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Rh 's presence, too! I am sorry that I let you speak. The proverb tells the truth: 'Don't touch filth if you don't want to smell.' Perfect nonsense! Don't argue, but answer; must a daughter obey her mother or not?"

"Of course she must; what's the use of speaking, Marya Alekséyevna?"

"Nu! give her your orders then, since you are her father."

"Viérotchka, obey your mother in everything. Your mother is a clever woman, a woman of experience. She will tell you nothing bad. I command you as your father."

The carriage stopped at the gate.

"That's enough, mámenka. I told you that I would speak with him. I am very tired. I must rest."

"Go to bed; get some sleep. I shall not disturb you. You must be fresh for to-morrow. Sleep well."

In fact, all the time that they were climbing the stairs, Marya Alekséyevna held her peace; and it was a great effort for her; and what an effort it was for her to be pleasant when Viérotchka went directly to her room, saying that she did not care for tea! and what an effort it was for her to say in a pleasant voice, "Viérotchka, come to me." The daughter obeyed. "I want to give you my blessing before you go to sleep, Viérotchka. Bend your little head." The daughter bent her head. "May God bless you, Viérotchka, as I bless you." She repeated the blessing thrice, and gave her her hand to kiss.

"No, mámenka! I told you long ago, that I would not kiss your hand. And now let me go. I tell you the truth; I feel very bad."

Akh! how angry grew Marya Alekséyevna's eyes once again! But she controlled herself, and said gently, "Go on, go to bed."

It took Viérotchka a long time to undress, because she was lost in thought. First she took off her bracelet, and sat long with it in her hand; then she removed her ear-rings, and forgot herself again. At last she remembered that she was very tired. She could not even stand before the looking-glass, but threw herself into the chair in utter weariness. She sat there some time before it came over her that she must undress as quickly as possible; but she had hardly taken off her dress and laid down, before Marya Alekséyevna came into the room with a waiter, whereon stood her father's great cup and a pile of toasted bread.