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In general at Bald Hills the little princess lived in constant

fear, and with a sense of antipathy to the old prince which she

did not realize because the fear was so much the stronger

feeling. The prince reciprocated this antipathy, but it was

overpowered by his contempt for her. When the little princess had

grown accustomed to life at Bald Hills, she took a special fancy

to Mademoiselle Bourienne, spent whole days with her, asked her

to sleep in her room, and often talked with her about the old

prince and criticized him.

"So we are to have visitors, mon prince?" remarked Mademoiselle

Bourienne, unfolding her white napkin with her rosy fingers. "His

Excellency Prince Vasili Kuragin and his son, I understand?" she

said inquiringly.