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"What next?" the princess interrupted, smiling sardonically and

not changing the expression of her eyes. "I am a woman, and you

think we are all stupid; but I know this: an illegitimate son

cannot inherit... un batard!"* she added, as if supposing that

this translation of the word would effectively prove to Prince

Vasili the invalidity of his contention.

* A bastard.

"Well, really, Catiche! Can't you understand! You are so

intelligent, how is it you don't see that if the count has

written a letter to the Emperor begging him to recognize Pierre

as legitimate, it follows that Pierre will not be Pierre but will

become Count Bezukhov, and will then inherit everything under the

will? And if the will and letter are not destroyed, then you will

have nothing but the consolation of having been dutiful et tout

ce qui s'ensuit!* That's certain."

* And all that follows therefrom.