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"Pardon, let me say all I have to say. I love you. But I am not

speaking of myself; the most important persons in this matter are

our son and yourself. It may very well be, I repeat, that my

words seem to you utterly unnecessary and out of place; it may be

that they are called forth by my mistaken impression. In that

case, I beg you to forgive me. But if you are conscious yourself

of even the smallest foundation for them, then I beg you to think

a little, and if your heart prompts you, to speak out to me...."

Alexey Alexandrovitch was unconsciously saying something utterly

unlike what he had prepared.

"I have nothing to say. And besides," she said hurriedly, with

difficulty repressing a smile, "it's really time to be in bed."

Alexey Alexandrovitch sighed, and, without saying more, went into

the bedroom.