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At half-past seven she had only just gone down into the

drawing-room, when the footman announced, "Konstantin

Dmitrievitch Levin." The princess was still in her room, and the

prince had not come in. "So it is to be," thought Kitty, and all

the blood seemed to rush to her heart. She was horrified at her

paleness, as she glanced into the looking-glass. At that moment

she knew beyond doubt that he had come early on purpose to find

her alone and to make her an offer. And only then for the first

time the whole thing presented itself in a new, different aspect;

only then she realized that the question did not affect her

only-with whom she would be happy, and whom she loved-but that

she would have that moment to wound a man whom she liked. And to

wound him cruelly. What for? Because he, dear fellow, loved her,

was in love with her. But there was no help for it, so it must

be, so it would have to be.