“I mean only that I cannot come just yet. At all events, I could not well leave my little brother and sister here, since, since⁠—if I were to leave them⁠—they would be abandoned altogether. But if, Grandmamma, you would take the little ones and myself, then, of course, I could come with you, and would do all I could to serve you” (this she said with great earnestness). “Only, without the little ones I cannot come.”

“Do not make a fuss” (as a matter of fact Polina never at any time either fussed or wept). “The Great Foster-Father 3 can find for all his chicks a place. You are not coming without the children? But see here, Prascovia. I wish you well, and nothing but well: yet I have divined the reason why you will not come. Yes, I know all, Prascovia. That Frenchman will never bring you good of any sort.”