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