Part 8, Chapters 7-12 Summary

The next day, Count Rostov and Natasha call on Old Bolkonsky. The old man refuses to see them, making Maria entertain them. From the first glance, Maria dislikes Natasha, thinking her too vain and fashionable. Natasha is distressed after this visit that she is so unwanted in her new family. That evening the Rostovs go to the opera. Natasha doesn't want to go, but she cannot refuse Maria Dmitrievna's kindness in securing a box for them. Natasha is so strikingly beautiful that people throughout the theater admire her. Dolohov and Anatole Kuragin are there, and Anatole flirts shamelessly with Natasha. Also, Helene wants to meet her. At intermission, Anatole comes to the Rostovs' box and Helene introduces her brother. Anatole gives her a flower and begs her to come to a fancy dress ball. She is flattered and keeps...