"Proud damsel," said De Bracy, incensed at finding his gallant style procured him nothing but contempt---"proud damsel, thou shalt be as proudly encountered. Know then, that I have supported my pretensions to your hand in the way that best suited thy character. It is meeter for thy humour to be wooed with bow and bill, than in set terms, and in courtly language."

Next day, having been invited by the count, Prince Andrew dined with the Rostovs and spent the rest of the day there.