" Yes, it was a very brilliant ball," and then... "Yes, that little Rostova is very charming.

There's something fresh, original, un-Petersburg-like about her that distinguishes her.

" That was all he thought about yesterday's ball, and after his morning tea he set to work.

But either from fatigue or want of sleep he was ill-disposed for work and could get nothing done.

He kept criticizing his own work, as he often did, and was glad when he heard someone coming.