“Who said she loved Ivan!” answered Anna Evauovna drily. “Do all girls love some one?”
“Did not you say that she loved him?” stammered Masha.
“I did not, my child. Njania is not to be fooled by a Grusha. Ah, but she is a girl of wits, is Grusha, and so smooth to see. In still waters, devils thrive, remember that, Masha.”
Masha’s lip quivered.
“But if she does not love Ivan, Njania, she may marry Alioscha.”
“Perhaps, who knows! It takes a wise man to tell the future, and a wiser yet to tell a girl’s mind.”
“And she will surely marry Alioscha if Ivan has forgotten her by the time he comes back,” added Masha more piteously.
Anna Evauovna laughed a dry chuckle and rubbed her hand on the girl’s head.
“Your wits sharpen, little Masha. You may grow as wise as Grusha some day.”