“Ah, here she is, the Queen of Petersburg, Countess Bezúkhova,” said Perónskaya, indicating Elèn who had just entered. “How lovely! She is quite equal to Márya Antónovna. See how the men, young and old, pay court to her. Beautiful and clever⁠ ⁠… they say Prince ⸻ is quite mad about her. But see, those two, though not good-looking, are even more run after.”

She pointed to a lady who was crossing the room followed by a very plain daughter.

“She is a splendid match, a millionairess,” said Perónskaya. “And look, here come her suitors.”