Part 6, Chapters 15-20 Summary

Peronskaya indicates to the Rostovs that Helene is the "the Queen of Petersburg." Natasha is very impressed with her. Natasha recognizes Pierre and Andrew. Peronskaya does not like Andrew, through most of Petersburg society is wild about him, according to her. The Tsar (Alexander) arrives and everyone is in awe of him. Natasha is not interested in Alexander; she is only wondering if someone will ask her to dance the polonaise.

Pierre takes Andrew by the arm and points Natasha out as a dancing partner. They are both wonderful dancers, and as they dance he feels young and youthful again. After Andrew, Boris asks Natasha to dance, followed by many other young men. She is happy and excited. Andrew is so taken with her that the thought of marriage briefly occurs to him, certain that she is so rare...