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"Thank God!" said Prince Vasili. "My wife has told me

everything!" (He put one arm around Pierre and the other around

his daughter.)-"My dear boy... Lelya... I am very pleased." (His

voice trembled.) "I loved your father... and she will make you a

good wife... God bless you!..."

He embraced his daughter, and then again Pierre, and kissed him

with his malodorous mouth. Tears actually moistened his cheeks.

"Princess, come here!" he shouted.

The old princess came in and also wept. The elderly lady was

using her handkerchief too. Pierre was kissed, and he kissed the

beautiful Helene's hand several times. After a while they were

left alone again.

"All this had to be and could not be otherwise," thought Pierre,

"so it is useless to ask whether it is good or bad. It is good

because it's definite and one is rid of the old tormenting

doubt." Pierre held the hand of his betrothed in silence, looking

at her beautiful bosom as it rose and fell.

"Helene!" he said aloud and paused.