Pale and agitated, Natasha ran into the drawing room.

　　"Mamma! Bolkonski has come!" she said. "Mamma, it is awful, it isunbearable! I don't want... to be tormented? What am I to do?..."

　　Before the countess could answer, Prince Andrew entered the roomwith an agitated and serious face. As soon as he saw Natasha hisface brightened. He kissed the countess' hand and Natasha's, and satdown beside the sofa.

　　"It is long since we had the pleasure..." began the countess, butPrince Andrew interrupted her by answering her intended question,obviously in haste to say what he had to.

　　"I have not been to see all this time because I have been at myfather's. I had to talk over a very important matter with him. Ionly got back last night," he said glancing at Natasha; "I want tohave a talk with you, Countess," he added after a moment's pause.

　　The countess lowered her eyes, sighing deeply.

　　"I am at your disposal," she murmured.

　　Natasha knew that she ought to go away, but was unable to do so:something gripped her throat, and regardless of manners she staredstraight at Prince Andrew with wide-open eyes.

　　"At once? This instant!... No, it can't be!" she thought.

　　Again he glanced at her, and that glance convinced her that shewas not mistaken. Yes, at once, that very instant, her fate would bedecided.

　　"Go, Natasha! I will call you," said the countess in a whisper.

　　Natasha glanced with frightened imploring eyes at Prince Andrewand at her mother and went out.

　　"I have come, Countess, to ask for your daughter's hand," saidPrince Andrew.

　　The countess' face flushed hotly, but she said nothing.