Pagina 618 van 2288

"But the humiliation," said Kitty, "the humiliation one can never

forget, can never forget," she said, remembering her look at the

last ball during the pause in the music.

"Where is the humiliation? Why, you did nothing wrong?"

"Worse than wrong-shameful."

Varenka shook her head and laid her hand on Kitty's hand.

"Why, what is there shameful?" she said. "You didn't tell a man,

who didn't care for you, that you loved him, did you?"

"Of course not; I never said a word, but he knew it. No, no,

there are looks, there are ways; I can't forget it, if I live a

hundred years."

"Why so? I don't understand. The whole point is whether you love

him now or not," said Varenka, who called everything by its name.

"I hate him; I can't forgive myself."

"Why, what for?"

"The shame, the humiliation!"

"Oh! if everyone were as sensitive as you are!" said Varenka.

"There isn't a girl who hasn't been through the same. And it's

all so unimportant."