Everything essential had already been done; feet, hands, necks, and ears washed, perfumed, and powdered, as befits a ball; the openwork silk stockings and white satin shoes with ribbons were already on; the hairdressing was almost done.

Sonya was finishing dressing and so was the countess, but Natasha, who had bustled about helping them all, was behindhand.

She was still sitting before a looking-glass with a dressing jacket thrown over her slender shoulders.