But when her father left them she made ready for what was the chief thing needful--to go to Kitty and console her.

"I'd been meaning to tell you something for a long while, mamma: did you know that Levin meant to make Kitty an offer when he was here the last time? He told Stiva so.

" "Well, what then? I don't understand..." "So did Kitty perhaps refuse him?... She didn't tell you so?" "No, she has said nothing to me either of one or the other; she's too proud.