The Countess puts a halt to Borís’ frequent visits.
Summary:
One evening, Natásha went in for her nightly conversation with her mother, and they talked about Borís. The Countess tells Natásha that Borís really seems to have fallen for her, but that It won’t do, my love! Not everyone will understand this friendship dating from your childish days, and to see him so intimate with you may injure you in the eyes of other young men who visit us, and above all it torments him for nothing. He may already have found a suitable and wealthy match, and now he’s half crazy. Natásha protests, saying she thinks they ought to be able to keep seeing one another, even if they don’t plan to marry. What rubbish you’re talking! said the countess. Natásha, without missing a beat, then says something complementary about Prince Andrew. You flirt with him too, said the countess, laughing. This conversation ends and Natásha goes off to bed. The next day the countess called Borís aside and had a talk with him, after which he ceased coming to the Rostóvs’.
quote from the chapter:
Natásha was listening and considering.
Well, what then? said she.
You have quite turned his head, and why? What do you want of him? You know you can’t marry him.
Why not? said Natásha, without changing her position.
Because he is young, because he is poor, because he is a relation… and because you yourself don’t love him.
How do you know?
I know. It is not right, darling!
But if I want to… said Natásha.
Leave off talking nonsense, said the countess.
But if I want to…
Natásha, I am in earnest…
Book 6, Chapter 13
The Countess puts a halt to Borís’ frequent visits.
Summary:
One evening, Natásha went in for her nightly conversation with her mother, and they talked about Borís. The Countess tells Natásha that Borís really seems to have fallen for her, but that It won’t do, my love! Not everyone will understand this friendship dating from your childish days, and to see him so intimate with you may injure you in the eyes of other young men who visit us, and above all it torments him for nothing. He may already have found a suitable and wealthy match, and now he’s half crazy. Natásha protests, saying she thinks they ought to be able to keep seeing one another, even if they don’t plan to marry. What rubbish you’re talking! said the countess. Natásha, without missing a beat, then says something complementary about Prince Andrew. You flirt with him too, said the countess, laughing. This conversation ends and Natásha goes off to bed. The next day the countess called Borís aside and had a talk with him, after which he ceased coming to the Rostóvs’.
quote from the chapter:
Natásha was listening and considering.
Well, what then? said she.
You have quite turned his head, and why? What do you want of him? You know you can’t marry him.
Why not? said Natásha, without changing her position.
Because he is young, because he is poor, because he is a relation… and because you yourself don’t love him.
How do you know?
I know. It is not right, darling!
But if I want to… said Natásha.
Leave off talking nonsense, said the countess.
But if I want to…
Natásha, I am in earnest…
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!