Prince Andrey and Liza arrive later that day. Though they hardly know each other, the sisters-in-law tearfully embrace and Andrey feels uncomfortable at the unnecessary emotion. Quickly cheerful, Liza begins to chatter about society trivia. Marya asks about her pregnancy and the little princess bursts into tears; she is frightened of childbirth.
Andrey greets his father with eager and reverential eyes, and the old man hides his delight at the meeting by mocking the new military men of the time. Liza is awed by her father-in-law, especially as he rudely interrupts her patter of small talk to continue his favorite theme. The old man loves to censure the modern politicians who do not know how to stand up to that"scheming upstart" Bonaparte, as a"real Russian" would. But Napoleon is a splendid tactician, Andrey argues, and his father cites all the blunders the Frenchman committed. Despite his isolation, the old man accurately judges current affairs.
Getting ready to leave the following evening, Prince Andrey is packing in his room when his sister comes to talk with him. Marya begs him to lessen his"pride of intellect" and, above all, to show their father more respect. She also asks him to understand Liza's pitiable plight, being separated from the town social life she depends on. Marya now presents her atheist brother a silver talisman engraved with Christ's image and Andrey promises to wear it faithfully.
He goes to take farewell of his father, who gives his son a letter of commendation to his friend and commander-in-chief, Mihail Ilarionovitch Kutuzov. Only serve if the position does honor to you, counsels the proud father. The old prince promises to care for Liza during her confinement, even agreeing to send for an obstetrician from Moscow when the time comes. Andrey makes one more request: If he should die his father must raise his little son at Bleak Hills and not with Liza.
