Count Rostóv, very short of funds himself, covers Nicholas’ gambling debt without any scolding. Denísov unexpectedly proposes to Natásha.
Count Rostóv, very short of funds himself, covers Nicholas’ gambling debt without any scolding. Denísov unexpectedly proposes to Natásha.
Book 4, Chapter 16
Count Rostóv, very short of funds himself, covers Nicholas’ gambling debt without any scolding. Denísov unexpectedly proposes to Natásha.
Summary:
The momentary pleasure Nicholas experienced listening to Natásha’s singing passes quickly, and soon his father entered the house. Nicholas requests the 43,000 roubles from his father. Nicholas, at first feigns a carefree demeanor, smiling as though this were no big deal, even though Nicholas knows his father does not have the money. The father is taken aback, but he neither denies the request nor criticizes his son. He will try to get the money. As his father leaves the room, Nicholas breaks down and falls to his knees, sobbing. Kissing his father’s hand, he begs forgiveness. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the house, Denísov has unexpectedly asked Natásha to marry him. Natásha goes to her mother for advice. The mother thinks Natásha is too young to marry and Natásha does not want to marry Denísov. So politely but with some humor, the mother helps Natásha quickly refuse Denísov’s sincere but inept proposal of marriage. A few days later, Nicholas sends Dólokhov the whole amount before leaving to rejoin his regiment in Poland.
quote from the chapter:
Yes, yes, he muttered, it will be difficult, I fear, difficult to raise… happens to everybody! Yes, who has not done it?
And with a furtive glance at his son’s face, the count went out of the room…. Nicholas had been prepared for resistance, but had not at all expected this.
Papa! Pa-pa! he called after him, sobbing, forgive me! And seizing his father’s hand, he pressed it to his lips and burst into tears.
While father and son were having their explanation, the mother and daughter were having one not less important. Natásha came running to her mother, quite excited.
Mamma!… Mamma!… He has made me…
Made what?
Made, made me an offer, Mamma! Mamma! she exclaimed.
The countess did not believe her ears. Denísov had proposed. To whom? To this chit of a girl, Natásha, who not so long ago was playing with dolls and who was still having lessons.
Don’t, Natásha! What nonsense! she said, hoping it was a joke.
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