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Katerina Ivanovna, in fact, could hardly help meeting her guests

with increased dignity, and even haughtiness. She stared at some

of them with special severity, and loftily invited them to take

their seats. Rushing to the conclusion that Amalia Ivanovna must

be responsible for those who were absent, she began treating her

with extreme nonchalance, which the latter promptly observed and

resented. Such a beginning was no good omen for the end. All were

seated at last.