The action goes briefly back in time to Chapter 8 when young Natasha Rostov leaves the drawing room, which is filled with guests for the name-day celebration. The name being celebrated: Natasha, which mother and daughter of the Rostov family share.

Natasha appeared embarrassed the adults noticed her affection for Boris. She runs into the conservatory, hoping her young love would follow her. She hid behind some plants. Boris came in, saw nobody, and carefully looked at himself in the mirror. He is a quiet and serious type as well honest and forthright. Boris admired his own image and then left.

Before Natasha moved from behind the plants, Sonya came in crying. She was upset that her own young love, Nikolai Rostov, was getting overly friendly with another girl (Julie Kuragin) at the event. Nikolai followed Sonya and immediately comforted her. He took Sonya by the hand and revealed she meant everything to him. As far as Nikolai is concerned, they are the only two people in the world. He expressed that she should not be upset by such small trifles as him speaking to someone else at a dinner party. He brought her close and kissed her. It was quite reassuring for Sonya. Natasha thought her brother's actions were sweet and was influenced to find her own love interest.

Natasha found Boris and brought him back to the spot where she was hiding. They were alone and Natasha took charge of the situation - like her brother. She stood up on a little stool, grabbed Boris around the neck, threw her head back and kissed him. Boris was taken aback. He felt it was out of place for Natasha to kiss him - it was a reversal of expected roles. He said he loved Natasha BUT.... He implied they were not the right age for each other. However, in four years, he would ask for her hand in marriage. Natasha was comforted by that thought and considered the matter "settled." They walked out arm-in-arm.