otherwise!” thought Nikoláy.
“Much as Mamma pressed her, she refused, and I know she won’t change once she has said …”
“And Mamma pressed her!” said Nikoláy reproachfully.
“Yes,” said Natásha. “Do you know, Nikólenka—don’t be angry—but I know you will not marry her. I know, heaven knows how, but I know for certain that you won’t marry her.”
“Now you don’t know that at all!” said Nikoláy. “But I must talk to her. What a darling Sónya is!” he added with a smile.
“Ah, she is indeed a darling! I’ll send her to you.”
And Natásha kissed her brother and ran away.
A minute later Sónya came in with a frightened, guilty, and scared look. Nikoláy went up to her and kissed her hand. This was the first time since his return that they had talked alone and