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Bold as she was, Natasha, who knew how sensitive her mother was

to anything relating to Nikolenka, did not venture to ask any

questions at dinner, but she was too excited to eat anything and

kept wriggling about on her chair regardless of her governess'

remarks. After dinner, she rushed headlong after Anna Mikhaylovna

and, dashing at her, flung herself on her neck as soon as she

overtook her in the sitting room.

"Auntie, darling, do tell me what it is!"

"Nothing, my dear."

"No, dearest, sweet one, honey, I won't give up-I know you know

something."

Anna Mikhaylovna shook her head.

"You are a little slyboots," she said.

"A letter from Nikolenka! I'm sure of it!" exclaimed Natasha,

reading confirmation in Anna Mikhaylovna's face.

"But for God's sake, be careful, you know how it may affect your

mamma."

"I will, I will, only tell me! You won't? Then I will go and tell

at once."

Anna Mikhaylovna, in a few words, told her the contents of the

letter, on condition that she should tell no one.