The idea of a duel had never crossed her mind, and so she put a different interpretation on this passing expression of hardness.

When she got her husband's letter, she knew then at the bottom of her heart that everything would go on in the old way, that she would not have the strength of will to forego her position, to abandon her son, and to join her lover.

The morning spent at Princess Tverskaya's had confirmed her still more in this.

But this interview was still of the utmost gravity for her.