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Vronsky's wound had been a dangerous one, though it did not

touch the heart, and for several days he had lain between life

and death The first time he was able to speak, Varya, his

brother's wife, was alone in the roo sternly at her, "I shot myself by

accident And please never speak of it, and tell everyone so

Or else it's too ridiculous"

Without answering his words, Varya bent over hiazed into his face His eyes were clear, not

feverish; but their expression was stern

"Thank God!" she said "You're not in pain?"

"A little here" He pointed to his breast

"Then lethis broad jaws, he looked at her while she

bandaged him up When she had finished he said: "I'e that thereshot myself on purpose"

"No one does say so Only I hope you won't shoot yourself by

accident anysmile

"Of course I won't, but it would have been better"

And he sloohtened

Varya, when the inflaan to recover, he