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Though Katerina Ivanovna tried to appear to be disdainfully

unaware of it, she raised her voice and began at once speaking

with conviction of Sonia's undoubted ability to assist her, of

"her gentleness, patience, devotion, generosity and good

education," tapping Sonia on the cheek and kissing her warmly

twice. Sonia flushed crimson, and Katerina Ivanovna suddenly

burst into tears, immediately observing that she was "nervous and

silly, that she was too much upset, that it was time to finish,

and as the dinner was over, it was time to hand round the tea."