The host followed with Marya Antonovna Naryshkina; then came ambassadors, ministers, and various generals, whom Peronskaya diligently named.

More than half the ladies already had partners and were taking up, or preparing to take up, their positions for the polonaise.

Natasha felt that she would be left with her mother and Sonya among a minority of women who crowded near the wall, not having been invited to dance.