Chapter 20 Chapter Twenty

On the first evening since Pierre's departure, when Natasha said to Princess Marya with a cheerful, ironic smile that he really looked as if he had just come out of the bathroom, in frock coat, Her hair was cut short, and from this moment on, something hidden in Natasha's heart, which even she herself couldn't understand, and something that couldn't be restrained woke up. Everything: her face, her steps, her gaze, her voice—everything about her suddenly changed completely.Things that had surprised even her—life forces and longings for happiness—floated to the surface and longed to be fulfilled.From the first evening Natasha seemed to have forgotten everything about herself.Since then, she has never once complained about her situation, she has never mentioned even a word about the past, and she is no longer afraid to make beautiful plans for the future.She seldom spoke of Pierre, and whenever Princess Marya mentioned him, the light that had been extinguished for a long time was rekindled in her eyes, and a peculiar smile played on her lips.

The change which had taken place in Natasha surprised Princess Marya at first; but when she understood its significance, it pained her. "Could it be that her love for my brother is so indifferent that he is so quickly forgotten?" Princess Marya thought to herself as she was alone thinking about the change that had taken place in Natasha.But when she was with Natasha, she was not angry or blamed her.A revived life force pervading Natasha, which was clearly irresistible, was so unexpected for Princess Marya that she felt herself in Natasha's presence. He has no right to blame her even in his heart.

Natasha was absorbed in this new emotion with all her heart and all her sincerity, she did not try to hide it, she had no sorrow now, but only joy and joy. That night, when Princess Marya returned to her room after her conversation with Pierre, Natasha met her at the door. "He said it? Did he? He said it?" she repeated over and over again.Natasha's face expressed joy, but at the same time pitiful, begging forgiveness for the joy. "I would have listened at the door; but, I know you will tell me." For the way Natasha looked at her, although Princess Marya had already understood and was very moved; although Natasha's excited look was indeed sympathetic; however, what Natasha said, in the first moment It still humiliated Princess Maria.She thought of her brother and his love.

"But what can be done! She can't help it," thought Princess Marya; and with a melancholy, somewhat serious expression, she told Natasha all that Pierre had said to her.Natasha was surprised to hear that Pierre was leaving for Petersburg. "To Petersburg!" she repeated, as if not understanding.But when she saw the melancholy look on Princess Marya's face, she guessed the cause of her distress, and suddenly burst into tears. "Mary," she said, "tell me what I must do: I'm afraid I should do something foolish; I'll do what you tell me; tell me..."

"Do you love him?" "Love," whispered Natasha. "Then why are you crying? I am happy for you," said Princess Marya, who forgave Natasha's joy for her tears. "It won't be soon, one day. Just think about it, I am his wife, and you are married to Nicholas, how happy you will be!" "Natasha, didn't I beg you not to talk about this? Let's just talk about you." They were silent for a while. "But why is he going to Petersburg!" said Natasha, and she answered hastily herself: "No, no, he should go... Marie, do you think so? He should go..."