“He was not always old. But this is what I’ll do, Natásha, I’ll have a talk with Borís. He need not come so often.⁠ ⁠…”

“Why not, if he likes to?”

“Because I know it will end in nothing.⁠ ⁠…”

“How can you know? No, Mamma, don’t speak to him! What nonsense!” said Natásha in the tone of one being deprived of her property. “Well, I won’t marry, but let him come if he enjoys it and I enjoy it.” Natásha smiled and looked at her mother. “Not to marry, but just so,” she added.

“How so , my pet?”

“Just so . There’s no need for me to marry him. But⁠ ⁠… just so .”