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"Why don't you speak, cousin?" suddenly shrieked the princess so

loud that those in the drawing room heard her and were startled.

"Why do you remain silent when heaven knows who permits herself

to interfere, making a scene on the very threshold of a dying

man's room? Intriguer!" she hissed viciously, and tugged with all

her might at the portfolio.

But Anna Mikhaylovna went forward a step or two to keep her hold

on the portfolio, and changed her grip.

Prince Vasili rose. "Oh!" said he with reproach and surprise,

"this is absurd! Come, let go I tell you."

The princess let go.

"And you too!"

But Anna Mikhaylovna did not obey him.

"Let go, I tell you! I will take the responsibility. I myself

will go and ask him, I!... does that satisfy you?"