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The old prince got up and stroked Kitty's hair. She lifted her

head and looked at him with a forced smile. It always seemed to

her that he understood her better than anyone in the family,

though he did not say much about her. Being the youngest, she was

her father's favorite, and she fancied that his love gave him

insight. When now her glance met his blue kindly eyes looking

intently at her, it seemed to her that he saw right through her,

and understood all that was not good that was passing within her.

Reddening, she stretched out towards him expecting a kiss, but he

only patted her hair and said:

"These stupid chignons! There's no getting at the real daughter.

One simply strokes the bristles of dead women. Well, Dolinka," he

turned to his elder daughter, "what's your young buck about,

hey?"

"Nothing, father," answered Dolly, understanding that her husband

was meant. "He's always out; I scarcely ever see him," she could

not resist adding with a sarcastic smile.