AlexeiAlexandrovichhadgainedabrilliantvictoryatthesittingoftheCommissionofthe17thofAugust，butinthesequelthisvictorycutthegroundfromunderhisfeet。Thenewcommissionfortheinquiryintotheconditionofthenativetribesoneveryaspecthadbeenformedanddespatchedtoitsdestinationwithanunusualspeedandenergy，inspiredbyAlexeiAlexandrovich。Withinthreemonthsareportwaspresented。Theconditionofthenativetribeswasinvestigatedinitspolitical，administrative，economic，ethnographic，material，andreligiousaspects。Toallthesequestionstherewereanswersadmirablystated，andanswersadmittingnoshadeofdoubt，sincetheywerenotaproductofhumanthought，alwaysliabletoerror，butwerealltheproductofofficialactivity。Theanswerswereallbasedonofficialdatafurnishedbygovernorsandbishops，andfoundedonthereportsofdistrictmagistratesandecclesiasticalsuperintendents，foundedintheirturnonthereportsoflocalauthoritiesandparishpriests；andsoalloftheseanswerswereunhesitatingandcertain。Allsuchquestionsas，forinstance，thecauseofcropfailures，whycertaintribesadheredtotheirancientbeliefs，andsoon-questionswhich，butfortheconvenientinterventionoftheofficialmachine，arenot，andcannotbesolvedforages-receivedfull，unhesitatingsolution。AndthissolutionwasinfavorofAlexeiAlexandrovich’scontention。ButStremov，whohadfeltstungtothequickatthelastsitting，had，onthereceptionofthecommission’sreport，resortedtotacticswhichAlexeiAlexandrovichhadnotanticipated。Stremov，carryingwithhimseveralothermembers，wentovertoAlexeiAlexandrovich’sside，and，notcontentinghimselfwithwarmlydefendingthemeasureproposedbyKarenin，proposedothermeasures，stillmoreextreme，inthesamedirection。Thesemeasures，stillstrongerthanAlexeiAlexandrovich’sfundamentalidea，werepassedbythecommission，andthentheaimofStremov’stacticsbecameapparent。Carriedtoanextreme，themeasuresseemedatoncetobesoabsurdthatthehighestauthorities，andpublicopinion，andintellectualladies，andthenewspapers，allatthesametimefellfoulofthem，expressingtheirindignationbothwiththemeasuresandtheirnominalfather，AlexeiAlexandrovich。Stremovdrewback，affectingtohaveblindlyfollowedKarenin，andtobeastoundedanddistressedatwhathadbeendone。ThismeantthedefeatofAlexeiAlexandrovich。Butinspiteoffailinghealth，inspiteofhisdomesticgriefs，hedidnotgivein。TherewasasplitintheCommission。Somemembers，withStremovattheirhead，justifiedtheirmistakeonthegroundthattheyhadputfaithinthecommissionofrevision，institutedbyAlexeiAlexandrovich，andmaintainedthatthereportofthecommissionwasrubbish，andsimplysomuchwastepaper。AlexeiAlexandrovich，withafollowingofthosewhosawthedangerofsorevolutionaryanattitudetoofficialdocuments，persistedinupholdingthestatementsobtainedbytherevisingcommission。Inconsequenceofthis，inthehigherspheres，andeveninsociety，allwaschaos，andalthougheveryonewasinterested，noonecouldtellwhetherthenativetribesreallywerebecomingimpoverishedandruined，orwhethertheywereinaflourishingcondition。ThepositionofAlexeiAlexandrovich，owingtothis，andpartlyowingtothecontemptlavishedonhimforhiswife’sinfidelity，becameveryprecarious。Andinthispositionhetookanimportantresolution。TotheastonishmentoftheCommission，heannouncedthatheshouldaskpermissiontogohimselftoinvestigatethequestiononthespot。Andhavingobtainedpermission，AlexeiAlexandrovichpreparedtosetofftotheseremoteprovinces。
AlexeiAlexandrovich’sdeparturecreatedagreatstir，themoresoasjustbeforehestartedheofficiallyreturnedthepostingfaresallowedhimfortwelvehorsestodrivetohisdestination。
`Ithinkitverynoble，’BetsysaidaboutthistothePrincessMiaghkaia。`Whytakemoneyforpostinghorseswheneveryoneknowsthattherearerailwayseverywherenow？’
ButPrincessMiaghkaiadidnotagree，andthePrincessTverskaia’sopinionannoyedherindeed。
`It’sallverywellforyoutotalk，’saidshe，`whenyouhaveIdon’tknowhowmanymillions；butIamverygladwhenmyhusbandgoesonarevisingtourinthesummer。It’sverygoodforhimandpleasanttravelingabout，andit’sasettledarrangementformetokeepacarriageandhiredcoachonthemoney。’
OnhiswaytotheremoteprovincesAlexeiAlexandrovichstoppedforthreedaysatMoscow。
Thedayafterhisarrivalhewenttocallonthegovernorgeneral。AtthecrossroadsbyGazetnyLane，wheretherearealwayscrowdsofcarriagesandhiredsleighs，AlexeiAlexandrovichsuddenlyheardhisnamecalledoutinsuchaloudandcheerfulvoicethathecouldnothelplookinground。Atthecornerofthepavement，inashort，stylishovercoatandalow-crownedfashionablehat，jauntilyaskew，withasmilethatshowedagleamofwhiteteethandredlips，stoodStepanArkadyevich，radiant，young，andbeaming。Hecalledhimvigorouslyandurgently，andinsistedonhisstopping。Hehadonearmonthewindowofacarriagethatwasstoppingatthecorner，andoutofthewindowwerethrusttheheadsofaladyinavelvethat，andtwochildren。StepanArkadyevichwassmilingandbeckoningtohisbrother-in-law。Theladysmiledakindlysmiletoo，andshetoowavedherhandtoAlexeiAlexandrovich。ItwasDollywithherchildren。
AlexeiAlexandrovichdidnotwanttoseeanyoneinMoscow，andleastofallhiswife’sbrother。Heraisedhishatandwouldhavedrivenon，butStepanArkadyevichtoldhiscoachmantostop，andranacrossthesnowtohim。
`Well，whatashamenottohaveletusknow！Beenherelong？IwasatDussot’syesterdayandsaw``Karenin’onthevisitors’list，butitneverenteredmyheadthatitwasyou，’saidStepanArkadyevich，stickinghisheadinatthewindowofthecarriage，`orIshouldhavelookedyouup。Iamgladtoseeyou！’hesaid，knockingonefootagainsttheothertoshakethesnowoff。`Whatashameyoudidnotletusknow！’herepeated。
`Ihadnotime；Iamverybusy，’AlexeiAlexandrovichrespondeddryly。
`Cometomywife-shedoessowanttoseeyou。’
AlexeiAlexandrovichunfoldedtheruginwhichhisfrozenfeetwerewrapped，andgettingoutofhiscarriagemadehiswayoverthesnowtoDaryaAlexandrovna。
`Why，AlexeiAlexandrovich，whatareyoucuttinguslikethisfor？’saidDollysmiling。
`Iwasverybusy。Delightedtoseeyou！’hesaidinatoneclearlyindicatingthathewasannoyedbyit。`Howareyou？’
`Tellme，howismydarlingAnna？’
AlexeiAlexandrovichmumbledsomethingandwouldhavegoneon。ButStepanArkadyevichstoppedhim。
`Itellyouwhatwe’lldotomorrow。Dolly，askhimtodinner。We’llaskKoznishevandPestsov，soastoentertainhimwithourMoscowintellectuals。’
`Yes，please，docome，’saidDolly；`wewillexpectyouatfive-orsixo’clock，ifyoulike。HowismydarlingAnna？Howlong……’
`Sheisquitewell，’AlexeiAlexandrovichmumbled，frowning。`Delighted！’andhemovedawaytowardhiscarriage。
`Youwillcome？’Dollycalledafterhim。
AlexeiAlexandrovichsaidsomethingwhichDollycouldnotcatchinthenoiseofthemovingcarriages。
`Ishallcomeroundtomorrow！’StepanArkadyevichshoutedtohim。
AlexeiAlexandrovichgotintohiscarriage，andburiedhimselfinitsoasneithertoseenortobeseen。
`Queerfish！’saidStepanArkadyevichtohiswife，and，glancingathiswatch，hemadeamotionofhishandbeforehisface，indicatingacaresstohiswifeandchildren，andwalkedjauntilyalongthepavement。
`Stiva！Stiva！’Dollycalled，reddening。
Heturnedround。
`Imustgetcoats，youknow，forGrishaandTania。Givemethemoney。’
`Nevermind；youtellthemI’llpaythebill！’andhevanished，noddinggeniallytoanacquaintancewhodroveby。
ThenextdaywasSunday。StepanArkadyevichwenttotheGrandTheatertoarehearsaloftheballet，andgaveMashaChibisova，aprettydancinggirlwhohadbeenengagedthroughhisprotection，thecoralnecklacehehadpromisedhertheeveningbefore，and，behindthescenes，inthedimdaylightofthetheater，managedtokissherprettylittleface，radiantoverthepresent。Besidesthegiftofthenecklacehewantedtoarrangeameetingwithheraftertheballet。Afterexplainingthathecouldnotcomeatthebeginningoftheballet，hepromisedhewouldcomeforthelastactandtakehertosupper。FromthetheaterStepanArkadyevichdrovetoOkhotnyRiad，selectedhimselfthefishandasparagusfordinner，andbytwelveo’clockwasatDussot’s，wherehehadtoseethreepeople，luckilyallstayingatthesamehotel:Levin，whohadrecentlycomebackfromabroadandwasstayingthere；thenewheadofhisboardwhohadjustbeenpromotedtothatposition，andhadcomeonatourofrevisiontoMoscow；andhisbrother-in-law，Karenin，whomhemustsee，soastobesureofbringinghimtodinner。
StepanArkadyevichlikeddining，butstillbetterhelikedtogiveadinner，small，butverychoice，bothasregardsthefoodanddrinkandasregardstheselectionofguests。Heparticularlylikedtheprogramofthatday’sdinner。Therewouldbefreshperch，asparagus，andlapiècederésistance-first-rate，butquiteplain，roastbeef，andwinestosuit:somuchfortheeatinganddrinking。KittyandLevinwouldbeoftheparty，and，sothatthismightnotbeobtrusivelyevident，therewouldbeagirlcousintoo，andyoungShcherbatsky，and-lapiecederesistanceamongtheguests-SergeiKoznishevandAlexeiAlexandrovich。SergeiIvanovichwasaMoscowman，andaphilosopher；AlexeiAlexandrovichaPeterburgman，andapracticalpolitician。Hewasasking，too，thewell-knowneccentricenthusiast，Pestsov，aliberal，agreattalker，amusician，ahistorian，andthemostdelightfullyyouthfulpersonoffifty，whowouldbeasauceorgarnishforKoznishevandKarenin。Hewouldprovokethemandsetthemoffagainstoneanother。
Thesecondinstallmentfortheforesthadbeenreceivedfromthemerchantandwasnotyetexhausted；Dollyhadbeenveryamiableandgood-humoredoflate，andtheideaofthedinnerpleasedStepanArkadyevichfromeverypointofview。Hewasinthemostlightheartedmood。Thereweretwocircumstancesalittleunpleasant，butthesetwocircumstancesweredrownedintheseaofgood-humoredgaietywhichfloodedthesoulofStepanArkadyevich。Thesetwocircumstanceswere:first，thatonmeetingAlexeiAlexandrovichthedaybeforeinthestreetStivahadnoticedthatthelatterwascoldandreservedwithhim，andputtingtogethertheexpressionofAlexeiAlexandrovich’sface，andthefactthathehadnotcometoseethem，orletthemknowofhisarrival，withtherumorshehadheardaboutAnnaandVronsky，StepanArkadyevichguessedthatsomethingwaswrongbetweenthehusbandandwife。
Thatwasonedisagreeablething。Theotherslightlydisagreeablefactwasthatthenewheadofhisboard，likeallnewheads，alreadyhadthereputationofaterribleperson，whogotupatsixo’clockinthemorning，workedlikeahorse，andinsistedonhissubordinatesworkinginthesameway。Moreover，thisnewheadhadthefurtherreputationofbeingabearinhismanners，andwas，accordingtoallreports，amanofaclassinallrespectstheoppositeofthattowhichhispredecessorhadbelonged，andtowhichStepanArkadyevichhadhithertobelongedhimself。OnthepreviousdayStepanArkadyevichhadappearedattheofficeinauniform，andthenewchiefhadbeenveryaffableandhadtalkedtohimastoanacquaintance。ConsequentlyStepanArkadyevichdeemedithisdutytocalluponhiminhisnonofficialdress。Thethoughtthatthenewchiefmightnotgivehimawarmreceptionwastheotherunpleasantthing。ButStepanArkadyevichinstinctivelyfeltthateverythingwouldcomeroundallright。`They’reallhuman，allmen，likeuspoorsinners；whybenastyandquarrelsome？’hethoughtashewentintothehotel。
`Goodday，Vassilii，’hesaid，walkingintothecorridorwithhishatcockedononeside，andaddressingafootmanheknew；`why，you’veletyourwhiskersgrow！Levin-numberseven，eh？Takemeup，please。AndfindoutwhetherCountAnychkin’thiswasthenewhead`isreceiving。’
`Yes，sir，’Vassiliiresponded，smiling。`You’venotbeentoseeusforalongwhile。’
`Iwashereyesterday，butattheotherentrance。Isthisnumberseven？’
LevinwasstandingwithapeasantfromTverinthemiddleoftheroom，measuringafreshbearskin，whenStepanArkadyevichcamein。
`What！Youkilledhim？’criedStepanArkadyevich。`Welldone！Ashe-bear？Howareyou，Arkhip！’
Heshookhandswiththepeasantandsatdownonachair，withouttakingoffhiscoatandhat。
`Come，takeoffyourcoatandstayalittle，’saidLevin，takinghishat。
`No，Ihaven’ttime；I’veonlylookedinforjustasecond，’answeredStepanArkadyevich。Hethrewopenhisfurcoat，butafterwarddidtakeitoff，andsatonforawholehour，talkingtoLevinabouthuntingandthemostintimatesubjects。`Come，tellme，please，whatyoudidabroad。Wherehaveyoubeen？’saidStepanArkadyevich，whenthepeasanthadgone。
`Oh，IstayedinGermany，inPrussia，inFrance，andinEngland-notinthecapitals，butinthemanufacturingtowns-andsawagreatdealthatwasnewtome。AndI’mgladIwent。’
`Yes，Iknewyourideaofthesolutionofthelaborquestion。’
`Notabit:inRussiatherecanbenolaborquestion。InRussiathequestionisthatoftherelationoftheworkingpeopletotheland；thoughthequestionexiststheretoo-butthereit’samatterofrepairingwhat’sbeenruined，whilewithus……’
StepanArkadyevichlistenedattentivelytoLevin。
`Yes，yes！’hesaid。`It’sverypossibleyou’reright。ButI’mgladyou’reingoodspirits，andarehuntingbears，andworking，andinterested。Shcherbatskytoldmeanotherstory-hemetyou:thatyouwereinsuchadepressedstate，talkingofnothingbutdeath……’
`Well，whatofit？I’venotgivenupthinkingofdeath，’saidLevin。`It’struethatit’shightimeIwasdead；andthatallthisisnonsense。It’sthetruthI’mtellingyou。Idovaluemyideaandmyworkawfully；butreally，doconsiderthis:allthisworldofoursisnothingbutaspeckofmildew，whichhasgrownuponatinyplanet。Andyetwethinkthatsomethinggreatispossibletous-ideas，work！Grainsofsand-that’salltheyare。’
`Butallthat’sasoldasthehills，myboy！’
`Itisold；but，doyouknow，whenyougraspthisfully，thensomehoweverythingbecomesofnoconsequence。Whenyouunderstandthatyouwilldietomorrow，ifnottoday，andnothingwillbeleft，theneverythingissounimportant！AndIconsidermyideaveryimportant，butitturnsoutreallytobejustasunimportant，evenifitwerecarriedout，asoutwittingthatshe-bear。Soonegoesonliving，amusingoneselfwithhunting，withwork-anything，soasnottothinkofdeath！’
StepanArkadyevichsmiledasubtleandaffectionatesmileashelistenedtoLevin。
`Well，ofcourse！Hereyou’vecomeroundtomypoint。Doyourememberyouattackedmeforseekingenjoymentinlife？
``Don’tbe，Omoralist，severe……’’
`No；allthesame，what’sfineinlifeis……’Levinhesitated。`Oh！Idon’tknow。AllIknowisthatweshallsoonbedead。’
`Whysosoon？’
`AndIknowthere’slesscharminlife，whenonethinksofdeath-butthere’smorepeace。’
`Onthecontrary，thefinishisalwaysthebest。ButImustbegoing，’saidStepanArkadyevich，gettingupforthetenthtime。
`Oh，no，stayabit！’saidLevin，detaininghim。`Now，whenshallweseeeachotheragain？I’mgoingtomorrow。’
`I’mafinefellow！Why，that’sjustwhatIcamefor！Yousimplymustcometodinnerwithustoday。Yourbrother’scoming，andKarenin，mybrother-in-law。’
`Youdon’tmeantosayhe’shere？’saidLevin，andhewantedtoinquireaboutKitty。HehadheardatthebeginningofthewinterthatshewasatPeterburgwithhersister，thewifeofthediplomat，andhedidnotknowwhethershehadcomebackornot；buthechangedhismindanddidnotask。`Whethershe’scomingornot，Idon’tcare，’hesaidtohimself。
`Soyou’llcome？’
`Ofcourse。’
`Atfiveo’clock，then，andwearafrockcoat。’
AndStepanArkadyevichgotupandwentdownbelowtothenewheadofhisdepartment。InstincthadnotmisledStepanArkadyevich。Theterriblenewheadturnedouttobeanextremelyamenableperson，andStepanArkadyevichlunchedwithhimandstayedon，sothatitwaspastthreeo’clockbeforehegottoAlexeiAlexandrovich。
AlexeiAlexandrovich，oncomingbackfromchurchservice，hadspentthewholemorningindoors。Hehadtwopiecesofbusinessbeforehimthatmorning；first，toreceiveandsendonadeputationfromthenativetribeswhichwasonitswaytoPeterburg，andwhichwasnowatMoscow；secondly，towritethepromisedlettertothelawyer。Thedeputation，thoughithadbeensummonedatAlexeiAlexandrovich’sinstigation，wasnotwithoutitsdiscomfortingandevendangerousaspect，andhewasgladhehadfounditinMoscow。Themembersofthisdeputationhadnottheslightestconceptionoftheirdutyandtheparttheyweretoplay。TheynaivelybelievedthatitwastheirbusinesstolaybeforetheCommissiontheirneedsandtheactualconditionofthings，andtoaskassistanceofthegovernment，andutterlyfailedtograspthatsomeoftheirstatementsandrequestssupportedthecontentionoftheenemy’sside，andsospoiledthewholebusiness。AlexeiAlexandrovichwasbusilyengagedwiththemforalongwhile，drewupaprogramforthemfromwhichtheywerenottodepart，andondismissingthemwrotealettertoPeterburgfortheguidanceofthedeputation。HehadhischiefsupportinthisaffairintheCountessLidiaIvanovna。Shewasaspecialistinthematterofdeputations，andnooneknewbetterthanshehowtopuff，andputtheminthewaytheyshouldgo。Havingcompletedthistask，AlexeiAlexandrovichwrotethelettertothelawyer。Withouttheslightesthesitationhegavehimpermissiontoactashemightjudgebest。IntheletterheenclosedthreeofVronsky’snotestoAnna，whichwereintheportfoliohehadtakenaway。
SinceAlexeiAlexandrovichhadlefthomewiththeintentionofnotreturningtohisfamilyagain，andsincehehadbeenatthelawyer’sandhadspoken，thoughonlytooneman，ofhisintention，since，moreover，hehadtranslatedthematterfromtheworldofreallifetotheworldofinkandpaper，hehadgrownmoreandmoreusedtohisownintention，andbynowdistinctlyperceivedthefeasibilityofitsexecution。
Hewassealingtheenvelopetothelawyer，whenheheardtheloudtonesofStepanArkadyevich’svoice。StepanArkadyevichwasdisputingwithAlexeiAlexandrovich’sservant，andinsistingonbeingannounced。
`Nomatter，’thoughtAlexeiAlexandrovich，`somuchthebetter。Iwillinformhimatonceofmypositioninregardtohissister，andexplainwhyitisIcan’tdinewithhim。’
`Comein！’hesaidaloud，collectinghispapers，andputtingthemundertheblottingpad。
`There，yousee，you’retalkingnonsense，andheisathome！’respondedStepanArkadyevich’svoice，addressingtheservant，whohadrefusedtolethimin，and，takingoffhiscoatashewent，Oblonskywalkedintotheroom。`Well，I’mawfullygladI’vefoundyou！SoIhope……’StepanArkadyevichbegancheerfully。
`Icannotcome，’AlexeiAlexandrovichsaidcoldly，standingandnotaskinghisvisitortositdown。
AlexeiAlexandrovichhadthoughttopassatonceintothosefrigidrelationsinwhichheoughttostandwiththebrotherofawifeagainstwhomhewasbeginningasuitfordivorce。ButhehadnottakenintoaccounttheoceanofkindlinessbrimmingoverintheheartofStepanArkadyevich。
StepanArkadyevichopenedwidehisclear，shiningeyes。
`Whycan’tyou？Whatdoyoumean？’heaskedinperplexity，speakinginFrench。`Oh，butit’sapromise。Andwe’reallcountingonyou。’
`IwanttotellyouthatIcan’tdineatyourhouse，becausethetermsofrelationshipwhichhaveexistedbetweenusmustcease。’
`How？Howdoyoumean？Forwhatreason？’saidStepanArkadyevichwithasmile。
`BecauseIambeginninganactionfordivorceagainstyoursister，mywife。Ioughttohave……’
But，beforeAlexeiAlexandrovichhadtimetofinishhissentence，StepanArkadyevichwasbehavingnotatallashehadexpected。StepanArkadyevichgroanedandsankintoanarmchair。
`No，AlexeiAlexandrovich！Whatareyousaying？’criedOblonsky，andhissufferingwasapparentinhisface。
`Itisso。’
`Excuseme，Ican’t，Ican’tbelieveit！’
AlexeiAlexandrovichsatdown，feelingthathiswordshadnothadtheeffectheanticipated，andthatitwouldbeunavoidableforhimtoexplainhisposition，andthat，whateverexplanationshemightmake，hisrelationswithhisbrother-in-lawwouldremainunchanged。
`Yes，Iambroughttothepainfulnecessityofseekingadivorce，’hesaid。
`Iwillsayonething，AlexeiAlexandrovich。Iknowyouforanexcellent，uprightman；IknowAnna-excuseme，Ican’tchangemyopinionofher-foragood，anexcellentwoman；andsoyoumustexcusemeifIcannotbelieveit。Thereissomemisunderstanding，’saidhe。
`Oh，ifitweremerelyamisunderstanding！……’
`Pardon，Iunderstand，’interposedStepanArkadyevich。`Butofcourse……Onething:youmustnotactinhaste。Youmustnot，youmustnotactinhaste！’
`Iamnotactinginhaste，’AlexeiAlexandrovichsaidcoldly，`butonecannotaskadviceofanyoneinsuchamatter。Ihavequitemadeupmymind。’
`Thisisawful！’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Iwoulddoonething，AlexeiAlexandrovich。Ibeseechyou-doit！’hesaid。`Noactionhasyetbeentaken，ifIunderstandrightly。Beforeyoutakeadvice，seemywife，talktoher。ShelovesAnnalikeasister，shelovesyou，andshe’sawonderfulwoman。ForGod’ssake，talktoher！Domethatfavor，Ibeseechyou！’
AlexeiAlexandrovichpondered，andStepanArkadyevichlookedathimsympathetically，withoutinterruptinghissilence。
`Youwillgotoseeher？’
`Idon’tknow。ThatwasjustwhyIhavenotbeentoseeyou。Iimagineourrelationsmustchange。’
`Whyso？Idon’tseethat。Allowmetobelievethat，apartfromourconnection，youhaveforme，atleastinpart，thesamefriendlyfeelingIhavealwayshadforyou……andsincereesteem，’saidStepanArkadyevich，pressinghishand。`Evenifyourworstsuppositionswerecorrect，Idon’t-andneverwould-takeonmyselftojudgeeitherside，andIseenoreasonwhyourrelationsshouldbeaffected。Butnow，dothis，comeandseemywife。’
`Well，welookatthematterdifferently，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovichcoldly。`However，wewon’tdiscussit。’
`No；whyshouldn’tyoucometodaytodine，anyway？Mywife’sexpectingyou。Please，docome。And，aboveall，talkitoverwithher。She’sawonderfulwoman。ForGod’ssake，onmyknees，Iimploreyou！’
`Ifyousomuchwishit，Iwillcome，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，sighing。
And，anxioustochangetheconversation，heinquiredaboutwhatinterestedthemboth-thenewheadofStepanArkadyevich’sboard，amannotyetold，whohadsuddenlybeenpromotedtosohighaposition。
AlexeiAlexandrovichhadpreviouslyfeltnolikingforCountAnychkin，andhadalwaysdifferedfromhiminhisopinions。Butnow，fromafeelingreadilycomprehensibletoofficials-thathatredfeltbyonewhohassufferedadefeatintheserviceforonewhohasreceivedapromotion-hecouldnotendurehim。
`Well，haveyouseenhim？’saidAlexeiAlexandrovichwithamalignantsmile。
`Ofcourse；hewasatoursittingyesterday。Heseemstoknowhisworkcapitally，andtobeveryenergetic。’
`Yes，butwhatishisenergydirectedto？’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich。`Isheaimingatdoinganything，orsimplydoingagainwhat’sbeendone？It’sthegreatmisfortuneofourgovernment-thispaperadministration，ofwhichhe’saworthyrepresentative。’
`Really，Idon’tknowwhatfaultonecouldfindwithhim。HispolicyIdon’tknow，butonethingiscertain-he’saveryfinefellow，’answeredStepanArkadyevich。`I’vejustbeenseeinghim，andhe’sreallyafinefellow。Welunchedtogether，andItaughthimhowtomake-youknowthatdrink-wineandoranges。It’ssocooling。Andit’sawonderhedidn’tknowit。Helikeditawfully。No，really，he’safinefellow。’
StepanArkadyevichglancedathiswatch。
`Why，goodheavens，it’sfouralready，andI’vestilltogotoDolgovushin’s！Sopleasecomeroundtodinner。Youcan’timaginehowyouwillgrievemywifeandmeifyoudon’t。’
ThewayinwhichAlexeiAlexandrovichsawhisbrother-in-lawoutwasverydifferentfromthemannerinwhichhehadmethim。
`I’vepromised，andI’llcome，’heansweredwearily。
`Believeme，Iappreciateit，andIhopeyouwon’tregretit，’answeredStepanArkadyevich，smiling。
And，puttingonhiscoatashewent，hepattedthefootmanontheheadwithhiscoatsleeve，chuckled，andwentout。
`Atfiveo’clock，andwearyourfrockcoat，please，’heshoutedoncemore，returningatthedoor。
Itwaspastfive，andseveralguestshadalreadyarrived，beforethehosthimselfgothome。HewentintogetherwithSergeiIvanovichKoznishevandwithPestsov，bothofwhomhadreachedthestreetdooratthesamemoment。ThesewerethetwoleadingrepresentativesoftheMoscowintellectuals，asOblonskyhadcalledthem。Bothweremenrespectedfortheircharacterandtheirintelligence。Theyrespectedeachother，butwereincompleteandhopelessdisagreementuponalmosteverysubject，notbecausetheybelongedtooppositeparties，butpreciselybecausetheywereofthesamepartytheirenemiesrefusedtoseeanydistinctionbetweentheirviews；but，inthatparty，eachhadhisownspecialshadeofopinion。Andsincenodifferenceislesseasilyovercomethanthedifferenceofopinionaboutsemiabstractquestions，theyneveragreedonanyopinion，and，indeed，hadlongbeenaccustomedtojeerwithoutangerateachother’sincorrigibleaberrations。
Theywerejustgoinginatthedoor，talkingoftheweather，whenStepanArkadyevichovertookthem。InthedrawingroomtherewerealreadysittingPrinceAlexanderDmitrievichShcherbatsky，youngShcherbatsky，Turovtsin，Kitty，andKarenin。
StepanArkadyevichsawimmediatelythatthingswerenotgoingwellinthedrawingroomwithouthim。DaryaAlexandrovna，inherbestgraysilkgown，obviouslyworriedaboutthechildrenwhoweretohavetheirdinnerbythemselvesinthenursery，andbyherhusband’sabsence，wasnotequaltothetaskofmakingthepartymixwithouthim。Allweresittinglikesomanypriests’daughtersonavisitsotheoldPrinceexpressedit，obviouslywonderingwhytheywerethere，andpumpingupremarkssimplytoavoidbeingsilent。Turovtsin-goodheartedman-feltunmistakablylikeafishoutofwater，andthesmilewithwhichhisthicklipsgreetedStepanArkadyevichsaid，asplainlyaswords:`Well，oldboy，youhavepoppedmedowninalearnedset！Adrinkingparty，andtheChateaudesFleurs，wouldbemoreinmyline！’TheoldPrincesatinsilence，hisbrightlittleeyeswatchingKareninwithasidelonglook；andStepanArkadyevichsawthathehadalreadyformedasharpremarktosumupthatpoliticianofwhomguestshadbeeninvitedtopartake，asthoughhewereasturgeon。Kittywaslookingatthedoor，callingupallherenergiestokeepherfromblushingattheentranceofKonstantinLevin。YoungShcherbatsky，whohadnotbeenintroducedtoKarenin，wastryingtolookasthoughhewerenotintheleastembarrassedbyit。KareninhimselfhadfollowedthePeterburg。etiquetteforadinnerwithladiespresentandwaswearingeveningdressandawhitetie。StepanArkadyevichsawbyhisfacethathehadcomesimplytokeephispromise，andwasperformingadisagreeabledutyinbeingpresentatthisgathering。HewasindeedthepersonchieflyresponsibleforthechillbenumbingalltheguestsbeforeStepanArkadyevichcamein。
OnenteringthedrawingroomStepanArkadyevichapologized，explainingthathehadbeendetainedbythatPrincewhowasalwaysthescapegoatforallhisabsencesandunpunctualities，andinonemomenthehadmadealltheguestsacquaintedwitheachother，and，bringingtogetherAlexeiAlexandrovichandSergeiKoznishev，hadstartedthemonadiscussionoftheRussificationofPoland，intowhichtheyimmediatelyplungedwithPestsov。SlappingTurovtsinontheshoulder，hewhisperedsomethingcomicinhisear，andsethimdownbyhiswifeandtheoldPrince。ThenhetoldKittyshewaslookingveryprettythatevening，andpresentedShcherbatskytoKarenin。Inamomenthehadsokneadedtogetherthesocialdoughthatthedrawingroombecameverylively，andtherewasamerrybuzzofvoices。KonstantinLevinwastheonlypersonwhohadnotarrived。Butthiswassomuchthebetter，as，goingintothediningroom，StepanArkadyevichfoundtohishorrorthattheportandsherryhadbeenprocuredfromDepre，andnotfromLeve，and，directingthatthecoachmanshouldbesentoffasspeedilyaspossibletoLeve’shestartedbacktothedrawingroom。
InthediningroomhewasmetbyKonstantinLevin。
`I’mnotlate？’
`Youcanneverhelpbeinglate！’saidStepanArkadyevich，takinghisarm。
`Haveyoualotofpeople？Who’shere？’askedLevin，unabletohelpblushing，asheknockedthesnowoffhiscapwithhisglove。
`Allourownset。Kitty’shere。Comealong，I’llintroduceyoutoKarenin。’
StepanArkadyevich，forallhisliberalviews，waswellawarethattomeetKareninwassuretobefeltaflatteringdistinction，andsotreatedhisbestfriendstothishonor。ButatthatinstantKonstantinLevinwasnotinaconditiontofeelallthegratificationofmakingsuchanacquaintance。HehadnotseenKittysincethatmemorableeveningwhenhemetVronsky-notcounting，thatis，themomentwhenhehadhadaglimpseofheronthehighroad。Hehadknownatthebottomofhisheartthathewouldseeherheretoday。But，tokeephisthoughtsfree，hehadtriedtopersuadehimselfthathedidnotknowit。Nowwhenheheardthatshewashere，hewassuddenlyconsciousofsuchdelight，andatthesametimeofsuchdread，thathisbreathfailedhimandhecouldnotutterwhathewantedtosay。
`Whatisshelike，whatisshelike？Assheusedtobe，orasshewasinthecarriage？WhatifDaryaAlexandrovnatoldthetruth？Whyshouldn’titbethetruth？’hethought。
`Oh，please，introducemetoKarenin，’hebroughtoutwithaneffort，andwithadesperatelydeterminedstephewalkedintothedrawingroomandbeheldher。
Shewasnotthesameassheusedtobe，norwassheasshehadbeeninthecarriage；shewasquitedifferent。
Shewasscared，shy，shamefaced，andbecauseofallthis，stillmorecharming。Shesawhimtheveryinstanthewalkedintotheroom。Shehadbeenexpectinghim。Shewasdelighted，andsoconfusedatherowndelightthattherewasamoment，themomentwhenhewentuptohersisterandglancedagainather，whenshe，andhe，andDolly，whosawitall，thoughtshewouldbreakdownandbegintocry。Shecrimsoned，turnedwhite，crimsonedagain，andgrewfaint，waitingwithquiveringlipsforhimtocometoher。Hewentuptoher，bowed，andheldouthishandwithoutspeaking。Exceptfortheslightquiverofherlipsandthemoistureinhereyes，makingthembrighter，hersmilewasalmostcalmasshesaid:
`Howlongitissincewe’veseeneachother！’and，withdesperatedetermination，withhercoldhandsqueezedhis。
`You’venotseenme，butI’veseenyou，’saidLevin，witharadiantsmileofhappiness。`IsawyouwhenyouweredrivingfromtherailwaystationtoErgushovo。’
`When？’sheasked，wondering。
`YouweredrivingtoErgushovo，’saidLevin，feelingasifhewouldsobwiththerapturethatwasfloodinghisheart-`AndhowdaredIassociateathoughtofanythingnotinnocentwiththistouchingcreature？And，yes，IdobelievewhatDaryaAlexandrovnatoldmeistrue，’hethought。
StepanArkadyevichtookhimbythearmandledhimawaytoKarenin。
`Letmeintroduceyou。’Hementionedtheirnames。
`Verygladtomeetyouagain，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovichcoldly，shakinghandswithLevin。
`Youareacquainted？’StepanArkadyevichaskedinsurprise。
`Wespentthreehourstogetherinthetrain，’saidLevinsmiling，`butgotout，justasinamasquerade，quitemystified-atleastIwas。’
`Oh，sothat’sit！Comealong，please，’saidStepanArkadyevich，pointinginthedirectionofthediningroom。
Themenwentintothediningroomandwentuptothetableforhorsd’oeuvres，laidwithsixsortsofvodkaandasmanykindsofcheese，somewithlittlesilverspadesandsomewithout，caviar，herrings，preservesofvariouskinds，andplateswithslicesofFrenchbread。
Themenstoodroundthestrong-smellingspiritsandsaltdelicacies，andthediscussionoftheRussificationofPolandbetweenKoznishev，KareninandPestsov，dieddowninanticipationofdinner。
SergeiIvanovichwasunequaledinhisskillinwindingupthemostheatedandseriousargumentbysomeunexpectedpinchofAtticsaltthatchangedthedispositionofhisopponent。Hedidthisnow。
AlexeiAlexandrovichhadbeenmaintainingthattheRussificationofPolandcouldonlybeaccomplishedasaresultofgreaterprinciples，whichoughttobeintroducedbytheRussiangovernment。
Pestsovinsistedthatonecountrycanabsorbanotheronlywhenitisthemoredenselypopulated。
Koznishevadmittedbothpoints，butwithlimitations。Astheyweregoingoutofthedrawingroomtoconcludetheargument，Koznishevsaidsmiling:
`So，then，fortheRussificationofourforeignpopulationsthereisbutonemethod-tobringupasmanychildrenasonecan。MybrotherandIareterriblyatfault，Isee。Youmarriedmen-especiallyyou，StepanArkadyevich-aretherealpatriots:whatnumberhaveyoureached？’hesaid，smilinggeniallyattheirhostandholdingoutatinywineglasstohim。
Everyonelaughed，andStepanArkadyevichwithparticulargoodhumor。
`Oh，yes，that’sthebestmethod！’hesaid，munchingcheeseandfillingthewineglasswithaspecialsortofvodka。Theconversationdroppedatthejest。
`Thischeeseisnotbad。ShallIgiveyousome？’saidthemasterofthehouse。`Why，haveyoubeengoinginforgymnasticsagain？’heaskedLevin，pinchinghismusclewithhislefthand。Levinsmiled，benthisarm，andunderStepanArkadyevich’sfingersthemusclesswelleduplikeasoundcheese，hardasaknobofiron，throughthefineclothofthecoat。
`Whatbiceps！AperfectSamson！’
`Iimaginegreatstrengthisneededforhuntingbears，’observedAlexeiAlexandrovich，whohadthemistiestnotionsaboutthechase。Hecutoffandspreadwithcheeseawaferofbreadfineasaspiderweb。
Levinsmiled。
`Notatall。Quitethecontrary-achildcankillabear，’hesaid，withaslightbowmovingasidefortheladies，whowereapproachingthehorsd’oeuvrestable。
`Youhavekilledabear，I’vebeentold！’saidKitty，tryingassiduouslytocatchwithherforkaperversemushroomthatwouldslipaway，andshakingthelaceoverherwhitearm。`Aretherebearsonyourplace？’sheadded，turninghercharminglittleheadtohimandsmiling。
Therewasapparentlynothingextraordinaryinwhatshesaid，butwhatunutterablemeaningtherewasforhimineverysound，ineveryturnofherlips，hereyes，herhandasshesaidit！Therewasentreatyforforgiveness，andtrustinhim，andtenderness-soft，timidtenderness-andpromise，andhope，andloveforhim，whichhecouldnotbutbelievein，andwhichsuffocatedhimwithhappiness。
`No，we’vebeenhuntingintheTverprovince。ItwascomingbackfromtherethatImetyourbeau-frereinthetrain，oryourbeau-frere’sbrother-in-law，’hesaidwithasmile。`Itwasanamusingmeeting。’
Andhebegantellingwithdrollgoodhumorhow，afternotsleepingallnight，hehad，wearingafur-lined，full-skirtedcoat，gotintoAlexeiAlexandrovich’scompartment。
`Theconductor，forgettingtheproverb，wouldhavechuckedmeoutonaccountofmyattire；butthereuponIbeganexpressingmyfeelingsinelevatedlanguage，and……you，too，’hesaid，addressingKareninandforgettinghisname，`atfirstwouldhaveejectedmeonthegroundofmycoat，butafterwardyoutookmypart，forwhichIamextremelygrateful。’
`Therightsofpassengersgenerallytochoosetheirseatsaretooill-defined，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，rubbingthetipsofhisfingersonhishandkerchief。
`Isawyouwereinuncertaintyaboutme，’saidLevin，smilinggood-naturedly，`butImadehastetoplungeintointellectualconversationtosmoothoverthedefectsofmyattire。’
SergeiIvanovich，whilehekeptaconversationwiththeirhostess，hadoneearforhisbrother，andheglancedaskanceathim。`Whatisthematterwithhimtoday？Whysuchaconqueringhero？’hethought。HedidnotknowthatLevinwasfeelingasthoughhehadgrownwings。Levinknewshewaslisteningtohiswordsandthatshewasgladtolistentohim。Andthiswastheonlythingthatinterestedhim。Notinthatroomonly，butinthewholeworld，thereexistedforhimonlyhimself，withenormouslyincreasedimportanceanddignityinhisowneyes，andshe。Hefelthimselfonapinnaclethatmadehimgiddy，andfarawaydownbelowwereallthosekind，excellentKarenins，Oblonskys，andalltheworld。
Quitewithoutattractingnotice，withoutglancingatthem，asthoughtherewerenootherplacesleft，StepanArkadyevichputLevinandKittysidebyside。
`Oh，youmayaswellsitthere，’hesaidtoLevin。
Thedinnerwasaschoiceasthechina，ofwhichStepanArkadyevichwasaconnoisseur。ThesoupeMarie-Louisewasasplendidsuccess；thetinypattieseatenwithitmeltedinthemouthandwereirreproachable。ThetwofootmenandMatvei，inwhitecravats，didtheirdutywiththedishesandwinesunobtrusively，quietly，anddexterously。Onthematerialsidethedinnerwasasuccess；itwasnolesssoontheimmaterial。Theconversation，attimesgeneralandattimesbetweenindividuals，neverpaused，andtowardtheendthecompanywassolivelythatthemenrosefromthetablewithoutstoppingspeaking，andevenAlexeiAlexandrovichbecamelively。
Pestsovlikedthreshinganargumentouttotheend，andwasnotsatisfiedwithSergeiIvanovich’swords，especiallyashefelttheinjusticeofhisview。
`Ididnotmean，’hesaidoverthesoup，addressingAlexeiAlexandrovich，`meredensityofpopulationalone，butinconjunctionwithfundamentalideas，andnotbymeansofprinciples。’
`Itseemstome，’AlexeiAlexandrovichsaidlanguidly，andwithnohaste，`thatthat’sthesamething。Inmyopinion，influenceoveranotherpeopleisonlypossibletothepeoplewhichhasthehigherdevelopment，which……’
`Butthat’sjustthequestion，’Pestsovbrokeininhisbass。Hewasalwaysinahurrytospeak，andseemedalwaystoputhiswholesoulintowhateverhewassaying；`ofwhatarewetomakehigherdevelopmentconsist？TheEnglish，theFrench，theGermans-whichisatthehigheststageofdevelopment？Whichofthemwillnationalizetheother？WeseetheRhineprovinceshavebeenturnedFrench，yettheGermansarenotatalowerstage！’heshouted。`Thereisanotherlawatworkthere！’
`Ifancythatthegreaterinfluenceisalwaysonthesideoftruecivilization，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，slightlyliftinghiseyebrows。
`Butwhatarewetolaydownastheoutwardsignsoftruecivilization？’saidPestsov。
`Iimaginesuchsignsaregenerallyverywellknown，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich。
`Butaretheyfullyknown？’SergeiIvanovichputinwithasubtlesmile。`Itistheacceptedviewnowthatrealculturemustbepurelyclassical；butweseemostintensedisputesoneachsideofthequestion，andthereisnodenyingthattheoppositecamphasstrongpointsinitsfavor。’
`Youarefortheclassics，SergeiIvanovich。Willyoutakeredwine？’saidStepanArkadyevich。
`Iamnotexpressingmyownopinionofeitherformofculture，’SergeiIvanovichsaid，holdingouthisglasswithasmileofcondescension，astoachild。`Ionlysaythatbothsideshavestrongargumentstosupportthem，’hewenton，addressingAlexeiAlexandrovich。`Mysympathiesareclassicalfromeducation，butinthisdiscussionIampersonallyunabletoarriveataconclusion。Iseenodistinctgroundsforclassicalstudiesbeinggivenapre-eminenceoverscientificstudies。’
`Thenaturalscienceshavejustasgreataneducationalvalue，’putinPestsov。`Takeastronomy，takebotany，orzoology，withitssystemofgeneralprinciples。’
`Icannotquiteagreewiththat，’respondedAlexeiAlexandrovich。`Itseemstomethatonemustadmitthattheveryprocessofstudyingtheformsoflanguagehasapeculiarlyfavorableinfluenceonintellectualdevelopment。Moreover，itcannotbedeniedthattheinfluenceoftheclassicalauthorsisinthehighestdegreemoral，while，unfortunately，withthestudyofthenaturalsciencesareassociatedthefalseandnoxiousdoctrineswhicharethecurseofourday。’
SergeiIvanovichwouldhavesaidsomething，butPestsovinterruptedhiminhisrichbass。Hebeganwarmlycontestingthejusticeofthisview。SergeiIvanovichwaitedserenelytospeak，obviouslywithaconvincingreplyready。
`But，’saidSergeiIvanovich，smilingsubtly，andaddressingKarenin，`onemustallowthattoweighalltheadvantagesanddisadvantagesofclassicalandscientificstudiesisadifficulttask，andthequestionwhichformofeducationwastobepreferredwouldnothavebeensoquicklyandconclusivelydecidediftherehadnotbeeninfavorofclassicaleducation，asyouexpresseditjustnow，itsmoral-disonslemot-antinihilistinfluence。’
`Undoubtedly。’
`Ifithadnotbeenforthedistinctivepropertyofantinihilisticinfluenceonthesideofclassicalstudies，weshouldhaveconsideredthesubjectmore，haveweighedtheargumentsonbothsides，’saidSergeiIvanovichwithasubtlesmile，`weshouldhavegivenelbowroomtobothtendencies。Butnowweknowthattheselittlepillsofclassicallearningpossessthemedicinalpropertyofantinihilism，andweboldlyprescribethemtoourpatients……Butwhatiftheyhadnosuchmedicinalproperty？’headdedhispinchofAtticsalt。
AtSergeiIvanovich’slittlepillseveryonelaughed；Turovtsininespecialroaredloudlyandjovially，gladatlasttohavefoundsomethingtolaughat-allheeverlookedforinlisteningtoconversation。
StepanArkadyevichhadnotmadeamistakeininvitingPestsov。WithPestsovintellectualconversationneverflaggedforaninstant。DirectlySergeiIvanovichhadconcludedtheconversationwithhisjest，Pestsovpromptlystartedanewone。
`Ican’tagreeeven，’saidhe，`thatthegovernmenthadthataim。Thegovernmentobviouslyisguidedbyabstractconsiderations，andremainsindifferenttotheinfluenceitsmeasuresmayexercise。Theeducationofwomen，forinstance，wouldnaturallyberegardedaslikelytobeharmful，butthegovernmentopensschoolsanduniversitiesforwomen。’
Andtheconversationatoncepassedtothenewsubjectoftheeducationofwomen。
AlexeiAlexandrovichexpressedtheideathattheeducationofwomenisapttobeconfoundedwiththeemancipationofwomen，andthatitisonlysothatitcanbeconsidereddangerous。
`Iconsider，onthecontrary，thatthetwoquestionsareinseparablyconnectedtogether，’saidPestsov；`itisaviciouscircle。Womanisdeprivedofrightsfromlackofeducation，andthelackofeducationresultsfromtheabsenceofrights。Wemustnotforgetthatthesubjectionofwomenissocomplete，anddatesfromsuchdistantages，thatweareoftenunwillingtorecognizethegulfthatseparatesthemfromus，’saidhe。
`Youmentionedrights，’saidSergeiIvanovich，waitingtillPestsovhadfinished，`meaningtherightofsittingonjuries，ofvoting，ofpresidingatcouncils，therightofenteringthecivilservice，ofsittinginparliament……’
`Undoubtedly。’
`Butifwomen，asarareexception，canoccupysuchpositions，itseemstomeyouarewronginusingtheexpression``rights’。Itwouldbemorecorrecttosayduties。Everymanwillagreethatindoingthedutyofajuryman，awitness，atelegraphclerk，wefeelweareperformingduties。And，therefore，itwouldbecorrecttosaythatwomenareseekingduties，andquitelegitimately。Andonecanbutsympathizewiththisdesiretoassistinthegenerallaborofman。’
`Quiteso，’AlexeiAlexandrovichassented。`Thequestion，Iimagine，issimplywhethertheyarefittedforsuchduties。’
`Theywillmostlikelybeperfectlyfitted，’saidStepanArkadyevich，`wheneducationhasbecomegeneralamongthem。Weseethis……’
`Howabouttheproverb？’saidthePrince，whohadalongwhilebeenintentontheconversation，hismockinglittleeyestwinkling。`Icansayitbeforemydaughters:herhairislong，butherwitisshort……’
`JustwhattheythoughtoftheNegroesbeforetheiremancipation！’saidPestsovangrily。
`Whatseemsstrangetomeisthatwomenshouldseekfreshduties，’saidSergeiIvanovich，`whilewesee，unhappily，thatmenusuallytrytoavoidthem。’
`Dutiesareboundupwithrights-power，money，honor；thosearewhatwomenareseeking，’saidPestsov。
`JustasthoughIshouldseektherighttobeawetnurse，andfeelinjuredbecausewomenarepaidforthework，whilenoonewilltakeme，’saidtheoldPrince。
Turovtsinexplodedinaloudroaroflaughter，andSergeiIvanovichregrettedthathehadnotmadethiscomparison。EvenAlexeiAlexandrovichsmiled。
`Yes，butamancan’tnurseababy，’saidPestsov，`whileawoman……’
`No，therewasanEnglishmanwhodidsucklehisbabyonboardship，’saidtheoldPrince，feelingthisfreedominconversationpermissiblebeforehisowndaughters。
`ThereareasmanysuchEnglishmenastherewouldbewomenofficials，’saidSergeiIvanovich。
`Yes，butwhatisagirltodowhohasnofamily？’putinStepanArkadyevich，thinkingofMashaChibisova，whomhehadhadinhismindallalong，insympathizingwithPestsovandsupportinghim。
`Ifthestoryofsuchagirlwerethoroughlysifted，youwouldfindshehadabandonedafamily-herownorasister’s，whereshemighthavefoundawoman’sduties，’DaryaAlexandrovnabrokeinunexpectedly，inatoneofexasperation，probablysuspectingwhatsortofgirlStepanArkadyevichhadinmind。
`Butwetakeourstandonprinciple，ontheideal，’repliedPestsovinhissonorousbass。`Womandesirestohavetherighttobeindependent，educated。Sheisoppressed，humiliatedbytheconsciousnessofherdisabilities。’
`AndI’moppressedandhumiliatedthattheywon’tengagemeattheFoundlingAsylum，’theoldPrincesaidagain，tothehugedelightofTurovtsin，whoinhismirthdroppedhisasparaguswiththethickendinthesauce。
EveryonetookpartintheconversationexceptKittyandLevin。Atfirst，whentheyweretalkingoftheinfluencethatonepeoplehasonanother，thererosetoLevin’smindwhathehadtosayonthesubject。Buttheseideas，onceofsuchimportanceinhiseyes，seemedtocomeintohisbrainasinadream，andhadnownottheslightestinterestforhim。Itevenstruckhimasstrangethattheyshouldbesoeagertotalkofwhatwasofnousetoanyone。Kitty，too，onewouldhavesupposed，shouldhavebeeninterestedinwhattheyweresayingoftherightsandeducationofwomen。Howoftenshehadmusedonthesubject，thinkingofherfriendabroad，Varenka，ofherpainfulstateofdependence；howoftenshehadwonderedaboutherselfastowhatwouldbecomeofherifshedidnotmarry，andhowoftenshehadarguedwithhersisteraboutit！Butnowitdidnotinterestheratall。SheandLevinhadaconversationoftheirown，yetnotaconversation，butasortofmysteriouscommunication，whichbroughtthemeverymomentnearer，andstirredinbothasenseofgladterrorbeforetheunknownintowhichtheywereentering。
AtfirstLevin，inanswertoKitty’squestionhowhecouldhaveseenherlastyearinthecarriage，toldherthathehadbeencominghomefromthemowingalongthehighroadandhadmether。
`Itwasvery，veryearlyinthemorning。Youwereprobablyonlyjustawake。Yourmamanwasasleepinhercorner。Itwasanexquisitemorning。Iwaswalkingalongwonderingwhoitcouldbeinthefour-in-hand。Itwasasplendidsetoffourhorseswithbells，andinasecondyouflashedby，andIsawyouatthewindow-youweresitting，likethis；holdingthestringsofyourcapinbothhands，andinawfullydeepthoughtaboutsomething，’hesaid，smiling。`HowIshouldliketoknowwhatyouwerethinkingaboutthen！Somethingimportant？’
`Wasn’tIdreadfullyuntidy？’shewondered，butseeingthesmileofecstasythesereminiscencescalledup，shefeltthattheimpressionshehadmadehadbeenverygood。Sheblushedandlaughedwithdelight:
`ReallyIdon’tremember。’
`HownicelyTurovtsinlaughs！’saidLevin，admiringhishumideyesandheavingchest。
`Haveyouknownhimlong？’askedKitty。
`Oh，everyoneknowshim！’
`AndIseeyouthinkhe’sahorridman？’
`Nothorrid，butthere’snothinginhim。’
`Oh，you’rewrong！Andyoumustgiveupthinkingsodirectly！’saidKitty。`Iusedtohaveaverypooropinionofhimtoo，buthe’sanawfullyfineandwonderfullygoodheartedman。Hehasaheartofgold。’
`Howcouldyoufindoutwhatsortofhearthehas？’
`Wearegreatfriends。Iknowhimverywell。Lastwinter，soonafter……youcametoseeus，’shesaid，withaguiltyandatthesametimeaconfidingsmile，`allDolly’schildrenhadscarlatina，andhehappenedtocometoseeher。Andonlyfancy，’shesaidinawhisper，`hefeltsosorryforherthathestayedandbegantohelpherlookafterthechildren。Yes，andforthreeweekshestoppedwiththem，andlookedafterthechildrenlikeanurse。’
`IamtellingKonstantinDmitrievichaboutTurovtsinandthescarlatina，’shesaid，bendingovertohersister。
`Yes，itwaswonderful，noble！’saidDolly，glancingtowardTurovtsin，whohadbecomeawaretheyweretalkingofhim，andsmilinggentlytohim。LevinglancedoncemoreatTurovtsin，andwonderedhowitwashehadnotrealizedallthisman’sgoodnessbefore。
`I’msorry，I’msorry，andI’llneverthinkillofpeopleagain！’hesaidgaily，genuinelyexpressingwhathefeltatthemoment。
Connectedwiththeconversationthathadsprungupontherightsofwomentherewerecertainquestionsastotheinequalityofrightsinmarriage，impropertodiscussbeforetheladies。Pestsovhadseveraltimesduringdinnertoucheduponthesequestions，butSergeiIvanovichandStepanArkadyevichcarefullydrewhimoffthem。
Whentheyrosefromthetableandtheladieshadgoneout，Pestsovdidnotfollowthem，but，addressingAlexeiAlexandrovich，begantoexpoundthechiefgroundofinequality。Theinequalityinmarriage，inhisopinion，layinthefactthattheinfidelityofthewifeandinfidelityofthehusbandarepunishedunequally，bothbythelawandbypublicopinion。
StepanArkadyevichwenthurriedlyuptoAlexeiAlexandrovichandofferedhimacigar。
`No，Idon’tsmoke，’AlexeiAlexandrovichansweredcalmly，and，asthoughpurposelywishingtoshowthathewasnotafraidofthesubject，heturnedtoPestsovwithachillysmile。
`Iimaginethatsuchaviewhasafoundationintheverynatureofthings，’hesaid，andwouldhavegoneontothedrawingroom。ButatthispointTurovtsinbrokesuddenlyandunexpectedlyintotheconversation，addressingAlexeiAlexandrovich。
`Youheard，perhaps，aboutPriachnikov？’saidTurovtsin，warmedupbythechampagnehehaddrunk，andlongwaitingforanopportunitytobreakthesilencethathadweighedonhim。`VassiaPriachnikov，’hesaid，withagood-naturedsmileonhismoist，redlips，addressinghimselfprincipallytothemostimportantguest，AlexeiAlexandrovich，`theytoldmetodayhefoughtaduelwithKvitskyatTver，andhaskilledhim。’
Justasitalwaysseemsthatonebruisesoneselfonasoreplace，soStepanArkadyevichfeltnowthattheconversationwouldbyillluckfallatanymomentonAlexeiAlexandrovich’ssorespot。Hewouldagainhavegothisbrother-in-lawaway，butAlexeiAlexandrovichhimselfinquired，withcuriosity:
`WhatdidPriachnikovfightabout？’
`Hiswife。Actedlikeaman，hedid！Calledhimoutandshothim！’
`Ah！’saidAlexeiAlexandrovichindifferently，and，liftinghiseyebrows，hewentintothedrawingroom。
`HowgladIamyouhavecome，’Dollysaidwithafrightenedsmile，meetinghimintheouterdrawingroom。`Imusttalktoyou。Let’ssithere。’
AlexeiAlexandrovich，withthesameexpressionofindifference，duetohisliftedeyebrows，satdownbesideDaryaAlexandrovna，andsmiledaffectedly。
`It’sfortunate，’saidhe，`especiallyasImeanttoaskyoutoexcuseme，andtobetakingleave。Ihavetostarttomorrow。’
DaryaAlexandrovnawasfirmlyconvincedofAnna’sinnocence，andshefeltherselfgrowingpaleandherlipsquiveringwithangeratthisfrigid，unfeelingman，whowassocalmlyintendingtoruinherinnocentfriend。
`AlexeiAlexandrovich，’shesaid，withdesperateresolutionlookinghimintheface，`IaskedyouaboutAnna；youmademenoanswer。Howisshe？’
`Sheis，Ibelieve，quitewell，DaryaAlexandrovna，’repliedAlexeiAlexandrovich，withoutlookingather。
`AlexeiAlexandrovich，forgiveme，Ihavenoright……ButIloveAnnaasasister，andesteemher；Ibeg，Ibeseechyoutotellmewhatiswrongbetweenyou？Whatfaultdoyoufindwithher？’
AlexeiAlexandrovichfrowned，and，almostclosinghiseyes，droppedhishead。
`IpresumethatyourhusbandhastoldyouthegroundsonwhichIconsideritnecessarytochangemyattitudetoAnnaArkadyevna？’hesaid，withoutlookingherintheface，buteyingwithdispleasureShcherbatsky，whowaswalkingacrossthedrawingroom。
`Idon’tbelieveit，Idon’tbelieveit-Ican’tbelieveit！’Dollysaid，claspingherbonyhandsbeforeherwithavigorousgesture。SherosequicklyandlaidherhandonAlexeiAlexandrovich’ssleeve。`Weshallbedisturbedhere。Comethisway，please。’
Dolly’sagitationhadaneffectonAlexeiAlexandrovich。Hegotupandsubmissivelyfollowedhertotheschoolroom。Theysatdownatatablecoveredwithanoilclothcutinslitsbypenknives。
`Idon’t-Idon’tbelieveit！’Dollysaid，tryingtocatchhisglance，stillavoidingher。
`Onecannotdisbelievefacts，DaryaAlexandrovna，’saidhe，withanemphasisonthewordfacts。
`Butwhathasshedone？’saidDaryaAlexandrovna。`What，precisely，hasshedone？’
`Shehasforsakenherduty，anddeceivedherhusband。That’swhatshehasdone，’saidhe。
`No，no，itcan’tbe！No，forGod’ssake，youaremistaken，’saidDolly，puttingherhandstohertemplesandclosinghereyes。
AlexeiAlexandrovichsmiledcoldly，withhislipsalone，meaningtosignifytoherandhimselfthefirmnessofhisconviction；butthiswarmdefense，thoughitcouldnotshakehim，reopenedhiswound。Hebegantospeakwithgreaterheat。
`Itisextremelydifficulttobemistakenwhenawifeherselfinformsherhusbandofthefact-informshimthateightyearsofherlife，andason，areallamistake，andthatshewantstobeginlifeanew，’hesaidangrily，withasnort。
`Annaandsin-Icannotconnectthem，Icannotbelieveit！’
`DaryaAlexandrovna，’hesaid，nowlookingstraightintoDolly’skindly，troubledface，andfeelingthathistonguewasbeingloosenedinspiteofhimself，`Iwouldgiveagreatdealfordoubttobestillpossible。WhenIdoubted，Iwasmiserable，butitwasbetterthannow。WhenIdoubted，Ihadhope；butnowthereisnohope，andstillIdoubteverything。IaminsuchdoubtofeverythingthatIevenhatemyson，andsometimesdonotbelieveheismyson。Iamveryunhappy。’
Hehadnoneedtosaythat。DaryaAlexandrovnahadseenthatassoonasheglancedintoherface；andshefeltsorryforhim，andherfaithintheinnocenceofherfriendbegantowaver。
`Oh，thisisawful，awful！Butcanitbetruethatyouareresolvedonadivorce？’
`Iamresolvedonextrememeasures。Thereisnothingelseformetodo。’
`Nothingelsetodo，nothingelsetodo……’shereplied，withtearsinhereyes。`Ohno，don’tsaythere’snothingelsetodo！’shesaid。
`Whatishorribleinamisfortuneofthiskindisthatonecannot，asinanyother-inloss，indeath-bearone’stroubleinpeace，butthatonemustact，’saidhe，asthoughguessingherthought。`Onemustgetoutofthehumiliatingpositioninwhichoneisplaced；onecan’tliveatrois。’
`Iunderstand，Iquiteunderstandthat，’saidDolly，andherheadsank。Shewassilentforalittle，thinkingofherself，ofherowngriefinherfamily，andallatonce，withanimpulsivemovement，sheraisedherheadandclaspedherhandswithanimploringgesture。`Butwaitalittle！YouareaChristian。Thinkofher！Whatwillbecomeofher，ifyoucastheroff？’
`Ihavethought，DaryaAlexandrovna-Ihavethoughtagreatdeal，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich。Hisfaceturnedredinpatches，andhisdimeyeslookedstraightbeforehim。DaryaAlexandrovnaatthatmomentpitiedhimwithallherheart。`ThatindeedwaswhatIdidwhensheherselfmadeknowntomemyhumiliation；Ilefteverythingasofold。Igaveherachancetoreform，Itriedtosaveher。Andwithwhatresult？Shewouldnotregardtheleastrequest-thatsheshouldobservedecorum，’hesaid，gettingheated。`Onemaysaveanyonewhodoesnotwanttoberuined；butifthewholenatureissocorrupt，sodepraved，thatruinitselfseemstohersalvation，what’stobedone？’
`Anything，onlynotdivorce！’answeredDaryaAlexandrovna。
`Butwhatisanything？’
`No，itisawful！Shewillbenoone’swife；shewillbelost！’
`WhatcanIdo？’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，raisinghisshouldersandhiseyebrows。Therecollectionofhiswife’slastacthadsoincensedhimthathehadbecomefrigid，asatthebeginningoftheconversation。`Iamverygratefulforyoursympathy，butImustbegoing，’hesaid，gettingup。
`No，waitaminute。Youmustnotruinher。Waitalittle；Iwilltellyouaboutmyself。Iwasmarried，andmyhusbanddeceivedme；inangerandjealousyIwouldhavethrownupeverything，Iwouldmyself……ButIcametomyselfagain；andwhodidit？Annasavedme。AndhereIamlivingon。Thechildrenaregrowingup，myhusbandhascomebacktohisfamily，andfeelshisfault，isgrowingpurer，better，andIliveon……Ihaveforgivenit，andyououghttoforgive！’
AlexeiAlexandrovichheardher，butherwordshadnoeffectonhimnow。Allthehatredofthatdaywhenhehadresolvedonadivorcehadsprungupagaininhissoul。Heshookhimself，andsaidinashrillloudvoice:
`ForgiveIcannot，anddonotwishto，andIregarditaswrong。Ihavedoneeverythingforthiswoman，andshehastroddenitallinthemudtowhichsheiskin。Iamnotaspitefulman，Ihaveneverhatedanyone，butIhateherwithmywholesoul，andIcannotevenforgiveher，becauseIhatehertoomuchforallthewrongshehasdoneme！’hesaid，withtearsofhatredinhisvoice。
`Lovethosethathateyou……’DaryaAlexandrovnawhispered，timorously。
AlexeiAlexandrovichsmiledcontemptuously。Thatheknewlongago，butitcouldnotbeappliedtohiscase。
`Lovethosethathateyou，buttolovethoseonehatesisimpossible。Forgivemeforhavingtroubledyou。Everyonehasenoughtobearinhisowngrief！’And，regaininghisself-possession，AlexeiAlexandrovichquietlytookleaveandwentaway。
Whentheyrosefromthetable，LevinwouldhavelikedtofollowKittyintothedrawingroom；buthewasafraidshemightdislikethis，astooobviouslypayingherattention。Heremainedinthelittleringofmen，takingpartinthegeneralconversation，and，withoutlookingatKitty，hewasawareofhermovements，herlooks，andtheplacewhereshewasinthedrawingroom。
Hedidatonce，andwithoutthesmallesteffort，keepthepromisehehadmadeher-alwaystothinkwellofallmen，andtolikeeveryonealways。Theconversationfellonthevillagecommune，inwhichPestsovsawasortofspecialprinciple，calledbyhimthechoralprinciple。LevindidnotagreewithPestsov，norwithhisbrother，whohadaspecialattitudeofhisown，bothadmittingyetnotadmittingthesignificanceoftheRussiancommune。Buthetalkedtothem，simplytryingtoreconcileandsoftentheirdifferences。Hewasnotintheleastinterestedinwhathesaidhimself，andevenlesssoinwhattheysaid；allhewantedwasthattheyandeveryoneshouldbehappyandcontented。Heknewnowtheonethingofimportance；andthatonethingwasatfirstthere，inthedrawingroom，andthenbeganmovingacross，andcametoastandstillatthedoor。Withoutturningroundhefelthereyesfixedonhim，andhersmile，andhecouldnothelpturninground。ShewasstandinginthedoorwaywithShcherbatsky，lookingatLevin。
`Ithoughtyouweregoingtowardthepiano，’saidhe，goinguptoher。`That’ssomethingImissinthecountry-music。’
`No；weonlycametofetchyou，andIthankyou，’shesaid，rewardinghimwithasmilethatwaslikeagift，`forcoming。Whatdotheywanttoarguefor？Nooneeverconvincesanyone，youknow。’
`Yes；that’strue，’saidLevin；`itgenerallyhappensthatoneargueswarmlysimplybecauseonecan’tmakeoutwhatone’sopponentwantstoprove。’
Levinhadoftennoticedindiscussionsbetweenthemostintelligentpeoplethatafterenormousefforts，andanenormousexpenditureoflogicalsubtletiesandwords，thedisputantsfinallyarrivedattherealizationthatwhattheyhadsolongbeenstrugglingtoprovetooneanotherhadlongago，fromthebeginningoftheargument，beenknowntoboth，butthattheylikeddifferentthings，andwouldnotdefinewhattheylikedforfearofitsbeingattacked。Hehadoftenhadtheexperienceofsuddenlygraspinginadiscussionwhatitwashisopponentlikedandatoncelikingittoo，andimmediatelyhefoundhimselfagreeing，andthenallargumentsfellawayasuseless。Sometimes，too，hehadexperiencedtheopposite，expressingatlastwhathelikedhimself，whichhewasdevisingargumentstodefend，and，chancingtoexpressitwellandgenuinely，hehadfoundhisopponentatonceagreeingandceasingtodisputehisposition。Hetriedtosaythis。
Sheknitherbrow，tryingtounderstand。Butdirectlyhebegantoillustratehismeaning，sheunderstoodatonce。
`Iknow:onemustfindoutwhatheisarguingfor，whatisprecioustohim，thenonecan……’
Shehadcompletelyguessedandexpressedhisbadlyexpressedidea。Levinsmiledjoyfully；hewasstruckbythistransitionfromtheconfused，verbosediscussionwithPestsovandhisbrothertothislaconic，clear，almostwordlesscommunicationofthemostcomplexideas。
Shcherbatskymovedawayfromthem，andKitty，goinguptoacardtable，satdown，and，takingupthechalk，begandrawingdivergingcirclesoverthenewgreencloth。
Theybeganagainonthesubjectthathadbeenstartedatdinner-thelibertyandoccupationsofwomen。LevinwasoftheopinionofDaryaAlexandrovnathatagirlwhodidnotmarryshouldfindawoman’sdutiesinafamily。Hesupportedthisviewbythefactthatnofamilycangetonwithoutwomentohelp；thatineveryfamily，poororrich，thereareandmustbenurses，eitherrelationsorhired。
`No，’saidKitty，blushing，butlookingathimallthemorebravelywithhertruthfuleyes；`agirlmaybesocircumstancedthatshecannotliveinthefamilywithouthumiliation，whilesheherself……’
Atthehintheunderstoodher。
`Oh，yes，’hesaid。`Yes，yes，yes-you’reright；you’reright！’
AndhesawallthatPestsovhadbeenmaintainingatdinneraboutthelibertyofwoman，simplyfromgettingaglimpseoftheterrorofanoldmaid’sexistenceanditshumiliationinKitty’sheart；andlovingher，hefeltthatterrorandhumiliation，andatoncegaveuphisarguments。
Asilencefollowed。Shewasstilldrawingwiththechalkonthetable。Hereyeswereshiningwithasoftlight。Undertheinfluenceofhermoodhefeltinallhisbeingacontinuallygrowingtensionofhappiness。
`Ah！I’vescribbledalloverthetable！’shesaid，and，layingdownthechalk，shemadeamovementasthoughtogetup。
`What！ShallIbeleftalone-withouther？’hethoughtwithhorror，andhetookthechalk。`Waitaminute，’hesaid，sittingdowntothetable。`I’velongwantedtoaskyouonething。’
Helookedstraightintohercaressing，thoughfrightenedeyes。
`Please，askit。’
`Here，’hesaid；andhewrotetheinitialletters，w，y，t，m:i，c，n，b，d，t，m，n，o，t。Theselettersmeant，`Whenyoutoldme:itcouldneverbe，didthatmeannever，orthen？’Thereseemednolikelihoodthatshecouldmakeoutthiscomplicatedsentence；buthelookedatherasthoughhislifedependedonherunderstandingthewords。
Sheglancedathimseriously，thenleanedherpuckeredbrowonherhandsandbegantoread。Onceortwiceshestolealookathim，asthoughaskinghim，`IsitwhatIthinkitis？’
`Iunderstand，’shesaid，flushing。
`Whatisthisword？’hesaid，pointingtothenthatstoodfornever。
`Itmeansnever，’shesaid；`butthat’snottrue！’
Hequicklyrubbedoutwhathehadwritten，gaveherthechalk，andstoodup。Shewrote，t，i，c，n，a，d。
DollywascompletelycomfortedinthedepressioncausedbyherconversationwithAlexeiAlexandrovichwhenshecaughtsightofthetwofigures:Kittywiththechalkinherhand，withashyandhappysmilelookingupwardatLevin，andhishandsomefigurebendingoverthetablewithglowingeyesfastenedoneminuteonthetableandthenextonher。Hewassuddenlyradiant:hehadunderstood。Itmeant，`ThenIcouldnotanswerdifferently。’
Heglancedatherquestioningly，timidly。
`Onlythen？’
`Yes，’hersmileanswered。
`Andn……Andnow？’heasked。
`Well，readthis。I’lltellyouwhatIshouldlike-shouldlikesomuch！’Shewrotetheinitialletters，i，y，c，f，a，f，w，h。Thismeant，`Ifyoucouldforgetandforgivewhathappened。’
Hesnatchedthechalkwithnervous，tremblingfingers，andbreakingit，wrotetheinitiallettersofthefollowingphrase，`Ihavenothingtoforgetandtoforgive；Ihaveneverceasedtoloveyou。’
Sheglancedathimwithasmilethatdidnotwaver。
`Iunderstand，’shesaidinawhisper。
Hesatdownandwrotealongphrase。Sheunderstooditall，andwithoutaskinghim，`Isitthis？’tookthechalkandatonceanswered。
Foralongwhilehecouldnotunderstandwhatshehadwritten，andoftenlookedintohereyes。Hewasstupefiedwithhappiness。Hecouldnotsupplythewordsshehadmeant；butinhercharmingeyes，beamingwithhappiness，hesawallheneededtoknow。Andhewrotethreeletters。Buthehadhardlyfinishedwritingwhenshereadthemoverherarm，andherselffinishedandwrotetheanswer，`Yes。’
`You’replayingsecretaire？’saidtheoldPrince。`Butwemustreallybegettingalongifyouwanttobeintimeatthetheater。’
LevingotupandescortedKittytothedoor。
Intheirconversationeverythinghadbeensaid；ithadbeensaidthatshelovedhim，andthatshewouldtellherfatherandmotherthathewouldcometomorrowmorning。