Don't judge Lise harshly," she began.

"She is so sweet, so good-natured, and her position now is a very hard one." "I do not think I have complained of my wife to you, Masha, or blamed her.

Why do you say all this to me ?" Red patches appeared on Princess Mary's face and she was silent as if she felt guilty.
"I have said nothing to you, but you have already been talked to.

And I am sorry for that," he went on.
The patches grew deeper on her forehead, neck, and cheeks.

She tried to say something but could not.