Ephraïm and our cousin Aniouta? If not, I can only tell you in complete confidence—even though it seems that some in the family are aware of it already. Simply put, An and our Fedya (he turned twenty-four two days ago) have fallen in love—they’ve gone utterly mad with it—and it’s upset us all terribly. Auntie doesn’t know about it, and it would be utterly catastrophic if she found out. They see her all the time, and they’re in agony. Our Ephraïm adores Aniouta, but I’ll admit, I’m not sure I believe her feelings are sincere.
