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Noticing the disagreeable impression that was being made on

everyone, Princess Betsy slipped someone else into her place to

listen to Alexey Alexandrovitch, and went up to Anna.

"I'm always amazed at the clearness and precision of your

husband's language," she said. "The most transcendental ideas

seem to be within my grasp when he's speaking."

"Oh, yes!" said Anna, radiant with a smile of happiness, and not

understanding a word of what Betsy had said. She crossed over to

the big table and took part in the general conversation.

Alexey Alexandrovitch, after staying half an hour, went up to his

wife and suggested that they should go home together. But she

answered, not looking at him, that she was staying to supper.

Alexey Alexandrovitch made his bows and withdrew.