Prince Vasili's daughter, the beautiful Helene, came to take her father to the ambassador's entertainment; she wore a ball dress and her badge as maid of honor.

The youthful little Princess Bolkonskaya, known as la femme la plus seduisante de Petersbourg,* was also there.

She had been married during the previous winter, and being pregnant did not go to any large gatherings, but only to small receptions.