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"I can tell you more," continued Prince Vasili, seizing her hand,

"that letter was written, though it was not sent, and the Emperor

knew of it. The only question is, has it been destroyed or not?

If not, then as soon as all is over," and Prince Vasili sighed to

intimate what he meant by the words all is over, "and the count's

papers are opened, the will and letter will be delivered to the

Emperor, and the petition will certainly be granted. Pierre will

get everything as the legitimate son."

"And our share?" asked the princess smiling ironically, as if

anything might happen, only not that.

"But, my poor Catiche, it is as clear as daylight! He will then

be the legal heir to everything and you won't get anything. You

must know, my dear, whether the will and letter were written, and

whether they have been destroyed or not. And if they have somehow

been overlooked, you ought to know where they are, and must find

them, because..."