"But I recognized Natasha immediately," said the old woman quietly, her eyes still fixed on Natasha's face.
The baroness suddenly turned as white as a sheet, and with trembling hands caught the back of a heavy armchair.
Kallash with extreme politeness assisted her to a seat.
"You didn't expect to meet me, Natasha?" said the old woman gently and almost caressingly, approaching her.
"I do not know you. Who are you?" the baroness managed to whisper, by a supreme effort.
"No wonder; I am so changed," replied Princess Anna. "But you are just the same. There is hardly any change at all."
Natasha began to recover her composure.
"I don't understand you," she said coldly, contracting her brows.
"But I understand you perfectly."
"Allow me, princess," Kallash interrupted her, "permit me to have an explanation with the baroness; she and I know each other well. And if you will pardon me, I shall ask you in the meantime to withdraw."