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"But, Prince," said Anna Mikhaylovna, "after such a solemn

sacrament, allow him a moment's peace! Here, Pierre, tell them

your opinion," said she, turning to the young man who, having

come quite close, was gazing with astonishment at the angry face

of the princess which had lost all dignity, and at the twitching

cheeks of Prince Vasili.

"Remember that you will answer for the consequences," said Prince

Vasili severely. "You don't know what you are doing."

"Vile woman!" shouted the princess, darting unexpectedly at Anna

Mikhaylovna and snatching the portfolio from her.

Prince Vasili bent his head and spread out his hands.

At this moment that terrible door, which Pierre had watched so

long and which had always opened so quietly, burst noisily open

and banged against the wall, and the second of the three sisters

rushed out wringing her hands.

"What are you doing!" she cried vehemently. "He is dying and you

leave me alone with him!"