"Hard as this year which delays my happiness will be," continued Prince Andrew, "it will give you time to be sure of yourself.

I ask you to make me happy in a year, but you are free: our engagement shall remain a secret, and should you find that you do not love me, or should you come to love..." said Prince Andrew with an unnatural smile.

"Why do you say that?" Natasha interrupted him.

" You know that from the very day you first came to Otradnoe I have loved you," she cried, quite convinced that she spoke the truth.