When after fifteen years of married life he died leaving her with a son and two daughters, Marya Dmitrievna had grown so accustomed to her house and to town life that she had no inclination to leave O----.
In her youth Marya Dmitrievna had always been spoken of as a pretty blonde; and at fifty her features had not lost all charm, though they were somewhat coarser and less delicate in outline.

She was more sentimental than kindhearted; and even at her mature age, she retained the manners of the boarding-school.

She was self-indulgent and easily put out, even moved to tears when she was crossed in any of her habits.
She was, however, very sweet and agreeable when all her wishes were carried out and none opposed her.

Her house was among the pleasantest in the town.

She had a considerable fortune, not so much from her own property as from her husband's savings.