Sonya had already struck him by her beauty on the preceding day.

Today, when he had caught a glimpse of her, she seemed still more lovely.

She was a charming girl of sixteen, evidently passionately in love with him (he did not doubt that for an instant).

Why should he not love her now, and even marry her, Rostov thought, but just now there were so many other pleasures and interests before him! "Yes, they have taken a wise decision," he thought, "I must remain free.

" "Well then, that's excellent," said he.