5/21 If it were, then the whole of Russia would split its sides with laughter." Natasha made her appearance again. She, too, had been in prison, in another city, but she had not changed. The mother noticed that in her presence the Little Russian grew more cheerful, was full of jokes, poked fun at everybody, and kept her laughing merrily. But after she had left he would whistle his endless songs sadly, and pace up and down the room for a long time, wearily dragging his feet along the floor. Once when Pavel accompanied her out onto the porch, the mother overheard their abrupt conversation. |