Nothing, my dear.

　　"Auntie, darling, do tell me what it is!"

　　"Nothing, my dear."

　　"No, dearest, sweet one, honey, I won't give up- I know you knowsomething."

　　Anna Mikhaylovna shook her head.

　　"You are a little slyboots," she said.

　　"A letter from Nikolenka! I'm sure of it!" exclaimed Natasha,reading confirmation in Anna Mikhaylovna's face.

　　"But for God's sake, be careful, you know how it may affect yourmamma."

　　"I will, I will, only tell me! You won't? Then I will go and tell atonce."

　　Anna Mikhaylovna, in a few words, told her the contents of theletter, on condition that she should tell no one.

　　"No, on my true word of honor," said Natasha,crossing herself, "Iwon't tell anyone!" and she ran off at once to Sonya.

　　"Nikolenka... wounded... a letter," she announced in gleefultriumph.

　　"Nicholas!" was all Sonya said, instantly turning white.

　　Natasha, seeing the impression the of her brother's wound producedon Sonya, felt for the first time the sorrowful side of the news.

　　She rushed to Sonya, hugged her, and began to cry.

　　"A little wound, but he has been made an officer; he is well now, hewrote himself," said she through her tears.