Marfinka kissed her aunt’s hand, and nearly wept once more.
“All that Grandmother has, and she has many things, will be divided between you and Veroshka. Now make haste.”
“How lovely you are to-day, Grandmother. Cousin is right. Tiet Nikonich will fall in love with you.”
“Nonsense, chatterbox. Go to Veroshka, and tell her not to be late for Mass. I would have gone myself, but am afraid of the steps.”
“Directly, Grandmother,” cried Marfinka, and hastened to change her dress.
Vera lay unconscious for half an hour before she came to herself. The cold wind that streamed through the open window fell on her face, and she sat up to look around her. Then she rose, shut the window, walked unsteadily to the bed, sank down on it, and drawing the cover over herself, lay motionless.
Overpowered with weakness she fell into a deep sleep, with her hair loose over the pillow. She slept heavily for about three hours until she was awakened by the noise in the courtyard, the many voices, the creaking of wheels and the sound of bells. She opened her eyes, looked round, and listened.
There was a light knock at the door, but Vera did not stir. There was a louder knock, but she remained motionless. At the third she got up, glanced in the glass, and was terrified by the sight of her own face. She pushed her hair into order, threw a shawl over her shoulders, picked up Marfinka’s bouquet from the floor, and laid it on the table. There was another knock and she opened the door. Marfinka, gay and lovely, gleaming like a rainbow in her pretty clothes, flew into the room. When she saw her sister she stood still in amazement.
“What is the matter with you, Veroshka? Aren’t you well?”
“Not quite. I offer you my congratulations.”