？Idon’tlikeicecream。\"
\"Carrotices。\"
\"No！Whatkind，MaryaDmitrievna？Whatkind？\"shealmostscreamed；
\"Iwanttoknow！\"
MaryaDmitrievnaandthecountessburstoutlaughing，andalltheguestsjoinedin。Everyonelaughed，notatMaryaDmitrievna’sanswerbutattheincredibleboldnessandsmartnessofthislittlegirlwhohaddaredtotreatMaryaDmitrievnainthisfashion。
Natashaonlydesistedwhenshehadbeentoldthattherewouldbepineappleice。Beforetheices，champagnewasservedround。Thebandagainstruckup，thecountandcountesskissed，andtheguests，leavingtheirseats，wentupto\"congratulate\"thecountess，andreachedacrossthetabletoclinkglasseswiththecount，withthechildren，andwithoneanother。Againthefootmenrushedabout，chairsscraped，andinthesameorderinwhichtheyhadenteredbutwithredderfaces，theguestsreturnedtothedrawingroomandtothecount’sstudy。
BK1CH20
CHAPTERXX
Thecardtablesweredrawnout，setsmadeupforboston，andthecount’svisitorssettledthemselves，someinthetwodrawingrooms，someinthesittingroom，someinthelibrary。
Thecount，holdinghiscardsfanwise，kepthimselfwithdifficultyfromdroppingintohisusualafter—dinnernap，andlaughedateverything。Theyoungpeople，atthecountess’instigation，gatheredroundtheclavichordandharp。Juliebygeneralrequestplayedfirst。Aftershehadplayedalittleairwithvariationsontheharp，shejoinedtheotheryoungladiesinbeggingNatashaandNicholas，whowerenotedfortheirmusicaltalent，tosingsomething。Natasha，whowastreatedasthoughsheweregrownup，wasevidentlyveryproudofthisbutatthesametimefeltshy。
\"Whatshallwesing？\"shesaid。
\"’TheBrook，’\"suggestedNicholas。
\"Well，then，let’sbequick。Boris，comehere，\"saidNatasha。\"ButwhereisSonya？\"
Shelookedroundandseeingthatherfriendwasnotintheroomrantolookforher。
RunningintoSonya’sroomandnotfindingherthere，Natasharantothenursery，butSonyawasnotthereeither。Natashaconcludedthatshemustbeonthechestinthepassage。ThechestinthepassagewastheplaceofmourningfortheyoungerfemalegenerationintheRostovhousehold。AndthereinfactwasSonyalyingfacedownwardonNurse’sdirtyfeatherbedonthetopofthechest，crumplinghergauzypinkdressunderher，hidingherfacewithherslenderfingers，andsobbingsoconvulsivelythatherbarelittleshouldersshook。
Natasha’sface，whichhadbeensoradiantlyhappyallthatsaint’sday，suddenlychanged：hereyesbecamefixed，andthenashiverpasseddownherbroadneckandthecornersofhermouthdrooped。
\"Sonya！Whatisit？Whatisthematter？……Oo……Oo……Oo……！\"AndNatasha’slargemouthwidened，makingherlookquiteugly，andshebegantowaillikeababywithoutknowingwhy，exceptthatSonyawascrying。Sonyatriedtoliftherheadtoanswerbutcouldnot，andhidherfacestilldeeperinthebed。Natashawept，sittingontheblue—stripedfeatherbedandhuggingherfriend。WithaneffortSonyasatupandbeganwipinghereyesandexplaining。
\"Nicholasisgoingawayinaweek’stime，his……papers……havecome……hetoldmehimself……butstillIshouldnotcry，\"andsheshowedapapersheheldinherhand—withtheversesNicholashadwritten，\"still，Ishouldnotcry，butyoucan’t……noonecanunderstand……whatasoulhehas！\"
Andshebegantocryagainbecausehehadsuchanoblesoul。
\"It’sallverywellforyou……Iamnotenvious……IloveyouandBorisalso，\"shewenton，gainingalittlestrength；\"heisnice……
therearenodifficultiesinyourway……ButNicholasismycousin……
onewouldhaveto……theMetropolitanhimself……andeventhenitcan’tbedone。Andbesides，ifshetellsMamma\"Sonyalookeduponthecountessashermotherandcalledherso\"thatIamspoilingNicholas’careerandamheartlessandungrateful，whiletruly……Godismywitness，\"andshemadethesignofthecross，\"Ilovehersomuch，andallofyou，onlyVera……Andwhatfor？WhathaveIdonetoher？IamsogratefultoyouthatIwouldwillinglysacrificeeverything，onlyIhavenothing……\"
Sonyacouldnotcontinue，andagainhidherfaceinherhandsandinthefeatherbed。Natashabeganconsolingher，butherfaceshowedthatsheunderstoodallthegravityofherfriend’strouble。
\"Sonya，\"shesuddenlyexclaimed，asifshehadguessedthetruereasonofherfriend’ssorrow，\"I’msureVerahassaidsomethingtoyousincedinner？Hasn’tshe？\"
\"Yes，theseversesNicholaswrotehimselfandIcopiedsomeothers，andshefoundthemonmytableandsaidshe’dshowthemtoMamma，andthatIwasungrateful，andthatMammawouldneverallowhimtomarryme，butthathe’llmarryJulie。Youseehowhe’sbeenwithherallday……Natasha，whathaveIdonetodeserveit？……\"
Andagainshebegantosob，morebitterlythanbefore。Natashaliftedherup，huggedher，and，smilingthroughhertears，begancomfortingher。
\"Sonya，don’tbelieveher，darling！Don’tbelieveher！DoyourememberhowweandNicholas，allthreeofus，talkedinthesittingroomaftersupper？Why，wesettledhoweverythingwastobe。Idon’tquiterememberhow，butdon’tyourememberthatitcouldallbearrangedandhowniceitallwas？There’sUncleShinshin’sbrotherhasmarriedhisfirstcousin。Andweareonlysecondcousins，youknow。
AndBorissaysitisquitepossible。YouknowIhavetoldhimallaboutit。Andheissocleverandsogood！\"saidNatasha。\"Don’tyoucry，Sonya，dearlove，darlingSonya！\"andshekissedherandlaughed。
\"Vera’sspiteful；nevermindher！Andallwillcomerightandshewon’tsayanythingtoMamma。Nicholaswilltellherhimself，andhedoesn’tcareatallforJulie。\"
Natashakissedheronthehair。
Sonyasatup。Thelittlekittenbrightened，itseyesshone，anditseemedreadytoliftitstail，jumpdownonitssoftpaws，andbeginplayingwiththeballofworstedasakittenshould。
\"Doyouthinkso？……Really？Truly？\"shesaid，quicklysmoothingherfrockandhair。
\"Really，truly！\"answeredNatasha，pushinginacrisplockthathadstrayedfromunderherfriend’splaits。
Bothlaughed。
\"Well，let’sgoandsing’TheBrook。’\"
\"Comealong！\"
\"Doyouknow，thatfatPierrewhosatoppositemeissofunny！\"saidNatasha，stoppingsuddenly。\"Ifeelsohappy！\"
Andshesetoffatarunalongthepassage。
Sonya，shakingoffsomedownwhichclungtoherandtuckingawaytheversesinthebosomofherdressclosetoherbonylittlechest，ranafterNatashadownthepassageintothesittingroomwithflushedfaceandlight，joyoussteps。Atthevisitors’requesttheyoungpeoplesangthequartette，\"TheBrook，\"withwhicheveryonewasdelighted。
ThenNicholassangasonghehadjustlearned：
Atnighttimeinthemoon’sfairglowHowsweet，asfancieswanderfree，Tofeelthatinthisworldthere’soneWhostillisthinkingbutofthee！
ThatwhileherfingerstouchtheharpWaftingsweetmusicmusicthelea，Itisfortheethusswellsherheart，Sighingitsmessageouttothee……
Adayortwo，thenblissunspoilt，Butoh！tillthenIcannotlive！……
Hehadnotfinishedthelastversebeforetheyoungpeoplebegantogetreadytodanceinthelargehall，andthesoundofthefeetandthecoughingofthemusicianswereheardfromthegallery。
Pierrewassittinginthedrawing—roomwhereShinshinhadengagedhim，asamanrecentlyreturnedfromabroad，inapoliticalconversationinwhichseveralothersjoinedbutwhichboredPierre。
WhenthemusicbeganNatashacameinandwalkingstraightuptoPierresaid，laughingandblushing：
\"Mammatoldmetoaskyoutojointhedancers。\"
\"Iamafraidofmixingthefigures，\"Pierrereplied；\"butifyouwillbemyteacher……\"Andloweringhisbigarmheofferedittotheslenderlittlegirl。
Whilethecoupleswerearrangingthemselvesandthemusicianstuningup，Pierresatdownwithhislittlepartner。Natashawasperfectlyhappy；shewasdancingwithagrown—upman，whohadbeenabroad。Shewassittinginaconspicuousplaceandtalkingtohimlikeagrown—uplady。Shehadafaninherhandthatoneoftheladieshadgivenhertohold。Assumingquitetheposeofasocietywomanheavenknowswhenandwhereshehadlearneditshetalkedwithherpartner，fanningherselfandsmilingoverthefan。
\"Dear，dear！Justlookather！\"exclaimedthecountessasshecrossedtheballroom，pointingtoNatasha。
Natashablushedandlaughed。
\"Well，really，Mamma！Whyshouldyou？Whatistheretobesurprisedat？\"
InthemidstofthethirdecossaisetherewasaclatterofchairsbeingpushedbackinthesittingroomwherethecountandMaryaDmitrievnahadbeenplayingcardswiththemajorityofthemoredistinguishedandoldervisitors。Theynow，stretchingthemselvesaftersittingsolong，andreplacingtheirpursesandpocketbooks，enteredtheballroom。FirstcameMaryaDmitrievnaandthecount，bothwithmerrycountenances。Thecount，withplayfulceremonysomewhatinballetstyle，offeredhisbentarmtoMaryaDmitrievna。Hedrewhimselfup，asmileofdebonairgallantrylituphisfaceandassoonasthelastfigureoftheecossaisewasended，heclappedhishandstothemusiciansandshouteduptotheirgallery，addressingthefirstviolin：
\"Semen！DoyouknowtheDanielCooper？\"
Thiswasthecount’sfavoritedance，whichhehaddancedinhisyouth。Strictlyspeaking，DanielCooperwasonefigureoftheanglaise。
\"LookatPapa！\"shoutedNatashatothewholecompany，andquiteforgettingthatshewasdancingwithagrown—uppartnershebenthercurlyheadtoherkneesandmadethewholeroomringwithherlaughter。
Andindeedeverybodyintheroomlookedwithasmileofpleasureatthejovialoldgentleman，whostandingbesidehistallandstoutpartner，MaryaDmitrievna，curvedhisarms，beattime，straightenedhisshoulders，turnedouthistoes，tappedgentlywithhisfoot，and，byasmilethatbroadenedhisroundfacemoreandmore，preparedtheonlookersforwhatwastofollow。AssoonastheprovocativelygaystrainsofDanielCoopersomewhatresemblingthoseofamerrypeasantdancebegantosound，allthedoorwaysoftheballroomweresuddenlyfilledbythedomesticserfs—themenononesideandthewomenontheother—whowithbeamingfaceshadcometoseetheirmastermakingmerry。
\"Justlookatthemaster！Aregulareagleheis！\"loudlyremarkedthenurse，asshestoodinoneofthedoorways。
Thecountdancedwellandknewit。Buthispartnercouldnotanddidnotwanttodancewell。Herenormousfigurestooderect，herpowerfularmshangingdownshehadhandedherreticuletothecountess，andonlyhersternbuthandsomefacereallyjoinedinthedance。Whatwasexpressedbythewholeofthecount’splumpfigure，inMaryaDmitrievnafoundexpressiononlyinhermoreandmorebeamingfaceandquiveringnose。Butifthecount，gettingmoreandmoreintotheswingofit，charmedthespectatorsbytheunexpectednessofhisadroitmaneuversandtheagilitywithwhichhecaperedaboutonhislightfeet，MaryaDmitrievnaproducednolessimpressionbyslightexertions—theleastefforttomovehershouldersorbendherarmswhenturning，orstampherfoot—whicheveryoneappreciatedinviewofhersizeandhabitualseverity。Thedancegrewlivelierandlivelier。Theothercouplescouldnotattractamoment’sattentiontotheirownevolutionsanddidnoteventrytodoso。AllwerewatchingthecountandMaryaDmitrievna。Natashakeptpullingeveryonebysleeveordress，urgingthemto\"lookatPapa！\"thoughasitwastheynevertooktheireyesoffthecouple。Intheintervalsofthedancethecount，breathingdeeply，wavedandshoutedtothemusicianstoplayfaster。Faster，faster，andfaster；lightly，morelightly，andyetmorelightlywhirledthecount，flyingroundMaryaDmitrievna，nowonhistoes，nowonhisheels；until，turninghispartnerroundtoherseat，heexecutedthefinalpas，raisinghissoftfootbackwards，bowinghisperspiringhead，smilingandmakingawidesweepwithhisarm，amidathunderofapplauseandlaughterledbyNatasha。Bothpartnersstoodstill，breathingheavilyandwipingtheirfaceswiththeircambrichandkerchiefs。
\"That’showweusedtodanceinourtime，machere，\"saidthecount。
\"ThatwasaDanielCooper！\"exclaimedMaryaDmitrievna，tuckinguphersleevesandpuffingheavily。
BK1CH21
CHAPTERXXI
WhileintheRostovs’ballroomthesixthanglaisewasbeingdanced，toatuneinwhichthewearymusiciansblundered，andwhiletiredfootmenandcooksweregettingthesupper，CountBezukhovhadasixthstroke。Thedoctorspronouncedrecoveryimpossible。Afteramuteconfession，communionwasadministeredtothedyingman，preparationsmadeforthesacramentofunction，andinhishousetherewasthebustleandthrillofsuspenseusualatsuchmoments。Outsidethehouse，beyondthegates，agroupofundertakers，whohidwheneveracarriagedroveup，waitedinexpectationofanimportantorderforanexpensivefuneral。TheMilitaryGovernorofMoscow，whohadbeenassiduousinsendingaides—de—camptoinquireafterthecount’shealth，camehimselfthateveningtobidalastfarewelltothecelebratedgrandeeofCatherine’scourt，CountBezukhov。
Themagnificentreceptionroomwascrowded。EveryonestooduprespectfullywhentheMilitaryGovernor，havingstayedabouthalfanhouralonewiththedyingman，passedout，slightlyacknowledgingtheirbowsandtryingtoescapeasquicklyasfromtheglancesfixedonhimbythedoctors，clergy，andrelativesofthefamily。PrinceVasili，whohadgrownthinnerandpalerduringthelastfewdays，escortedhimtothedoor，repeatingsomethingtohimseveraltimesinlowtones。
WhentheMilitaryGovernorhadgone，PrinceVasilisatdownallaloneonachairintheballroom，crossingoneleghighovertheother，leaninghiselbowonhiskneeandcoveringhisfacewithhishand。Aftersittingsoforawhileherose，and，lookingabouthimwithfrightenedeyes，wentwithunusuallyhurriedstepsdownthelongcorridorleadingtothebackofthehouse，totheroomoftheeldestprincess。
Thosewhowereinthedimlylitreceptionroomspokeinnervouswhispers，and，wheneveranyonewentintoorcamefromthedyingman’sroom，grewsilentandgazedwitheyesfullofcuriosityorexpectancyathisdoor，whichcreakedslightlywhenopened。
\"Thelimitsofhumanlife……arefixedandmaynotbeo’erpassed，\"
saidanoldpriesttoaladywhohadtakenaseatbesidehimandwaslisteningnaivelytohiswords。
\"Iwonder，isitnottoolatetoadministerunction？\"askedthelady，addingthepriest’sclericaltitle，asifshehadnoopinionofherownonthesubject。
\"Ah，madam，itisagreatsacrament，\"repliedthepriest，passinghishandoverthethingrizzledstrandsofhaircombedbackacrosshisbaldhead。
\"Whowasthat？TheMilitaryGovernorhimself？\"wasbeingaskedattheothersideoftheroom。\"Howyoung—lookingheis！\"
\"Yes，andheisoversixty。Ihearthecountnolongerrecognizesanyone。Theywishedtoadministerthesacramentofunction。\"
\"Iknewsomeonewhoreceivedthatsacramentseventimes。\"
ThesecondprincesshadjustcomefromthesickroomwithhereyesredfromweepingandsatdownbesideDr。Lorrain，whowassittinginagracefulposeunderaportraitofCatherine，leaninghiselbowonatable。
\"Beautiful，\"saidthedoctorinanswertoaremarkabouttheweather。\"Theweatherisbeautiful，Princess；andbesides，inMoscowonefeelsasifonewereinthecountry。\"
\"Yes，indeed，\"repliedtheprincesswithasigh。\"Sohemayhavesomethingtodrink？\"
Lorrainconsidered。
\"Hashetakenhismedicine？\"
\"Yes。\"
Thedoctorglancedathiswatch。
\"Takeaglassofboiledwaterandputapinchofcreamoftartar，\"
andheindicatedwithhisdelicatefingerswhathemeantbyapinch。
\"Derehasnefferbeenagase，\"aGermandoctorwassayingtoanaide—de—camp，\"datoneliffsafterdesirdstroke。\"
\"Andwhatawell—preservedmanhewas！\"remarkedtheaide—de—camp。
\"Andwhowillinherithiswealth？\"headdedinawhisper。
\"Itvon’tgobegging，\"repliedtheGermanwithasmile。
Everyoneagainlookedtowardthedoor，whichcreakedasthesecondprincesswentinwiththedrinkshehadpreparedaccordingtoLorrain’sinstructions。TheGermandoctorwentuptoLorrain。
\"Doyouthinkhecanlasttillmorning？\"askedtheGerman，addressingLorraininFrenchwhichhepronouncedbadly。
Lorrain，pursinguphislips，wavedaseverelynegativefingerbeforehisnose。
\"Tonight，notlater，\"saidheinalowvoice，andhemovedawaywithadecoroussmileofself—satisfactionatbeingableclearlytounderstandandstatethepatient’scondition。
MeanwhilePrinceVasilihadopenedthedoorintotheprincess’room。
Inthisroomitwasalmostdark；onlytwotinylampswereburningbeforetheiconsandtherewasapleasantscentofflowersandburntpastilles。Theroomwascrowdedwithsmallpiecesoffurniture，whatnots，cupboards，andlittletables。Thequiltofahigh，whitefeatherbedwasjustvisiblebehindascreen。Asmalldogbegantobark。
\"Ah，isityou，cousin？\"
Sheroseandsmoothedherhair，whichwasasusualsoextremelysmooththatitseemedtobemadeofonepiecewithherheadandcoveredwithvarnish。
\"Hasanythinghappened？\"sheasked。\"Iamsoterrified。\"
\"No，thereisnochange。Ionlycametohaveatalkaboutbusiness，Catiche，\"*mutteredtheprince，seatinghimselfwearilyonthechairshehadjustvacated。\"Youhavemadetheplacewarm，I
mustsay，\"heremarked。\"Well，sitdown：let’shaveatalk。\"
*Catherine。
\"Ithoughtperhapssomethinghadhappened，\"shesaidwithherunchangingstonilysevereexpression；and，sittingdownoppositetheprince，shepreparedtolisten。
\"Iwishedtogetanap，moncousin，butIcan’t。\"
\"Well，mydear？\"saidPrinceVasili，takingherhandandbendingitdownwardsaswashishabit。
Itwasplainthatthis\"well？\"referredtomuchthattheybothunderstoodwithoutnaming。
Theprincess，whohadastraight，rigidbody，abnormallylongforherlegs，lookeddirectlyatPrinceVasiliwithnosignofemotioninherprominentgrayeyes。Thensheshookherheadandglancedupattheiconswithasigh。Thismighthavebeentakenasanexpressionofsorrowanddevotion，orofwearinessandhopeofrestingbeforelong。PrinceVasiliunderstooditasanexpressionofweariness。
\"AndI？\"hesaid；\"doyouthinkitiseasierforme？Iamaswornoutasaposthorse，butstillImusthaveatalkwithyou，Catiche，averyserioustalk。\"
PrinceVasilisaidnomoreandhischeeksbegantotwitchnervously，nowononeside，nowontheother，givinghisfaceanunpleasantexpressionwhichwasnevertobeseenonitinadrawingroom。Hiseyestooseemedstrange；atonemomenttheylookedimpudentlyslyandatthenextglancedroundinalarm。
Theprincess，holdingherlittledogonherlapwithherthinbonyhands，lookedattentivelyintoPrinceVasili’seyesevidentlyresolvednottobethefirsttobreaksilence，ifshehadtowaittillmorning。
\"Well，yousee，mydearprincessandcousin，CatherineSemenovna，\"
continuedPrinceVasili，returningtohistheme，apparentlynotwithoutaninnerstruggle；\"atsuchamomentasthisonemustthinkofeverything。Onemustthinkofthefuture，ofallofyou……Iloveyouall，likechildrenofmyown，asyouknow。\"
Theprincesscontinuedtolookathimwithoutmoving，andwiththesamedullexpression。
\"Andthenofcoursemyfamilyhasalsotobeconsidered，\"PrinceVasiliwenton，testilypushingawayalittletablewithoutlookingather。\"Youknow，Catiche，thatwe—youthreesisters，Mamontov，andmywife—arethecount’sonlydirectheirs。Iknow，Iknowhowharditisforyoutotalkorthinkofsuchmatters。Itisnoeasierforme；
but，mydear，Iamgettingonforsixtyandmustbepreparedforanything。DoyouknowIhavesentforPierre？Thecount，\"pointingtohisportrait，\"definitelydemandedthatheshouldbecalled。\"
PrinceVasililookedquestioninglyattheprincess，butcouldnotmakeoutwhethershewasconsideringwhathehadjustsaidorwhethershewassimplylookingathim。
\"ThereisonethingIconstantlyprayGodtogrant，moncousin，\"shereplied，\"anditisthatHewouldbemercifultohimandwouldallowhisnoblesoulpeacefullytoleavethis……\"
\"Yes，yes，ofcourse，\"interruptedPrinceVasiliimpatiently，rubbinghisbaldheadandangrilypullingbacktowardhimthelittletablethathehadpushedaway。\"But……inshort，thefactis……youknowyourselfthatlastwinterthecountmadeawillbywhichheleftallhisproperty，nottoushisdirectheirs，buttoPierre。\"
\"Hehasmadewillsenough！\"quietlyremarkedtheprincess。\"ButhecannotleavetheestatetoPierre。Pierreisillegitimate。\"
\"But，mydear，\"saidPrinceVasilisuddenly，clutchingthelittletableandbecomingmoreanimatedandtalkingmorerapidly：\"whatifaletterhasbeenwrittentotheEmperorinwhichthecountasksforPierre’slegitimation？Doyouunderstandthatinconsiderationofthecount’sservices，hisrequestwouldbegranted？……\"
Theprincesssmiledaspeopledowhothinktheyknowmoreaboutthesubjectunderdiscussionthanthosetheyaretalkingwith。
\"Icantellyoumore，\"continuedPrinceVasili，seizingherhand，\"thatletterwaswritten，thoughitwasnotsent，andtheEmperorknewofit。Theonlyquestionis，hasitbeendestroyedornot？Ifnot，thenassoonasallisover，\"andPrinceVasilisighedtointimatewhathemeantbythewordsallisover，\"andthecount’spapersareopened，thewillandletterwillbedeliveredtotheEmperor，andthepetitionwillcertainlybegranted。Pierrewillgeteverythingasthelegitimateson。\"
\"Andourshare？\"askedtheprincesssmilingironically，asifanythingmighthappen，onlynotthat。
\"But，mypoorCatiche，itisasclearasdaylight！Hewillthenbethelegalheirtoeverythingandyouwon’tgetanything。Youmustknow，mydear，whetherthewillandletterwerewritten，andwhethertheyhavebeendestroyedornot。Andiftheyhavesomehowbeenoverlooked，yououghttoknowwheretheyare，andmustfindthem，because……\"
\"Whatnext？\"theprincessinterrupted，smilingsardonicallyandnotchangingtheexpressionofhereyes。\"Iamawoman，andyouthinkweareallstupid；butIknowthis：anillegitimatesoncannotinherit……unbatard！\"*sheadded，asifsupposingthatthistranslationofthewordwouldeffectivelyprovetoPrinceVasilitheinvalidityofhiscontention。
*Abastard。
\"Well，really，Catiche！Can’tyouunderstand！Youaresointelligent，howisityoudon’tseethatifthecounthaswrittenalettertotheEmperorbegginghimtorecognizePierreaslegitimate，itfollowsthatPierrewillnotbePierrebutwillbecomeCountBezukhov，andwilltheninheriteverythingunderthewill？Andifthewillandletterarenotdestroyed，thenyouwillhavenothingbuttheconsolationofhavingbeendutifulettoutcequis’ensuit！*
That’scertain。\"
*Andallthatfollowstherefrom。
\"Iknowthewillwasmade，butIalsoknowthatitisinvalid；andyou，moncousin，seemtoconsidermeaperfectfool，\"saidtheprincesswiththeexpressionwomenassumewhentheysupposetheyaresayingsomethingwittyandstinging。
\"MydearPrincessCatherineSemenovna，\"beganPrinceVasiliimpatiently，\"Icameherenottowranglewithyou，buttotalkaboutyourinterestsaswithakinswoman，agood，kind，truerelation。AndI
tellyouforthetenthtimethatifthelettertotheEmperorandthewillinPierre’sfavorareamongthecount’spapers，then，mydeargirl，youandyoursistersarenotheiresses！Ifyoudon’tbelieveme，thenbelieveanexpert。IhavejustbeentalkingtoDmitriOnufrich\"
thefamilysolicitor\"andhesaysthesame。\"
Atthisasuddenchangeevidentlytookplaceintheprincess’ideas；
herthinlipsgrewwhite，thoughhereyesdidnotchange，andhervoicewhenshebegantospeakpassedthroughsuchtransitionsassheherselfevidentlydidnotexpect。
\"Thatwouldbeafinething！\"saidshe。\"IneverwantedanythingandIdon’tnow。\"
Shepushedthelittledogoffherlapandsmoothedherdress。
\"Andthisisgratitude—thisisrecognitionforthosewhohavesacrificedeverythingforhissake！\"shecried。\"It’ssplendid！
Fine！Idon’twantanything，Prince。\"
\"Yes，butyouarenottheonlyone。Thereareyoursisters……\"
repliedPrinceVasili。
Buttheprincessdidnotlistentohim。
\"Yes，Iknewitlongagobuthadforgotten。IknewthatIcouldexpectnothingbutmeanness，deceit，envy，intrigue，andingratitude—theblackestingratitude—inthishouse……\"
\"Doyouordoyounotknowwherethatwillis？\"insistedPrinceVasili，hischeekstwitchingmorethanever。
\"Yes，Iwasafool！Istillbelievedinpeople，lovedthem，andsacrificedmyself。Butonlythebase，thevilesucceed！Iknowwhohasbeenintriguing！\"
Theprinceeswishedtorise，buttheprinceheldherbythehand。
Shehadtheairofonewhohassuddenlylostfaithinthewholehumanrace。Shegavehercompanionanangryglance。
\"Thereisstilltime，mydear。Youmustremember，Catiche，thatitwasalldonecasuallyinamomentofanger，ofillness，andwasafterwardsforgotten。Ourduty，mydear，istorectifyhismistake，toeasehislastmomentsbynotlettinghimcommitthisinjustice，andnottolethimdiefeelingthatheisrenderingunhappythosewho……\"
\"Whosacrificedeverythingforhim，\"chimedintheprincess，whowouldagainhaverisenhadnottheprincestillheldherfast，\"thoughhenevercouldappreciateit。No，moncousin，\"sheaddedwithasigh，\"Ishallalwaysrememberthatinthisworldonemustexpectnoreward，thatinthisworldthereisneitherhonornorjustice。Inthisworldonehastobecunningandcruel。\"
\"Nowcome，come！Bereasonable。Iknowyourexcellentheart。\"
\"No，Ihaveawickedheart。\"
\"Iknowyourheart，\"repeatedtheprince。\"Ivalueyourfriendshipandwishyoutohaveasgoodanopinionofme。Don’tupsetyourself，andletustalksensiblywhilethereisstilltime，beitadayorbeitbutanhour……Tellmeallyouknowaboutthewill，andaboveallwhereitis。Youmustknow。Wewilltakeitatonceandshowittothecount。Hehas，nodoubt，forgottenitandwillwishtodestroyit。
Youunderstandthatmysoledesireisconscientiouslytocarryouthiswishes；thatismyonlyreasonforbeinghere。Icamesimplytohelphimandyou。\"
\"NowIseeitall！Iknowwhohasbeenintriguing—Iknow！\"criedtheprincess。
\"That’snotthepoint，mydear。\"
\"It’sthatprotegeofyours，thatsweetPrincessDrubetskaya，thatAnnaMikhaylovnawhomIwouldnottakeforahousemaid……theinfamous，vilewoman！\"
\"Donotletusloseanytime……\"
\"Ah，don’ttalktome！Lastwintershewheedledherselfinhereandtoldthecountsuchvile，disgracefulthingsaboutus，especiallyaboutSophie—Ican’trepeatthem—thatitmadethecountquiteillandhewouldnotseeusforawholefortnight。Iknowitwasthenhewrotethisvile，infamouspaper，butIthoughtthethingwasinvalid。\"
\"We’vegottoitatlast—whydidyounottellmeaboutitsooner？\"
\"It’sintheinlaidportfoliothathekeepsunderhispillow，\"
saidtheprincess，ignoringhisquestion。\"NowIknow！Yes；ifI
haveasin，agreatsin，itishatredofthatvilewoman！\"almostshriekedtheprincess，nowquitechanged。\"Andwhatdoesshecomewormingherselfinherefor？ButIwillgiveherapieceofmymind。
Thetimewillcome！\"
BK1CH22
CHAPTERXXII
Whiletheseconversationsweregoingoninthereceptionroomandtheprincess’room，acarriagecontainingPierrewhohadbeensentforandAnnaMikhaylovnawhofounditnecessarytoaccompanyhim
wasdrivingintothecourtofCountBezukhov’shouse。Asthewheelsrolledsoftlyoverthestrawbeneaththewindows，AnnaMikhaylovna，havingturnedwithwordsofcomforttohercompanion，realizedthathewasasleepinhiscornerandwokehimup。Rousinghimself，PierrefollowedAnnaMikhaylovnaoutofthecarriage，andonlythenbegantothinkoftheinterviewwithhisdyingfatherwhichawaitedhim。
Henoticedthattheyhadnotcometothefrontentrancebuttothebackdoor。Whilehewasgettingdownfromthecarriagestepstwomen，wholookedliketradespeople，ranhurriedlyfromtheentranceandhidintheshadowofthewall。Pausingforamoment，Pierrenoticedseveralothermenofthesamekindhidingintheshadowofthehouseonbothsides。ButneitherAnnaMikhaylovnanorthefootmannorthecoachman，whocouldnothelpseeingthesepeople，tookanynoticeofthem。\"Itseemstobeallright，\"Pierreconcluded，andfollowedAnnaMikhaylovna。Shehurriedlyascendedthenarrowdimlylitstonestaircase，callingtoPierre，whowaslaggingbehind，tofollow。
Thoughhedidnotseewhyitwasnecessaryforhimtogotothecountatall，stilllesswhyhehadtogobythebackstairs，yetjudgingbyAnnaMikhaylovna’sairofassuranceandhaste，Pierreconcludedthatitwasallabsolutelynecessary。Halfwayupthestairstheywerealmostknockedoverbysomemenwho，carryingpails，camerunningdownstairs，theirbootsclattering。ThesemenpressedclosetothewalltoletPierreandAnnaMikhaylovnapassanddidnotevincetheleastsurpriseatseeingthemthere。
\"Isthisthewaytotheprincesses’apartments？\"askedAnnaMikhaylovnaofoneofthem。
\"Yes，\"repliedafootmaninaboldloudvoice，asifanythingwerenowpermissible；\"thedoortotheleft，ma’am。\"
\"Perhapsthecountdidnotaskforme，\"saidPierrewhenhereachedthelanding。\"I’dbettergotomyownroom。\"
AnnaMikhaylovnapausedandwaitedforhimtocomeup。
\"Ah，myfriend！\"shesaid，touchinghisarmasshehaddoneherson’swhenspeakingtohimthatafternoon，\"believemeIsuffernolessthanyoudo，butbeaman！\"
\"Butreally，hadn’tIbettergoaway？\"heasked，lookingkindlyatheroverhisspectacles。
\"Ah，mydearfriend！Forgetthewrongsthatmayhavebeendoneyou。Thinkthatheisyourfather……perhapsintheagonyofdeath。\"
Shesighed。\"Ihavelovedyoulikeasonfromthefirst。Trustyourselftome，Pierre。Ishallnotforgetyourinterests。\"
Pierredidnotunderstandaword，buttheconvictionthatallthishadtobegrewstronger，andhemeeklyfollowedAnnaMikhaylovnawhowasalreadyopeningadoor。
Thisdoorledintoabackanteroom。Anoldman，aservantoftheprincesses，satinacornerknittingastocking。Pierrehadneverbeeninthispartofthehouseanddidnotevenknowoftheexistenceoftheserooms。AnnaMikhaylovna，addressingamaidwhowashurryingpastwithadecanteronatrayas\"mydear\"and\"mysweet，\"askedabouttheprincess’healthandthenledPierrealongastonepassage。Thefirstdoorontheleftledintotheprincesses’apartments。Themaidwiththedecanterinherhastehadnotclosedthedooreverythinginthehousewasdoneinhasteatthattime，andPierreandAnnaMikhaylovnainpassinginstinctivelyglancedintotheroom，wherePrinceVasiliandtheeldestprincessweresittingclosetogethertalking。Seeingthempass，PrinceVasilidrewbackwithobviousimpatience，whiletheprincessjumpedupandwithagestureofdesperationslammedthedoorwithallhermight。
ThisactionwassounlikeherusualcomposureandthefeardepictedonPrinceVasili’sfacesooutofkeepingwithhisdignitythatPierrestoppedandglancedinquiringlyoverhisspectaclesathisguide。AnnaMikhaylovnaevincednosurprise，sheonlysmiledfaintlyandsighed，asiftosaythatthiswasnomorethanshehadexpected。
\"Beaman，myfriend。Iwilllookafteryourinterests，\"saidsheinreplytohislook，andwentstillfasteralongthepassage。
Pierrecouldnotmakeoutwhatitwasallabout，andstilllesswhat\"watchingoverhisinterests\"meant，buthedecidedthatallthesethingshadtobe。Fromthepassagetheywentintoalarge，dimlylitroomadjoiningthecount’sreceptionroom。ItwasoneofthosesumptuousbutcoldapartmentsknowntoPierreonlyfromthefrontapproach，buteveninthisroomtherenowstoodanemptybath，andwaterhadbeenspilledonthecarpet。Theyweremetbyadeaconwithacenserandbyaservantwhopassedoutontiptoewithoutheedingthem。
TheywentintothereceptionroomfamiliartoPierre，withtwoItalianwindowsopeningintotheconservatory，withitslargebustandfulllengthportraitofCatherinetheGreat。Thesamepeoplewerestillsittinghereinalmostthesamepositionsasbefore，whisperingtooneanother。Allbecamesilentandturnedtolookatthepaletear—wornAnnaMikhaylovnaassheentered，andatthebigstoutfigureofPierrewho，hanginghishead，meeklyfollowedher。
AnnaMikhaylovna’sfaceexpressedaconsciousnessthatthedecisivemomenthadarrived。WiththeairofapracticalPetersburgladyshenow，keepingPierreclosebesideher，enteredtheroomevenmoreboldlythanthatafternoon。Shefeltthatasshebroughtwithherthepersonthedyingmanwishedtosee，herownadmissionwasassured。
Castingarapidglanceatallthoseintheroomandnoticingthecount’sconfessorthere，sheglideduptohimwithasortofamble，notexactlybowingyetseemingtogrowsuddenlysmaller，andrespectfullyreceivedtheblessingfirstofoneandthenofanotherpriest。
\"Godbethankedthatyouareintime，\"saidshetooneofthepriests；\"allwerelativeshavebeeninsuchanxiety。Thisyoungmanisthecount’sson，\"sheaddedmoresoftly。\"Whataterriblemoment！\"
Havingsaidthisshewentuptothedoctor。
\"Deardoctor，\"saidshe，\"thisyoungmanisthecount’sson。Isthereanyhope？\"
Thedoctorcastarapidglanceupwardsandsilentlyshruggedhisshoulders。AnnaMikhaylovnawithjustthesamemovementraisedhershouldersandeyes，almostclosingthelatter，sighed，andmovedawayfromthedoctortoPierre。Tohim，inaparticularlyrespectfulandtenderlysadvoice，shesaid：
\"TrustinHismercy！\"andpointingoutasmallsofaforhimtositandwaitforher，shewentsilentlytowardthedoorthateveryonewaswatchinganditcreakedveryslightlyasshedisappearedbehindit。
Pierre，havingmadeuphismindtoobeyhismonitressimplicitly，movedtowardthesofashehadindicated。AssoonasAnnaMikhaylovnahaddisappearedhenoticedthattheeyesofallintheroomturnedtohimwithsomethingmorethancuriosityandsympathy。Henoticedthattheywhisperedtooneanother，castingsignificantlooksathimwithakindofaweandevenservility。Adeferencesuchashehadneverbeforereceivedwasshownhim。Astrangelady，theonewhohadbeentalkingtothepriests，roseandofferedhimherseat；anaide—de—camppickedupandreturnedaglovePierrehaddropped；thedoctorsbecamerespectfullysilentashepassedby，andmovedtomakewayforhim。AtfirstPierrewishedtotakeanotherseatsoasnottotroublethelady，andalsotopickuptheglovehimselfandtopassroundthedoctorswhowerenoteveninhisway；butallatoncehefeltthatthiswouldnotdo，andthattonighthewasapersonobligedtoperformsomesortofawfulritewhicheveryoneexpectedofhim，andthathewasthereforeboundtoaccepttheirservices。Hetookthegloveinsilencefromtheaide—de—camp，andsatdowninthelady’schair，placinghishugehandssymmetricallyonhiskneesinthenaiveattitudeofanEgyptianstatue，anddecidedinhisownmindthatallwasasitshouldbe，andthatinordernottolosehisheadanddofoolishthingshemustnotactonhisownideastonight，butmustyieldhimselfupentirelytothewillofthosewhowereguidinghim。
NottwominuteshadpassedbeforePrinceVasiliwithheaderectmajesticallyenteredtheroom。Hewaswearinghislongcoatwiththreestarsonhisbreast。Heseemedtohavegrownthinnersincethemorning；hiseyesseemedlargerthanusualwhenheglancedroundandnoticedPierre。Hewentuptohim，tookhishandathingheneverusedtodo，anddrewitdownwardsasifwishingtoascertainwhetheritwasfirmlyfixedon。
\"Courage，courage，myfriend！Hehasaskedtoseeyou。Thatiswell！\"andheturnedtogo。
ButPierrethoughtitnecessarytoask：\"Howis……\"andhesitated，notknowingwhetheritwouldbepropertocallthedyingman\"thecount，\"yetashamedtocallhim\"father。\"
\"Hehadanotherstrokeabouthalfanhourago。Courage，myfriend……\"
Pierre’smindwasinsuchaconfusedstatethattheword\"stroke\"
suggestedtohimablowfromsomething。HelookedatPrinceVasiliinperplexity，andonlylatergraspedthatastrokewasanattackofillness。PrinceVasilisaidsomethingtoLorraininpassingandwentthroughthedoorontiptoe。Hecouldnotwalkwellontiptoeandhiswholebodyjerkedateachstep。Theeldestprincessfollowedhim，andthepriestsanddeaconsandsomeservantsalsowentinatthedoor。Throughthatdoorwasheardanoiseofthingsbeingmovedabout，andatlastAnnaMikhaylovna，stillwiththesameexpression，palebutresoluteinthedischargeofduty，ranoutandtouchingPierrelightlyonthearmsaid：
\"Thedivinemercyisinexhaustible！Unctionisabouttobeadministered。Come。\"
Pierrewentinatthedoor，steppingonthesoftcarpet，andnoticedthatthestrangelady，theaide—de—camp，andsomeoftheservants，allfollowedhimin，asiftherewerenownofurtherneedforpermissiontoenterthatroom。