Next day he came early, dined, and stayed the whole evening. Though Princess Márya and Natásha were evidently glad to see their visitor and though all Pierre’s interest was now centered in that house, by the evening they had talked over everything and the conversation passed from one trivial topic to another and repeatedly broke off. He stayed so long that Princess Márya and Natásha exchanged glances, evidently wondering when he would go. Pierre noticed this but could not go. He felt uneasy and embarrassed, but sat on because he simply could not get up and take his leave.

Princess Márya, foreseeing no end to this, rose first, and complaining of a headache began to say good night.

“So you are going to Petersburg tomorrow?” she asked.

“No, I am not going,” Pierre replied hastily, in a surprised tone and as though offended. “Yes⁠ ⁠… no⁠ ⁠… to Petersburg? Tomorrow⁠—but I won’t say goodbye yet. I will call round in case you have any commissions for me,” said he, standing before Princess Márya and turning red, but not taking his departure.