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 "That depends. There are whole months which you would sell for fifty kopeks, and half-hours which you would not take any amount of money for. Is n't that so, Katenka? But why are you so solemn?"

"I am not, papa."

"Where are you going? Stay a little longer," said the prince to Varenka.

"But I must go home," said Varenka, rising, and laughing gayly again. After she had excused herself, she took leave of her friends, and went into the house to get her hat.

Kitty followed her. Even Varenka seemed to her friend changed. She was not less good, but she was different from what she had imagined her to be.

"Akh! it is a long time since I have laughed so much," said Varenka, as she was getting her parasol and her satchel, "How charming your papa is!"

Kitty did not answer.

"When shall I see you again?" asked Varenka,

"Maman wanted to go to the Petrofs'. Are you going to be there?" asked Kitty, trying to sound Varenka.

"I am going to be there," she replied. "They are expecting to leave, and I promised to help them pack,"

"Well, then I will go with you,"

"No; why should you?"

"Why not? why not? why not?" asked Kitty, opening her eyes very wide, and holding Varenka by her sunshade. "Wait a moment, and tell me why not,"

"'Why not?' Because your papa has come, and because they are vexed at you."

"No; tell me honestly why you don't like to have me go to the Petrofs', You don't like it; why is it?"

"I didn't say so," replied Varenka, calmly.

"I beg you to tell me."

"Must I tell you all?"

"All, all," replied Kitty.

"Well! There is really nothing very serious; only Mikhaïl Alekseyevitch—that was Petrof's name—a