Anna Pávlovna’s soirée continues. There is more talk of politics and the war. Hippolyte’s nonsensical inept joking once again falls flat with the group. As people are leaving, Hélène reminds Borís that she wants him to come and see her on Tuesday. But on Tuesday evening, when he attends Hélène’s splendid salon as requested, it’s not clear to Borís why he was invited. There were other guests and the countess talked little to him. But, as he was leaving, Hélène unexpectedly invites him to dinner the next day. In this way, during that stay in Petersburg, Borís becomes an intimate in the countess’ house.
quote from the chapter:
But on Tuesday evening, having come to Hélène’s splendid salon, Borís received no clear explanation of why it had been necessary for him to come. There were other guests and the countess talked little to him, and only as he kissed her hand on taking leave said unexpectedly and in a whisper, with a strangely unsmiling face: Come to dinner tomorrow… in the evening. You must come…. Come!
During that stay in Petersburg, Borís became an intimate in the countess’ house.
Book 5, Chapter 7
Hélène initiates a relationship with Borís.
Summary:
Anna Pávlovna’s soirée continues. There is more talk of politics and the war. Hippolyte’s nonsensical inept joking once again falls flat with the group. As people are leaving, Hélène reminds Borís that she wants him to come and see her on Tuesday. But on Tuesday evening, when he attends Hélène’s splendid salon as requested, it’s not clear to Borís why he was invited. There were other guests and the countess talked little to him. But, as he was leaving, Hélène unexpectedly invites him to dinner the next day. In this way, during that stay in Petersburg, Borís becomes an intimate in the countess’ house.
quote from the chapter:
But on Tuesday evening, having come to Hélène’s splendid salon, Borís received no clear explanation of why it had been necessary for him to come. There were other guests and the countess talked little to him, and only as he kissed her hand on taking leave said unexpectedly and in a whisper, with a strangely unsmiling face: Come to dinner tomorrow… in the evening. You must come…. Come!
During that stay in Petersburg, Borís became an intimate in the countess’ house.
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