bobik and sofochka are fast asleep as though nothing had happened.ve got such a crowd of people in the house. there are people whichever way you turn. there's flu about in the town, i'm so afraid the children might catch it. you can't see the fire from this room. it's quiet in here. yes, i suppose my hair must be in a mess. they say i've grown fatter. but it's not true. i'm not a bit fatter. masha's asleep. she's tired poor dear. how dare you sit down in my presence, get up. get out of here. i can't understand why you keep that old woman in this house. forgive me for saying so but... she's quite useless, she's just a peasant. her right place is in the country. i do like order in the home. i don't like having useless people about. you're tired poor dear, our head mistress is tired. when my sofochka grows up and goes to school i'll be frightened of you. i'm not going to be a head mistress. oh, you'll be asked, olyachka, it's as good as settled. i'll refuse. i couldn't do it. i wouldn't be strong enough. you spoke so harshly to nanny just now. you must