" "Natalya Ilynichna behaves very well to me," remarked Boris.

" I have nothing to complain of.

" "Don't, Boris! You are such a diplomat that it is really tiresome," said Natasha in a mortified voice that trembled slightly.

(She used the word "diplomat," which was just then much in vogue among the children, in the special sense they attached to it.

) "Why does she bother me?" And she added, turning to Vera, "You'll never understand it, because you've never loved anyone.