He was proud of her intelligence and goodness, recognized his own insignificance beside her in the spiritual world, and rejoiced all the more that she with such a soul not only belonged to him but was part of himself.

“I quite, quite approve, my dearest!” said he with a significant look, and after a short pause he added: “And I behaved badly today. You weren’t in the study. We began disputing⁠—Pierre and I⁠—and I lost my temper. But he is impossible: such a child! I don’t know what would become of him if Natásha didn’t keep him in hand.⁠ ⁠… Have you any idea why he went to Petersburg? They have formed⁠ ⁠…”

“Yes, I know,” said Countess Márya. “Natásha told me.”