Denisov had proposed.

To whom? To this chit of a girl, Natasha, who not so long ago was playing with dolls and who was still having lessons.

"Don't, Natasha! What nonsense!" she said, hoping it was a joke.

"Nonsense, indeed! I am telling you the fact," said Natasha indignantly.

" I come to ask you what to do, and you call it 'nonsense!'" The countess shrugged her shoulders.