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The next song in the book was an Italian one. Kitty played the

opening bars, and looked round at Varenka.

"Let's skip that," said Varenka, flushing a little. Kitty let her

eyes rest on Varenka's face, with a look of dismay and inquiry.

"Very well, the next one," she said hurriedly, turning over the

pages, and at once feeling that there was something connected

with the song.

"No," answered Varenka with a smile, laying her hand on the

music, "no, let's have that one." And she sang it just as

quietly, as coolly, and as well as the others.

When she had finished, they all thanked her again, and went off

to tea. Kitty and Varenka went out into the little garden that

adjoined the house.

"Am I right, that you have some reminiscences connected with that

song?" said Kitty. "Don't tell me," she added hastily, "only say

if I'm right."