Pierre, finding it increasingly difficult to conceal his affection for Natásha, decides he must stop visiting the Rostóvs.
Summary:
On Sunday, Pierre went to dine with the Rostóvs, expecting to stay until midnight as was his custom. Her depression abating, Natásha has begun singing again. At dinner, the family toasts Nicholas’ promotion and discusses the war. With the Russian army in continual retreat, it is becoming dangerous to speak French in the streets. After dinner, Sónya is asked to read the Tsar’s appeal to the people. Pétya wants to join the hussars, but his parents think him too young. Natásha, unconscious of Pierre’s romantic feelings for her, continually shows him a great deal of affection and appreciation. Pierre is more and more conscious of how attractive she is, and part of him wants to declare his love for her. Agitated by his feelings, Pierre makes an excuse to leave early and decides he needs to stop visiting the Rostóv house.
quote from the chapter:
You don’t often come nowadays as it is, and this girl of mine, said the count good-naturedly, pointing to Natásha, only brightens up when you’re here. Yes, I had forgotten… I really must go home… business… said Pierre hurriedly. Well, then, au revoir! said the count, and went out of the room. Why are you going? Why are you upset? asked Natásha, and she looked challengingly into Pierre’s eyes. Because I love you! was what he wanted to say, but he did not say it, and only blushed till the tears came, and lowered his eyes. Because it is better for me to come less often… because… No, simply I have business…. Why? No, tell me! Natásha began resolutely and suddenly stopped. They looked at each other with dismayed and embarrassed faces. He tried to smile but could not: his smile expressed suffering, and he silently kissed her hand and went out. Pierre made up his mind not to go to the Rostóvs’ any more.
Book 9, Chapter 20
Pierre, finding it increasingly difficult to conceal his affection for Natásha, decides he must stop visiting the Rostóvs.
Summary:
On Sunday, Pierre went to dine with the Rostóvs, expecting to stay until midnight as was his custom. Her depression abating, Natásha has begun singing again. At dinner, the family toasts Nicholas’ promotion and discusses the war. With the Russian army in continual retreat, it is becoming dangerous to speak French in the streets. After dinner, Sónya is asked to read the Tsar’s appeal to the people. Pétya wants to join the hussars, but his parents think him too young. Natásha, unconscious of Pierre’s romantic feelings for her, continually shows him a great deal of affection and appreciation. Pierre is more and more conscious of how attractive she is, and part of him wants to declare his love for her. Agitated by his feelings, Pierre makes an excuse to leave early and decides he needs to stop visiting the Rostóv house.
quote from the chapter:
You don’t often come nowadays as it is, and this girl of mine, said the count good-naturedly, pointing to Natásha, only brightens up when you’re here. Yes, I had forgotten… I really must go home… business… said Pierre hurriedly. Well, then, au revoir! said the count, and went out of the room. Why are you going? Why are you upset? asked Natásha, and she looked challengingly into Pierre’s eyes. Because I love you! was what he wanted to say, but he did not say it, and only blushed till the tears came, and lowered his eyes. Because it is better for me to come less often… because… No, simply I have business…. Why? No, tell me! Natásha began resolutely and suddenly stopped. They looked at each other with dismayed and embarrassed faces. He tried to smile but could not: his smile expressed suffering, and he silently kissed her hand and went out. Pierre made up his mind not to go to the Rostóvs’ any more.
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