DaryaAlexandrovnaspentthesummerwithherchildrenatPokrovskoe，athersisterKittyLevin’s。Thehouseonherownestatewasquiteinruins，andLevinandhiswifehadpersuadedhertospendthesummerwiththem。StepanArkadyevichgreatlyapprovedofthearrangement。Hesaidhewasverysorryhisofficialdutiespreventedhimfromspendingthesummerinthecountrywithhisfamily，whichwouldhavebeenthegreatesthappinessforhim；andremaininginMoscow，hecamedowntothecountryfromtimetotimeforadayortwo。BesidestheOblonskys，withalltheirchildrenandtheirgoverness，theoldPrincess，too，cametostaythatsummerwiththeLevins，assheconsidereditherdutytowatchoverherinexperienceddaughterinherinterestingcondition。Moreover，Varenka，Kitty’sfriendabroad，keptherpromisetocometoKittywhenshewasmarried，andstayedwithherfriend。AllofthesewerefriendsorrelationsofLevin’swife。Andthoughhelikedthemall，heratherregrettedhisownLevinworldandways，whichwassmotheredbythisinfluxofthe`Shcherbatskyelement，’ashecalledittohimself。OfhisownrelationstherestayedwithhimonlySergeiIvanovich，buthetoowasamanoftheKoznishevandnottheLevinstamp，sothattheLevinspiritwasutterlyobliterated。
　　IntheLevins’house，solongdeserted，therewerenowsomanypeoplethatalmostalltheroomswereoccupied，andalmosteverydayithappenedthattheoldPrincess，sittingdowntotable，countedthemallover，andputthethirteenthgrandsonorgranddaughterataseparatetable。AndKitty，withhercarefulhousekeeping，hadnolittletroubletogetallthechickens，turkeysandgeese，ofwhichsomanywereneededtosatisfythesummerappetitesofthevisitorsandchildren。
　　Thewholefamilyweresittingatdinner。Dolly’schildren，withtheirgovernessandVarenka，weremakingplansforgoingtolookformushrooms。SergeiIvanovich，whowaslookeduptobyallthepartyforhisintellectandlearning，witharespectthatalmostamountedtoawe，surprisedeveryonebyjoiningintheconversationaboutmushrooms。
　　`Takemewithyou。Iamveryfondofpickingmushrooms，’hesaid，lookingatVarenka；`Ithinkit’saveryfineoccupation。’
　　`Oh，weshallbedelighted，’answeredVarenkacoloring。KittyexchangedmeaningglanceswithDolly。TheproposalofthelearnedandintellectualSergeiIvanovichtogolookingformushroomswithVarenkaconfirmedcertaintheoriesofKitty’swithwhichhermindhadbeenverybusyoflate。Shemadehastetoaddresssomeremarktohermother，sothatherlookshouldnotbenoticed。AfterdinnerSergeiIvanovichsatwithhiscupofcoffeeatthedrawing-roomwindow，andwhilehetookpartinaconversationhehadbegunwithhisbrother，hewatchedthedoorthroughwhichthechildrenwouldstartonthemushroom-pickingexpedition。Levinwassittingonthewindowsillnearhisbrother。
　　Kittystoodbesideherhusband，evidentlyawaitingtheendofaconversationthathadnointerestforher，inordertotellhimsomething。
　　`Youhavechangedinmanyrespectssinceyourmarriage，andforthebetter，’saidSergeiIvanovich，smilingtoKitty，andobviouslylittleinterestedintheconversation，`butyouhaveremainedtruetoyourpassionfordefendingthemostparadoxicaltheories。’
　　`Katia，it’snotgoodforyoutostand，’herhusbandsaidtoher，drawingupachairforherandlookingsignificantlyather。
　　`Oh，andthere’snotimeeither，’addedSergeiIvanovich，seeingthechildrenrunningout。
　　AttheheadofthemallTaniagallopedsideways，inhertightlydrawnstockings，andwavingabasketandSergeiIvanovich’shat，sheranstraightuptohim。
　　BoldlyrunninguptoSergeiIvanovichwithsmilingeyes，solikeherfather’sfineeyes，shehandedhimhishatandmadeasthoughshewouldputitonforhim，softeningherfreedombyashyandfriendlysmile。
　　`Varenka’swaiting，’shesaid，carefullyputtinghishaton，seeingfromSergeiIvanovich’ssmilethatshemightdoso。
　　Varenkawasstandingatthedoor，dressedinayellowprintgown，withawhitekerchiefonherhead。
　　`I’mcoming，I’mcoming，VarvaraAndreevna，’saidSergeiIvanovich，finishinghiscupofcoffee，andputtingintotheirseparatepocketshishandkerchiefandcigarcase。
　　`AndhowsweetmyVarenkais！Eh？’saidKittytoherhusband，assoonasSergeiIvanovichrose。ShespokesothatSergeiIvanovichcouldhear，anditwasclearthatshemeanthimtodoso。`Andhowgood-lookingsheis-sucharefinedbeauty！Varenka！’Kittyshouted。`Shallyoubeinthemillforest？We’llcomeouttoyou。’
　　`Youcertainlyforgetyourcondition，Kitty，’saidtheoldPrincess，hurriedlycomingoutatthedoor。`Youmustn’tshoutlikethat。’
　　Varenka，hearingKitty’svoiceandhermother’sreprimand，wentwithlight，rapidstepsuptoKitty。Therapidityofhermovement，herflushedandeagerface，everythingbetrayedthatsomethingoutofthecommonwasgoingoninher。Kittyknewwhatthisthingwasandhadbeenwatchingherintently。ShecalledVarenkaatthatmomentmerelyinordermentallytogiveherablessingfortheimportanteventwhich，asKittyfancied，wasboundtocometopassthatdayafterdinnerintheforest。
　　`Varenka，Ishouldbeveryhappyifacertainsomethingweretohappen，’shewhisperedasshekissedher。
　　`Andareyoucomingwithus？’VarenkasaidtoLevininconfusion，pretendingnottohaveheardwhathadbeensaid。
　　`Iamcoming，butonlyasfarasthethreshingfloor，andthereIshallstop。’
　　`Why，whatdoyouwantthere？’saidKitty。
　　`Imustgotohavealookatthenewwagons，andtomakemycalculations，’saidLevin；`andwherewillyoube？’
　　`Ontheterrace。’
　　Ontheterracewereassembledalltheladiesoftheparty。Theyalwayslikedsittingthereafterdinner，andthatdaytheyhadworktodotheretoo。Besidesthesewingofbaby’schemisesandknittingofswaddles，withwhichallofthemwerebusy，thatafternoonjamwasbeingmadeontheterracebyamethodnewtoAgathyaMikhailovna，withouttheadditionofwater。Kittyhadintroducedthisnewmethod，whichhadbeeninuseinherhome。AgathyaMikhailovna，towhomthetaskofjammakinghadalwaysbeenintrusted，consideringthatwhathadbeendoneintheLevinhouseholdcouldnotbeamiss，hadneverthelessputwaterwiththestrawberries，maintainingthatthejamcouldnotbemadewithoutit。Shehadbeencaughtintheact，andwasnowmakingraspberryjambeforeeveryone，anditwastobeprovedtoherconclusivelythatjamcouldbeverywellmadewithoutwater。
　　AgathyaMikhailovna，herfaceheatedandangry，herhairuntidy，andherthinarmsbaretotheelbows，wasswayingthepreservingpaninacircularmotionoverthecharcoalstove，lookingdarklyattheraspberriesanddevoutlyhopingtheywouldstickandnotcookproperly。ThePrincess，consciousthatAgathyaMikhailovna’swrathmustbechieflydirectedagainsther，asthepersonresponsiblefortheraspberryjammaking，triedtoappeartobeabsorbedinotherthingsandnotinterestedintheraspberries，talkingofothermatters，butcaststealthyglancesinthedirectionofthestove。
　　`Ialwaysbuymymaids’dressesmyself，atthebargainsale，’thePrincesssaid，continuingthepreviousconversation。`Isn’tittimetoskimit，mydear？’sheadded，addressingAgathyaMikhailovna。`There’snottheslightestneedforyoutodoit，andit’shotforyou，’shesaid，stoppingKitty。
　　`I’lldoit，’saidDolly，and，gettingup，shecarefullypassedthespoonoverthefrothingsugar，andfromtimetotimeshookofftheclingingjamfromthespoonbyknockingitonaplatethatwascoveredwithyellow-redscumandblood-coloredsyrup。`Howthey’lllickthisatteatime！’shethoughtofherchildren，rememberinghowsheherselfasachildhadwonderedhowitwasthegrown-uppeopledidnoteatwhatwasbestofall-thescumofthejam。
　　`Stivasaysit’smuchbettertogivemoney，’Dollytookupmeanwhiletheweightysubjectunderdiscussion-ofwhatpresentsshouldbemadetoservants。`But……’
　　`Money’soutofthequestion！’thePrincessandKittyexclaimedwithonevoice。`Theyappreciateapresent……’
　　`Well，lastyear，forinstance，IboughtourMatrionaSemionovna，notapoplin，butsomethingofthatsort，’saidthePrincess。
　　`Iremembershewaswearingitonyournameday。’
　　`Acharmingpattern-sosimpleandrefined-Ishouldhavelikeditmyself，ifshehadn’thadit。SomethinglikeVarenka’s。Soprettyandinexpensive。’
　　`Well，nowIthinkit’sdone，’saidDolly，droppingthesyrupfromthespoon。
　　`Whenitsetsasitdrops，it’sready。Cookitalittlelonger，AgathyaMikhailovna。’
　　`Theflies！’saidAgathyaMikhailovnaangrily。`It’llbejustthesame，’sheadded。
　　`Ah！Howsweetitis！Don’tfrightenit！’Kittysaidsuddenly，lookingatasparrowthathadsettledonthestepandwaspeckingatthecenterofaraspberry。
　　`Yes，butyoukeepalittlefurtherfromthestove，’saidhermother。
　　`AproposdeVarenka，’saidKitty，speakinginFrench，astheyhadbeendoingallthewhile，sothatAgathyaMikhailovnashouldnotunderstandthem，`youknow，maman，Isomehowexpectthingstobesettledtoday。YouknowwhatImean。Howsplendiditwouldbe！’
　　`Butwhatafamousmatchmakersheis！’saidDolly。`Howcarefullyandcleverlyshethrowsthemtogether！……’
　　`No-tellme，mamma，whatdoyouthink？’
　　`Why，whatisonetothink？He’``he’meantSergeiIvanovich`mightatanytimehavebeenoneofthebestmatchesinRussia；now，ofcourse，he’snotquiteayoungman，stillIknoweversomanygirlswouldbegladtomarryhim，evennow……She’saverynicegirl，buthemight……’
　　`Oh，no，mamma，dounderstandwhy，forhimandforhertoo，nothingbettercouldbeimagined。Inthefirstplace，she’scharming！’saidKitty，crookingoneofherfingers。
　　`Hethinksherveryattractive，that’scertain，’assentedDolly。
　　`Thenheoccupiessuchapositioninsocietythathehasnoneedtolookforeitherfortuneorpositioninhiswife。Allheneedsisagood，sweetwife-arestfulone。’
　　`Well，withherhewouldcertainlyberestful，’Dollyassented。
　　`Thirdly，thatsheshouldlovehim。Andsoitis……thatis，itwouldbesosplendid！……Ilookforwardtoseeingthemcomingoutoftheforest-andeverythingsettled。Ishallseeatoncebytheireyes。Ishouldbesodelighted！Whatdoyouthink，Dolly？’
　　`Butdon’texciteyourself。It’snotatallthethingforyoutobeexcited，’saidhermother。
　　`Oh，I’mnotexcited，mamma。Ifancyhewillproposetohertoday。’
　　`Ah，that’ssostrange-howandwhenamanproposes！……Thereisasortofbarrier，andallatonceit’sbrokendown，’saidDolly，smilingpensivelyandrecallingherpastwithStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Mamma，howdidpapaproposetoyou？’Kittyaskedsuddenly。
　　`Therewasnothingoutoftheway-itwasverysimple，’answeredthePrincess，butherfacebeamedalloverattherecollection。
　　`Oh，buthowwasit？Youlovedhim，atanyrate，beforeyouwereallowedtospeak？’
　　Kittyfeltapeculiarpleasureinbeingablenowtotalktohermotheronequaltermsaboutthosequestionsofsuchparamountinterestinawoman’slife。
　　`OfcourseIdid；hehadcometostaywithusinthecountry。’
　　`Buthowwasitsettledbetweenyou，mamma？’
　　`Youimagine，Idaresay，thatyouinventedsomethingquitenew？It’salwaysjustthesame:itwassettledbytheeyes，bysmiles……’
　　`Howwellyousaidthat，mamma！It’sjustbytheeyes，bysmilesthatit’sdone，’Dollyassented。
　　`Butwhatwordsdidhesay？’
　　`WhatdidKostiasaytoyou？’
　　`Hewroteitinchalk。Itwaswonderful……Howlongagoitseems！’shesaid。
　　Andthethreewomenallfelltomusingonthesamething。Kittywasthefirsttobreakthesilence。Sherememberedallthatlastwinterbeforehermarriage，andherpassionforVronsky。
　　`There’sonething……thatoldloveaffairofVarenka’s，’shesaid，anaturalchainofideasbringinghertothispoint。`IshouldhavelikedtosaysomethingtoSergeiIvanovich，topreparehim。They’reall-allmen，Imean，’-sheadded，`awfullyjealousoverourpast。’
　　`Notall，’saidDolly。`Youjudgebyyourownhusband。ItmakeshimmiserableevennowtorememberVronsky。Eh？that’strue，isn’tit？’
　　`Yes’，Kittyanswered，apensivesmileinhereyes。
　　`ButIreallydon’tknow，’themotherputinindefenseofhermotherlycareofherdaughter，`whattherewasinyourpastthatcouldworryhim？ThatVronskypaidyouattentions-thathappenstoeverygirl。’
　　`Oh，yes，butwedidn’tmeanthat，’Kittysaid，flushingalittle
　　`No，letmespeak，’hermotherwenton，`why，youyourselfwouldnotletmehaveatalkwithVronsky。Don’tyouremember？’
　　`Oh，mamma！’saidKitty，withanexpressionofsuffering。
　　`There’snokeepingyouyoungpeopleinchecknowadays……Yourfriendshipcouldnothavegonebeyondwhatwassuitable。Ishouldmyselfhavecalleduponhimtoexplainhimself。But，mydarling，it’snotrightforyoutobeagitated。Pleaserememberthat，andcalmyourself。’
　　`I’mperfectlycalm，maman。’
　　`HowhappyitwasforKittythatAnnacamethen，’saidDolly，`andhowunhappyforher。Itturnedoutquitetheopposite，’shesaid，struckbyherownideas。`ThenAnnawassohappy，andKittythoughtherselfunhappy。Nowitisjusttheopposite。Ioftenthinkofher。’
　　`Afinepersontothinkabout！Horrid，repulsivewoman-noheart，’saidhermother，whocouldnotforgetthatKittyhadmarriednotVronsky，butLevin。
　　`Whatdoyouwanttotalkofitfor？’Kittysaidwithannoyance。`Ineverthinkaboutit，andIdon’twanttothinkofit……AndIdon’twanttothinkofit，’shesaid，catchingthesoundofherhusband’sfamiliarsteponthestepsoftheterrace。
　　`What’sthatyoudon’twanttothinkabout？’inquiredLevin，comingontotheterrace。
　　Butnooneansweredhim，andhedidnotrepeatthequestion。
　　`I’msorryI’vebrokeninonyourfemininekingdom，’hesaid，lookingroundoneveryonediscontentedly，andperceivingthattheyhadbeentalkingofsomethingwhichtheywouldnottalkaboutbeforehim。
　　ForasecondhefeltthathewassharingthefeelingofAgathyaMikhailovna，vexationattheirmakingjamwithoutwater，and，onthewhole，attheoutside，Shcherbatskyauthority。Hesmiled，however，andwentuptoKitty。
　　`Well，howareyou？’heaskedher，lookingatherwiththeexpressionwithwhicheveryonelookedathernow。
　　`Oh，verywell，’saidKitty，smiling，`andhowhavethingsgonewithyou？’
　　`Thewagonheldthreetimesasmuchasthetelegadid。Well，arewegoingforthechildren？I’veorderedthehorsestobeputin。’
　　`What！YouwanttotakeKittyinthewidedroshky？’hermothersaidreproachfully。
　　`Yes-atwalkingpace，Princess。’
　　Levinnevercalledtheprincess`maman’asmenoftendocalltheirmothers-in-law，andthePrincessdislikedhisnotdoingso。ButthoughhelikedandrespectedthePrincess，Levincouldnotcallhersowithoutasenseofprofaninghisfeelingforhisdeadmother。
　　`Comewithus，maman，’saidKitty。
　　`Idon’tliketoseesuchimprudence。’
　　`Well，I’llwalkthen，I’msowell。’Kittygotupandwenttoherhusbandandtookhishand。
　　`Youmaybewell，buteverythinginmoderation，’saidthePrincess。
　　`Well，AgathyaMikhailovna，isthejamdone？’saidLevin，smilingtoAgathyaMikhailovna，andtryingtocheerherup。`Isitallrightinthenewway？’
　　`Isupposeit’sallright。Accordingtoournotionsit’sboiledtoolong。’
　　`It’llbeallthebetter，AgathyaMikhailovna，itwon’tturnsour，eventhoughtheiceinouricehousehasbeguntomeltalready，sothatwe’venocoolplacetostoreit，’saidKitty，atoncediviningherhusband’smotive，andaddressingtheoldhousekeeperwiththesamefeeling；`butyourpicklesaresogood，thatmammasaysshenevertastedanylikethem，’sheadded，smiling，andputtingherkerchiefstraight。
　　AgathyaMikhailovnalookedsulkilyatKitty。
　　`Youneedn’ttrytoconsoleme，mistress。Ineedonlytolookatyouwithhim，andIfeelhappy，’shesaid，andsomethingintheroughfamiliarityofthatwithhimtouchedKitty。
　　`Comealongwithustolookformushrooms，youwillshowusthebestplaces。’
　　AgathyaMikhailovnasmiledandshookherhead，asthoughtosay:`Iwouldevenliketobeangrywithyou，butIcan’t。’
　　`Doit，please，accordingtomyrecipe，’saidthePrincess；`putsomepaperoverthejam，andmoistenitwithalittlerum，and，evenwithoutice，itwillnevergrowmoldy。’
　　Kittywasparticularlygladofachanceofbeingalonewithherhusband，forshehadnoticedtheshadeofmortificationthathadpassedoverhisface-alwayssoquicktoreflecteveryfeeling-atthemomentwhenhehadcomeontotheterraceandaskedwhattheyweretalkingof，andhadgotnoanswer。
　　Whentheyhadsetoffonfootaheadoftheothers，andhadgottenoutofsightofthehouseontothebeaten，dustyroad，sprinkledwithearsofryeandwithseparategrains，sheclungfastertohisarmandpresseditclosertoher。Hehadquiteforgottenthemomentaryunpleasantimpression，andalonewithherhefelt，nowthatthethoughtofherapproachingmotherhoodwasneverforamomentabsentfromhismind，anewanddeliciousbliss，quitepurefromallalloyofsense，inbeingneartothewomanheloved。Therewasnoneedofspeech，yethelongedtohearthesoundofhervoice，which，likehereyes，hadchangedsinceshehadbecomepregnant。Inhervoice，asinhereyes，therewasthatsoftnessandgravitywhichisfoundinpeoplecontinuallyconcentratedonsomecherishedpursuit。
　　`Soyou’renottired？Leanmoreonme，’saidhe。
　　`No，I’msogladofachanceofbeingalonewithyou，andImustown，thoughI’mhappywiththem，Isighforourwintereveningsalone。’
　　`Thatwasgood，butthisisevenbetter。Botharebetter，’hesaid，squeezingherhand。
　　`Doyouknowwhatweweretalkingaboutwhenyoucamein？’
　　`Aboutjam？’
　　`Oh，yes，aboutjamtoo；but，afterward，abouthowmenpropose。’
　　`Ah！’saidLevin，listeningmoretothesoundofhervoicethantoherwords，andallthewhilepayingattentiontotheroad，whichpassednowthroughtheforest，andavoidingplaceswhereshemightmakeafalsestep。
　　`AndaboutSergeiIvanovichandVarenka。You’venoticed？……I’mveryanxiousforit，’shewenton。`Whatdoyouthinkaboutit？’Andshepeepedintohisface。
　　`Idon’tknowwhattothink，’Levinanswered，smiling。`Sergeiseemsverystrangetomeinthatway。Itoldyou，youknow……’
　　`Yes，thathewasinlovewiththatgirlwhodied……’
　　`ThatwaswhenIwasachild；Iknowaboutitfromhearsayandtradition。Irememberhimthen。Hewaswonderfullysweet。ButI’vewatchedhimsincewithwomen；heisfriendly，someofthemhelikes，butonefeelsthattohimthey’resimplypeople，notwomen。’
　　`Yes，butnowwithVarenka……Ifancythere’ssomething……’
　　`Perhapsthereis……Butonehastoknowhim……He’sapeculiar，wonderfulperson。Helivesaspirituallifeonly。He’stoopure，tooexaltedanature。’
　　`Why？Wouldthislowerhim，then？’
　　`No，buthe’ssousedtoaspirituallifethathecan’treconcilehimselfwithactualfact，andVarenkaisafterallfact。’
　　Levinhadgrownusedbynowtoutteringhisthoughtboldly，withouttakingthetroubleofclothingitinexactlanguage。Heknewthathiswife，insuchmomentsoflovingtendernessasnow，wouldunderstandwhathemeanttosayfromahint，andshedidunderstandhim。
　　`Yes，butthere’snotsomuchofthatactualfactaboutherasaboutme。Icanseethathewouldneverhavecaredforme。Sheisaltogetherspiritual。’
　　`Oh，no，heissofondofyou，andIamalwayssogladwhenmypeoplelikeyou……’
　　`Yes，he’sverygoodtome；but……’
　　`It’snotasitwaswithpoorNikolenka……Youreallycaredforeachother，’Levinfinished。`Whynotspeakofhim？’headded。`Isometimesblamemyselffornotdoingso；itendsinone’sforgetting。Ah，howterribleanddearhewas！……Yes，whatwerewetalkingabout？’Levinsaid，afterapause。
　　`Youthinkhecan’tfallinlove，’saidKitty，translatingintoherownlanguage。
　　`It’snotsomuchthathecan’tfallinlove，’Levinsaid，smiling，`buthehasnottheweaknessnecessary……I’vealwaysenviedhim，andevennow，whenI’msohappy，Istillenvyhim。’
　　`Youenvyhimfornotbeingabletofallinlove？’
　　`Ienvyhimforbeingbetterthanme，’saidLevin。`Hedoesnotliveforhimself。Hiswholelifeissubordinatedtohisduty。Andthat’swhyhecanbecalmandcontented。’
　　`Andyou？’Kittyasked，withanironicalandlovingsmile。
　　Shecouldneverhaveexplainedthechainofthoughtthatmadehersmile；butthelastlinkinitwasthatherhusband，inexaltinghisbrotherandabasinghimself，wasnotquitesincere。Kittyknewthatthisinsinceritycamefromhisloveforhisbrother，fromhissenseofshameatbeingtoohappy，and，aboveall，fromhisunflaggingcravingtobebetter-shelovedthistraitinhim，andsoshesmiled。
　　`Andyou？Whatareyoudissatisfiedwith？’sheasked，withthesamesmile。
　　Herdisbeliefinhisself-dissatisfactiondelightedhim，andunconsciouslyhetriedtodrawherintogivingutterancetothegroundsofherdisbelief。
　　`Iamhappy，butdissatisfiedwithmyself……’hesaid。
　　`Why，howcanyoubedissatisfiedwithyourselfifyouarehappy？’
　　`Well，howshallIsay？……InmyheartIreallycarefornothingwhateverbutthatyoushouldnotstumble-see？Oh，butreallyyoumustn’tskipaboutlikethat！’hecried，breakingofftoscoldherfortooagileamovementinsteppingoverabranchthatlayinthepath。`ButwhenIthinkaboutmyself，andcomparemyselfwithothers，especiallywithmybrother，IfeelI’mapoorcreature。’
　　`Butinwhatway？’Kittypursuedwiththesamesmile。`Don’tyou，too，workforothers？Whataboutyourfarmsteading，andyouragriculture，andyourbook？……’
　　`Oh，butIfeel，andparticularlyjustnow-it’syourfault，’hesaid，pressingherhand-`thatallthatdoesn’tcount。Idoit，inaway，halfheartedly。IfIcouldcareforallthatasIcareforyou！……Insteadofthat，Idoitinthesedayslikeataskthatissetme。’
　　`Well，whatwouldyousayaboutpapa？’askedKitty。`Isheapoorcreaturethen，ashedoesnothingforthepublicgood？’
　　`He？No！Butthen，onemusthavethesimplicity，thestraight-forwardness，thegoodnessofyourfather:andIhaven’tgotthat。Idonothing，andIfretaboutit。It’sallyourdoing。Beforeyou-andthistoo，’headdedwithaglancetowardherwaistthatsheunderstood-`Iputallmyenergiesintowork；nowIcan’t，andI’mashamed；Idoitjustasthoughitwereatasksetme；I’mpretending……’
　　`Well，butwouldyouliketochangethisminutewithSergeiIvanovich？’saidKitty。`Wouldyouliketodothisworkforthegeneralgood，andtolovethetasksetyou，ashedoes，andnothingelse？’
　　`Ofcoursenot，’saidLevin。`ButI’msohappythatIdon’tunderstandanything。Soyouthinkhe’llproposetohertoday？’headdedafterabriefsilence。
　　`Ithinkso，andIdon’tthinkso。Only，I’mawfullyanxiousforit。Here，waitaminute。’Shestoopeddownandpickedawilddaisyattheedgeofthepath。`Come，count:hewill，hewon’t，’shesaid，givinghimtheflower。
　　`Hewill，hewon’t，’saidLevin，tearingoffthewhitepetals。
　　`No，no！’Kitty，snatchingathishand，stoppedhim。Shehadbeenwatchinghisfingerswithagitation。`Youpickedofftwo。’
　　`Oh，butsee，thislittleoneshan’tcounttomakeup，’saidLevin，tearingoffalittlehalf-grownpetal。`Here’sthedroshkyovertakingus。’
　　`Aren’tyoutired，Kitty？’calledthePrincess。
　　`Notintheleast。’
　　`Ifyouareyoucangetin，asthehorsesarequietandwalking。’
　　Butitwasnotworth-whiletogetin；theywerequiteneartheplace，andallwalkedontogether。
　　Varenka，withherwhitekerchiefonherblackhair，surroundedbythechildren，gailyandgood-humoredlylookingafterthem，andatthesametimevisiblyexcitedatthepossibilityofreceivingadeclarationfromthemanshecaredfor，wasveryattractive。SergeiIvanovichwalkedbesideher，andneverleftoffadmiringher。Lookingather，herecalledallthedelightfulthingshehadheardfromherlips，allthegoodheknewabouther，andbecamemoreandmoreconsciousthatthefeelinghehadforherwassomethingspecialthathehadfeltlong，longago，andonlyonce，inhisearlyyouth。Thefeelingofhappinessinbeingnearhercontinuallygrew，andatlastreachedsuchapointthat，asheputahuge，slender-stalkedmushroomwithrolledbrims，inherbasket，helookedstraightintoherface，andnoticingtheflushofgladandalarmedexcitementthatoverspreadherface，hewasconfusedhimself，andsmiledtoherinsilenceasmilethatsaidtoomuch。
　　`Ifso，’hesaidtohimself，`Ioughttothinkitoverandmakeupmymind，andnotgivewaylikeaboytotheimpulseofamoment。’
　　`I’mgoingtopickbymyselfapartfromalltherest，orelsemyeffortswillmakenoshow，’hesaid，andhelefttheedgeoftheforestwheretheywerewalkingonlowsilkygrassbetweenoldbirchtreesstandingfarapart，andwentmoreintotheheartofthewood，wherebetweenthewhitebirchtrunksthereweregraytrunksofaspenanddarkbushesofhazel。Walkingsomefortypacesaway，SergeiIvanovich，knowinghewasoutofsight，stoodstillbehindabushyspindletreeinfullflowerwithitsrosy-redcatkins。Itwasperfectlystillallroundhim。Onlyoverhead，inthebirchesunderwhichhestood，theflies，likeaswarmofbees，buzzedunceasingly，andfromtimetotimethechildren’svoicesfloatedacrosstohim。Allatonceheheard，notfarfromtheedgeofthewood，thesoundofVarenka’scontraltovoice，callingGrisha，andasmileofdelightpassedoverSergeiIvanovich’sface。Consciousofthissmile，heshookhisheaddisapprovinglyathisownstateand，takingoutacigar，hebeganlightingit。Foralongwhilehecouldnotgetamatchtolightagainstthetrunkofabirchtree。Thesoftpellicleofthewhitebarkstuckaroundthephosphorus，andthelightwentout。Atlastoneofthematchesburned，andthefragrantcigarsmoke，hoveringuncertainlyinflat，widecoils，stretchedawayforwardandupwardoverabushundertheoverhangingbranchesofabirchtree。Watchingthestreakofsmoke，SergeiIvanovichwalkedgentlyon，deliberatingonhisposition。
　　`Whynot？’hethought。`Ifitwereonlyaflashinthepan，orapassion，ifitwereonlythisattraction-thismutualattractionIcancallitamutualattraction，yetifIfeltthatitwasincontradictionwiththewholebentofmylife；ifIfeltthatingivingwaytothisattractionIshouldbefalsetomyvocationandmyduty……Butit’snotso。TheonlythingIcansayagainstitisthat，whenIlostMarie，IsaidtomyselfthatIwouldremainfaithfultohermemory。That’stheonlythingIcansayagainstmyfeeling……That’sagreatthing，’SergeiIvanovichsaidtohimself，feelingatthesametimethatthisconsiderationhadnottheslightestimportanceforhimpersonally，butwouldonlyperhapsdetractfromhisromanticcharacterintheeyesofothers。`Butapartfromthat，howevermuchIsearched，Ishouldneverfindanythingtosayagainstmyfeeling。IfIwerechoosingbyconsiderationsofintellectalone，Icouldnothavefoundanythingbetter。’
　　Howevermanywomenandgirlshethoughtofwhomheknew，hecouldnotthinkofagirlwhounitedtosuchadegreeall-positivelyall-thequalitieshewouldwishtoseeinhiswife。Shehadallthecharmandfreshnessofyouth，butshewasnotachild；andifshelovedhim，shelovedhimconsciously，asawomanoughttolove；thatwasonething。Anotherpoint:shewasnotonlyfarfrombeingworldly，buthadanunmistakabledistasteforworldlysociety，andatthesametimesheknewtheworld，andhadallthewaysofawomanofthebestsociety，whichwereabsolutelyessentialtoSergeiIvanovich’sconceptionofthewomanwhowastosharehislife。Thirdly:shewasreligious，andnotlikeachild，unconsciouslyreligiousandgood，asKitty，forexample，was，butherlifewasfoundedonreligiousprinciples。Evenintriflingmatters，SergeiIvanovichfoundinherallthathewantedinhiswife:shewaspoorandaloneintheworld，soshewouldnotbringwithheramassofrelationsandtheirinfluenceintoherhusband’shouse，ashesawnowinKitty’scase。Shewouldoweeverythingtoherhusband，whichwaswhathehadalwaysdesired，too，forhisfuturefamilylife。Andthisgirl，whounitedallthesequalities，lovedhim。Hewasamodestman，buthecouldnothelpseeingit。Andhelovedher。Therewasoneconsiderationagainstit-hisage。Buthecameofalong-livedfamily，hehadnotasinglegrayhair，noonewouldhavetakenhimforforty，andherememberedVarenka’ssayingthatitwasonlyinRussiathatmenoffiftythoughtthemselvesold，andthatinFranceamanoffiftyconsidershimselfdanslaforcedel’age，whileamanoffortyisunjeunehomme。Butwhatdidthemerereckoningofyearsmatterwhenhefeltasyounginheartashehadbeentwentyyearsago？Wasitnotyouthtofeelashefeltnow，whencomingfromtheothersidetotheedgeofthewoodhesawintheglowinglightoftheslantingsunbeamsthegracefulfigureofVarenkainheryellowgownwithherbasket，walkinglightlybythetrunkofanoldbirchtree，andwhenthisimpressionofthesightofVarenkablendedsoharmoniouslywiththebeautyoftheview，oftheyellowoatfieldlyingbathedintheslantingsunshine，and，beyondit，thedistantancientforest，fleckedwithyellowandmeltingintotheblueofthedistance？Hisheartthrobbedjoyously。Asoftenedfeelingcameoverhim。Hefeltthathehadmadeuphismind。Varenka，whohadjustcroucheddowntopickamushroom，rosewithasupplemovementandlookedround。Flingingawaythecigar，SergeiIvanovichadvancedwithresolutestepstowardher。
　　`VarvaraAndreevna，whenIwasveryyoung，IsetbeforemyselftheidealofthewomanIlovedandshouldbehappytocallmywife。Ihavelivedthroughalonglife，andnowforthefirsttimeIhavemetwhatIsought-inyou。Iloveyou，andofferyoumyhand。’
　　SergeiIvanovichwassayingthistohimselfwhilehewastenpacesfromVarenka。Kneelingdown，withherhandsoverthemushroomstoguardthemfromGrisha，shewascallinglittleMasha。
　　`Comehere，littleones！Therearesomany！’shewassayinginhersweet，deepvoice。
　　SeeingSergeiIvanovichapproaching，shedidnotgetupanddidnotchangeherposition，buteverythingtoldhimthatshefelthispresenceandwasgladofit。
　　`Well，didyoufindsome？’sheaskedfromunderthewhitekerchief，turningherhandsome，gentlysmilingfacetohim。
　　`Notone，’saidSergeiIvanovich。`Didyou？’
　　Shedidnotanswer，busywiththechildrenwhothrongedabouther。
　　`Thatonetoo，nearthetwig，’shepointedouttolittleMashaalittlefungus，splitinhalfacrossitsrosycapbythedrygrassfromunderwhichitthrustitself。VarenkagotupwhileMashapickedthefungus，breakingitintotwowhitehalves。`Thisbringsbackmychildhood，’sheadded，movingapartfromthechildren，toSergeiIvanovich’sside。
　　Theywalkedonforafewstepsinsilence。Varenkasawthathewantedtospeak；sheguessedofwhat，andfeltfaintwithjoyandpanic。Theyhadwalkedsofarawaythatnoonecouldhearthemnow，butstillhedidnotbegin。ItwouldhavebeenbetterforVarenkatobesilent。Afterasilenceitwouldhavebeeneasierforthemtosaywhattheywantedtosay，thanaftertalkingaboutmushrooms。Butagainstherownwill，asitwereaccidentally，Varenkasaid:
　　`Soyoufoundnothing？Inthemiddleofthewoodtherearealwaysfewer，though。’
　　SergeiIvanovichsighedandmadenoanswer。Hewasannoyedthatshehadspokenaboutthemushrooms。Hewantedtobringherbacktothefirstwordsshehadutteredaboutherchildhood；butafterapauseofsomelength，asthoughagainsthisownwill，hemadeanobservationinresponsetoherlastwords。
　　`Ihaveheardthatthewhiteediblefungiarefoundprincipallyattheedgeofthewood，thoughIcan’ttellthemapart。’
　　Someminutesmorepassed；theymovedstillfartherawayfromthechildren，andwerequitealone。Varenka’sheartthrobbedsothatshehearditbeating，andfeltthatshewasturningred，andpale，andredagain。
　　TobethewifeofamanlikeKoznishev，afterherpositionwithMadameStahl，wastoherimaginationtheheightofhappiness。Besides，shewasalmostcertainthatshewasinlovewithhim。Andthismomentitwouldhavetobedecided。Shefeltfrightened。Shedreadedbothhisspeakingandhisnotspeaking。
　　Noworneveritmustbesaid-SergeiIvanovichfeltthattoo。Everythingintheexpression，theflushedcheeksandthedowncasteyesofVarenkabetrayedapainfulsuspense。SergeiIvanovichsawit，andfeltsorryforher。Hefelteventhattosaynothingnowwouldbeaslighttoher。Rapidlyinhisownmindheranoveralltheargumentsinsupportofhisdecision。Heevensaidovertohimselfthewordsinwhichhemeanttoputhisproposal，butinsteadofthosewords，someutterlyunexpectedreflectionthatoccurredtohimmadehimask:
　　`Whatisthedifferencebetweenthe``birch’mushroomandthe``white’mushroom？’
　　Varenka’slipsquiveredwithemotionassheanswered:
　　`Inthetoppartthereisscarcelyanydifference-it’sinthestalk。’
　　Andassoonasthesewordswereuttered，bothheandshefeltthatitwasover，thatwhatwastohavebeensaidwouldnotbesaid；andtheiremotion，whichuptothenhadbeencontinuallygrowingmoreintense，begantosubside。
　　`Thebirchmushroom’sstalksuggestsadarkman’schinaftertwodayswithoutshaving，’saidSergeiIvanovich，speakingquitecalmlynow。
　　`Yes，that’strue，’answeredVarenkasmiling，andunconsciouslythedirectionoftheirwalkchanged。Theybegantoturntowardthechildren。Varenkafeltbothhurtandashamed；atthesametimeshefeltasenseofrelief。
　　Whenhehadgothomeagain，andwentoverthewholesetofarguments，SergeiIvanovichthoughthispreviousdecisionhadbeenamistakenone。HecouldnotbefalsetothememoryofMarie。
　　`Gently，children，gently！’Levinshoutedquiteangrilytothechildren，standingbeforehiswifetoprotectherwhenthecrowdofchildrenflewwithshrieksofdelighttomeetthem。
　　BehindthechildrenSergeiIvanovichandVarenkawalkedoutoftheforest。KittyhadnoneedtoaskVarenka；shesawfromthecalmandsomewhatcrestfallenfacesofboththatherplanshadnotcomeoff。
　　`Well？’herhusbandquestionedherastheyweregoinghomeagain。
　　`Nobites，’saidKitty，hersmileandmannerofspeakingrecallingherfather，alikenessLevinoftennoticedwithpleasure。
　　`Nobites，how？’
　　`I’llshowyou，’shesaid，takingherhusband’shand，liftingittohermouth，andjustfaintlybrushingitwithclosedlips。`Likeakissonapriest’shand。’
　　`Whichonedidn’tbite？’hesaid，laughing。
　　`Both。Butitshouldhavebeenlikethis……’
　　`Therearesomepeasantscoming……’
　　`Oh，theydidn’tsee。’
　　Duringthetimeofthechildren’steathegrownupssatonthebalconyandtalkedasthoughnothinghadhappenedthoughtheyall，especiallySergeiIvanovichandVarenka，wereverywellawarethattherehadhappenedaneventwhich，thoughnegative，wasofverygreatimportance。Theybothhadthesamefeeling，ratherlikethatofaschoolboyafteranunluckyexamination，whichhaslefthiminthesameclassorshuthimoutofschoolforever。Everyonepresent，alsofeelingthatsomethinghadhappened，talkedeagerlyaboutextraneoussubjects。LevinandKittywereparticularlyhappyandconsciousoftheirlovethatevening。Andtheirhappinessintheirloveseemedtoimplyadisagreeablereferencetothosewhowouldhavelikedtofeelthesameandcouldnot-andtheyfeltaprickofconscience。
　　`Markmywords，Alexandrewillnotcome，’saidtheoldPrincess。
　　ThateveningtheywereexpectingStepanArkadyevichtocomedownbytrain，andtheoldPrincehadwrittenthatpossiblyhemightcometoo。
　　`AndIknowwhy，’thePrincesswenton；`hesaysthatnewlymarriedcouplesoughttobeleftaloneforawhileatfirst。’
　　`Butpapahasleftusalone。We’veneverseenhim，’saidKitty。`Besides，we’renotnewlymarried！-we’reoldmarriedpeoplebynow。
　　`Onlyifhedoesn’tcome，Ishallsaygood-bytoyou，children，’saidthePrincess，sighingmournfully。
　　`Whatnonsense，mamma！’boththedaughtersfelluponheratonce。`Howdoyousupposeheisfeeling？Why，now……’
　　AndsuddenlytherewasanunexpectedquiverinthePrincess’svoice。Herdaughtersweresilent，andlookedatoneanother。`Mamanalwaysfindssomethingtobemiserableabout，’theysaidinthatglance。TheydidnotknowthathappyasthePrincesswasinherdaughter’shouse，andusefulasshefeltherselftobethere，shehadbeenextremelymiserable，bothonherownaccountandherhusband’s，eversincetheyhadmarriedofftheirlastandfavoritedaughter，andtheirfamilynesthadbeenleftempty。
　　`Whatisit，AgathyaMikhailovna？’KittyaskedsuddenlyofAgathyaMikhailovna，whowasstandingwithamysteriousair，andafacefullofmeaning。
　　`Aboutsupper。’
　　`Well，that’sright，’saidDolly；`yougoandarrangeaboutit，andI’llgoandhearGrisharepeathislesson，orelsehewillhavedonenothingallday。’
　　`That’smyduty！No，Dolly，I’mgoing，’saidLevin，jumpingup。
　　Grisha，whowasbynowatahighschool，hadtogooverthelessonsoftheterminthesummerholidays。DaryaAlexandrovna，whohadbeenstudyingLatinwithhersoninMoscowbefore，hadmadeitaruleoncomingtotheLevins’togooverwithhim，atleastonceaday，themostdifficultlessonsofLatinandarithmetic。Levinhadofferedtotakeherplace，butthemother，havingonceoverheardLevin’slesson，andnoticingthatitwasnotgivenexactlyastheteacherinMoscowhadgivenit，saidresolutely，thoughwithmuchembarrassmentandanxietynottomortifyLevin，thattheymustkeepstrictlytothebookastheteacherhaddone，andthatshehadbetterundertakeitagainherself。LevinwasamazedbothatStepanArkadyevich，who，byneglectinghisduty，threwuponthemotherthesupervisionofstudiesofwhichshehadnocomprehension，andattheteachersforteachingthechildrensobadly。Buthepromisedhissister-in-lawtogivethelessonsexactlyasshewished。AndhewentonteachingGrisha，notinhisownway，butbythebook，andsotooklittleinterestinit，andoftenforgotthehourofthelesson。Soithadbeentoday。
　　`No，I’mgoing，Dolly，yousitstill，’hesaid。`We’lldoitallproperly，accordingtothebook。OnlywhenStivacomes，andwegooutshooting，thenweshallhavetomissit。’
　　AndLevinwenttoGrisha。
　　VarenkawassayingthesamethingtoKitty。Eveninthehappy，well-orderedhouseholdoftheLevins，Varenkahadsucceededinmakingherselfuseful。
　　`I’llseetothesupper，yousitstill，’shesaid，andgotuptogotoAgathyaMikhailovna。
　　`Yes，yes，mostlikelythey’venotbeenabletogetchickens。Ifso，our……’
　　`AgathyaMikhailovnaandIwillseeaboutit，’andVarenkavanishedwithher。
　　`Whatafinegirl！’saidthePrincess。
　　`Notmerelyfine，maman；she’sanexquisitegirl；there’snooneelselikeher。’
　　`SoyouareexpectingStepanArkadyevichtoday？’saidSergeiIvanovich，evidentlynotdisposedtopursuetheconversationaboutVarenka。`Itwouldbedifficulttofindtwosons-in-lawmoreunlikethanyours，’hesaidwithasubtlesmile。`Onemobilityitself，onlylivinginsociety，likeafishinwater；theotherourKostia，lively，alert，quickineverything，but，assoonasheisinsociety，heeithersinksintoapathy，orstruggleshelplesslylikeafishonland。’
　　`Yes，he’sveryheedless，’saidthePrincess，addressingSergeiIvanovich。`I’veintended，indeed，toaskyoutotellhimthatit’soutofthequestionforher’sheindicatedKitty`tostayhere；thatshepositivelymustcometoMoscow。Hetalksofgettingadoctordown……’
　　`Maman，he’lldoeverything；hehasagreedtoeverything，’Kittysaid，angrywithhermotherforappealingtoSergeiIvanovichtojudgeinsuchamatter。
　　Inthemiddleoftheirconversationtheyheardthesnortingofhorsesandthesoundofwheelsonthegravel。
　　Dollyhadnottimetogetuptogoandmeetherhusband，whenfromthewindowoftheroombelow，whereGrishawashavinghislesson，LevinleapedoutandhelpedGrishaoutafterhim。
　　`It’sStiva！’Levinshoutedfromunderthebalcony。`We’vefinished，Dolly，don’tbeafraid！’headded，andstartedrunninglikeaboytomeetthecarriage。
　　`Is，ea，id，ejus，ejus，ejus！’shoutedGrisha，skippingalongtheavenue。
　　`Andsomeoneelsetoo！Papa，ofcourse！’criedLevin，stoppingattheentranceoftheavenue。`Kitty，don’tcomedownthesteepstaircase-goaround。’
　　ButLevinhadbeenmistakenintakingthepersonsittinginthecarriagefortheoldPrince。AshegotnearertothecarriagehesawbesideStepanArkadyevichnotthePrince，butahandsome，stoutyoungmaninaScotchcap，withlongendsofribbonbehind。ThiswasVassenkaVeslovsky，adistantcousinoftheShcherbatskys，abrilliantyounggentlemaninPeterburgandMoscowsociety-acapitalfellow，andakeensportsman，’asStepanArkadyevichsaid，introducinghim。
　　NotawhitabashedbythedisappointmentcausedbyhishavingcomeinplaceoftheoldPrince，VeslovskygreetedLevingaily，claimingacquaintancewithhiminthepast，andsnatchingupGrishaintothecarriage，liftedhimoverthepointerthatStepanArkadyevichhadbroughtwithhim。
　　Levindidnotgetintothecarriage，butwalkedbehind。HewasrathervexedatthenonarrivaloftheoldPrince，whomhelikedmoreandmorethemorehesawhim，andalsothearrivalofthisVassenkaVeslovsky，aquitealienandsuperfluousperson。Heseemedtohimstillmorealienandsuperfluouswhen，onapproachingthestepswherethewholeparty，childrenandgrownups，weregatheredtogetherinmuchanimation，LevinsawVassenkaVeslovsky，withaparticularlywarmandgallantair，kissingKitty’shand。
　　`YourwifeandIarecousinsandveryoldfriends，’saidVassenkaVeslovsky，oncemoreshakingLevin’shandwithgreatwarmth。
　　`Well，arethereplentyofbirds？’StepanArkadyevichsaidtoLevin，hardlyleavingtimeforeveryonetoexchangegreetings。`We’vecomewiththemostsavageintentions。Why，maman，they’venotbeeninMoscowsince！Look，Tania，here’ssomethingforyou！Getit，please，it’sinthecarriage，behind！’hetalkedinalldirections。`Howprettyyou’vegrown，Dollenka，’hesaidtohiswife，oncemorekissingherhand，holdingitinoneofhis，andpattingitwiththeother。
　　Levin，whoaminutebeforehadbeeninthehappiestframeofmind，nowlookeddarklyateveryone，andeverythingdispleasedhim。
　　`Whowasithekissedyesterdaywiththeselips？’hethought，lookingatStepanArkadyevich’stenderdemonstrationstohiswife。HelookedatDolly，andhedidnotlikehereither。
　　`Shedoesn’tbelieveinhislove。Sowhatisshepleasedabout？Revolting！’thoughtLevin。
　　HelookedatthePrincess，whohadbeensodeartohimaminutebefore，andhedidnotlikethemannerinwhichshewelcomedthisVassenka，withhisribbons，justasthoughshewereinherownhouse。
　　EvenSergeiIvanovich，whohadcomeouttooonthesteps，seemedtohimunpleasantwiththeshowofcordialitywithwhichhemetStepanArkadyevich，thoughLevinknewthathisbrotherneitherlikednorrespectedOblonsky。
　　AndVarenka-evensheseemedhateful，withherairsaintenitouchemakingtheacquaintanceofthisgentleman，whileallthewhileshewasthinkingofnothingbutgettingmarried。
　　AndmorehatefulthananyonewasKitty，forfallinginwiththetoneofgaietywithwhichthisgentlemanregardedhisvisitinthecountry，asthoughitwereaholidayforhimselfandeveryoneelse。And，moreunpleasantthaneverythingelse，wasthatpeculiarsmilewithwhichsherespondedtohissmile。
　　Noisilytalking，theyallwentintothehouse；butassoonastheywereallseated，Levinturnedandwentout。
　　Kittysawsomethingwaswrongwithherhusband。Shetriedtoseizeamomenttospeaktohimalone，buthemadehastetogetawayfromher，sayinghewaswantedatthecountinghouse。Itwaslongsincehisownworkontheestatehadseemedtohimsoimportantasatthatmoment。`It’sallholidayforthem，’hethought；`butthesearenoholidaymatters，theywon’twait，andthere’snolivingwithoutthem。’
　　Levincamebacktothehouseonlywhentheysenttosummontosupper。OnthestairswerestandingKittyandAgathyaMikhailovna，consultingaboutwinesforsupper。
　　`Butwhyareyoumakingallthisfuss？Havewhatweusuallydo。’
　　`No，Stivadoesn’tdrink……Kostia，stop，what’sthematter？’Kittybegan，hurryingafterhim，buthestroderuthlesslyawaytothediningroomwithoutwaitingforher，andatoncejoinedinthelivelygeneralconversationwhichwasbeingmaintainedtherebyVassenkaVeslovskyandStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Well，whatdoyousay，arewegoingshootingtomorrow？’saidStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Please，dolet’sgo，’saidVeslovsky，movingtoanotherchair，wherehesatdownsideways，withonefatlegcrossedunderhim。
　　`Ishallbedelighted，wewillgo。Andhaveyouhadanyshootingyetthisyear？’saidLevintoVeslovsky，lookingintentlyathisleg，butspeakingwiththatforcedamiabilitythatKittyknewsowellinhim，andthatwassooutofkeepingwithhim。`Ican’tanswerforourfindingdoublesnipe，butthereareplentyofjacksnipe。Onlyweoughttostartearly。You’renottired？Aren’tyoutired，Stiva？’
　　`Metired？I’veneverbeentiredyet。Supposewestayupallnight。Let’sgoforawalk！’
　　`Yes，really，let’snotgotobedatall！Capital！’Veslovskychimedin。
　　`Oh，weallknowyoucandowithoutsleep，andkeepotherpeopleuptoo，’Dollysaidtoherhusband，withthatfaintnoteofironyinhervoicewhichshealmostalwayshadnowwithherhusband。`Buttomythinking，it’stimeforbednow……I’mgoing，Idon’twantsupper。’
　　`No，dostayalittle，Dollenka，’saidStepanArkadyevich，goingroundtohersidebehindthetablewheretheywerehavingsupper。`I’vesomuchstilltotellyou。’
　　`Nothingreally，Isuppose。’
　　`DoyouknowVeslovskyhasbeenatAnna’s，andhe’sgoingtothemagain？Youknowthey’rehardlyseventyverstasfromyou，andItoomustcertainlygooverthere。Veslovsky，comehere！’
　　Vassenkacrossedovertotheladies，andsatdownbesideKitty。
　　`Ah，dotellme，please；youhavevisitedher？Howwasshe？’DaryaAlexandrovnaappealedtohim。
　　Levinwasleftattheotherendofthetable，andthoughneverpausinginhisconversationwiththePrincessandVarenka，hesawthattherewasaneagerandmysteriousconversationgoingonbetweenStepanArkadyevich，Dolly，Kitty，andVeslovsky。Andthatwasnotall。Hesawonhiswife’sfaceanexpressionofrealfeelingasshegazedwithfixedeyesonthehandsomefaceofVassenka，whowastellingthemsomethingwithgreatanimation。
　　`It’sexceedinglyniceattheirplace，’VeslovskywastellingthemaboutVronskyandAnna。`Ican’t，ofcourse，takeituponmyselftojudge，butintheirhouseyoufeeltherealfeelingofhome。’
　　`Whatdotheyintenddoing？’
　　`IbelievetheythinkofgoingtoMoscowforthewinter。’
　　`Howjollyitwouldbeforusalltogoovertothemtogether！Whenareyougoingthere？’StepanArkadyevichaskedVassenka。
　　`I’mspendingJulythere。’
　　`Willyougo？’StepanArkadyevichsaidtohiswife。
　　`I’vebeenwantingtoalongwhile；Ishallcertainlygo，’saidDolly。`Iamsorryforher，andIknowher。She’sasplendidwoman。Iwillgoalone，whenyougoback，andthenIshallbeinnoone’sway。Anditwillbebetterindeedwithoutyou。’
　　`Tobesure，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Andyou，Kitty？’
　　`I？WhyshouldIgo？’Kittysaid，flushingallover，andsheglancedroundatherhusband。
　　`DoyouknowAnnaArkadyevna，then？’Veslovskyaskedher。`She’saveryfascinatingwoman？’
　　`Yes，’sheansweredVeslovsky，crimsoningstillmore。Shegotupandwalkedacrosstoherhusband。
　　`Areyougoingshooting，then，tomorrow？’shesaid。
　　Hisjealousyhadinthesefewmoments，especiallyattheflushthathadoverspreadhercheekswhileshewastalkingtoVeslovsky，gonefarindeed。Nowasheheardherwords，heconstruedtheminhisownfashion。Strangeasitwastohimafterwardtorecallit，itseemedtohimatthemomentclearthatinaskingwhetherhewasgoingshooting，allshecaredtoknowwaswhetherhewouldgivethatpleasuretoVassenkaVeslovsky，withwhom，ashefancied，shewasinlove。
　　`Yes，I’mgoing，’heansweredherinanunnaturalvoice，disagreeabletohimself。
　　`No，betterspendthedayheretomorrow，orDollywon’tseeanythingofherhusband，andsetoffthedayafter，’saidKitty。
　　ThemotiveofKitty’swordswasinterpretedbyLevinthus:`Don’tseparatemefromhim。Idon’tcareaboutyourgoing，butdoletmeenjoythesocietyofthisdelightfulyoungman。’
　　`Oh，ifyouwish，we’llstayheretomorrow，’Levinanswered，withpeculiaramiability。
　　Vassenkameanwhile，utterlyunsuspectingthemiseryhispresencehadoccasioned，gotupfromthetableafterKitty，andwatchingherwithsmilingandadmiringeyes，hefollowedher。
　　Levinsawthatlook。Heturnedwhite，andforaminutehecouldhardlybreathe。`Howdarehelookatmywifelikethat！’wasthefeelingthatboiledwithinhim。
　　`Tomorrow，then？Do，please，letusgo，’saidVassenka，sittingdownonachair，andagaincrossinghislegashishabitwas。
　　Levin’sjealousywentfurtherstill。Alreadyhesawhimselfadeceivedhusband，lookeduponbyhiswifeandherloverassimplynecessarytoprovidethemwiththeconveniencesandpleasuresoflife……ButinspiteofthathemadepoliteandhospitableinquiriesofVassenkaabouthisshooting，hisgun，andhisboots，andagreedtogoshootingnextday。
　　HappilyforLevin，theoldPrincesscutshorthisagoniesbygettingupherselfandadvisingKittytogotobed。ButevenatthispointLevincouldnotescapeanotheragony。Ashesaidgoodnighttohishostess，Vassenkawouldagainhavekissedherhand，butKitty，reddening，drewbackherhandandsaidwithana？vebluntness，forwhichtheoldPrincessscoldedherafterward:
　　`Wedon’tlikethatfashion。’
　　InLevin’seyesshewastoblameforhavingallowedsuchrelationstoarise，andstillmoretoblameforshowingsoawkwardlythatshedidnotlikethem。
　　`Why，howcanonewanttogotobed！’saidStepanArkadyevich，who，afterdrinkingseveralglassesofwineatsupper，wasnowinhismostcharmingandlyricalhumor。`Look，Kitty，’hesaid，pointingtothemoon，whichhadjustrisenbehindthelindentrees，`howexquisite！Veslovsky，thisisthetimeforaserenade。Youknow，hehasasplendidvoice；wepractisedsongstogetheralongtheroad。Hehasbroughtsomelovelysongswithhim-twonewones。VarvaraAndreevnaandhemustsingsomeduets。’
　　Whenthepartyhadbrokenup，StepanArkadyevichwalkedalongwhileabouttheavenuewithVeslovsky；theirvoicescouldbeheardsingingoneofthenewsongs。
　　Levin，hearingthesevoices，satscowlinginaneasychairinhiswife’sbedroom，andmaintainedanobstinatesilencewhensheaskedhimwhatwaswrong。Butwhenatlastwithatimidglanceshehazardedthequestion:`WasthereperhapssomethingyoudislikedaboutVeslovsky？’-itallburstout，andhetoldherall。Hewashurthimselfbywhathewassaying，andthatexasperatedhimallthemore。
　　Hestoodfacingherwithhiseyesglitteringmenacinglyunderhisscowlingbrows，andhesqueezedhisstrongarmsacrosshischest，asthoughhewerestrainingeverynervetoholdhimselfin。Theexpressionofhisfacewouldhavebeengrim，andevencruel，ifithadnotatthesametimehadalookofsufferingwhichtouchedher。Hisjawsweretwitching，andhisvoicekeptbreaking。
　　`YoumustunderstandthatI’mnotjealous，that’sanastyword。Ican’tbejealous，andbelievethat……Ican’tsaywhatIfeel，butthisisawful……I’mnotjealous，butI’mwounded，humiliatedthatanybodydarethink，thatanybodydarelookatyouwitheyeslikethat……’
　　`Eyeslikewhat？’saidKitty，tryingasconscientiouslyaspossibletorecalleverywordandgestureofthateveningandeveryshadeimpliedinthem。
　　Attheverybottomofherheartshedidthinktherehadbeensomething，preciselyatthemomentwhenhehadcrossedoverafterhertotheotherendofthetable；butshedarednotowniteventoherself，andwouldhavebeenevenmoreunabletobringherselftosaysotohim，andsoincreasehissuffering。
　　`AndwhatcantherepossiblybeattractiveaboutmeasIamnow？……’
　　`Ah！’hecried，clutchingathishead，`Youshouldn’tsaythat！……Ifyouhadbeenattractive，then……’
　　`Oh，no，Kostia，oh，waitaminute，oh，dolisten！’shesaid，lookingathimwithanexpressionofpainedcommiseration。`Why，whatcanyoubethinkingabout！Whenformethere’snooneintheworld，noone，noone！……Wouldyoulikemenevertoseeanyone？
　　Forthefirstminuteshehadbeenoffendedathisjealousy；shewasangrythattheslightestamusement，eventhemostinnocent，shouldbeforbiddenher；butnowshewouldreadilyhavesacrificed，notmerelysuchtrifles，buteverything，forhispeaceofmind，tosavehimfromtheagonyhewassuffering。
　　`Youmustunderstandthehorrorandcomedyofmyposition，’hewentoninadesperatewhisper；`thathe’sinmyhouse，thathe’sdonenothingpositivelyimproper-onecantakeexceptiononlytohisfreeandeasyairsandthewayhetuckshislegsinunderhim。Hethinksit’sthebestpossibleform，andsoI’mobligedtobeciviltohim。’
　　`But，Kostia，you’reexaggerating，’saidKitty，atthebottomofherheartrejoicingatthedepthofhisloveforher，shownnowinhisjealousy。
　　`Themostawfulpartofitallisthatyou’rejustasyoualwaysare，andespeciallynowwhentomeyou’resomethingsacred，andwe’resohappy，soparticularlyhappy-andallofasuddenalittlewretch……He’snotalittlewretch；whyshouldIabusehim？Ihavenothingtodowithhim。Butwhyshouldmy，andyour，happiness……’
　　`Doyouknow，Iunderstandnowwhatitallcamefrom，’Kittywasbeginning。
　　`Well，what？What？’
　　`Isawhowyoulookedwhileweweretalkingatsupper。’
　　`Well，well！’Levinsaidindismay。
　　Shetoldhimwhattheyhadbeentalkingabout。Andasshetoldhim，shewasbreathlesswithemotion。Levinwassilentforaspace，thenhescannedherpaleanddistressedface，andsuddenlyheclutchedathishead。
　　`Katia，I’vebeenworryingyou！Darling，forgiveme！It’smadness！Katia，I’macriminal。Andhowcouldyoubesodistressedatsuchidiocy？’
　　`Oh，Iwassorryforyou。’
　　`Forme？Forme？HowmadIam！……Butwhymakeyoumiserable？It’sawfultothinkthatanyoutsidercanshatterourhappiness。’
　　`It’shumiliatingtoo，ofcourse。’
　　`Oh，thenI’llkeephimhereallthesummer，andwilloverwhelmhimwithcivility，’saidLevin，kissingherhands。`Youshallsee。Tomorrow……oh，yes，wearegoingtomorrow。’
　　Nextday，beforetheladieswereup，thecarriagesfortheshootingparty，thedroshkyandatrap，wereatthedoor，andLaska，awaresinceearlymorningthattheyweregoingshooting，aftermuchwhininganddartingtoandfro，hadsatherselfdowninthedroshkybesidethecoachman，and，disapprovingofthedelay，wasexcitedlywatchingthedoorfromwhichthesportsmenstilldidnotissue。ThefirsttocomeoutwasVassenkaVeslovsky，innewhighbootsthatreachedhalfwayuphisthickthighs，inagreenblouse，withanewcartridgebelt，redolentofleather，andinhisScotchcapwithribbons，withabrand-newEnglishgunwithoutasling。Laskaflewuptohim，welcomedhim，and，jumpingup，askedhiminherownwaywhethertheotherswerecomingsoon；butgettingnoanswerfromhim，shereturnedtoherpostofobservationandsankintoreposeagain，herheadononeside，andoneearprickeduptolisten。Atlastthedooropenedwithacreak，andStepanArkadyevich’sspot-and-tanpointerKrakflewout，runningroundandroundandturningoverintheair。StepanArkadyevichhimselffollowedwithaguninhishandandacigarinhismouth。`Soho，soho，Krak！’hecriedencouraginglytothedog，whoputhispawsuponhischest，catchingathisgamebag。StepanArkadyevichwasdressedinbroguesandputtees，intorntrousersandashortcoat。Onhisheadtherewasawreckofahatofindefiniteform，buthisgunofanewpatentwasaperfectgem，andhisgamebagandcartridgebelt，thoughworn，wereoftheverybestquality。
　　VassenkaVeslovskyhadhadnonotionbeforethatitwastrulychicforasportsmantobeintatters，buttohavehisshootingoutfitofthebestquality。HesawitnowashelookedatStepanArkadyevich，radiantinhisrags，graceful，well-fed，andjoyous，atypicalRussiannobleman。Andhemadeuphismindthatnexttimehewentshootinghewouldcertainlyadoptthesamegetup。
　　`Well，andwhataboutourhost？’heasked。
　　`Ayoungwife，’saidStepanArkadyevich，smiling。
　　`Yes，andsuchacharmingone！’
　　`Hecamedowndressed。Nodoubthe’srunuptoheragain。’
　　StepanArkadyevichguessedright。Levinhadrunupagaintohiswifetoaskheroncemoreifsheforgavehimforhisidiocyyesterday，and，moreover，tobegherinChrist’snametobemorecareful。Thegreatthingwasforhertokeepawayfromthechildren-theymightanyminutejostleagainsther。Thenhehadoncemoretohearherdeclarethatshewasnotangrywithhimforgoingawayfortwodays，andtobeghertobesuretosendanotenextmorningbyaservantonhorseback，towritehim，ifitwerebuttwowordsonly，tolethimknowthatallwaswellwithher。
　　Kittywasdistressed，asshealwayswas，atpartingforacoupleofdaysfromherhusband，butwhenshesawhiseagerfigure，lookingbigandstronginhisshootingbootsandhiswhiteblouse，andasortofsportsmanelationandexcitementincomprehensibletoher，sheforgotherownchagrinforthesakeofhispleasure，andsaidgood-bytohimcheerfully。
　　`Pardon，gentlemen！’hesaid，runningoutonthesteps。`Haveyouputthelunchin？Whyisthechestnutontheright？Well，itdoesn’tmatter。Laska，down；goandliedown！’
　　`Putthemwiththeherdofheifers，’hesaidtotheherdsmanwhowaswaitingforhimatthestepstoaskhimwhatwastobedonewiththegeldoxen。`Excuseme，herecomesanothervillain。’
　　Levinjumpedoutofthedroshky，inwhichhehadalreadytakenhisseat，tomeetthecarpenter，whocametowardthestepswitharuleinhishand。
　　`Youdidn’tcometothecountinghouseyesterday，andnowyou’redetainingme。Well，whatisit？’
　　`Wouldyourhonorletmemakeanotherturning？There’sonlythreestepstoadd。Andwemakeitjustfitatthesametime。Itwillbemuchmoreconvenient。’
　　`Youshouldhavelistenedtome，’Levinansweredwithannoyance。`Isaid:Putthelinesandthenfitinthesteps。Nowthere’snosettingitright。DoasItoldyou，andmakeanewstaircase。’
　　Thepointwasthatinthewingthatwasbeingbuiltthecarpenterhadspoiledthestaircase，fittingittogetherwithoutcalculatingthespaceitwastofill，sothatthestepswereallslopingwhenitwasputinplace。Nowthecarpenterwantedtokeepthesamestaircase，byaddingthreesteps。
　　`Itwillbemuchbetter。’
　　`Butwhere’syourstaircasecomingoutwithitsthreesteps？’
　　`Why，uponmyword，sir，’thecarpentersaidwithacontemptuoussmile。`Itcomesoutrightattheveryspot。Itstartshere，’hesaid，withapersuasivegesture，`thenit’llgoup，andgoupandcomeout。’
　　`Butthreestepswilladdtothelengthtoo……whereisittocomeout？’
　　`Why，tobesure，it’llgoup，andcomeout，’thecarpentersaidobstinatelyandconvincingly。
　　`It’llreachtheceilingandthewall。’
　　`Uponmyword！Why，it’llgoup，andgoup，andcomeoutlikethis。’
　　Levintookoutaramrodandbegansketchinghimthestaircaseinthedust。
　　`There，doyousee？’
　　`Asyourhonorlikes，’saidthecarpenter，withasuddengleaminhiseyes，obviouslyunderstandingthethingatlast。`Itseemsit’llbebesttomakeanewone。’
　　`Well，then，doitasyou’retold，’Levinshouted，seatinghimselfinthedroshky。`Down！Holdthedogs，Philip！’
　　Levinfeltnowatleavingbehindallhisfamilyandhouseholdcaressuchaneagersenseofjoyinlifeandexpectationthathewasnotdisposedtotalk。Besidesthat，hehadthatfeelingofconcentratedexcitementthateverysportsmanexperiencesasheapproachesthesceneofaction。Ifhehadanythingonhismindatthatmoment，itwasonlythedoubtwhethertheywouldstartanythingintheKolpenskymarsh，whetherLaskawouldshowtoadvantageincomparisonwithKrak，andwhetherhewouldshootwellthatdayhimself。Nottodisgracehimselfbeforeanewspectator-nottobeoutdonebyOblonsky-thattoowasathoughtthatcrossedhisbrain。
　　Oblonskywasfeelingthesame，andhetoowasnottalkative。VassenkaVeslovskyalonekeptupaceaselessflowofcheerfulchatter。Ashelistenedtohimnow，Levinfeltashamedtothinkhowunfairhehadbeentohimthedaybefore。Vassenkawasreallyafinefellow，simple，goodhearted，andverygood-humored。IfLevinhadmethimbeforehewasmarried，hewouldhavemadefriendswithhim。Levinratherdislikedhisholidayattitudetolifeandasortoffreeandeasyassumptionofelegance。Itwasasthoughheassumedahighdegreeofimportanceinhimselfthatcouldnotbedisputed，becausehehadlongnailsandastylishcap，andeverythingelsetocorrespond；butthiscouldbeforgivenforthesakeofhisgoodnatureandgoodbreeding。Levinlikedhimforhisgoodeducation，forspeakingFrenchandEnglishwithsuchanexcellentaccent，andforbeingamanofhisworld。
　　Vassenkawasextremelydelightedwiththeleftoutrigger，ahorseoftheDonsteppes。Hekeptpraisinghimenthusiastically。`Howfineitmustbegallopingoverthesteppesonasteppehorse！Eh？Isn’tit？’hesaid。Hehadimaginedridingonasteppehorseassomethingwildandromantic，anditturnedoutnothingofthesort。Buthissimplicity，particularlyinconjunctionwithhisgoodlooks，hisamiablesmile，andthegraceofhismovements，wasveryattractive。EitherbecausehisnaturewassympathetictoLevin，orbecauseLevinwastryingtoatoneforhissinsofthepreviouseveningbyseeingnothingbutwhatwasgoodinhim-atanyrate，helikedhissociety。
　　Aftertheyhaddriventhreeverstasfromhome，Veslovskyallatoncefeltforacigarandhispocketbook，anddidnotknowwhetherhehadlostthemorleftthemonthetable。Inthepocketbooktherewerethreehundredandseventyroubles，andsothemattercouldnotbeleftinuncertainty。
　　`Doyouknowwhat，Levin，I’llgallophomeonthatoutrigger。Thatwillbesplendid。Eh？’hesaid，preparingtogetout。
　　`No，whyshouldyou？’answeredLevin，calculatingthatVassenkacouldhardlyweighlessthansixpoods。`I’llsendthecoachman。’
　　Thecoachmanrodebackontheoutrigger，andLevinhimselfdrovetheremainingpair。