" But..." "Money's out of the question!" the princess and Kitty exclaimed with one voice.

" They appreciate a present..." "Well, last year, for instance, I bought our Matrona Semyenovna, not a poplin, but something of that sort," said the princess.

"I remember she was wearing it on your nameday.

" "A charming pattern--so simple and refined,--I should have liked it myself, if she hadn't had it.

Something like Varenka's.