But when her mother began to attack her father, she tried to restrain her, as far as her filial respect allowed. When the prince's outburst occurred, she said nothing; she was ashamed for her mother and she felt a deep affection because of the instant return of his good nature; but when he went out, she determined to do the chief thing that was necessary—to go to Kitty and calm her.
"I have long wanted to tell you, maman; did you know that when Levin was here the last time, he intended to offer himself to Kitty? He told Stiva."
"What is that? I do not understand ...."
"Then perhaps Kitty refused him? .... Did n't she tell you?"
"No, she did not say anything to me about either of them; she is too proud. But I know that all this comes from...."
"Yes; but think, if she refused Levin. I know that she would not have done so if it had not been for the other one.... and then he deceived her so abominably."
It was terrible to the princess to think how blameworthy she had been toward her daughter, and she grew angry.
"Akh! I don't know anything about it. Nowadays every girl wants to live as she pleases, and not to say anything to her mother, and so it comes that ...."
"Maman, I am going to see her."
"Go! I will not prevent you," said her mother.
CHAPTER III
As she entered Kitty's pretty little rosy boudoir, with figurines in vieux saxe, a room as youthful, as rosy, as gay as Kitty herself had been two months before, Dolly remembered with what pleasure and interest the two had decorated it the year before; how happy and gay they were then! She felt a chill at her heart as she saw her sister sitting on a low chair near the door,
