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"I'm worrying myself because the remark has just been made to me

that you weren't here, and that you were seen in Peterhof on

Monday."

"There are matters which only concern those directly interested

in them, and the matter you are so worried about is...."

"Yes, but if so, you may as well cut the service...."

"I beg you not to meddle, and that's all I have to say."

Alexey Vronsky's frowning face turned white, and his prominent

lower jaw quivered, which happened rarely with him. Being a man

of very warm heart, he was seldom angry; but when he was angry,

and when his chin quivered, then, as Alexander Vronsky knew, he

was dangerous. Alexander Vronsky smiled gaily.

"I only wanted to give you Mother's letter. Answer it, and don't

worry about anything just before the race. Bonne chance," he

added, smiling and he moved away from him. But after him another

friendly greeting brought Vronsky to a standstill.