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"She's just the same," replied the prince

"Did you know her before her illness, prince--that's to say

before she took to her bed?"

"Yes She took to her bed before my eyes," said the prince

"They say it's ten years since she has stood on her feet"

"She doesn't stand up because her legs are too short She's a

very bad figure"

"Papa, it's not possible!" cried Kitty

"That's icked tongues say,And your Varenka

catches it too," he added "Oh, these invalid ladies!"

"Oh, no, papa!" Kitty objected warood! Ask anyone! Everyone knows her

and Aline Stahl"