Princess Márya heard him and did not understand how he could say such a thing. He, the sensitive, tender Prince Andréy, how could he say that, before her whom he loved and who loved him? Had he expected to live he could not have said those words in that offensively cold tone. If he had not known that he was dying, how could he have failed to pity her and how could he speak like that in her presence? The only explanation was that he was indifferent, because something else, much more important, had been revealed to him.

The conversation was cold and disconnected and continually broke off.

“Márya came by way of Ryazán,” said Natásha.

Prince Andréy did not notice that she called his sister Márya , and only after calling her so in his presence did Natásha notice it herself.

“Really?” he asked.