When the cotillion was over the old count in his blue coat came up to the dancers.

He invited Prince Andrew to come and see them, and asked his daughter whether she was enjoying herself.

Natasha did not answer at once but only looked up with a smile that said reproachfully: "How can you ask such a question?" "I have never enjoyed myself so much before!" she said, and Prince Andrew noticed how her thin arms rose quickly as if to embrace her father and instantly dropped again.

Natasha was happier than she had ever been in her life.