"Your offer..." she began at last sedately. He remained silent,looking into her eyes. "Your offer..." (she grew confused) "isagreeable to us, and I accept your offer. I am glad. And my husband...I hope... but it will depend on her...."

　　"I will speak to her when I have your consent.... Do you give itto me?" said Prince Andrew.

　　"Yes," replied the countess. She held out her hand to him, andwith a mixed feeling of estrangement and tenderness pressed her lipsto his forehead as he stooped to kiss her hand. She wished to love himas a son, but felt that to her he was a stranger and a terrifying man."I am sure my husband will consent," said the countess, "but yourfather..."

　　"My father, to whom I have told my plans, has made it an expresscondition of his consent that the wedding is not to take place for ayear. And I wished to tell you of that," said Prince Andrew.

　　"It is true that Natasha is still young, but- so long as that?..."

　　"It is unavoidable," said Prince Andrew with a sigh.

　　"I will send her to you," said the countess, and left the room.

　　"Lord have mercy upon us!" she repeated while seeking her daughter.

　　Sonya said that Natasha was in her bedroom. Natasha was sitting onthe bed, pale and dry eyed, and was gazing at the icons and whisperingsomething as she rapidly crossed herself. Seeing her mother she jumpedup and flew to her.

　　"Well, Mamma?... Well?..."

　　"Go, go to him. He is asking for your hand," said the countess,coldly it seemed to Natasha. "Go... go," said the mother, sadly andreproachfully, with a deep sigh, as her daughter ran away.

　　Natasha never remembered how she entered the drawing room. Whenshe came in and saw him she paused. "Is it possible that this strangerhas now become everything to me?" she asked herself, and immediatelyanswered, "Yes, everything! He alone is now dearer to me thaneverything in the world." Prince Andrew came up to her with downcasteyes.