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Sonya and fat little Petya doubled up with laughter.

"You see! I have asked," whispered Natasha to her little brother

and to Pierre, glancing at him again.

"Ice pudding, but you won't get any," said Marya Dmitrievna.

Natasha saw there was nothing to be afraid of and so she braved

even Marya Dmitrievna.

"Marya Dmitrievna! What kind of ice pudding? I don't like ice

cream."

"Carrot ices."

"No! What kind, Marya Dmitrievna? What kind?" she almost

screamed; "I want to know!"

Marya Dmitrievna and the countess burst out laughing, and all the

guests joined in. Everyone laughed, not at Marya Dmitrievna's

answer but at the incredible boldness and smartness of this

little girl who had dared to treat Marya Dmitrievna in this

fashion.