“You would only disturb me.”
“Then we shall send everything over. Ah, Veroshka, people have sent me so many presents, and flowers and bonbons. I must show them to you,” and she ran over a list of them.
“Yes, show me everything; perhaps I will come later,” said Vera absently.
“Another bouquet?” asked Marfinka, pointing to the one that lay on the floor. “For whom? How lovely!”
“For you too,” said Vera, turning paler. She picked a ribbon hastily from a drawer and fastened the bouquet with it. Then she kissed her sister, and sank down on the divan.
“You are really ill. How pale you are! Shall I tell Grandmother, and let her send for the doctor? How sad that it should be on my birthday. The day is spoiled for me!”
“It will pass. Don’t say a word to Grandmother. Don’t frighten her. Leave me now, for I must rest.”
At last Marfinka went. Vera shut the door after her, and lay down on the divan.