" All I know is that his real will is in his writing table, and this is a paper he has forgotten....

" She tried to pass Anna Mikhaylovna, but the latter sprang so as to bar her path.

"I know, my dear, kind princess," said Anna Mikhaylovna, seizing the portfolio so firmly that it was plain she would not let go easily.

"Dear princess, I beg and implore you, have some pity on him! Je vous en conjure..." The princess did not reply.

Their efforts in the struggle for the portfolio were the only sounds audible, but it was evident that if the princess did speak, her words would not be flattering to Anna Mikhaylovna.