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"Why, hasn't he gone into the country yet-to see about selling

that forest?"

"No, he's still getting ready for the journey."

"Oh, that's it!" said the prince. "And so am I to be getting

ready for a journey too? At your service," he said to his wife,

sitting down. "And I tell you what, Katia," he went on to his

younger daughter, "you must wake up one fine day and say to

yourself: Why, I'm quite well, and merry, and going out again

with father for an early morning walk in the frost. Hey?"

What her father said seemed simple enough, yet at these words

Kitty became confused and overcome like a detected criminal.

"Yes, he sees it all, he understands it all, and in these words

he's telling me that though I'm ashamed, I must get over my

shame." She could not pluck up spirit to make any answer. She

tried to begin, and all at once burst into tears, and rushed out

of the room.