The men talk about war and the emperor's proclamation that he will defend Russia and her allies against Napoleon. Excited by the discussion, Nikolay cries out that the Russians"must die or conquer" and everyone applauds his youthful patriotism. From the children's end of the table, Natasha's voice rings out as she impudently asks what dessert shall be. Everyone pretends to be horrified at her interruption, although her pertness amuses the guests. After dinner the men play cards, then there is dancing. Feeling very grown up, Natasha asks Pierre to dance, and Count Rostov and Marya Dmitryevna perform a complex écossaise.
While the Rostovs blithely celebrate, Count Bezuhov suffers another stroke. Doctors and undertakers arrive at the immense house. A priest administers extreme unction. A deeply moved Pierre hastens to his father's side, shadowed by Anna Mihalovna, who has last-minute hopes for part of the inheritance. To Pierre, the old man seems unchanged; he has the same leonine head and strong healthy features. But a shudder passes through the body to show the nearness of death. Perhaps at the horror-struck expression on his son's face, perhaps as comment on his own helplessness, the old man suddenly smiles. Then he lapses into a coma.
Everyone prepares for the vigil. Prince Vassily, Anna Mihalovna, the count's eldest niece Katish, and Pierre are together in the next room. Katish and Anna Mihalovna have a vulgar argument about the inheritance portfolio. During the brief scuffle they learn that the old count has just passed on.
