The day after her party the governor’s wife came to see Malvíntseva 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. Malvíntseva expressed approval, and the governor’s wife began to speak of Rostóv in Márya’s presence, praising him and telling how he had blushed when Princess Márya’s name was mentioned. But Princess Márya experienced a painful rather than a joyful feeling⁠—her mental tranquillity was destroyed, and desires, doubts, self-reproach, and hopes reawoke.