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"How I should like to know other people just as I know myself!"

said Anna, seriously and dreamily. "Am I worse than other people,

or better? I think I'm worse."

"Enfant terrible, enfant terrible!" repeated Betsy. "But here

they are."

Chapter 18

They heard the sound of steps and a man's voice, then a woman's

voice and laughter, and immediately thereafter there walked in

the expected guests: Sappho Shtoltz, and a young man beaming with

excess of health, the so-called Vaska. It was evident that ample

supplies of beefsteak, truffles, and Burgundy never failed to

reach him at the fitting hour. Vaska bowed to the two ladies, and

glanced at them, but only for one second. He walked after Sappho

into the drawing-room, and followed her about as though he were

chained to her, keeping his sparkling eyes fixed on her as though

he wanted to eat her. Sappho Shtoltz was a blonde beauty with

black eyes. She walked with smart little steps in high-heeled

shoes, and shook hands with the ladies vigorously like a man.