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