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"He's not worth your grieving over him," pursued Darya

Alexandrovna, coming straight to the point.

"No, because he has treated me with contempt," said Kitty, in a

breaking voice. "Don't talk of it! Please, don't talk of it!"

"But who can have told you so? No one has said that. I'm certain

he was in love with you, and would still be in love with you, if

it hadn't...."

"Oh, the most awful thing of all for me is this sympathizing!"

shrieked Kitty, suddenly flying into a passion. She turned round

on her chair, flushed crimson, and rapidly moving her fingers,

pinched the clasp of her belt first with one hand and then with

the other. Dolly knew this trick her sister had of clenching her

hands when she was much excited; she knew, too, that in moments

of excitement Kitty was capable of forgetting herself and saying

a great deal too much, and Dolly would have soothed her, but it

was too late.