young men, the student and the officer, friends from childhood, were of the same age and both handsome fellows, though not alike. * Borís was tall and fair, and his calm and handsome face had regular, delicate features. * Nikoláy was short with curly hair and an open expression. Dark hairs were already showing on his upper lip, and his whole face expressed impetuosity and enthusiasm. Nikoláy blushed when he entered the drawing room. He evidently tried to find something to say, but failed. Borís on the contrary at once found his footing, and related quietly and humorously how he had known that doll Mimi when she was still quite a young lady, before her nose was broken; how she had aged during the five years he had known her, and how her head had cracked right across the skull. Having said this he glanced at Natásha. She turned away from him and glanced at her younger brother, who was screwing up his eyes and shaking with suppressed laughter, and unable to control herself any longer, she jumped up and rushed from the room as fast as her nimble little feet would carry her. > Borís
“You were meaning to go out, weren’t you, Mamma? Do you want the carriage?” he asked his mother with a smile.
“Yes, yes, go and tell them to get it ready,” she answered, returning his smile.
Borís quietly left the room and went in search of Natásha. The plump boy ran after them angrily, as if vexed that their program had been disturbed.
XII
The only young people remaining in the drawing room, not counting the young lady visitor and the countess’ eldest daughter