When Suitors Come Calling — War and Peace

Prince Vasíli writes that he and Anatole will visit Bald Hills on the way to the army. The little princess blurts that suitors are coming; old Prince Bolkónski reads the marriage scheme, snorts, and spends the arrival day in a rage that reaches Alpátych and the swept snow meant for a minister, not his daughter.

Lise and Mademoiselle Bourienne drag Princess Mary through ribbons and maroon dresses while Anatole shaves and treats the heiress like a profitable amusement. Mary breaks down, refuses the coiffure, and imagines husband and child, then rejects herself as too ugly.

Before tea she stands before the Saviour icon, asks how to stifle earthly longing, and accepts whatever God wills. She goes down indifferent to gown and coiffure. Anatole never doubts the visit will be amusing; Mary never doubts the inspection has already begun.