Page 1088 - war-and-peace

about him,’ Natasha began in a mild voice such as children
use when they wish to be praised. ‘We have had an explana-
tion today.’
‘Well, what happened? What did he say? Natasha, how
glad I am you’re not angry with me! Tell me everythingthe
whole truth. What did he say?’
Natasha became thoughtful.
‘Oh, Sonya, if you knew him as I do! He said... He asked
me what I had promised Bolkonski. He was glad I was free
to refuse him.’
Sonya sighed sorrowfully.
‘But you haven’t refused Bolkonski?’ said she.
‘Perhaps I have. Perhaps all is over between me and
Bolkonski. Why do you think so badly of me?’
‘I don’t think anything, only I don’t understand this..’
‘Wait a bit, Sonya, you’ll understand everything. You’ll
see what a man he is! Now don’t think badly of me or of
him. I don’t think badly of anyone: I love and pity every-
body. But what am I to do?’
Sonya did not succumb to the tender tone Natasha used
toward her. The more emotional and ingratiating the ex-
pression of Natasha’s face became, the more serious and
stern grew Sonya’s.
‘Natasha,’ said she, ‘you asked me not to speak to you,
and I haven’t spoken, but now you yourself have begun. I
don’t trust him, Natasha. Why this secrecy?’
‘Again, again!’ interrupted Natasha.
‘Natasha, I am afraid for you!’
‘Afraid of what?’

1088 War and Peace