When a pause occurred during his short visit, Nikoláy, as is usual when there are children, turned to Prince Andréy’s little son, caressing him and asking whether he would like to be an hussar. He took the boy on his knee, played with him, and looked round at Princess Márya. With a softened, happy, timid look she watched the boy she loved in the arms of the man she loved. Nikoláy also noticed that look and, as if understanding it, flushed with pleasure and began to kiss the boy with good natured playfulness.

As she was in mourning Princess Márya did not go out into society, and Nikoláy did not think it the proper thing to visit her again; but all the same the governor’s wife went on with her matchmaking, passing on to Nikoláy the flattering things Princess Márya said of him and vice versa, and insisting on his declaring himself to Princess Márya. For this purpose she arranged a meeting between the young people at the bishop’s house before Mass.

Though Rostóv told the governor’s wife that he would not make any declaration to Princess Márya, he promised to go.