“Do you play then?” asked Natásha.

“Uncle” did not answer, but smiled.

“Anísyushka, go and see if the strings of my guitar are all right. I haven’t touched it for a long time. That’s it⁠—come on! I’ve given it up.”

Anísya Fëdorovna, with her light step, willingly went to fulfill her errand and brought back the guitar.