That is still too fresh.

Ah, dear friend, you are happy not to know these poignant joys and sorrows.

You are fortunate, for the latter are generally the stronger! I know very well that Count Nicholas is too young ever to be more to me than a friend, but this sweet friendship, this poetic and pure intimacy, were what my heart needed.

But enough of this! The chief news, about which all Moscow gossips, is the death of old Count Bezukhov, and his inheritance.