He had a brilliant position in society thanks to his intimacy with Countess Bezukhova, a brilliant position in the service thanks to the patronage of an important personage whose complete confidence he enjoyed, and he was beginning to make plans for marrying one of the richest heiresses in Petersburg, plans which might very easily be realized.

When he entered the Rostovs' drawing room Natasha was in her own room.

When she heard of his arrival she almost ran into the drawing room, flushed and beaming with a more than cordial smile.