“Yes, yes,” she said, answering something quite different. “I too should wish nothing but to relive it all from the beginning.”
Pierre looked intently at her.
“Yes, and nothing more,” said Natásha.
“It’s not true, not true!” cried Pierre. “I am not to blame for being alive and wishing to live—nor you either.”
Suddenly Natásha bent her head, covered her face with her hands, and began to cry.
“What is it, Natásha?” said Princess Márya.
“Nothing, nothing.” She smiled at Pierre through her tears. “Good night! It is time for bed.”
Pierre rose and took his leave.
Princess Márya and Natásha met as usual in the bedroom. They talked of what Pierre had told them. Princess Márya did not express her opinion of Pierre nor did Natásha speak of him.
“Well, good night, Márya!” said Natásha. “Do you know, I am often afraid that by not speaking of him” (she meant Prince Andréy) “for fear of not doing justice to our feelings, we forget him.”
Princess Márya sighed deeply and thereby acknowledged the justice of Natásha’s remark, but she did not express agreement in words.
“Is it possible to forget?” said she.