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"Prince Alexander Shtcherbatsky," said Madame Stahl, lifting upon

him her heavenly eyes, in which Kitty discerned a look of

annoyance. "Delighted! I have taken a great fancy to your

daughter."

"You are still in weak health?"

"Yes; I'm used to it," said Madame Stahl, and she introduced the

prince to the Swedish count.

"You are scarcely changed at all," the prince said to her. "It's

ten or eleven years since I had the honor of seeing you."

"Yes; God sends the cross and sends the strength to bear it.

Often one wonders what is the goal of this life?... The other

side!" she said angrily to Varenka, who had rearranged the rug

over her feet not to her satisfaction.

"To do good, probably," said the prince with a twinkle in his

eye.

"That is not for us to judge," said Madame Stahl, perceiving the

shade of expression on the prince's face. "So you will send me

that book, dear count? I'm very grateful to you," she said to the

young Swede.