But those tears were pleasant to them both.

Countess Rostova, with her daughters and a large number of guests, was already seated in the drawing room.

The count took the gentlemen into his study and showed them his choice collection of Turkish pipes.

From time to time he went out to ask: "Hasn't she come yet?" They were expecting Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova, known in society as le terrible dragon, a lady distinguished not for wealth or rank, but for common sense and frank plainness of speech.