“ Mon enfant! ” she muttered, “ je vous aime et vous connais depuis longtemps .” 112

Despite her excitement, Princess Márya realized that this was the countess and that it was necessary to say something to her. Hardly knowing how she did it, she contrived to utter a few polite phrases in French in the same tone as those that had been addressed to her, and asked: “How is he?”

“The doctor says that he is not in danger,” said the countess, but as she spoke she raised her eyes with a sigh, and her gesture conveyed a contradiction of her words.

“Where is he? Can I see him⁠—can I?” asked the princess.