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Rostov saw that it had been well considered by them. Sonya had

already struck him by her beauty on the preceding day. Today,

when he had caught a glimpse of her, she seemed still more

lovely. She was a charming girl of sixteen, evidently

passionately in love with him (he did not doubt that for an

instant). Why should he not love her now, and even marry her,

Rostov thought, but just now there were so many other pleasures

and interests before him! "Yes, they have taken a wise decision,"

he thought, "I must remain free."

"Well then, that's excellent," said he. "We'll talk it over later

on. Oh, how glad I am to have you!"

"Well, and are you still true to Boris?" he continued.

"Oh, what nonsense!" cried Natasha, laughing. "I don't think

about him or anyone else, and I don't want anything of the kind."

"Dear me! Then what are you up to now?"

"Now?" repeated Natasha, and a happy smile lit up her face. "Have

you seen Duport?"

"No."