Part 3, Chapters 1-4 Summary

Prince Vasili has failed to inherit Count Bezuhov's fortune, but realizes a way to make amends for this: get Pierre to marry his daughter Helene. Pierre's life has changed dramatically because of his large inheritance. People are always wanting things from him. He is suddenly busy with commitments, signing papers, attending meetings and social events. Vasili has done his best to take control of Pierre, and Pierre hasn't resisted much, since he doesn't know what he's doing.

There is another party at Anna Pavlovna's house, and Helene flirts endlessly with Pierre. Pierre goes home that night very troubled, because he knows she's not a good woman and that a marriage to her would be a calamity, and yet he is very tempted by her charms. Six weeks have passed since the evening at Anna Pavlovna's, and Pierre has been...