Vera made no reply, but Marfinka decided it was a horrid book because the lovers had suffered so cruelly.
“If they had followed the advice of their parents, things would not have come to such a pass. What do you think, Veroshka?”
Vera got up to go, but on the threshold she stopped.
“Grandmother,” she said, “why have you bothered me for a whole week with this stupid book?” And without waiting for an answer she glided away, but Tatiana Markovna called her back.
“Why, Vera, I meant to give you pleasure.”
“No, you wanted to punish me for something. In future I would rather be put for a week on bread and water,” and kneeling on the footstool at her aunt’s feet she added, “Good-night, Grandmother.”
Tatiana Markovna stooped to kiss her and whispered. “I did not want to punish you, but to guard you against getting into trouble yourself.”
“And if I do,” whispered Vera in reply, “will you have me put in a convent like Cunigunde?”
“Do you think I am a monster like those bad parents? It’s wicked, Vera, to think such things of me.”
“I know it would be wicked, Grandmother, and I don’t think any such thing. But why warn me with such a silly book?”