That same evening Kitty told her mother about what had happened between her and Levine. Despite feeling a pang of sorrow for having caused him pain, she felt flattered by his proposal of marriage. Convinced that she had acted rightly, she lay awake for a long time as a particular memory haunted her. She recalled Levine standing near the old prince and casting a dark and desolate look upon her and Wronsky, which brought tears to her eyes. However, she quickly banished this thought by turning her mind to the man who had replaced him in her affections. She vividly pictured his handsome and firm face, his calm distinction, and his benevolent air. Reminding herself of the love he showed her, joy returned to her soul and she smiled at her own happiness as she rested her head on the pillow. Although a small inner voice argued against it, she tried to convince herself that it was sad but not her fault. Wondering whether she was to blame for either encouraging or refusing Levine, she knew her happiness was mixed with doubt and she prayed until she fell asleep.
Meanwhile a fierce argument was taking place in the private study of the prince concerning their beloved daughter. The prince raised his arms in anger and accused his wife of lacking pride and dignity for trying to secure a husband for Kitty in such a base and low manner. The princess was deeply hurt and near tears because she had merely come to wish her husband a normal good night. She had not even mentioned Levine yet, but had only alluded to the prospective marriage with Wronsky, which she considered already settled. The prince shouted that she had attracted a suitor that the whole of Moscow would rightly talk about. He bitterly criticized her habit of arranging special viewings and gatherings to hunt down marriage candidates. He declared with absolute conviction that Levine was a thousand times better than the shallow Petersburg dandy who seemed manufactured on a machine. The prince argued that Wronsky was simply a little fop who wanted to amuse himself without any serious intentions of settling down.
The princess defended herself by asking what she had done wrong and arguing that she had never made any improper advances. She insisted that Wronsky was young, handsome, and truly in love, and she pointed out that Kitty felt the same way about him. The prince scoffed at her judgment and warned her that she would eventually realize her mistake when it was far too late. He reminded her of past mistakes and expressed his deep fear that their little Catherine would have her life ruined by their foolish actions. The argument only came to an end when the princess was stopped short by the painful memory of poor Dolly. Wishing each other a good night, the married couple kissed and crossed themselves according to custom while holding firmly to their own opinions. Back in her own room, the princess found her earlier confidence shaken by the harsh words of her husband and she began to feel a deep terror regarding the unknown future. Overwhelmed by anxiety, she joined her daughter in praying repeatedly to the Lord for mercy and guidance.