Dolly could scarcely suppress a smile. She loved Anna, but she

enjoyed seeing that she too had her weaknesses.

"An enemy? That can't be."

"I did so want you all to care for me, as I do for you, and now I

care for you more than ever," said Anna, with tears in her eyes.

"Ah, how silly I am today!"

She passed her handkerchief over her face and began dressing.

At the very moment of starting Stepan Arkadyevitch arrived, late,

rosy and good-humored, smelling of wine and cigars.

Anna's emotionalism infected Dolly, and when she embraced her

sister-in-law for the last time, she whispered: "Remember, Anna,

what you've done for me--I shall never forget. And remember

that I love you, and shall always love you as my dearest friend!"

"I don't know why," said Anna, kissing her and hiding her tears.

"You understood me, and you understand. Good-bye, my darling!"




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