A quick chapter centering on the emotions of Countess Natasha Rostova. Once Anna Mikhaylovna Drubetskaya left for the Bezukhov estate, Natasha becomes sentimental. Anna’s message, whether intended or not, affects her deeply. The Countess decides to help her childhood friend and not make Anna pursue a bequeathment from the sickly Count Bezukov who may be in no position to distribute anything. The Countess summons her husband through a servant and the good-natured Illya quickly answers. He is dripping from the fancy duck sauté his serf Taras is making for the extravagant dinner that lies ahead. Ilya notes that the 1000 rubles he paid for Taras was well worth it! The serf is a Russian who trained under a French chief. This "1000" ruble reference is likely a signal for what comes next -- the amount Natasha will give to her friend to set her son Boris on a noble path.

Boris needs 500 rubles to properly enter his position with the Imperial Guard. His mother (Anna) simply doesn’t have it. As far as disposable funds, she has about 5% of what is needed. The Rostovs have provided assistance to Anna & Boris over the years and even let Boris live in the household. He is a relation but not one of the children.  The Countess concludes Boris must be treated like a true child in this circumstance. 

Natasha tells her husband that she needs money - a lot of it. Her husband reveals his character; namely his goodness. He is kind and loves his wife and will not withhold anything, even if it may not be financially prudent. He will grant her wish enthusiastically and is not one to withhold something so base as finances. 

Natasha says that she needs 500 rubles. He does not ask any questions and is ready to help - Men, take notice! Ilya calls the household finance manager, Mitenka, and directs him to get 700 RUBLES (200 more than what was asked for)…in crisp new bills.  Mitenka wants to tell Illya that he should be careful with releasing such funds, but he observed Ilya’s demeanor and wisely holds his tongue.  

Anna arrives back from the visit to Count Bezukhov and the two have an emotional moment. They embrace and cry. They cry for the fact that one was in such need and also that the other could meet the need. They also cried over the fact they were childhood friends and that they are now at the opposite end of life.