And without waiting for an answer from the sentinel, who had stepped aside, Dolokhov rode up the incline at a walk.

The day after her party the governor`s wife came to see Malvintseva and, after discussing her plan with the aunt, remarked that though under present circumstances a formal betrothal was, of course, not to be thought of, all the same the young people might be brought together and could get to know one another. Malvintseva expressed approval, and the governor`s wife began to speak of Rostov in Mary`s presence, praising him and telling how he had blushed when Princess Mary`s name was mentioned. But Princess Mary experienced a painful rather than a joyful feelingher mental tranquillity was destroyed, and desires, doubts, self-reproach, and hopes reawoke.