Dólokhov proposes to Sónya but is refused. Nicholas speaks with Sónya to make sure she understands he isn’t definitely committed to marrying her.
Category: Book 04, P&V pgs. 297-346
The dancing instructor’s ball is very enjoyable. Denísov dances very well with Natásha, and remains by her side after the dance.
Nicholas joins a card game with Dólokhov and begins to lose a great deal of money.
Nicholas’ losses from the card game continue to rise, until at last Dólokhov brings the game to an end.
Nicholas, in agony over how much money he has lost in the card game, returns home. As he listens to Natásha sing, his suffering briefly abates.
Count Rostóv, very short of funds himself, covers Nicholas’ gambling debt without any scolding. Denísov unexpectedly proposes to Natásha.