Véra’s becomes engaged but there is a problem of her dowry.
Summary:
The Rostóvs’ monetary affairs have not improved during the two years they had spent in the country. Their debts only increase every year. Realizing he has to have more income, the old count begins to look for a government post. Meanwhile, Berg proposes to Véra and is accepted. Her parents were initially reluctant to allow Véra to marry Berg, but they eventually approve of the match. This brought up the question of Véra’s dowry. The old count did not himself know what he could afford, but clearly his resources were stretched very thin. One day, in a polite but very direct manner, Berg asks the old count what the dowry will be. The count tries to put him off and at first will not name a figure. Berg, though, says he cannot marry without knowing how much Véra’s dowry will be. Next, the count offers Berg a note, (i.e. an IOU), for 80,000 rubles. Berg, however, says he would need at least 20,000 in cash and a note for the remaining 60,000. The count, ever wishing to appear magnanimous, says he will give Berg the offered note for 80,000 plus an additional 20,000 in cash. Berg is satisfied with this offer. But its not clear where the old count expects to find the 20,000 in cash.
quote from the chapter:
Moreover, the Rostóvs’ affairs were seriously embarrassed, as the suitor could not but know; and above all, Véra was twenty-four, had been taken out everywhere, and though she was certainly good-looking and sensible, no one up to now had proposed to her. So they gave their consent. You see, said Berg to his comrade, whom he called friend only because he knew that everyone has friends, you see, I have considered it all, and should not marry if I had not thought it all out or if it were in any way unsuitable. But on the contrary, my papa and mamma are now provided for-I have arranged that rent for them in the Baltic Provinces-and I can live in Petersburg on my pay, and with her fortune and my good management we can get along nicely. I am not marrying for money-I consider that dishonorable-but a wife should bring her share and a husband his. I have my position in the service, she has connections and some means.
Book 6, Chapter 11
Véra’s becomes engaged but there is a problem of her dowry.
Summary:
The Rostóvs’ monetary affairs have not improved during the two years they had spent in the country. Their debts only increase every year. Realizing he has to have more income, the old count begins to look for a government post. Meanwhile, Berg proposes to Véra and is accepted. Her parents were initially reluctant to allow Véra to marry Berg, but they eventually approve of the match. This brought up the question of Véra’s dowry. The old count did not himself know what he could afford, but clearly his resources were stretched very thin. One day, in a polite but very direct manner, Berg asks the old count what the dowry will be. The count tries to put him off and at first will not name a figure. Berg, though, says he cannot marry without knowing how much Véra’s dowry will be. Next, the count offers Berg a note, (i.e. an IOU), for 80,000 rubles. Berg, however, says he would need at least 20,000 in cash and a note for the remaining 60,000. The count, ever wishing to appear magnanimous, says he will give Berg the offered note for 80,000 plus an additional 20,000 in cash. Berg is satisfied with this offer. But its not clear where the old count expects to find the 20,000 in cash.
quote from the chapter:
Moreover, the Rostóvs’ affairs were seriously embarrassed, as the suitor could not but know; and above all, Véra was twenty-four, had been taken out everywhere, and though she was certainly good-looking and sensible, no one up to now had proposed to her. So they gave their consent. You see, said Berg to his comrade, whom he called friend only because he knew that everyone has friends, you see, I have considered it all, and should not marry if I had not thought it all out or if it were in any way unsuitable. But on the contrary, my papa and mamma are now provided for-I have arranged that rent for them in the Baltic Provinces-and I can live in Petersburg on my pay, and with her fortune and my good management we can get along nicely. I am not marrying for money-I consider that dishonorable-but a wife should bring her share and a husband his. I have my position in the service, she has connections and some means.
Click here to read full text of this chapter.
Please help improve this shared document by posting your suggested corrections, clarifications, and changes below. Thank you!