ThenewlyelectedmarshalandmanyofthesuccessfulpartydinedthatdaywithVronsky。
　　VronskyhadcometotheelectionspartlybecausehewasboredinthecountryandwantedtoshowAnnahisrighttoindependence，andalsotorepaySviiazhskybyhissupportattheelectionforallthetroublehehadtakenforVronskyattheZemstvoelection，butchieflyforthestrictperformanceofallthosedutiesofanoblemanandlandownerwhichhehadtakenuponhimself。Buthehadnotintheleastexpectedthattheelectionwouldinteresthimso，sokeenlyexcitehim，andthathewouldbesogoodatthiskindofthing。Hewasquiteanewmaninthecircleofthenobilityoftheprovince，buthissuccesswasunmistakable，andhewasnotwronginsupposingthathehadalreadyobtainedacertaininfluence。Thisinfluencewasduetohiswealthandaristocracy；thecapitalhouseinthetownlenthimbyhisoldfriendShirkov，whohadapostinthedepartmentoffinancesandwasdirectorofaflourishingbankinKashin；theexcellentcookVronskyhadbroughtfromthecountry；andhisfriendshipwiththegovernor，whowasaschoolfellowofVronsky-aschoolfellowhehadpatronizedandprotectedindeed。Butwhatcontributedmorethanalltohissuccesswashisdirect，equablemannerwitheveryone，whichveryquicklymadethemajorityofthenoblemenreversethecurrentopinionofhissupposedhaughtiness。Hewashimselfconsciousthat，exceptforthatmadgentlemanmarriedtoKittyShcherbatskaia，whohadàproposdebottespouredoutastreamofirrelevantabsurditieswithsuchspitefulfury，everynoblemanwithwhomhehadmadeacquaintancehadbecomehisadherent。Hesawclearly，andotherpeoplerecognizedit，too，thathehaddoneagreatdealtosecurethesuccessofNeviedovsky。Andnowathisowntable，celebratingNeviedovsky’selection，hewasexperiencinganagreeablesenseoftriumphoverthesuccessofhiscandidate。Theelectionitselfhadsofascinatedhimthat，ifhecouldsucceedingettingmarriedduringthenextthreeyears，hebegantothinkofrunningforofficehimself-muchas，afterwinningaraceriddenbyajockey，hehadlongedtoridearacehimself。
　　Todayhewascelebratingthesuccessofhisjockey。Vronskysatattheheadofthetable，onhisrighthandsattheyounggovernor，ageneralofhighrank。Toalltheresthewasthemasteroftheprovince，whohadsolemnlyopenedtheelectionswithhisspeech，andarousedafeelingofrespectandevenofaweinmanypeople，asVronskysaw；toVronskyhewasKatkaMaslov-thathadbeenhisnicknameinthePages’Corps-whomhefelttobeshyandtriedtoputatease。OnthelefthandsatNeviedovskywithhisyouthful，stubborn，andvenomouscountenance。WithhimVronskywassimpleanddeferential。
　　Sviiazhskytookhisfailureverylightheartedly。Itwasindeednofailureinhiseyes，ashesaidhimself，turning，glassinhand，toNeviedovsky:theycouldnothavefoundabetterrepresentativeofthenewmovement，whichthenobilityoughttofollow。Andsoeveryhonestperson，ashesaid，wasonthesideoftoday’ssuccessandwascelebratingoverit。
　　StepanArkadyevichwasglad，too，becausehewashavingagoodtime，andbecauseeveryonewaspleased。Theepisodesoftheelectionsservedasagoodoccasionforacapitaldinner。Sviiazhskycomicallyimitatedthetearfuldiscourseofmarshal，andobserved，addressingNeviedovsky，thatHisExcellencywouldhavetoselectanother，morecomplicatedmethodofauditingaccountsthantears。Anothernoblemanjocoselydescribedhowfootmeninstockingshadbeenimportedforthemarshal’sball，andhownowtheywouldhavetobesentbackunlessthenewmarshalwouldgiveaballwithfootmeninstockings。
　　ContinuallyduringdinnertheysaidofNeviedovsky:`OurMarshal’and`YourExcellency。’
　　Thiswassaidwiththesamepleasurewithwhichayoungwifeiscalled`Madame’andbyherhusband’sname。Neviedovskyaffectedtobenotmerelyindifferentbutscornfulofthisappellation，butitwasobviousthathewashighlydelighted，andhadtokeepacurbonhimselfnottobetraythetriumphwhichwasunsuitabletotheirnew，liberalparty。
　　Inthecourseofdinnerseveraltelegramsweresenttopeopleinterestedintheresultoftheelection。AndStepanArkadyevich，whowasinhighspirits，sentDaryaAlexandrovnaatelegram:`Neviedovskyelectedbytwentyvotes。Congratulations。Tellpeople。’Hedictateditaloud，saying:`Wemustletthemshareourrejoicing。’DaryaAlexandrovna，gettingthemessage，simplysighedovertheroublewastedonit，andunderstoodthatitwasanafterdinneraffair。SheknewStivahadaweaknessafterdiningforfairejouerletélégraphe。
　　Everything，togetherwiththeexcellentdinnerandthewine，notfromRussianmerchants，butimporteddirectfromabroad，wasextremelydignified，simple，andenjoyable。Theparty-sometwenty-hadbeenselectedbySviiazhskyfromamongthemoreactivenewliberals，allofthesamewayofthinking，whowereatthesametimecleverandwell-bred。Theydrank，alsohalfinjest，tothehealthofthenewmarshaloftheprovince，ofthegovernor，ofthebankdirector，andof`ouramiablehost。’
　　Vronskywassatisfied。Hehadneverexpectedtofindsopleasantatoneintheprovinces。
　　Towardtheendofdinneritwasstillmorelively。ThegovernoraskedVronskytocometoaconcertforthebenefitofthebrethrenwhichhiswife，whowasanxioustomakehisacquaintance，hadbeengettingup:
　　`There’llbeaball，andyou’llseethebelleoftheprovince。Worthseeing，really。’
　　`Notinmyline，’Vronskyanswered。HelikedthatEnglishphrase。Buthesmiled，andpromisedtocome。
　　Beforetheyrosefromthetable，whenallofthemweresmoking，Vronsky’svaletwentuptohimwithaletteronatray。
　　`FromVozdvizhenskoebyspecialmessenger，’hesaidwithasignificantexpression。
　　`Astonishing！HowlikeheistothedeputyprosecutorSventitsky，’saidoneoftheguestsinFrenchofthevalet，whileVronsky，frowning，readtheletter。
　　TheletterwasfromAnna。Beforehereadtheletter，heknewitscontents。Expectingtheelectionstobeoverinfivedays，hehadpromisedtobebackonFriday。TodaywasSaturday，andheknewthatthelettercontainedreproachesfornotbeingbackatthetimefixed。Theletterhehadsentthepreviouseveninghadprobablynotreachedheryet。
　　Theletterwaswhathehadexpected，buttheformofitwasunexpected，andparticularlydisagreeabletohim。`Annieisveryill，thedoctorsaysitmaybeinflammationofthelungs。Iamlosingmyheadallalone。PrincessVarvaraisnohelp，butahindrance。Iexpectedyouthedaybeforeyesterday，andyesterday，andnowIamsendingtofindoutwhereyouareandwhatyouaredoing。Iwantedtocomemyself，butthoughtbetterofit，knowingyouwoulddislikeit。Sendsomeanswer，thatImayknowwhattodo。’
　　Thechildill，yetshehadthoughtofcomingherself。Theirdaughterill-andthishostiletone。
　　Theinnocentfestivitiesovertheelection，andthisgloomy，burdensomelovetowhichhehadtoreturn，struckVronskybytheircontrast。Buthehadtogo，andbythefirsttrainthatnighthesetoffhome。
　　BeforeVronsky’sdeparturefortheelections，Annahadreflectedthatthescenesconstantlyrepeatedbetweenthemeachtimehelefthomemightonlymakehimcoldtoherinsteadofattachinghimtoher，andresolvedtodoallshecouldtocontrolherselfsoastobearthepartingwithcomposure。Butthecold，severeglancewithwhichhehadlookedatherwhenhecametotellherhewasgoinghadwoundedher，andbeforehehadstartedherpeaceofmindwasdestroyed。
　　Insolitude，later，thinkingoverthatglancewhichhadexpressedhisrighttofreedom，shecame，asshealwaysdid，tothesamepoint-thesenseofherownhumiliation。`Hehastherighttogoawaywhenandwherehechooses。Notsimplytogoaway，buttoleaveme。Hehaseveryright，andIhavenone。Butknowingthat，heoughtnottodoit。Whathashedone，though？……Helookedatmewithacold，severeexpression。Ofcoursethatissomethingindefinable，impalpable，butithasneverbeensobefore，andthatglancemeansagreatdeal，’shethought。`Thatglanceshowsthebeginningofcoolness。’
　　Andthoughshefeltsurethatacoolnesswasbeginning，therewasnothingshecoulddo；shecouldnotinanywayalterherrelationstohim。Justasbefore，onlybyloveandbycharmcouldshekeephim。Andso，justasbefore，onlybyoccupationintheday，bymorphineatnight，couldshestiflethefearfulthoughtofwhatwouldcomeifheceasedtoloveher。Itistruetherewasstillonemeans；nottokeephim-forthatshewantednothingmorethanhislove-buttobenearertohim，tobeinsuchapositionthathewouldnotleaveher。Thatmeanswasdivorceandmarriage。Andshebegantolongforthat，andmadeuphermindtoagreetoitthefirsttimeheorStivaapproachedheronthesubject。
　　Absorbedinsuchthoughts，shepassedfivedayswithouthim，thefivedaysthathewastobeabsent。
　　Walks，conversationwithPrincessVarvara，visitstothehospital，and，mostofall，reading-readingofonebookafteranother-filleduphertime。Butonthesixthday，whenthecoachmancamebackwithouthim，andshefeltthatnowshewasutterlyincapableofstiflingthethoughtofhimandofwhathewasdoingthere-justatthattimeherlittlegirlwastakenill。Annabegantolookafterher，buteventhatdidnotdistracthermind，especiallyastheillnesswasnotserious。Howeverhardshetried，shecouldnotlovethislittlechild，andtofeignlovewasbeyondherpowers。Towardtheeveningofthatday，stillalone，Annawasinsuchapanicabouthimthatshedecidedtostartforthetown，butonsecondthoughtwrotehimthecontradictoryletterthatVronskyreceived，and，withoutreadingitthrough，sentitoffbyaspecialmessenger。Thenextmorningshereceivedhisletterandregrettedherown。Shedreadedarepetitionoftheseverelookhehadflungatheratparting，especiallywhenhewouldlearnthatthebabywasnotdangerouslyill。Butstill，shewasgladshehadwrittentohim。BynowAnnawasadmittingtoherselfthatshewasaburdentohim，thathewouldrelinquishhisfreedomregretfullytoreturntoher，andinspiteofthatshewasgladhewascoming。Lethimwearyofher，buthewouldbeherewithher，sothatshewouldseehim，wouldknowofeveryactionhetook。
　　Shewassittinginthedrawingroomnearalamp，withanewvolumeofTaine，and，assheread，listeningtothesoundofthewindoutside，andeveryminuteexpectingthecarriagetoarrive。Severaltimesshehadfanciedsheheardthesoundofwheels，butshehadbeenmistaken。Atlastsheheardnotthesoundofwheels，butthecoachman’sshoutandthedullrumbleinthecoveredentry。EvenPrincessVarvara，playingsolitaire，confirmedthis，andAnna，flushinghotly，gotup；but，insteadofgoingdown，asshehaddonetwicebefore，shestoodstill。Shesuddenlyfeltashamedofherduplicity，butevenmoreshedreadedhowhemightmeether。Allfeelingofwoundedpridehadpassednow；shewasonlyafraidoftheexpressionofhisdispleasure。Sherememberedthatherchildhadbeenperfectlywellagainforthelastday。Shefeltpositivelyvexedwithherforgettingbetterfromtheverymomentherletterwassentoff。Thenshethoughtofhim，thathewashere-allofhim，withhishands，hiseyes。Sheheardhisvoice。Andforgettingeverything，sheranjoyfullytomeethim。
　　`Well，howisAnnie？’hesaidapprehensivelyfrombelow，lookinguptoAnnaassherandowntohim。
　　Hewassittingonachair，andafootmanwaspullingoffhiswarmoverboots。
　　`Oh，sheisbetter。’
　　`Andyou？’hesaid，shakinghimself。
　　Shetookhishandinbothofhers，anddrewittoherwaist，nevertakinghereyesoffhim。
　　`Well，I’mglad，’hesaid，coldlyscanningher，herhair，herdress，whichheknewshehadputonforhim。Allwascharming，buthowmanytimesithadcharmedhim！Andthestern，stonyexpressionthatshesodreadedsettleduponhisface。
　　`Well，I’mglad。Andareyouwell？’hesaid，wipinghisdampbeardwithhishandkerchiefandkissingherhand。
　　`Nevermind，’shethought，`onlylethimbehere，andsolongashe’sherehecannot，hedarenot，ceasetoloveme。’
　　TheeveningwasspenthappilyandgailyinthepresenceofPrincessVarvara，whocomplainedtohimthatAnnahadbeentakingmorphineinhisabsence。
　　`WhatamItodo？Icouldn’tsleep……Mythoughtspreventedme。Whenhe’shereInevertakeit-hardlyever。’
　　Hetoldherabouttheelection，andAnnaknewhowbyadroitquestionstobringhimtowhatgavehimmostpleasure-hisownsuccess。Shetoldhimofeverythingthatinterestedhimathome；andallthatshetoldhimwasofthemostcheerfuldescription。
　　Butlateintheevening，whentheywerealone，Anna，seeingthatshehadregainedcompletepossessionofhim，wantedtoerasethepainfulimpressionoftheglancehehadgivenherforherletter。Shesaid:
　　`Tellmefrankly，youwerevexedatgettingmyletter，andyoudidn’tbelieveme？’
　　Assoonasshehadsaidit，shefeltthathoweverwarmhisfeelingsweretoher，hehadnotforgivenherforthat。
　　`Yes，’hesaid，`theletterwassostrange。First，Annieill，andthenyouthoughtofcomingyourself。’
　　`Itwasallthetruth。’
　　`Oh，Idon’tdoubtit。’
　　`Yes，youdodoubtit。Youarevexed，Isee。’
　　`Notforonemoment。I’monlyvexed，that’strue，thatyouseemsomehowunwillingtoadmitthatthereareduties……’
　　`Thedutyofgoingtoaconcert……’
　　`Butwewon’ttalkaboutit，’hesaid。
　　`Whynottalkaboutit？’shesaid。
　　`Ionlymeanttosaythatmattersofrealimportancemayturnup。Now，forinstance，IshallhavetogotoMoscowtoarrangeaboutthehouse……Oh，Anna，whyareyousoirritable？Don’tyouknowthatIcan’tlivewithoutyou？’
　　`Ifso，’saidAnna，hervoicesuddenlychanging，`itmeansthatyouaresickofthislife……Yes，youwillcomeforadayandgoaway，asmendo……’
　　`Anna，that’scruel。Iamreadytogiveupmywholelife。’
　　Butshedidnothearhim。
　　`IfyougotoMoscow，Iwillgotoo。Iwillnotstayhere。Eitherwemustseparateorelselivetogether。’
　　`Why，youknow，that’smyonedesire。Buttodothat……’
　　`Wemustgetadivorce。Iwillwritetohim。IseeIcannotgoonlikethis……ButIwillcomewithyoutoMoscow。’
　　`Youtalkasifyouwerethreateningme。ButIdesirenothingsomuchasnevertobepartedfromyou，’saidVronsky，smiling。
　　Butashesaidthesewordstheregleamedinhiseyesnotmerelyacoldlook，butthevindictivelookofamanpersecutedandmadecruel。
　　Shesawthelookandcorrectlydivineditsmeaning。
　　`And，ifthingshavecometosuchapass，it’sacalamity！’thatglancetoldher。Itwasamoment’simpression，butsheneverforgotit。
　　Annawrotetoherhusbandaskinghimaboutadivorce，andtowardtheendofNovember，takingleaveofPrincessVarvara，whowantedtogotoPeterburg，shewentwithVronskytoMoscow。ExpectingeverydayananswerfromAlexeiAlexandrovich，andafterthatthedivorce，theynowestablishedthemselvestogether，likemarriedpeople。
　　TheLevinshadbeentwomonthsinMoscow。Thedatehadlongpassedonwhich，accordingtothemosttrustworthycalculationsofpeoplelearnedinsuchmatters，Kittyshouldhavebeenconfined。Butshewasstillabout，andtherewasnothingtoshowthathertimewasanynearerthantwomonthsago。Thedoctor，themidwife，andDollyandhermother，andmostofallLevin，whocouldnotthinkoftheapproachingeventwithoutterror，begantobeimpatientanduneasy。Kittywastheonlypersonwhofeltperfectlycalmandhappy。
　　Shewasdistinctlyconsciousnowofthebirthofanewfeelingofloveforthefuturechild，forhertosomeextentactuallyexistingalready，andshebroodedblissfullyoverthisfeeling。Hewasnotbynowaltogetherapartofherself，butsometimeslivedhisownlifeindependentlyofher。Oftenthisseparatebeinggaveherpain，butatthesametimeshewantedtolaughwithastrangenewjoy。
　　Allthepeopleshelovedwerewithher，andallweresogoodtoher，soattentivelylookingoutforher，soentirelypleasantwaseverythingpresentedtoher，thatifshehadnotknownandfeltthatitmustallsoonbeover，shecouldnothavewishedforabetterandpleasanterlife。Theonlythingthatspoiledthecharmofthismodeoflifewasthathereherhusbandwasnotasshelovedhimtobe，andashewasinthecountry。
　　Shelikedhisserene，friendly，andhospitablemannerinthecountry。Inthetownheseemedcontinuallyuneasyandonhisguard，asthoughhewereafraidsomeonewouldberudetohim，and，stillmore，toher。Athomeinthecountry，definitelyknowinghimselftobeinhisrightplace，hewasneverinhastetobeoffelsewhere，wasoccupiedallthetime。Hereintownhewasinacontinualhurry，asthoughafraidofmissingsomething，andyethehadnothingtodo。Andshefeltpityforhim。Toothers，sheknew，hedidnotappearanobjectofpity；onthecontrary，whenKittylookedathiminsociety，asonesometimeslooksatthoseoneloves，tryingtoseehimasifhewereastranger，soastocatchtheimpressionhemustmakeonothers，shesawwithapanicevenofjealousfearthathewasfarindeedfrombeingapitiablefigure，thathewasveryattractivewithhishonesty，hisratherold-fashioned，reservedcourtesytowomen，hispowerfulfigure，andstriking，asshethought，andexpressiveface。Butshesawhimnotfromwithout，butfromwithin；shesawthatherehewasnothimself；thatwastheonlywayshecoulddefinehisconditiontoherself。Sometimessheinwardlyreproachedhimforhisinabilitytoliveinthetown；sometimessherecognizedthatitwasreallyhardforhimtoorderhislifeheresothathecouldbesatisfiedwithit。
　　Whathadhetodo，indeed？Hedidnotcareforcards；hedidnotgotoaclub。SpendingthetimewithjovialgentlemenofOblonsky’stype-sheknewnowwhatthatmeant……itmeantdrinking，andgoingsomewhereafterdrinking。Shecouldnotthinkwithouthorrorofwheremenwentonsuchoccasions。Washetogointosociety？Butsheknewhecouldonlyfindsatisfactioninthatifhetookpleasureinthesocietyofyoungwomen，andthatshecouldnotwishfor。Shouldhestayathomewithher，hermother，andhersisters？Butmuchasshelikedandenjoyedtheirconversationsforeveronthesamesubjects-`Alines-Nadines，’astheoldPrincecalledthesisters’talks-sheknewitmustborehim。Whatwasthereleftforhimtodo？Togoonwritinghisbook？Hehadindeedattemptedtodoit；andatfirstheusedtogotothelibraryandmakeextractsandlookupreferencesforhisbook，but，ashetoldher，themorehedidnothing，thelesstimehehadtodoanything。Andbesides，hecomplainedthathehadtalkedtoomuchabouthisbookhere，andthatconsequentlyallhisideasaboutitweremuddledandhadlosttheirinterestforhim。
　　Oneadvantageinthistownlifewasthatquarrelshardlyeverhappenedbetweenthemhereintown。Whetheritwasthattheirconditions，intown，weredifferent，orthattheyhadbothbecomemorecarefulandsensibleinthatrespect，theyhadnoquarrelsinMoscowfromjealousy，whichtheyhadsodreadedwhentheymovedfromthecountry。
　　Oneevent，aneventofgreatimportancetobothfromthatpointofview，didindeedhappen-whichwasKitty’smeetingwithVronsky。
　　TheoldPrincessMaryaBorissovna，Kitty’sgodmother，whohadalwaysbeenveryfondofher，hadinsistedonseeingher。Kitty，thoughshedidnotgointosocietyatallonaccountofhercondition，wentwithherfathertoseethevenerableoldlady，andtheremetVronsky。
　　TheonlythingKittycouldreproachherselfforatthismeetingwasthatattheinstantwhensherecognizedinhisciviliandressthefeaturesoncesofamiliartoher，herbreathfailedher，thebloodrushedtoherheart，andavividblush-shefeltit-overspreadherface。Butthislastedonlyafewseconds。Beforeherfather，whopurposelybegantalkinginaloudvoicetoVronsky，hadfinished，shewasperfectlyreadytolookatVronsky，tospeaktohim，ifnecessary，exactlyasshespoketoPrincessMaryaBorissovna，and，morethanthat，todosoinsuchawaythateverything，tothefaintestintonationandsmilewouldhavebeenapprovedbyherhusband，whoseunseenpresencesheseemedtofeelaboutheratthatinstant。
　　Shesaidafewwordstohim，evensmiledserenelyathisjokeabouttheelections，whichhecalled`ourparliament。’Shehadtosmiletoshowshesawthejoke。ButsheturnedawayimmediatelytoPrincessMaryaBorissovna，anddidnotonceglanceathimtillhegotuptogo；thenshelookedathim，butevidentlyonlybecauseitwouldbeuncivilnottolookatamanwhenheissayinggood-by。
　　ShewasgratefultoherfatherforsayingnothingtoherabouttheirmeetingVronsky，butshesawbyhisspecialwarmthtoherafterthevisit，duringtheirusualwalk，thathewaspleasedwithher。Shewaspleasedwithherself。Shehadnotexpectedshewouldhavehadthepower，whilekeepingsomewhereinthebottomofherheartallthememoriesofheroldfeelingforVronsky，notonlytoseem，buttobe，perfectlyindifferentandcomposedwithhim。
　　LevinflushedagreatdealmorethanshewhenshetoldhimshehadmetVronskyatPrincessMaryaBorissovna’s。Itwasveryhardforhertotellhimthis，butstillhardertogoonspeakingofthedetailsofthemeeting，ashedidnotquestionher，butsimplygazedatherwithafrown。
　　`Iamverysorryyouweren’tthere，’shesaid。`Itwasn’tsomuchthefactthatyouweren’tintheroom……Icouldn’thavebeensonaturalinyourpresence……Iamblushingnowmuchmore-much，muchmore，’shesaid，blushingtillthetearscameintohereyes。`Butit’sapityyoucouldn’thavelookedthroughapeephole。’
　　ThetruthfuleyestoldLevinthatshewassatisfiedwithherself，and，inspiteofherblushinghewasquicklyreassuredandbeganquestioningher，whichwasallshewanted。Whenhehadheardeverything，eventothedetailthatforthefirstsecondshecouldnothelpflushing，butthatafterwardshewasjustasdirectandasmuchathereaseaswithanychanceacquaintance，Levinwasquitehappyagainandsaidhewasgladofit，andwouldnotnowbehaveasstupidlyashehaddoneattheelection，butwouldtrythefirsttimehemetVronskytobeasfriendlyaspossible。
　　`It’ssowretchedtofeelthatthere’sanymanwhoisalmostyourenemy，andwhomit’spainfultomeet，’saidLevin。`I’mvery，veryglad。’
　　`Dogothen，please，andcallontheBols，’Kittysaidtoherhusband，whenhecameintoseeherateleveno’clockbeforegoingout。`Iknowyouarediningattheclub；papaputdownyourname。Butwhatareyougoingtodointhemorning？’
　　`IamonlygoingtoKatavassov，’answeredLevin。
　　`Whysoearly？’
　　`HepromisedtointroducemetoMetrov。Iwantedtotalktohimaboutmywork。He’sadistinguishedsavantfromPeterburg，’saidLevin。
　　`Yes；wasn’tithisarticleyouwerepraisingso？Well，andafterthat？’saidKitty。
　　`Ishallgotothecourt，perhaps，aboutmysister’sbusiness。’
　　`Andtheconcert？’shequeried。
　　`Ishan’tgothereallalone。’
　　`No？Dogo；therearegoingtobesomenewthings……Thatusedtointerestyouso。Ishouldcertainlygo。’
　　`Well，anyway，Ishallcomehomebeforedinner，’hesaid，lookingathiswatch。
　　`Putonyourfrockcoat，sothatyoucangostraighttocallonCountessBol。’
　　`Butisitabsolutelynecessary？’
　　`Oh，absolutely！Hehasbeentoseeus。Come，whatisit？Yougoin，sitdown，talkforfiveminutesoftheweather，getup，andgoaway。’
　　`Oh，youwouldn’tbelieveit！I’vegotsooutofthewayofallthisthatitmakesmefeelpositivelyashamed。It’ssuchahorriblethingtodo！Acompleteoutsiderwalksin，sitsdown，staysonwithnothingtodo，wastestheirtimeandupsetshimself，andthengoesaway！’
　　Kittylaughed。
　　`Why，Isupposeyouusedtopaycallsbeforeyouweremarried，didn’tyou？’
　　`Yes，Idid，butIalwaysfeltashamed，andnowI’msounaccustomedtoitthat，byGod，I’dsoonergotwodaysrunningwithoutmydinnerthanpaythiscall！One’ssoashamed！Ifeelallthewhilethatthey’reannoyed，thatthey’resaying:Whathashecomefor？’
　　`No，theywon’t。I’llanswerforthat，’saidKitty，lookingintohisfacewithalaugh。Shetookhishand。`Well，good-by……Dogo，please。’
　　Hewasjustgoingoutafterkissinghiswife’shand，whenshestoppedhim。
　　`Kostia，doyouknowI’veonlyfiftyroublesleft？’
　　`Oh，allright，I’llgotothebankandgetsome。Howmuch？’hesaid，withtheexpressionofdissatisfactionsheknewsowell。
　　`No，waitaminute。’Sheheldhishand。`Let’stalkaboutit，itworriesme。Iseemtospendnothingunnecessarily，butmoneyseemssimplytoflyaway。Wedon’tmanagewell，somehow。’
　　`Notatall，’hesaidwithalittlecough，lookingatherfromunderhisbrows。
　　Thatcoughsheknewwell。Itwasasignofintensedissatisfaction，notwithher，butwithhimself。Hecertainlywasdispleased，notatsomuchmoneybeingspent，butatbeingremindedofwhathe，knowingsomethingwasunsatisfactory，wantedtoforget。
　　`IhavetoldSokolovtosellthewheat，andtoborrowanadvanceonthemill。Weshallhavemoneyenoughinanycase。’
　　`Yes，butI’mafraidthataltogetherit’stoomuch……’
　　`Notatall，notatall，’herepeated。`Well，good-by，darling。’
　　`No，I’mreallysorrysometimesthatIlistenedtomamma。Howniceitwouldhavebeeninthecountry！Asitis，I’mworryingyouall，andwe’rewastingourmoney。’
　　`Notatall，notatall。NotoncesinceI’vebeenmarriedhaveIsaidthatthingscouldhavebeenbetterthantheyare……’
　　`Truly？’shesaid，lookingintohiseyes。
　　Hehadsaiditwithoutthinking，simplytoconsoleher。Butwhenheglancedatherandsawthosesweettruthfuleyesfastenedquestioninglyonhim，herepeateditwithhiswholeheart。`Iwaspositivelyforgettingher，’hethought。Andherememberedwhatwasbeforethem，sosoontocome。
　　`Willitbesoon？Howdoyoufeel？’hewhispered，takinghertwohands。
　　`Ihavesooftenthoughtso，thatnowIdon’tthinkaboutit，orknowanythingaboutit。’
　　`Andyou’renotfrightened？’
　　Shesmiledcontemptuously。
　　`Nottheleastlittlebit，’shesaid。
　　`Well，ifanythinghappens，IshallbeatKatavassov’s。’
　　`No，nothingwillhappen，anddon’tthinkaboutit。I’mgoingforawalkontheboulevardwithpapa。We’regoingtoseeDolly。Ishallexpectyoubeforedinner。Oh，yes！DoyouknowthatDolly’spositionisbecomingutterlyimpossible？She’sindebtallround；shehasn’tapenny。WeweretalkingyesterdaywithmammaandArsenii’thiswashersister’shusband，Lvov，`andwedeterminedtosendyouwithhimtotalktoStiva。It’sreallyunbearable。Onecan’tspeaktopapaaboutit……Butifyouandhe……’
　　`Why，whatcanwedo？’saidLevin。
　　`You’llbeatArsenii’s，anyway；talktohim-hewilltellyouwhatwedecided。’
　　`Oh，IagreetoeverythingArseniithinksbeforehand。I’llgoandseehim。Bytheway，ifIdogototheconcert，I’llgowithNatalie。Well，good-by。’
　　OnthestepsLevinwasstoppedbyhisoldservantKouzma，whohadbeenwithhimbeforehismarriage，andnowlookedaftertheirhouseholdintown。
　　`LittleAdonis’thatwastheleftshafthorsebroughtupfromthecountry`hasbeenshodanew，butsheisstilllame，’hesaid。`WhatdoesYourHonorwishtobedone？’
　　DuringthefirstpartoftheirstayinMoscow，Levinhadusedhisownhorsesbroughtupfromthecountry。Hehadtriedtoarrangethispartoftheirexpensesinthebestandcheapestwaypossible；butitappearedthattheirownhorsescamedearerthanhiredhorses，andtheystillhiredadditionalhorses。
　　`Sendfortheveterinary-theremaybeabruise。’
　　`AndforKaterinaAlexandrovna？’askedKouzma。
　　LevinwasnotbynowstruckashehadbeenatfirstbythefactthattogetinMoscowfromtheVozdvizhenkatotheSsivtzev-Vrazhekhehadtohavetwopowerfulhorsesputintoaheavycarriage，totakethecarriageaquarterofaverstathroughthesnowymushandtokeepitstandingtherefourhours，payingfiveroubleseverytime。
　　Nowitseemedquitenatural。
　　`Hireapairforourcarriagefromtheliverystable，’saidhe。
　　`Yes，sir。’
　　Andso，simplyandeasily，thankstothefacilitiesoftownlife，Levinsettledaquestionwhich，inthecountry，wouldhavecalledforsomuchpersonaltroubleandexertion，and，goingoutonthesteps，hecalledasleigh，satdown，anddrovetotheNikitskaia。Onthewayhethoughtnomoreofmoney，butmusedontheintroductionthatawaitedhimtothePeterburgsavant，awriteronsociology，andwhathewouldsaytohimabouthisbook。
　　OnlyduringthefirstdaysofhisstayinMoscowLevinhadbeenstruckbytheexpenditure，strangetoonelivinginthecountry，unproductivebutinevitable，thatwasexpectedofhimoneveryside。Butbynowhehadgrownusedtoit。Thathadhappenedtohiminthismatterwhichissaidtohappentodrunkards-thefirstglasssticksinthethroat，thesecondfliesdownlikeahawk，butafterthethirdthey’reliketinylittlebirds。WhenLevinhadchangedhisfirsthundred-roublenotetopayforliveriesforhisfootmanandhallporterhecouldnothelpreflectingthattheseliverieswereofnousetoanyone-buttheywereindubitablynecessary，tojudgebytheamazementofthePrincessandKittywhenhesuggestedthattheymightdowithoutliveries-thattheseliverieswouldcostthewagesoftwolaborersforthesummer-thatis，wouldpayforaboutthreehundredworkingdaysfromEastertothefastofAdvent，andeachadayofhardworkfromearlymorningtolateevening-andthathundred-roublenotedidstickinhisthroat。Butthenextnote，changedtopayforprovidingadinnerfortheirrelations，thatcosttwenty-eightroubles，thoughitdidexciteinLevinthereflectionthattwenty-eightroublesmeantninechetvertsofoats，whichmenwouldwithgroansandsweathavereapedandboundandthreshedandwinnowedandsiftedandsown-thisnextonehepartedwithmoreeasily。Andnowthenoteshechangednolongerarousedsuchreflections，andtheyflewofflikelittlebirds。Whetherthelabordevotedtoobtainingthemoneycorrespondedtothepleasuregivenbywhatwasboughtwithit，wasaconsiderationhehadlongagodismissed。Hisbusinesscalculationthattherewasacertainpricebelowwhichhecouldnotsellcertaingrainwasforgottentoo。Therye，forthepriceofwhichhehadsolongheldout，hadbeensoldforfiftykopecksachetvertcheaperthanithadbeenfetchingamonthago。Eventheconsiderationthatwithsuchanexpenditurehecouldnotgoonlivingforayearwithoutdebt，eventhathadnoforce。Onlyonethingwasessential:tohavemoneyinthebank，withoutinquiringwhereitcamefrom，soastoknowthatonehadthewherewithaltobuymeatfortomorrow。Andthisconditionhadhithertobeenfulfilled；hehadalwayshadthemoneyinthebank。Butnowthemoneyinthebankhadgone，andhecouldnotquitetellwheretogetthenextinstallment。Andthisitwaswhich，atthemomentwhenKittyhadmentionedmoney，haddisturbedhim；buthehadnotimetothinkaboutit。Hedroveoff，thinkingofKatavassovandthemeetingwithMetrovwhichwasbeforehim。
　　Levinhadonthisvisittotownseenagreatdealofhisoldfriendattheuniversity，ProfessorKatavassov，whomhehadnotseensincehismarriage。HelikedinKatavassovtheclearnessandsimplicityofhisconceptionoflife。LevinthoughtthattheclearnessofKatavassov’sconceptionoflifewasduetothepovertyofhisnature；KatavassovthoughtthatthedisconnectednessofLevin’sideaswasduetohislackofintellectualdiscipline；butLevinenjoyedKatavassov’sclearness，andKatavassovenjoyedtheabundanceofLevin’suntrainedideas，andtheylikedtomeetandtodispute。
　　LevinhadreadtoKatavassovsomepartsofhisbook，andhehadlikedthem。OnthepreviousdayKatavassovhadmetLevinatapubliclectureandtoldhimthatthecelebratedMetrov，whosearticleLevinhadsomuchliked，wasinMoscow，thathehadbeenmuchinterestedbywhatKatavassovhadtoldhimaboutLevin’swork，andthathewascomingtoseehimtomorrowateleven，andwouldbeverygladtomakeLevin’sacquaintance。
　　`You’repositivelyareformedcharacter，mydear，I’mgladtosee，’saidKatavassov，meetingLevininthelittledrawingroom。`Iheardthebellandthought:Impossible！Itcan’tbeheattheexacttime！……Well，whatdoyousaytotheMontenegrinsnow？They’rearaceofwarriors。’
　　`Why，what’shappened？’askedLevin。
　　Katavassovinafewwordstoldhimthelastpieceofnewsfromthewar，and，goingintohisstudy，introducedLevintoashort，thicksetmanofpleasantappearance。ThiswasMetrov。TheconversationtouchedforabriefspaceonpoliticsandonhowrecenteventswerelookedatinthehigherspheresinPeterburg。Metrovrepeatedasayingthathadreachedhimthroughamosttrustworthysource，reportedashavingbeenutteredonthissubjectbytheCzarandoneoftheministers。KatavassovhadheardalsoonexcellentauthoritythattheCzarhadsaidsomethingquitedifferent。Levintriedtoimaginecircumstancesinwhichbothsayingsmighthavebeenuttered，andtheconversationonthattopicdropped。
　　`Yes，herehe’spracticallywrittenabookonthenaturalconditionsofthelaborerinrelationtotheland，’saidKatavassov；`I’mnotaspecialist，butI，asastudentofnaturalscience，waspleasedathisnottakingmankindassomethingoutsidebiologicallaws；but，onthecontrary，perceivinghisdependenceonhissurroundings，andinthatdependenceseekingthelawsofhisdevelopment。’
　　`That’sveryinteresting，’saidMetrov。
　　`Totellthetruth，Ibegantowriteabookonagriculture；but，studyingthechiefinstrumentofagriculture，thelaborer，’saidLevin，reddening，`Icouldnothelpcomingtoquiteunexpectedresults。’
　　AndLevinbegancarefully，asthoughfeelinghisground，toexpoundhisviews。HeknewMetrovhadwrittenanarticleagainstthegenerallyacceptedtheoryofpoliticaleconomy，buttowhatextenthecouldreckononhissympathywithhisownnewviewshedidnotknowandcouldnotguessfromthecleverandserenefaceofthesavant。
　　`ButinwhatdoyouseethespecialcharacteristicsoftheRussianlaborer？’saidMetrov；`inhisbiologicalcharacteristics，sotospeak，orintheconditioninwhichheisplaced？’
　　Levinsawthattherewasanideaunderlyingthisquestionwithwhichhedidnotagree。ButhewentonexplaininghisownideathattheRussianlaborerhasaquitespecialviewoftheland，differentfromthatofotherpeople；andtosupportthispropositionhemadehastetoaddthatinhisopinionthisattitudeoftheRussianpeasantwasduetotheconsciousnessofhisvocationtosettlevastunoccupiedexpansesintheEast。
　　`Onemayeasilybeledintoerrorinbasinganyconclusiononthegeneralvocationofapeople，’saidMetrov，interruptingLevin。`Theconditionofthelaborerwillalwaysdependonhisrelationtothelandandtocapital。’
　　AndwithoutlettingLevinfinishexplaininghisidea，Metrovbeganexpoundingtohimthespecialpointofhisowntheory。
　　Inwhatthepointofhistheorylay，Levindidnotunderstand，becausehedidnottakethetroubletounderstand。HesawthatMetrov，likeotherpeople，inspiteofhisownarticle，inwhichhehadattackedthecurrenttheoryofpoliticaleconomy，lookedatthepositionoftheRussianpeasantsimplyfromthepointofviewofcapital，wages，andrent。Hewouldindeedhavebeenobligedtoadmitthatintheeastern-muchthelarger-partofRussiarentwasasyetnil，thatfornine-tenthsoftheeightymillionsoftheRussianpeasantswagestooktheformsimplyoffoodprovidedforthemselves，andthatcapitaldoesnotsofarexistexceptintheformofthemostprimitivetools。Yetitwasonlyfromthatpointofviewthatheconsideredeverylaborer，thoughinmanypointshedifferedfromtheeconomistsandhadhisowntheoryofthewagefund，whichheexpoundedtoLevin。
　　Levinlistenedreluctantly，andatfirstmadeobjections。HewouldhavelikedtointerruptMetrov，toexplainhisownthought，whichinhisopinionwouldhaverenderedfurtherexpositionofMetrov’stheoriessuperfluous。Butlateron，feelingconvincedthattheylookedatthemattersodifferently，thattheycouldneverunderstandoneanother，hedidnotevenopposehisstatements，butsimplylistened。AlthoughwhatMetrovwassayingwasbynowutterlydevoidofinterestforhim，heyetexperiencedacertainsatisfactioninlisteningtohim。Itflatteredhisvanitythatsuchalearnedmanshouldexplainhisideastohimsoeagerly，withsuchintensityandconfidenceinLevin’sunderstandingofthesubject，sometimeswithamerehintreferringhimtoawholeaspectofthesubject。Heputthisdowntohisowncredit，unawarethatMetrov，whohadalreadydiscussedhistheoryoverandoveragainwithallhisintimatefriends，talkedofitwithspecialeagernesstoeverynewperson，andingeneralwaseagertotalktoanyoneofanysubjectthatinterestedhim，evenifstillobscuretohimself。
　　`Wearelatethough，’saidKatavassov，lookingathiswatchdirectlyMetrovhadfinishedhisdiscourse。
　　`Yes，there’sameetingoftheSocietyofAmateurstodayincommemorationofthefifty-yearjubileeofSvintich，’saidKatavassovinanswertoLevin’sinquiry。`PiotrIvanovichandIweregoing。I’vepromisedtodeliveranaddressonhislaborsinzoology。Comealongwithus，it’sveryinteresting。’
　　`Yes，andit’sreallytimetostart，’saidMetrov。`Comewithus，andfromthere，ifyoucareto，cometomyplace。Ishouldverymuchliketohearyourwork。’
　　`Oh，no！It’snogoodyet-it’sunfinished。ButIshallbeverygladtogotothemeeting。’
　　`Isay，mydear，haveyouheard？Hehashandedinaminorityreport，’Katavassovcalledfromtheotherroom，wherehewasputtingonhisdresscoat。
　　Andaconversationsprangupontheuniversityquestion。
　　TheuniversityquestionwasaveryimportanteventthatwinterinMoscow。Threeoldprofessorsinthecouncilhadnotacceptedtheopinionoftheyoungerprofessors。Theyoungoneshadregisteredaseparateresolution。Thisresolution，inthejudgmentofsomepeople，wasmonstrous，inthejudgmentofothersitwasthesimplestandmostjustthingtodo，andtheprofessorsweresplitintotwoparties。
　　Oneparty，towhichKatavassovbelonged，sawintheoppositepartyascoundrellybetrayalandtreachery，whiletheoppositepartysawinthemchildishnessandlackofrespectfortheauthorities。Levin，thoughhedidnotbelongtotheuniversity，hadseveraltimesalreadyduringhisstayinMoscowheardandtalkedaboutthismatter，andhadhisownopiniononthesubject。Hetookpartintheconversationthatwascontinuedinthestreet，asallthreewalkedtotheoldbuildingsoftheuniversity。
　　Themeetinghadalreadybegun。Roundthecloth-coveredtable，atwhichKatavassovandMetrovseatedthemselves，thereweresomehalf-dozenpersons，andoneofthesewasbendingcloseoveramanuscript，readingsomethingaloud。Levinsatdowninoneoftheemptychairsthatwerestandingroundthetable，andinawhisperaskedastudentsittingnearwhatwasbeingread。Thestudent，eyingLevinwithdispleasure，said:
　　`Thebiography。’
　　ThoughLevinwasnotinterestedinthebiography，hecouldnothelplistening，andlearnedsomenewandinterestingfactsaboutthelifeofthedistinguishedmanofscience。
　　Whenthereaderhadfinished，thechairmanthankedhimandreadsomeversesofthepoetMent，senthimonthejubilee，andsaidafewwordsbywayofthankstothepoet。ThenKatavassovinhisloud，ringingvoicereadhisaddressonthescientificlaborsofthemanwhosejubileewasbeingkept。
　　WhenKatavassovhadfinished，Levinlookedathiswatch，sawitwaspastone，andthoughtthattherewouldnotbetimebeforetheconcerttoreadhispapertoMetrov，andindeed，hedidnotnowcaretodoso。Duringthereadinghehadthoughtovertheirconversation。HesawdistinctlynowthatthoughMetrov’sideasmightperhapshavevalue，hisownideashadavaluetoo，andtheirideascouldonlybemadeclearandleadtosomethingifeachworkedseparatelyinhischosenpath，andthatnothingwouldbegainedbycommunicatingtheseideas。AndhavingmadeuphismindtorefuseMetrov’sinvitation，Levinwentuptohimattheendofthemeeting。MetrovintroducedLevintothechairman，withwhomhewastalkingofthepoliticalnews。MetrovtoldthechairmanwhathehadalreadytoldLevin，andLevinmadethesameremarksonhisnewsthathehadalreadymadethatmorning，butforthesakeofvarietyheexpressedalsoanewopinionwhichhadonlyjuststruckhim。Afterthattheconversationturnedagainontheuniversityquestion。AsLevinhadalreadyhearditall，hemadehastetotellMetrovthathewassorryhecouldnottakeadvantageofhisinvitation，tookleave，anddrovetoLvov’s。
　　Lvov，thehusbandofNatalie，Kitty’ssister，hadspentallhislifeinthecapitalsandabroad，wherehehadbeeneducated，andhadbeeninthediplomaticservice。
　　Duringthepreviousyearhehadleftthediplomaticservice，notowingtoany`unpleasantness’heneverhadany`unpleasantness’withanyone，andwastransferredtothePalaceDepartmentinMoscow，inordertogivehistwoboysthebesteducationpossible。
　　InspiteofthestrikingcontrastintheirhabitsandviewsandthefactthatLvovwasolderthanLevin，theyhadseenagreatdealofoneanotherthatwinter，andhadtakenagreatlikingtoeachother。
　　Lvovwasathome，andLevinwentintohimunannounced。
　　Lvov，inahousecoatwithabeltandinchamoisleathershoes，wassittinginanarmchair，andwithapince-nezwithbluelenseshewasreadingabookthatstoodonareadingdesk，whileinhisbeautifulhandheheldahalf-burnedcigarcarefullyawayfromhim。
　　Hishandsome，delicate，andstillyouthful-lookingface，towhichhiscurly，glisteningsilveryhairgaveastillmorearistocraticair，lightedupwithasmilewhenhesawLevin。
　　`Capital！Iintendedtosendtoyou。How’sKitty？Sithere，it’smorecomfortable。’Hegotupandpusheduparockingchair。`HaveyoureadthelastcircularintheJournaldeStPétersbourg？Ithinkit’sexcellent，’hesaidwithaslightFrenchaccent。
　　LevintoldhimwhathehadheardfromKatavassovwasbeingsaidinPeterburg，and，aftertalkingalittleaboutpolitics，hetoldhimofhisinterviewwithMetrov，andthelearnedsociety’smeeting。ToLvovitwasveryinteresting。
　　`That’swhatIenvyyou，thatyouareabletomixintheseinterestingscientificcircles，’hesaid。Andashetalked，hepassedasusualintoFrench，whichwaseasierforhim。`It’strueIhaven’tthetimeforit。Myofficialworkandthechildrenleavemenotime；andthenI’mnotashamedtoownthatmyeducationhasbeentoodefective。’
　　`ThatIdon’tbelieve，’saidLevinwithasmile，feeling，ashealwaysdid，touchedatLvov’slowopinionofhimself，whichwasnotintheleastputonfromadesiretoseemortobemodest，butwasabsolutelysincere。
　　`Oh，yes，indeed！IfeelnowhowbadlyeducatedIam。ToeducatemychildrenIpositivelyhavetolookupagreatdeal，and，infact，actuallytostudymyself。Forit’snotenoughtohaveteachers-theremustbesomeonetolookafterthem；justasonyourlandyouwantlaborersandanoverseer。SeewhatI’mreading’-hepointedtoBuslaev’sGrammaronthedesk-`it’sexpectedofMisha，andit’ssodifficult……Come，explaintome……Herehesays……’
　　Levintriedtoexplaintohimthatitcouldn’tbeunderstood，butthatithadtobetaught；butLvovwouldnotagreewithhim。
　　`Oh，you’relaughingatit！’
　　`Onthecontrary，youcan’timaginehow，whenIlookatyou，I’malwayslearningthetaskthatliesbeforeme-thatis，theeducationofone’schildren。’
　　`Well，there’snothingforyoutolearn，’saidLvov。
　　`AllIknow，’saidLevin，`isthatIhaveneverseenbetterbrought-upchildrenthanyours，andIwouldn’twishforchildrenbetterthanyours。’
　　Lvovvisiblytriedtorestraintheexpressionofhisdelight，buthewaspositivelyradiantwithsmiles。
　　`Ifonlythey’rebetterthanI！That’sallIdesire。Youdon’tknowyetallthework，’hesaid，`withboyswho’vebeenleftlikeminetorunwildabroad。’
　　`You’llcatchupwithallthat。They’resuchcleverchildren。Thegreatthingistheeducationofcharacter。That’swhatIlearnwhenIlookatyourchildren。’
　　`Youtalkoftheeducationofcharacter。Youcan’timaginehowdifficultthatis！Youhavehardlysucceededincombatingonetendencywhenotherscropup，andthestrugglebeginsagain。Ifonehadnotasupportinreligion-yourememberwetalkedaboutthat-nofathercouldbringchildrenuprelyingonhisownstrengthalone，withoutthathelp。’
　　Thissubject，whichalwaysinterestedLevin，wascutshortbytheentranceofthebeautyNatalyaAlexandrovna，dressedtogoout。
　　`Ididn’tknowyouwerehere，’shesaid，unmistakablyfeelingnoregret，butapositivepleasure，ininterruptingthisconversationonatopicshehadheardsomuchofthatshewasbynowwearyofit。`Well，howisKitty？Iamdiningwithyoutoday。Itellyouwhat，Arsenii，’sheturnedtoherhusband，`youtakethecarriage。’
　　Andthehusbandandwifebegantodiscusstheirarrangementsfortheday。Asthehusbandhadtodrivetomeetsomeoneonofficialbusiness，whilethewifehadtogototheconcertandsomepublicmeetingofacommitteeontheSouth-EasternQuestion，therewasagreatdealtoconsiderandsettle。Levinhadtotakepartintheirplansasoneofthemselves。ItwassettledthatLevinshouldgowithNatalietotheconcertandthemeeting，andthatfromtheretheyshouldsendthecarriagetotheofficeforArseniiandheshouldcallforherandtakehertoKitty’s；orthat，ifhehadnotfinishedhiswork，heshouldsendthecarriagebackandLevinwouldgowithher。
　　`He’sspoilingme，’Lvovsaidtohiswife:`heassuresmethatourchildrenaresplendid，whenIknowhowmuchbadthereisinthem。’
　　`Arseniigoestoextremes，Ialwayssay，’saidhiswife。`Ifyoulookforperfection，youwillneverbesatisfied。Andit’strue，aspapasays-thatwhenwewerebroughtuptherewasoneextreme-wewerekeptintheattic，whileourparentslivedinthebestrooms；nowit’sjusttheotherway-theparentsareinthewashhouse，whilethechildrenareinthebestrooms。Parentsnowarenotexpectedtoliveatall，buttoexistaltogetherfortheirchildren。’
　　`Well，whatiftheylikeitbetter？Lvovsaid，withhisbeautifulsmile，touchingherhand。`Anyonewhodidn’tknowyouwouldthinkyouwereastepmother，notatruemother。’
　　`No，extremesarenotgoodinanything，’Nataliesaidserenely，puttinghispaperknifestraightinitsproperplaceonthetable。
　　`Well，comehere，youperfectchildren，’Lvovsaidtothetwohandsomeboyswhocamein，and，afterbowingtoLevin，wentuptotheirfather，obviouslywishingtoaskhimaboutsomething。
　　Levinwouldhavelikedtotalktothem，tohearwhattheywouldsaytotheirfather，butNataliebegantalkingtohim，andthenLvov’scolleagueintheservice，Makhotin，walkedin，wearinghisCourtdress，togowithhimtomeetsomeone，andaconversationwaskeptupwithoutabreakuponHerzegovina，PrincessKorzinskaya，thetowncouncil，andthesuddendeathofMadameApraksina。
　　Levinevenforgotthecommissionintrustedtohim。Herecollecteditashewasgoingintothehall。
　　`O，KittytoldmetotalktoyouaboutOblonsky，’hesaid，asLvovwasstandingonthestairs，seeinghiswifeandLevinoff。
　　`Yes，yes，mamanwantsus，lesbeaux-frères，toattackhim，’hesaid，blushing。`ButwhyshouldI？’
　　`Well，then，Iwillattackhim，’saidMadameLvova，withasmile，standinginherroundwhitedogskinoperacloakwaitingtilltheyhadfinishedspeaking。`Come，letusgo。’
　　Attheconcertintheafternoontwoveryinterestingthingswereperformed。
　　Onewasafantasia，KingLearintheHeath；theotherwasaquartettededicatedtothememoryofBach。Bothwerenewandinthenewstyle，andLevinwaseagertoformanopinionofthem。Afterescortinghissister-in-lawtoherstall，hestoodagainstacolumnandtriedtolistenasattentivelyandconscientiouslyaspossible。Hetriednottolethisattentionbedistracted，andnottospoilhisimpressionbylookingattheconductorinawhitetie，wavinghisarms，whichalwaysdisturbedhisenjoymentofmusicsomuch，ortheladiesinbonnets，theribbonsofwhich，sinceitwasaconcert，theyhadcarefullytiedovertheirears，andallthesepeopleeitherthinkingofnothingatall，orthinkingofallsortsofthingsexceptthemusic。Hetriedtoavoidmeetingmusicalconnoisseursortalkativeacquaintances，andstoodlookingatthefloorstraightbeforehim，listening。
　　ButthemorehelistenedtothefantasiaofKingLearthefurtherhefeltfromforminganydefiniteopinionofit。Therewas，asitwere，acontinualbeginning，apreparationofthemusicalexpressionofsomefeeling，butitfelltopiecesagaindirectly，breakingintonewmusicalmotifs，orsimplynothingbutthewhimsofthecomposer-exceedinglycomplexbutdisconnectedsounds。Andthesefragmentarymusicalexpressions，thoughsometimesbeautiful，weredisagreeable，becausetheywereutterlyunexpectedandnotleduptobyanything。Gaietyandgriefanddespairandtendernessandtriumphfollowedoneanotherwithoutanyground，liketheemotionsofamadman。Andthoseemotions，likeamadman’s，sprangupquiteunexpectedly。
　　DuringthewholeperformanceLevinfeltlikeadeafmanwatchingpeopledancing，andwasinastateofcompletebewildermentwhenthefantasiawasover，andfeltagreatwearinessfromthefruitlessstrainonhisattention。Loudapplauseresoundedonallsides。Everyonegotup，movedabout，andbegantalking。Anxioustothrowsomelightonhisownperplexityfromtheimpressionsofothers，Levinbegantowalkabout，lookingforconnoisseurs，andwasgladtoseeawell-knownmusicalamateurinconversationwithPestsov，whomheknew。
　　`Marvelous！’Pestsovwassayinginhisdeepbass。`Howareyou，KonstantinDmitrievich？Particularlysculpturesqueandplastic，sotosay，andrichlycoloredisthatpassagewhereyoufeelCordelia’sapproach，wherewoman，dasewigWeibliche，entersintoconflictwithfate。Isn’tit？’
　　`Youmean……WhathasCordeliatodowithit？’Levinaskedtimidly，forgettingthatthefantasiawassupposedtorepresentKingLear。
　　`Cordeliacomesin……Seehere！’saidPestsov，tappinghisfingeronthesatinysurfaceoftheprogramheheldinhishandandpassingittoLevin。
　　OnlythenLevinrecollectedthetitleofthefantasia，andmadehastetoreadintheRussiantranslationthelinesfromShakespearethatwereprintedonthebackoftheprogram。
　　`Youcan’tfollowitwithoutthat，’saidPestsov，addressingLevin，asthepersonhehadbeenspeakingtohadgoneaway，andhehadnoonetotalkto。
　　Intheentr’acteLevinandPestsovfellintoanargumentuponthemeritsanddefectsofthemusicoftheWagnerschool。LevinmaintainedthatthemistakeofWagnerandallhisfollowerslayintheirtryingtotakemusicintothesphereofanotherart，justaspoetrygoeswrongwhenittriestopaintafaceastheartofpaintingoughttodo，andasaninstanceofthismistakehecitedthesculptorwhocarvedinmarblecertainpoeticphantasmsflittingroundthefigureofthepoetonthepedestal。`Thesephantomsweresofarfrombeingphantomsthattheywerepositivelyclingingtothestairs，’saidLevin。Thecomparisonpleasedhim，buthecouldnotrememberwhetherhehadnotusedthesamephrasebefore，andtoPestsov，too，andashesaidithefeltconfused。
　　Pestsovmaintainedthatartisone，andthatitcanattainitshighestmanifestationsonlybytheconjunctionofallkindsofart。
　　ThesecondpiecethatwasperformedLevincouldnothear。Pestsov，whowasstandingbesidehim，wastalkingtohimalmostallthetime，condemningthemusicforitsexcessiveaffectedassumptionofsimplicity，andcomparingitwiththesimplicityofthePre-Raphaelitesinpainting。AshewentoutLevinmetmanymoreacquaintances，withwhomhetalkedofpolitics，ofmusic，andofcommonacquaintances。AmongothershemetCountBol，whomhehadutterlyforgottentocallupon。
　　`Well，goatoncethen，’MadameLvovasaid，whenhetoldher；`perhapsthey’llnotbeathome，andthenyoucancometothemeetingtofetchme。You’llfindmestillthere。’
　　`Perhapsthey’renotathome？’saidLevin，ashewentintothehallofCountessBol’shouse。
　　`Athome；pleasewalkin，’saidtheporter，resolutelyremovinghisovercoat。
　　`Howannoying！’thoughtLevinwithasigh，takingoffonegloveandstrokinghishat。`WhatdidIcomefor？WhathaveItosaytothem？’
　　AshepassedthroughthefirstdrawingroomLevinmetinthedoorwayCountessBol，withacarewornandsevereface，givingsomeordertoaservant。OnseeingLevinshesmiled，andaskedhimtocomeintothenextlittledrawingroomwhereheheardvoices。InthisroomthereweresittinginarmchairsthetwodaughtersoftheCountess，andaMoscowcolonel，whomLevinknew。Levinwalkedup，greetedthem，andsatdownbesidethesofa，withhishatonhisknees。
　　`Howisyourwife？Haveyoubeenattheconcert？Wecouldn’tgo。Mammahadtobeattherequiem。’
　　`Yes，Iheard……Whatasuddendeath！’saidLevin。
　　TheCountesscamein，satdownonthesofa，andshetooaskedafterhiswifeandinquiredabouttheconcert。
　　Levinanswered，andrepeatedaninquiryaboutMadameApraksina’ssuddendeath。
　　`Butshewasalwaysinpoorhealth。’
　　`Wereyouattheoperayesterday？’
　　`Yes，Iwas。’
　　`Luccawasverygood。’
　　`Yes，verygood，’hesaid，and，asitwasutterlyofnoconsequencetohimwhattheythoughtofhim，hebeganrepeatingwhattheyhadheardahundredtimesaboutthecharacteristicsofthesinger’stalent。CountessBolpretendedtobelistening。Then，whenhehadsaidenoughandhadpaused，thecolonel，whohadbeensilenttillthen，begantotalk。Thecoloneltootalkedoftheoperaandillumination。Atlast，afterspeakingoftheproposedfollejournéeatTurin’s，thecolonellaughed，gotupnoisily，andwentaway。Levintoorose，buthesawbythefaceoftheCountessthatitwasnotyettimeforhimtogo。Hemuststaytwominuteslonger。Hesatdown。
　　Butashewasthinkingallthewhilehowstupiditwas，hecouldnotfindasubjectforconversation，andsatsilent。
　　`Youarenotgoingtothepublicmeeting？Theysayitwillbeveryinteresting，’begantheCountess。
　　`No，Ipromisedmybelle-soeurtofetchherfromit，’saidLevin。
　　Asilencefollowed。Themotheroncemoreexchangedglanceswithoneofthedaughters。
　　`Well，nowIthinkthetimehascome，’thoughtLevin，andhegotup。Theladiesshookhandswithhim，andbeggedhimtosaymillechosestohiswifeforthem。
　　Theporteraskedhim，ashegavehimhiscoat:`WhereisYourHonorstaying？’andimmediatelywrotedownhisaddressinabighandsomelyboundbook。
　　`OfcourseIdon’tcare，butstillIfeelashamedandawfullystupid，’thoughtLevin，consolinghimselfwiththereflectionthateveryonedoesit。Hedrovetothepublicmeeting，wherehewastofindhissister-in-law，soastodrivehomewithher。
　　Atthepublicmeetingofthecommitteetherewereagreatmanypeople，andalmostallthehighestsociety。Levinwasintimeforthereportwhich，aseveryonesaid，wasveryinteresting。Whenthereadingofthereportwasover，peoplemovedabout，andLevinmetSviiazhsky，whoinvitedhimverypressinglytocomethateveningtoameetingoftheSocietyofAgriculture，whereacelebratedreportwastobedelivered，andStepanArkadyevich，whohadonlyjustcomefromtheraces，andmanyotheracquaintances；andLevinheardandutteredvariouscriticismsonthemeeting，onthenewplay，andonapublictrial。But，probablyfromthementalfatiguehewasbeginningtofeel，hemadeablunderinspeakingofthetrial，andthisblunderherecalledseveraltimeswithvexation。SpeakingofthesentenceuponaforeignerwhohadbeencondemnedinRussia，andofhowunfairitwouldbetopunishhimbyexileabroad，Levinrepeatedwhathehadheardthedaybeforeinconversationfromanacquaintance。
　　`Ithinksendinghimabroadismuchthesameaspunishingacarpbyputtingitintothewater，’saidLevin。Thenherecollectedthatthisidea，whichhehadheardfromanacquaintanceandutteredashisown，camefromafableofKrilov’s，andthattheacquaintancehadpickeditupfromanewspaperarticle。
　　Afterdrivinghomewithhissister-in-law，andfindingKittyingoodspiritsandquitewell，Levindrovetotheclub。
　　Levinreachedtheclubjustattherighttime。Membersandvisitorsweredrivingupashearrived。Levinhadnotbeenattheclubforaverylongwhile-notsincehelivedinMoscow，whenhewasleavingtheuniversityandgoingintosociety。Herememberedtheclub，theexternaldetailsofitsarrangement，buthehadcompletelyforgottentheimpressionithadmadeonhiminolddays。Butassoonas，drivingintothewidesemicircularcourtandgettingoutofthecab，hemountedthesteps，andthehallporter，adornedwithacrossbelt，noiselesslyopenedthedoortohimwithabow；assoonashesawintheporter’sroomthecloaksandgaloshesofmemberswhothoughtitlesstroubletotakethemoffdownstairs；assoonasheheardthemysteriousringingbellthatprecededhimasheascendedthelow-stepped，carpetedstaircase，andsawthestatueonthelanding，andthethirdporteratthetopdoors，afamiliarfiguregrownolder，intheclublivery，openingthedoorwithouthasteordelay，andscanningthevisitorsastheypassedin-Levinfelttheoldimpressionoftheclubcomebackinarush，animpressionofrepose，comfort，andpropriety。
　　`Yourhat，please，’theportersaidtoLevin，whoforgottheclubruleofcheckinghishatintheporter’sroom。`Longtimesinceyou’vebeenhere。ThePrinceputyournamedownyesterday。PrinceStepanArkadyevichisnothereyet。’
　　TheporternotonlyknewLevin，butalsoallhisconnectionsandrelationships，andsoimmediatelymentionedhisintimatefriends。
　　Passingthroughtheouterhall，dividedupbyscreens，andtheroompartitionedontheright，whereamansitsatthefruitbuffet，Levinpassedbyashufflingoldman，andenteredthediningroom，fullofnoiseandpeople。
　　Hewalkedalongthetables，almostallfull，andscrutinizedthevisitors。Hesawpeopleofallsorts，oldandyoung；someheknewalittle；somewereintimatefriends。Therewasnotasinglecrossorworried-lookingface。Allseemedtohavecheckedtheircaresandanxietiesintheporter’sroomwiththeirhats，andwerealldeliberatelygettingreadytoenjoythematerialblessingsoflife。SviiazhskywashereandShcherbatsky，NeviedovskyandtheoldPrince，andVronskyandSergeiIvanovich。
　　`Ah！Whyareyoulate？’thePrincesaidsmiling，andgivinghimhishandoverhisownshoulder。`How’sKitty？’headded，smoothingoutthenapkinhehadtuckedinathiswaistcoatbuttons。
　　`Verywell；theyarediningathome，allthreeofthem。’
　　`Ah，``Alines-Nadines’tobesure！There’snoroomwithus。Gotothattable，andmakehasteandtakeaseat，’saidthePrince，andturningawayhecarefullytookaplateofburbotsoup。
　　`Levin，thisway！’agood-naturedvoiceshoutedalittlefartheron。ItwasTurovtsin。Hewassittingwithayoungofficer，andbesidethemweretwochairstippedover。Levingladlywentuptothem。Hehadalwayslikedthegoodheartedrake，Turovtsin-hewasassociatedinhismindwithmemoriesofhiscourtship-andatthatmoment，afterthestrainofintellectualconversation，thesightofTurovtsin’sgood-naturedfacewasparticularlywelcome。
　　`ForyouandOblonsky。He’llbeheredirectly。’
　　Theyoungman，holdinghimselfveryerect，witheyesforevertwinklingwithenjoyment，wasanofficerfromPeterburg，Gaghin。Turovtsinintroducedthem。
　　`Oblonsky’salwayslate。’
　　`Ah，hereheis！
　　`Haveyouonlyjustcome？’saidOblonsky，comingquicklytowardthem。`Goodday。Hadsomevodka？Well，comealongthen。’
　　Levingotupandwentwithhimtothebigtablespreadwithspiritsandappetizersofthemostvariedkinds。Onewouldhavethoughtthatoutoftwodozendelicaciesonemightfindsomethingtoone’staste，butStepanArkadyevichaskedforsomethingspecial，andoneoftheliveriedwaitersstandingbyimmediatelybroughtwhatwasrequired。Theydrankaponyeachandreturnedtotheirtable。
　　Atonce，whiletheywerestillattheirsoup，Gaghinwasservedwithchampagne，andtoldthewaitertofillfourglasses。Levindidnotrefusethewine，andaskedforasecondbottle。Hewasveryhungry，andateanddrankwithgreatenjoyment，andwithstillgreaterenjoymenttookpartinthelivelyandsimpleconversationofhiscompanions。Gaghin，droppinghisvoice，toldthelastgoodstoryfromPeterburg，andthestory，thoughimproperandstupid，wassoludicrousthatLevinbrokeintoroarsoflaughtersoloudthatthosenearlookedround。
　　`That’sinthesamestyleas，``that’sathingIcan’tendure！’Youknowthestory？’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Ah，that’sexquisite！Anotherbottle，’hesaidtothewaiter，andhebegantorelatehisgoodstory。
　　`PiotrIllyichVinovskyinvitesyoutodrinkwithhim，’alittleoldwaiterinterruptedStepanArkadyevich，bringingtwodelicateglassesofsparklingchampagne，andaddressingStepanArkadyevichandLevin。StepanArkadyevichtooktheglass，andlookingtowardabaldmanwithredmustachesattheotherendofthetable，henoddedtohim，smiling。
　　`Who’sthat？’askedLevin。
　　`Youmethimonceatmyplace，don’tyouremember？Agood-naturedfellow。’
　　LevindidthesameasStepanArkadyevichandtooktheglass。
　　StepanArkadyevich’sanecdotetoowasveryamusing。Levintoldhisstory，andthattoowassuccessful。Thentheytalkedofhorses，oftheraces，ofwhattheyhadbeendoingthatday，andofhowsmartlyVronsky’sAtlashadwonthefirstprize。Levindidnotnoticehowthetimepassedatdinner。
　　`Ah！Andheretheyare！’StepanArkadyevichsaidtowardtheendofdinner，leaningoverthebackofhischairandholdingouthishandtoVronsky，whocameupwithatallcoloneloftheGuards。Vronsky’sfacetoobeamedwiththelookofgood-humoredenjoymentthatwasgeneralintheclub。HeproppedhiselbowplayfullyonStepanArkadyevich’sshoulder，whisperingsomethingtohim，andheheldouthishandtoLevinwiththesamegood-humoredsmile。
　　`Verygladtomeetyou，’hesaid。`Ilookedoutforyouattheelection，butIwastoldyouhadgoneaway。’
　　`Yes，Ileftthesameday。We’vejustbeentalkingofyourhorse。Icongratulateyou，’saidLevin。`Itwasruninveryfasttime。’
　　`Yes；you’veracehorsestoo，haven’tyou？’
　　`No，myfatherhad；butIrememberandknowsomethingaboutthem。’
　　`Wherehaveyoudined？’askedStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Wewereatthesecondtable，behindthecolumns。’
　　`We’vebeencelebratinghissuccess，’saidthetallcolonel。`It’shissecondImperialprize。IwishImighthavetheluckatcardshehaswithhorses。’
　　`Well，whywasteprecioustime？I’mgoingtothe``infernalregions，’’addedthecolonel，andhewalkedaway。
　　`That’sIashvin，’VronskysaidinanswertoTurovtsin，andhesatdowninthevacatedseatbesidethem。Hedranktheglassofferedhim，andorderedabottleofwine。Undertheinfluenceoftheclubatmosphereorthewinehehaddrunk，LevinchattedawaytoVronskyofthebestbreedsofcattle，andwasverygladnottofeeltheslightesthostilitytothisman。Heeventoldhim，amongotherthings，thathehadheardfromhiswifethatshehadmethimatPrincessMaryaBorissovna’s。
　　`Ah，PrincessMaryaBorissovna-she’sexquisite！’saidStepanArkadyevich，andhetoldananecdoteaboutherwhichsetthemalllaughing。VronskyinparticularlaughedwithsuchsimpleheartedamusementthatLevinfeltquitereconciledtohim。
　　`Well，havewefinished？’saidStepanArkadyevich，gettingupwithasmile。`Letusgo。’
　　Gettingupfromthetable，LevinwalkedwithGaghinthroughtheloftyroomstothebilliardroom，feelinghisarmsswingashewalkedwithapeculiarlightnessandease。Ashecrossedthebigroom，hecameuponhisfather-in-law。
　　`Well，howdoyoulikeourTempleofIndolence？’saidthePrince，takinghisarm。`Comealong，comealong！’
　　`Yes，Iwantedtowalkaboutandlookateverything。It’sinteresting。’
　　`Yes，it’sinterestingforyou。Butitsinterestformeisquitedifferent。Youlookatsuchlittleancients，now，’hesaid，pointingtoaclubmemberwithbentbackandpendulouslip，shufflingtowardtheminhissoftboots，`andimaginethattheywereshlupikslikethatfromtheirbirthup。’
　　`Shlupiks？’
　　`Iseeyoudon’tknowthatname。That’sourclubdesignation。Youknowthegameofrollingeggs:whenone’srolledalongwhileitbecomesashlupik。Soitiswithus；onegoesoncomingandcomingtotheclub，andendsbybecomingashlupik。Ah，youlaugh！butwelookout，forfearofdroppingintoitourselves。YouknowPrinceChechensky？’inquiredthePrince；andLevinsawbyhisfacethathewasjustgoingtorelatesomethingfunny。
　　`No，Idon’tknowhim。’
　　`Youdon’tsayso！Well，PrinceChechenskyisawell-knownfigure。Nomatter，though。He’salwaysplayingbilliardshere。Onlythreeyearsagohewasnotashlupik，andkeptuphisspirits，andevenusedtocallotherpeopleshlupiks。Butonedayheturnsup，andourporter……YouknowVassilii？Why，thatfatone；he’sfamousforhisbonsmots。AndsoPrinceChechenskyaskshim，``Come，Vassiliiwho’shere？Anyshlupikshereyet？’Andhesays:``You’rethethird。’Yes，mydearboy，thathedid！’
　　Talkingandgreetingthefriendstheymet，LevinandthePrincewalkedthroughalltherooms:thegreatroomwheretableshadalreadybeenset，andtheusualpartnerswereplayingforsmallstakes；thedivanroom，wheretheywereplayingchess，andSergeiIvanovichwassittingtalkingtosomebody；thebilliardroom，where，aboutthesofainarecess，therewasalivelypartydrinkingchampagne-Gaghinwasoneofthem。Theypeepedintothe`infernalregions，’whereagoodmanymenwerecrowdingroundonetable，atwhichIashvinwassitting。Tryingnottomakeanoise，theywalkedintothedarkreadingroom，whereundertheshadedlampstheresatayoungmanwithawrathfulcountenance，turningoveronejournalafteranother，andabaldgeneralburiedinabook。Theywent，too，intowhatthePrincecalledtheintellectualroom，wherethreegentlemenwereengagedinaheateddiscussionofthelatestpoliticalnews。
　　`Prince，pleasecome，we’reready，’saidoneofhiscardparty，whohadcometolookforhim，andthePrincewentoff。Levinsatdownandlistened，butrecallingalltheconversationofthemorninghefeltallofasuddenfearfullybored。Hegotuphurriedly，andwenttolookforOblonskyandTurovtsin，withwhomithadbeensopleasant。
　　Turovtsinwasoneofthecircledrinkinginthebilliardroom，andStepanArkadyevichwastalkingwithVronskynearthedooratthefarthercorneroftheroom。
　　`It’snotthatshe’sdull；butthisundefined，thisunsettledposition，’Levincaught，andhewasgoingtohurryaway，butStepanArkadyevichcalledhim。
　　`Levin！’saidStepanArkadyevich；andLevinnoticedthathiseyeswerenotfulloftearsexactly，butmoist，whichalwayshappenedwhenhehadbeendrinking，orwhenhewastouched。Todayitwasduetobothcauses。`Levin，don’tgo，’hesaid，andhewarmlysqueezedhisarmabovetheelbow，obviouslynotatallwishingtolethimgo。
　　`Thisisatruefriendofmine-almostmygreatestfriend，’hesaidtoVronsky。`Youalsoarestillcloseranddearertome。AndIwantyou，andIknowyouought，tobefriends，andgreatfriends，becauseyou’rebothsplendidfellows。’
　　`Well，there’snothingforusnowbuttokissandbefriends，’Vronskysaid，withgood-naturedplayfulness，holdingouthishand。
　　Levinquicklytooktheofferedhand，andsqueezeditwarmly。
　　`I’mvery，veryglad，’saidLevin。
　　`Waiter，abottleofchampagne，’saidStepanArkadyevich。
　　`AndI’mveryglad，’saidVronsky。
　　ButinspiteofStepanArkadyevich’sdesire，andtheirowndesire，theyhadnothingtotalkabout，andbothfeltit。
　　`Doyouknow，hehasnevermetAnna？’StepanArkadyevichsaidtoVronsky。`AndIwantaboveeverythingtotakehimtoseeher。Letusgo，Levin！’
　　`Really？’saidVronsky。`Shewillbeverygladtoseeyou。Ishouldbegoinghomeatonce，’headded，`butI’mworriedaboutIashvin，andIwanttostayontillhefinishes。’
　　`Why，ishelosing？’
　　`Hekeepslosing，andI’mtheonlyfriendthatcanrestrainhim。’
　　`Well，whatdoyousaytopyramids？Levin，willyouplay？Capital！’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Getthetableready，’hesaidtothemarker。
　　`Ithasbeenreadyalongwhile，’answeredthemarker，whohadalreadysettheballsinatriangle，andwasknockingtheredoneaboutforhisowndiversion。
　　`Well，letusbegin。’
　　AfterthegameVronskyandLevinsatdownatGaghin’stable，andatStepanArkadyevich’ssuggestionLevintookahandinthegame。Vronskysatdownatthetable，surroundedbyfriends，whowereincessantlycominguptohim。Everynowandthenhewenttothe`infernal’tokeepaneyeonIashvin。Levinwasenjoyingadelightfulsenseofreposeafterthementalfatigueofthemorning。HewasgladthatallhostilitywasatanendwithVronsky，andthesenseofpeace，decorumandcomfortneverlefthim。
　　Whenthegamewasover，StepanArkadyevichtookLevin’sarm。
　　`Well，letusgotoAnna’s，then。Atonce？Eh？Sheisathome。Ipromisedherlongagotobringyou。Wherewereyouintendingtospendtheevening？’
　　`Oh，nowherespecially。IpromisedSviiazhskytogototheSocietyofAgriculture。Byallmeans，letusgo，’saidLevin。
　　`Verygood；comealong。Findoutifmycarriageishere，’StepanArkadyevichsaidtothewaiter。
　　Levinwentuptothetable，paidthefortyroubleshehadlost；paidhisbill，theamountofwhichwasinsomemysteriouswayascertainedbythelittleoldwaiterwhostoodatthecounter，and，swinginghisarms，hewalkedthroughalltheroomstotheexit。