"Is it then impossible?"
"Impossible!" I was going to answer; but I looked at the eyes that shone with ardor, and confined myself to saying, "Try!"
"Tell me," after a moment's silence, during which indescribable shades passed over her countenance, which again had become pale. "Then that lady pleases you very much? You know, the one whose health my brother drank at the ruins the day after you met us?"
I began to laugh.
"Your brother but jested; no woman was in my mind, or at least is there now."
"And what is it that you like about women?" she asked, turning her head with a childlike curiosity.
"What a singular question!" I cried.
Annouchka was immediately troubled.
"I shouldn't have asked you such a question, should I? Forgive me; I am accustomed to say whatever comes into my head. That is why I am afraid to speak."
"Speak, I beg you! Fear nothing, I am so delighted at seeing you less wild."