At this moment that terrible door, which Pierre had watched so long and which had always opened so quietly, burst noisily open and banged against the wall, and the second of the three sisters rushed out wringing her hands.

"What are you doing!" she cried vehemently.

" He is dying and you leave me alone with him!" Her sister dropped the portfolio.

Anna Mikhaylovna, stooping, quickly caught up the object of contention and ran into the bedroom.

The eldest princess and Prince Vasili, recovering themselves, followed her.