(Andrey visits Pierre.)
[ANDREY]
Well, how are you?
Still getting stouter?
[PIERRE]
There’s a new wrinkle
On your forehead old friend
[ANDREY]
It’s good to see you
I’ve been away too long
[PIERRE]
My friend, you are in need
Your face is gloomy
[ANDREY]
No, I am well
There’s a war going on
Forgive me for troubling you
I have received a refusal from Countess Rostova
And have heard reports of your brother-in-law having sought her hand
Or something of that kind
Is this true?
[PIERRE]
Something of that kind
[ANDREY]
Here are her letters
Please give them to the Countess
[PIERRE]
Natasha is ill
She has been at death’s door
[ANDREY]
I much regret her illness
[PIERRE]
And he smiled like his father
Coldly, maliciously
[ANDREY]
Well, it doesn’t matter
[PIERRE]
You told me once
A fallen woman should be forgiven
[ANDREY]
But I didn’t say that I could forgive
I can’t
Yes, ask her hand again
Be magnanimous, and so on
Yes, that would be very noble
But I can’t be that man
If you wish to be my friend
Never speak of that again
Well, goodbye
(Pierre takes the letters to Natasha.)