He said that as he was responsible for the delay he ought to bear the whole burden of it; that he had given his word and bound himself forever, but that he did not wish to bind Natasha and gave her perfect freedom.

If after six months she felt that she did not love him she would have full right to reject him.

Naturally neither Natasha nor her parents wished to hear of this, but Prince Andrew was firm.

He came every day to the Rostovs', but did not behave to Natasha as an affianced lover: he did not use the familiar thou, but said you to her, and kissed only her hand.

After their engagement, quite different, intimate, and natural relations sprang up between them.