`Oblonsky’scarriage！’theportershoutedinanangrybass。Thecarriagedroveupandbothgotin。Itwasonlyforthefirstfewmoments，whilethecarriagewasdrivingoutoftheclubhousegates，thatLevinwasstillundertheinfluenceoftheclubatmosphereofrepose，comfort，andunimpeachablegoodform。Butassoonasthecarriagedroveoutintothestreet，andhefeltitjoltingovertheunevenroad，heardtheangryshoutofadrivercomingtowardthem，sawintheuncertainlighttheredblindofatavernandtheshops，thisimpressionwasdissipated，andhebegantothinkoverhisactions，andtowonderwhetherhewasdoingrightingoingtoseeAnna。WhatwouldKittysay？ButStepanArkadyevichgavehimnotimeforreflection，and，asthoughdivininghisdoubts，hedispersedthem。
　　`HowgladIam，’hesaid，`thatyoushouldknowher！YouknowDollyhaslongwishedforit。AndLvov’sbeentoseeher，andoftengoes。Thoughsheismysister，’StepanArkadyevichpursued，`Idon’thesitatetosaythatshe’saremarkablewoman……Butyouwillsee。Herpositionisverypainful，especiallynow。’
　　`Whyespeciallynow？’
　　`Wearecarryingonnegotiationswithherhusbandaboutadivorce。Andhe’sagreed；buttherearedifficultiesinregardtotheson，andthebusiness，whichoughttohavebeenarrangedlongago，hasbeendraggingonforthreemonthspast。Assoonasthedivorceisover，shewillmarryVronsky。Howstupidtheseoldritualformsare-``Isaiah，rejoice！’-whichnoonebelievesin，andwhichonlypreventpeoplebeingcomfortable！’StepanArkadyevichputin。`Well，thentheirpositionwillbeasregularasmine，asyours。’
　　`Whatisthedifficulty？’saidLevin。
　　`Oh，it’salongandtediousstoryThewholebusinessisinsuchanindefinitestatewithus。Butthepointis，shehasbeenforthreemonthsinMoscow，whereeveryoneknowsher，waitingforthedivorce；shegoesoutnowhere，seesnowomanexceptDolly，because，doyouunderstand，shedoesn’tcaretohavepeoplecomeasafavor。ThatfoolPrincessVarvara，evenshehaslefther，consideringthisabreachofpropriety。Well，yousee，insuchapositionanyotherwomanwouldnothavefoundresourcesinherself。Butyou’llseehowshehasarrangedherlife-howcalm，howdignifiedsheis。Totheleft，inthealleyoppositethechurch！’shoutedStepanArkadyevich，leaningoutofthewindowofthecarriage。`Phew！Howhotitis！’hesaid，inspiteoftwelvedegreesoffrost，flingingopenhisunbuttonedovercoatstillmore。
　　`Butshehasadaughter:nodoubtshe’sbusylookingafterher？’saidLevin。
　　`Ibelieveyoupictureeverywomansimplyasafemale，unecouveuse，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Ifshe’soccupied，itmustbewithherchildren。No，shebringsherupcapitally，Ibelieve，butonedoesn’thearabouther。She’sbusy，inthefirstplace，withwhatshewrites。Iseeyou’resmilingironically，butyou’rewrong。She’swritingachildren’sbook，anddoesn’ttalkaboutittoanyone，butshereadittomeandIgavethemanuscripttoVorkuev……youknow，thepublisher……Andhe’sanauthorhimselftoo，Ifancy。Heunderstandsthosethings，andhesaysit’saremarkablepieceofwork。Butareyoufancyingshe’sawritingwoman？Notabitofit。She’sawomanwithaheart，beforeeverything，butyou’llsee。NowshehasalittleEnglishgirlwithher，andawholefamilyshe’slookingafter。’
　　`Oh，somethinginaphilanthropicway？’
　　`Why，youwilllookateverythingintheworstlight。It’snotfromphilanthropy，it’sfromtheheart。They-thatis，Vronsky-hadatrainer，anEnglishman，first-rateinhisownline，butadrunkard。He’scompletelygivenuptodrink-deliriumtremens-andthefamilywerecastontheworld。Shesawthem，helpedthem，gotmoreandmoreinterestedinthem，andnowthewholefamilyisonherhands。Butnotbywayofpatronage，youknow，helpingwithmoney；she’sherselfpreparingtheboysinRussianforthehighschool，andshe’stakenthelittlegirltolivewithher。Butyou’llseeherforyourself。’
　　Thecarriagedroveintothecourtyard，andStepanArkadyevichrangloudlyattheentrancewhereasleighwasstanding。
　　And，withoutaskingtheservantwhoopenedthedoorwhethertheladywereathome，StepanArkadyevichwalkedintothehall。Levinfollowedhim，moreandmoredoubtfulwhetherheweredoingrightorwrong。
　　Lookingathimselfintheglass，Levinnoticedthathewasredintheface，buthefeltcertainhewasnotdrunk，andhefollowedStepanArkadyevichupthecarpetedstairs。AtthetopStepanArkadyevichinquiredofthefootman，whobowedtohimastoanintimatefriend，whowaswithAnnaArkadyevna，andreceivedtheanswerthatitwasM。Vorkuev。
　　`Wherearethey？’
　　`Inthestudy。’
　　Passingthroughthediningroom，aroomnotverylarge，withdarkpaneledwalls，StepanArkadyevichandLevinwalkedoverthesoftcarpettothehalf-darkstudy，lightedupbyasinglelampwithabigdarkshade。Anotherlampwithareflectorwashangingonthewall，lightingupabigfull-lengthportraitofawoman，whichLevincouldnothelplookingat。ItwastheportraitofAnna，paintedinItalybyMikhailov。WhileStepanArkadyevichwentbehindthetreillage，andtheman’svoicewhichhadbeenspeakingpaused，Levingazedattheportrait，whichstoodoutfromtheframeinthebrilliantlightthrownonit，andhecouldnottearhimselfawayfromit。Hepositivelyforgotwherehewas，andnotevenhearingwhatwassaid，hecouldnottakehiseyesoffthemarvelousportrait。Itwasnotapicture，butaliving，charmingwoman，withblackcurlinghair，withbarearmsandshoulders，withapensivesmileonthelips，coveredwithsoftdown；triumphantlyandsoftlyshelookedathimwitheyesthatbaffledhim。Shewasnotliving，onlybecauseshewasmorebeautifulthananylivingwomancanbe。
　　`Iamdelighted。’Heheardsuddenlynearhimavoice，unmistakablyaddressinghim，thevoiceoftheverywomanhehadbeenadmiringintheportrait。Annahadcomefrombehindthetreillagetomeethim，andLevinsawinthedimlightofthestudytheverywomanoftheportrait，inadark-bluegownofchangeableblue，notinthesamepositionnorwiththesameexpression，butwiththesameperfectionofbeautywhichtheartisthadcaughtintheportrait。Shewaslessdazzlinginreality，but，ontheotherhand，therewassomethingfreshandseductiveinthelivingwomanwhichwasnotintheportrait。
　　Shehadrisentomeethim，withoutconcealingherpleasureatseeinghim；andinthequieteasewithwhichsheheldoutherlittleandvigoroushand，introducedhimtoVorkuev，andindicatedared-haired，prettylittlegirlwhowassittingatwork，callingherherpupil，Levinrecognizedandlikedthemannersofawomanofthegreatworld，alwaysself-possessedandnatural。
　　`Iamdelighted，delighted，’sherepeated，andonherlipsthesesimplewordstookforLevin’searsaspecialsignificance。`Ihaveknownyouandlikedyouforalongwhile，bothfromyourfriendshipwithStivaandforyourwife’ssake……Iknewherforaveryshorttime，butsheleftonmetheimpressionofanexquisiteflower-justaflower。Andtothinkshewillsoonbeamother！’
　　Shespokeeasilyandwithouthaste，lookingnowandthenfromLevintoherbrother，andLevinfeltthattheimpressionhewasmakingwasgood，andhefeltimmediatelyathome，ateaseandhappywithher，asthoughhehadknownherfromchildhood。
　　`IvanPetrovichandIsettledinAlexei’sstudy，’shesaidinanswertoStepanArkadyevich’squestionwhetherhemightsmoke，`justsoastobeabletosmoke’-andglancingatLevin，insteadofaskingwhetherhewouldsmoke，shepulledcloseratortoise-shellcigarettecaseandtookacorn-leafcigarette。
　　`Howareyoufeelingtoday？’herbrotheraskedher。
　　`Oh，nothing。Nerves，asusual。’
　　`Yes，isn’titextraordinarilyfine？’saidStepanArkadyevich，noticingthatLevinwasglancingatthepicture。
　　`Ihaveneverseenabetterportrait。’
　　`Andextraordinarilylike，isn’tit？’saidVorkuev。
　　Levinlookedfromtheportraittotheoriginal。ApeculiarbrilliancelightedupAnna’sfacewhenshefelthiseyesonher。Levinflushed，andtocoverhisconfusionwouldhaveaskedwhethershehadseenDaryaAlexandrovnalately；butatthatmomentAnnaspoke:
　　`Wewerejusttalking，IvanPetrovichandI，ofVashchenkov’slastpictures。Haveyouseenthem？’
　　`Yes，Ihaveseenthem，’answeredLevin。
　　`But，Ibegyourpardon，Iinterruptedyou……Youweresaying？……’
　　LevinaskedifshehadseenDollylately。
　　`Shewashereyesterday。ShewasveryindignantwiththehighschoolpeopleonGrisha’saccount。TheLatinteacher，itseems，hadbeenunfairtohim。’
　　`Yes，Ihaveseenhispictures。Ididn’tcareforthemverymuch，’Levinwentbacktothesubjectshehadstarted。
　　Levintalkednownotatallwiththatpurelybusinesslikeattitudetothesubjectwithwhichhehadbeentalkingallthemorning。Everywordinhisconversationwithherhadaspecialsignificance。Andtalkingtoherwaspleasant；stillpleasanterwasittolistentoher。
　　Annatalkednotmerelynaturallyandcleverly，butcleverlyandcarelessly，attachingnovaluetoherownideasandgivinggreatweighttotheideasofthepersonshewastalkingto。
　　Theconversationturnedonthenewmovementinart，onthenewillustrationsoftheBiblebyaFrenchartist。Vorkuevattackedtheartistforarealismcarriedtothepointofcoarseness。LevinsaidthattheFrenchhadcarriedconventionalityfurtherthananyone，andthatconsequentlytheyseeagreatmeritinthereturntorealism。Inthefactofnotlyingtheyseepoetry。
　　NeverhadanythingcleversaidbyLevingivenhimsomuchpleasureasthisremark。Anna’sfacelightedupatonce，assheimmediatelyappreciatedthethought。Shelaughed。
　　`Ilaugh，’shesaid，`asonelaughswhenoneseesaverytrueportrait。WhatyousaidsoperfectlyhitsoffFrenchartnow，painting-andliteraturetoo，indeed-Zola，Daudet。Butperhapsitisalwaysso，thatmenformtheirconceptionsfromfictitious，conventionaltypes，andthen-allthecombinaisonsmade-theyaretiredofthefictitiousfiguresandbegintoinventmorenatural，truefigures。’
　　`That’sperfectlytrue，’saidVorkuev。
　　`Soyou’vebeenattheclub？’shesaidtoherbrother。
　　`Yes，yes，thisawoman！’Levinthought，forgettinghimselfandstaringpersistentlyatherlovely，mobileface，whichatthatmomentwasallatoncecompletelytransformed。Levindidnothearwhatshewastalkingofassheleanedovertoherbrother，buthewasstruckbythechangeofherexpression。Herface-sohandsomeamomentbeforeinitsrepose-suddenlyworealookofstrangecuriosity，anger，andpride。Butthislastedonlyaninstant。Shehalf-closedhereyes，asthoughrecollectingsomething。
　　`Oh，well，butthat’sofnointeresttoanyone，’shesaid，andsheturnedtotheEnglishgirl。
　　`Pleaseordertheteainthedrawingroom，’shesaidinEnglish。
　　Thegirlgotupandwentout。
　　`Well，howdidshegetthroughherexamination？’askedStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Splendidly！She’saverygiftedchildandasweetcharacter。’
　　`Itwillendinyourlovinghermorethanyourown。’
　　`Thereamanspeaks。Inlovethere’snosuchthingasmoreorless。Ilovemydaughterwithonelove，andherwithanother。’
　　`IwasjusttellingAnnaArkadyevna，’saidVorkuev，`thatifsheweretoputahundredthpartoftheenergyshedevotestothisEnglishgirltothepublicquestionoftheeducationofRussianchildren，shewouldbedoingagreatandusefulwork。’
　　`Yes，butIcan’thelpit；Icouldn’tdoit。CountAlexeiKirillovichurgedmeverymuch’assheutteredthewordsCountAlexeiKirillovichsheglancedwithappealingtimidityatLevin，andheunconsciouslyrespondedwitharespectfulandreassuringlook，`heurgedmetotakeuptheschoolinthevillage。Ivisiteditseveraltimes。Thechildrenwereverydear，butIcouldnotfeeldrawntothework。Youspeakofenergy。Energyrestsuponlove；and，comeasitwill，there’snoforcingit。Itooktothischild-Icouldnotmyselfsaywhy。’
　　AndsheglancedagainatLevin。Andhersmileandherglance-alltoldhimthatitwastohimonlyshewasaddressingherwords，valuinghisgoodopinion，andatthesametimesurebeforehandthattheyunderstoodoneanother。
　　`Iquiteunderstandthat，’Levinanswered。`It’simpossibletogiveone’shearttoaschoolorsuchinstitutionsingeneral，andIbelievethatthat’sjustwhyphilanthropicinstitutionsalwaysgivesuchpoorresults。’
　　Shewassilentforawhile，thenshesmiled。`Yes，yes，’sheagreed；`Inevercould。Jen’aipaslecoeurassezlargetoloveawholeasylumofhorridlittlegirls。Celanem’ajamaisréussi。Therearesomanywomenwhohavemadethemselvesunepositionsocialeinthatway。Andnowmorethanever，’shesaidwithamournful，confidingexpression，ostensiblyaddressingherbrother，butunmistakablyintendingherwordsonlyforLevin，`nowwhenIhavesuchneedofsomeoccupation，Icannot。’AndsuddenlyfrowningLevinsawthatshewasfrowningatherselffortalkingaboutherselfshechangedthesubject。`Iknowaboutyou，’shesaidtoLevin；`thatyou’renotapublic-spiritedcitizen，andIhavedefendedyoutothebestofmyability。’
　　`Howhaveyoudefendedme？’
　　`Oh，accordingtotheattacksmadeonyou。Butwon’tyouhavesometea？’Sheroseandtookupabookboundinmorocco。
　　`Giveittome，AnnaArkadyevna，’saidVorkuev，indicatingthebook。`It’swellworthtakingup。’
　　`Oh，no，it’sallsosketchy。’
　　`Itoldhimaboutit，’StepanArkadyevichsaidtohissister，noddingatLevin。
　　`Youshouldn’thave。MywritingissomethingafterthefashionofthoselittlebasketsandcarvingswhichLizaMertsalovausedtosellmefromtheprisons。Shehadthedirectionoftheprisondepartmentinthatsociety，’sheturnedtoLevin；`andtheyweremiraclesofpatience，theworkofthosepoorwretches。’
　　AndLevinsawanewtraitinthiswoman，whoattractedhimsoextraordinarily。Besideswit，grace，andbeauty，shehadtruth。Shehadnowishtohidefromhimallthebitternessofherposition。Asshesaidthatshesighed，andherface，suddenlyassumingahardexpression，looked，asitwere，turnedtostone。Withthatexpressiononherfaceshewasmorebeautifulthanever；buttheexpressionwasnew；itwasutterlyunlikethatexpression，radiantwithhappinessandcreatinghappiness，whichhadbeencaughtbythepainterinherportrait。Levinlookedmorethanonceattheportraitandatherfigure，astakingherbrother’sarmshewalkedwithhimtothehighdoors，andhefeltforheratendernessandpityatwhichhewonderedhimself。
　　SheaskedLevinandVorkuevtogointothedrawingroom，whileshestayedbehindtosayafewwordstoherbrother。`Aboutherdivorce，aboutVronsky，andwhathe’sdoingattheclub，aboutme？’wonderedLevin。AndhewassokeenlyinterestedbythequestionofwhatshewassayingtoStepanArkadyevich，thathescarcelyheardwhatVorkuevwastellinghimofthequalitiesofthestoryforchildrenAnnaArkadyevnahadwritten。
　　Atteathesamepleasantsortoftalk，fullofinterestingmatter，continued。Therewasnotasingleinstantwhenasubjectforconversationwastoseek；onthecontrary，itwasfeltthatonehadhardlytimetosaywhatonehadtosay，andeagerlyheldbacktohearwhattheothersweresaying。Andallthatwassaid，notonlybyher，butbyVorkuevandStepanArkadyevich-all，soitseemedtoLevin，gainedpeculiarsignificancefromherattentiontohimandhercriticism。
　　Whilehefollowedthisinterestingconversation，Levinwasallthetimeadmiringher-herbeauty，herintelligence，herculture，andatthesametimeherdirectnessandhercordiality。Helistenedandtalked，andallthewhilehewasthinkingofherinnerlife，tryingtodivineherfeelings。Andthoughhehadjudgedhersoseverelyhitherto，nowbysomestrangechainofreasoninghewasjustifyingherandalsowassorryforher，andafraidthatVronskydidnotfullyunderstandher。Atteno’clock，whenStepanArkadyevichgotuptogoVorkuevhadleftearlier，itseemedtoLevinthathehadonlyjustcome。RegretfullyLevintoorose。
　　`Good-by，’shesaid，holdinghishandandglancingintohisfacewithawinninglook。`Iamverygladquelaglaceestrompue。’
　　Shedroppedhishand，andhalf-closedhereyes。
　　`TellyourwifethatIloveherasbefore，andthatifshecannotpardonmemyposition，thenmywishforheristhatshemayneverpardonme。Topardonit，onemustgothroughwhatIhavegonethrough，andmayGodspareherthat。’
　　`Certainly，yes，Iwilltellher……’Levinsaid，blushing。
　　`Whatamarvelous，sweetandunhappywoman！’hewasthinking，ashesteppedoutintothefrostyairwithStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Well，didn’tItellyou？’saidStepanArkadyevich，seeingthatLevinhadbeencompletelywonover。
　　`Yes，’saidLevinpensively，`anextraordinarywoman！It’snothercleverness，butshehassuchwonderfuldepthoffeeling。I’mawfullysorryforher！’
　　`Now，pleaseGodeverythingwillsoonbesettled。Well，well，don’tbehardonpeopleinfuture，’saidStepanArkadyevich，openingthecarriagedoor。`Good-by；wedon’tgothesameway。’
　　StillthinkingofAnna，ofeverything，eventhesimplestphraseintheirconversationwithher，andrecallingtheminutestchangesinherexpression，enteringmoreandmoreintoherposition，andfeelingsympathyforher，Levinreachedhome。
　　AthomeKouzmatoldLevinthatKaterinaAlexandrovnawasquitewell，andthathersistershadjustgone，andhehandedhimtwoletters。Levinreadthematonceinthehall，thathemightnotoverlookthemlater。OnewasfromSokolov，hisbailiff。Sokolovwrotethatthewheatcouldnotbesold，thatthepricewasonlyfiveandahalfroubles，andthathedidnotknowwherehehadtogetthemoney。Theotherletterwasfromhissister。Shescoldedhimforherbusinessbeingstillunsettled。
　　`Well，wemustsellitatfiveandahalfifwecan’tgetmore，’Levindecidedonthespotthefirstquestionwhichhadalwaysbeforeseemedsuchaweightyone，withextraordinaryfacility。`It’sextraordinaryhowallone’stimeistakenuphere，’hethought，consideringthesecondletter。Hefelthimselftoblamefornothavinggotdonewhathissisterhadaskedhimtodoforher。`Today，again，I’venotbeentocourt，buttodayI’vecertainlynothadtime。’Andresolvingthathewouldnotfailtodoitnextday，hewentuptohiswife。Ashewentin，Levinmentallyranrapidlythroughthedayhehadspent。Alltheeventsofthedaywereconversations:conversationshehadheardandtakenpartin。Alltheconversationswereuponsubjectswhich，ifhehadbeenaloneinthecountry，hewouldneverhavetakenup，butheretheywereveryinteresting。Andalltheseconversationswererightenough，onlyintwoplacestherewassomethingnotquiteright。Onewaswhathehadsaidaboutthecarp，theotherwassomethingnotquitethethinginthetendersympathyhewasfeelingforAnna。
　　Levinfoundhiswifelow-spiritedanddull。Thedinnerofthethreesistershadgoneoffverywell，butthentheyhadwaitedandwaitedforhim，allofthemhadfeltdull，thesistershaddeparted，andshehadbeenleftalone。
　　`Well，andwhathaveyoubeendoing？’sheaskedhim，lookingstraightintohiseyes，whichshonewithratherasuspiciousbrightness。Butthatshemightnotpreventhistellinghereverything，sheconcealedherclosescrutinyofhim，andwithanapprovingsmilelistenedtohisaccountofhowhehadspenttheevening。
　　`Well，I’mverygladImetVronsky。Ifeltquiteateaseandnaturalwithhim。Youunderstand，Ishalltrynottoseehim，butI’mgladthatthisawkwardnessisallover，’hesaid，andrememberingthat，bywayoftryingnottoseehim，hehadimmediatelygonetocallonAnna，heblushed。`Wetalkaboutthepeasantsdrinking；Idon’tknowwhodrinksmost，thepeasantryorourownclass；thepeasantsdoitonholidays，but……’
　　ButKittytooknottheslightestinterestindiscussingthedrinkinghabitsofthepeasants。Shesawthatheblushed，andshewantedtoknowwhy。
　　`Well，andthenwheredidyougo？’
　　`StivaurgedmeawfullytogoandseeAnnaArkadyevna。’
　　Andashesaidthis，Levinblushedevenmore，andhisdoubtsastowhetherhehaddonerightingoingtoseeAnnaweresettledonceforall。Heknewnowthatheoughtnottohavedoneso。
　　Kitty’seyesopenedinacuriouswayandgleamedatAnna’sname，butcontrollingherselfwithaneffort，sheconcealedheremotionanddeceivedhim。
　　`Oh！’wasallshesaid。
　　`I’msureyouwon’tbeangryatmygoing。Stivabeggedmeto，andDollywishedit，’Levinwenton。
　　`Oh，no！’shesaid，buthesawinhereyesaconstraintthatbodedhimnogood。
　　`Sheisaverysweet，avery，veryunhappy，goodwoman，’hesaid，tellingheraboutAnna，heroccupations，andwhatshehadtoldhimtosaytoher。
　　`Yes，ofcourse，sheisverymuchtobepitied，’saidKitty，whenhehadfinished。`Whomwasyourletterfrom？’
　　Hetoldher，andbelievinginhercalmtone，hewenttochangehiscoat。
　　Comingback，hefoundKittyinthesameeasychair。Whenhewentuptoher，sheglancedathimandbrokeintosobs。
　　`What？Whatisit？’heasked，knowingbeforehandwhat。
　　`You’reinlovewiththathatefulwoman；shehasbewitchedyou！Isawitinyoureyes。Yes，yes！Whatcanitallleadto？Youweredrinkingattheclub，drinkingandgambling，andthenyouwent……Where？No，wemustgoaway……Ishallgoawaytomorrow。’
　　ItwasalongwhilebeforeLevincouldsoothehiswife。Atlasthesucceededincalmingher，onlybyconfessingthatafeelingofpity，inconjunctionwiththewinehehaddrunk，hadbeentoomuchforhim；thathehadsuccumbedtoAnna’sartfulinfluence，andthathewouldavoidher。OnethinghedidwithmoresincerityconfesstowasthatlivingsolonginMoscow，alifeofnothingbutconversation，eatinganddrinking，hewasgrowingcrazy。Theytalkedtillthreeo’clockinthemorning。Onlyatthreeo’clockweretheysufficientlyreconciledtobeabletogotosleep。
　　Aftertakingleaveofherguests，Annadidnotsitdown，butbeganwalkingupanddowntheroom。ShehadunconsciouslythewholeeveningdoneherutmosttoarouseinLevinafeelingoflove-asoflateshehadfallenintodoingwithallyoungmen-andsheknewshehadattainedheraim，asfaraswaspossibleinoneevening，withamarriedandconscientiousman。Shelikedhimverymuchindeed，and，inspiteofthestrikingdifference，fromthemasculinepointofview，betweenVronskyandLevin，asawomanshesawsomethingtheyhadincommon，whichhadmadeKittyabletoloveboth。Yetassoonashewasoutoftheroom，sheceasedtothinkofhim。
　　Onethought，andoneonly，pursuedherindifferentforms，andrefusedtobeshakenoff。`IfIhavesomucheffectonothers，onthisman，wholoveshishomeandhiswife，whyisitheissocoldtome？……Notcoldexactly-helovesme，Iknowthat！Butsomethingnewisdrawingusapartnow。Whywasn’theherealltheevening？HetoldStivatosayhecouldnotleaveIashvin，andmustwatchoverhisplay。IsIashvinachild？Butsupposingit’strue。Henevertellsahe。Butthere’ssomethingelseinitifit’strue。Heisgladofanopportunityofshowingmethathehasotherduties；Iknowthat，Isubmittothat。Butwhyprovethattome？Hewantstoshowmethathisloveformeisnottointerferewithhisfreedom。ButIneednoproofs-Ineedlove。HeoughttounderstandallthebitternessofthislifeformehereinMoscow。Isthislife？Iamnotliving，butwaitingforanevent，whichiscontinuallyputoffandputoff。Noansweragain！AndStivasayshecannotgotoAlexeiAlexandrovich。AndIcan’twriteagain。Icandonothing，canbeginnothing，canalternothing；Iholdmyselfin，Iwait，inventingamusementsformyself-theEnglishfamily，writing，reading-butit’sallnothingbutasham，it’sallthesameasmorphine。Heoughttofeelforme，’shesaid，feelingtearsofself-pitycomingintohereyes。
　　SheheardVronsky’sabruptringandhurriedlydriedhertears-notonlydriedhertears，butsatdownbyalampandopenedabook，affectingcomposure。Shewantedtoshowhimthatshewasdispleasedthathehadnotcomehomeashehadpromised-displeasedonly，andnotonanyaccounttolethimseeherdistress，and，leastofall，herself-pity。Shemightpityherself，buthemustnotpityher。Shedidnotwantstrife，sheblamedhimforwantingtoquarrel，butunconsciouslyputherselfintoanattitudeofantagonism。
　　`Well，you’venotbeendull？’hesaid，eagerlyandgood-humoredly，goinguptoher。`Whataterriblepassionitis-gambling！’
　　`No，I’venotbeendull；I’velearnedlongagonottobedull。Stivahasbeenhere，andLevin。’
　　`Yes，theymeanttocomeandseeyou。Well，howdidyoulikeLevin？’hesaid，sittingdownbesideher。
　　`Verymuch。Theyhavenotbeengonelong。WhatwasIashvindoing？’
　　`Hewaswinning-seventeenthousand。Igothimaway。Hehadreallystartedhome，buthewentbackagain，andnowhe’slosing。’
　　`Thenwhatdidyoustayfor？’sheasked，suddenlyliftinghereyestohim。Theexpressionofherfacewascoldandungracious。`YoutoldStivayouwerestayingontogetIashvinaway。Andyouhavelefthimthere。’
　　Thesameexpressionofcoldreadinessfortheconflictappearedonhisfacetoo。
　　`Inthefirstplace，Ididnotaskhimtogiveyouanymessage；andsecondly，Inevertelllies。Butthechiefpointis，Iwantedtostay，andIstayed，’hesaid，frowning。`Anna，whatisitfor，whywillyoudothis？’hesaidafteramoment’ssilence，bendingovertowardher；andheopenedhishand，hopingshewouldlayhersinit。
　　Shewasgladofthisappealfortenderness。Butsomestrangeforceofevilwouldnotlethergiveherselfuptoherfeelings，asthoughtherulesofwarfarewouldnotpermithertosurrender。
　　`Ofcourseyouwantedtostay，andyoustayed。Youdoeverythingyouwantto。Butwhatdoyoutellmethatfor？Withwhatobject？’shesaid，gettingmoreandmoreexcited。`Doesanyonecontestyourrights？Butyouwanttoberight，andyou’rewelcometoberight。’
　　Hishandclosed，heturnedaway，andhisfaceworeastillmoreobstinateexpression。
　　`Foryouit’samatterofobstinacy，’shesaid，watchinghimintentlyandsuddenlyfindingtherightwordforthatexpressionthatirritatedher，`simplyobstinacy。Foryouit’saquestionofwhetheryoukeeptheupperhandofme，whileforme……’Againshefeltsorryforherself，andshealmostburstintotears。`Ifyouknewwhatitisforme！WhenIfeelasIdonow，thatyouarehostile-yes，hostiletome-ifyouknewwhatthismeansforme！IfyouknewhowIfeelonthebrinkofcalamityatthisinstant，howafraidIamofmyself！’Andsheturnedaway，hidinghersobs。
　　`Butwhatareyoutalkingabout？’hesaid，horrifiedatherexpressionofdespairandagainbendingoverher，hetookherhandandkissedit。`Whatisitfor？DoIseekamusementsoutsideourhome？Don’tIavoidthesocietyofwomen？’
　　`Well，yes！Ifthatwereall！’shesaid。
　　`Come，tellmewhatIoughttodotogiveyoupeaceofmind？Iamreadytodoanythingtomakeyouhappy，’hesaid，touchedbyherexpressionofdespair；`whatwouldn’tIdotosaveyoufromdistressofanysort，asnow，Anna！’hesaid。
　　`It’snothing，nothing！’shesaid。`Idon’tknowmyselfwhetherit’sthesolitarylife，mynerves……Come，don’tletustalkofit。Whatabouttherace？Youhaven’ttoldme！’sheinquired，tryingtoconcealhertriumphatthevictory，whichhadbeenonhersideafterall。
　　Heaskedforsupper，andbegantellingherabouttheraces；butinhistone，inhiseyes，whichbecamemoreandmorecold，shesawthathedidnotforgiveherforhervictory，thatthefeelingofobstinacywithwhichshehadbeenstrugglinghadasserteditselfagaininhim。Hewascoldertoherthanbefore，asthoughhewereregrettinghissurrender。Andshe，rememberingthewordsthathadgivenherthevictory，`howIfeelonthebrinkofcalamity，howafraidIamofmyself，’sawthatthisweaponwasadangerousone，andthatitcouldnotbeusedasecondtime。Andshefeltthatbesidethelovethatboundthemtogethertherehadgrownupbetweenthemsomeevilspiritofstrife，whichshecouldnotexorcisefromhisheart，andstilllessfromherown。
　　Therearenoconditionstowhichamancannotbecomeused，especiallyifheseesthatallaroundhimarelivinginthesameway。Levincouldnothavebelievedthreemonthsbeforethathecouldhavegonequietlytosleepinthestateinwhichhewasthatday-thatleadinganaimless，irrationallife，alsolivingbeyondhismeans，afterdrinkingtoexcesshecouldnotcallwhathappenedattheclubanythingelse，forminginappropriatelyfriendlyrelationswithamanwithwhomhiswifehadoncebeeninlove，andafterastillmoreinappropriatecalluponawomanwhocouldonlybecalledalostwoman，afterbeingfascinatedbythatwomanandcausinghiswifedistress-hecouldstillgoquietlytosleep。Butundertheinfluenceoffatigue，asleeplessnight，andthewinehehaddrunk，hissleepwassoundanduntroubled。
　　Atfiveo’clockthecreakofadooropeningwakedhim。Hejumpedupandlookedround。Kittywasnotinbedbesidehim。Buttherewasalightmovingbehindthescreen，andheheardhersteps。
　　`Whatisit？……Whatisit？’hesaid，half-asleep。`Kitty！Whatisit？’
　　`Nothing，’shesaid，comingfrombehindthescreenwithacandleinherhand。`Ifeltunwell，’shesaid，smilingaparticularlysweetandmeaningsmile。
　　`What？Hasitbegun？’hesaidinterror。`Weoughttosend……’andhurriedlyhereachedafterhisclothes。
　　`No，no，’shesaid，smilingandholdinghishand。`It’ssuretobenothing。Iwasratherunwell，onlyalittle。It’sallovernow。’
　　And，gettingintobed，sheblewoutthecandle，laydownandwasstill。Thoughhethoughtherstillnesssuspicious，asthoughshewereholdingherbreath，andstillmoresuspicioustheexpressionofpeculiartendernessandexcitementwithwhich，asshecamefrombehindthescreen，shehadsaid`Nothing，’hewassosleepythathefellasleepatonce。Onlylaterherememberedthestillnessofherbreathing，andunderstoodallthatmusthavebeenpassinginhersweet，preciousheartwhileshelaybesidehim，notstirring，inanticipationofthegreatesteventinawoman’slife。Atseveno’clockhewaswakedbythetouchofherhandonhisshoulder，andagentlewhisper。Sheseemedstrugglingbetweenregretatwakinghim，andthedesiretotalktohim。
　　`Kostia，don’tbefrightened。It’sallright。ButIfancy……WeoughttosendforLizavetaPetrovna。’
　　Thecandlewaslightedagain。Shewassittingupinbed，holdingsomeknitting，whichshehadbeenbusyuponduringthelastfewdays。
　　`Please，don’tbefrightened，it’sallright。I’mnotabitafraid，’shesaid，seeinghisscaredface，andshepressedhishandtoherbosomandthentoherlips。
　　Hehurriedlyjumpedup，hardlyawake，andkepthiseyesfixedonher，asheputonhisdressinggown；thenhestopped，stilllookingather。Hehadtogo，buthecouldnottearhimselfawayfromhereyes。Hethoughthelovedherface，knewherexpression，hereyes，butneverhadheseenitlikethis。Howhatefulandhorribleheseemedtohimself，thinkingofthedistresshehadcausedheryesterday。Herflushedface，fringedwithsoftcurlinghairunderhernightcap，wasradiantwithjoyandcourage。
　　ThoughtherewassolittlethatwasartificialorpretendedinKitty’scharacteringeneral，Levinwasstruckbywhatwasrevealednow，whensuddenlyalldisguiseswerethrownoffandtheverykernelofhersoulshoneinhereyes。Andinthissimplicityandnakednessofhersoul，she，theverywomanhelovedinher，wasmoremanifestthanever。Shelookedathim，smiling；butallatonceherbrowstwitched，shethrewupherhead，and，goingquicklyuptohim，clutchedhishandandpressedcloseuptohim，breathingherhotbreathuponhim。Shewasinpainandwas，asitwere，complainingtohimofhersuffering。Andforthefirstminute，fromhabit，itseemedtohimthathewastoblame。Butinhereyestherewasatendernessthattoldhimthatshewasfarfromreproachinghim，thatshelovedhimforhersufferings。`IfnotI，whoistoblameforit？’hethoughtunconsciously，seekingsomeoneresponsibleforthissufferingforhimtopunish；buttherewasnooneresponsible。Shewassuffering，complaining，andtriumphinginhersufferings，andrejoicinginthem，andlovingthem。Hesawthatsomethingsublimewasbeingaccomplishedinhersoul，butwhat？Hecouldnotmakeitout。Itwasbeyondhisunderstanding。
　　`Ihavesenttomamma。YougoquicklytofetchLizavetaPetrovna……Kostia！……Nevermind-it’sover。’
　　Shemovedawayfromhimandrangthebell。
　　`Well，gonow；Pasha’scoming。Iamallright。’
　　AndLevinsawwithastonishmentthatshehadtakenuptheknittingshehadbroughtininthenight，andhadbegunworkingatitagain。
　　AsLevinwasgoingoutofonedoor，heheardthemaidservantcomeinattheother。HestoodatthedoorandheardKittygivingexactdirectionstothemaid，andbeginningtohelphermovethebedstead。
　　Hedressed，andwhiletheywereputtinginhishorse，astherewerenohacksaboutasyet，heranagainuptothebedroom，notontiptoe，itseemedtohim，butonwings。Twomaidservantswerecarefullyshiftingsomethingaboutinthebedroom。Kittywaswalkingaboutknittingrapidlyandgivingdirections。
　　`I’mgoingforthedoctor。TheyhavesentforLizavetaPetrovna，butI’llgoontheretoo。Isn’tthereanythingwanted？Yes-shallIgotoDolly’s？’
　　Shelookedathim，obviouslynothearingwhathewassaying。
　　`Yes，yes。Dogo，’shesaidquickly，frowningandwavingherhandtohim。
　　Hehadjustgoneintothedrawingroom，whensuddenlyaplaintivemoansoundedfromthebedroom，smotheredinstantly。Hestoodstill，andforalongwhilehecouldnotunderstand。
　　`Yes，thatisshe，’hesaidtohimself，and，clutchingathishead，herandownstairs。
　　`Lordhavemercyonus！Forgiveus！Helpus！’herepeatedthewordsthatforsomereasoncamesuddenlytohislips。Andhe，anunbeliever，repeatedthesewordsnotwithhislipsonly。Atthatinstantheknewthatallhisdoubts，eventheimpossibilityofbelievingwithhisreason，ofwhichhewasawareinhimself，didnotintheleasthinderhisturningtoGod。Allofthatnowfloatedoutofhissoullikedust。TowhomwashetoturnifnottoHiminwhosehandshefelthimself，hissoul，andhislove？
　　Thehorsewasnotyetready，butfeelingapeculiarconcentrationofhisphysicalforcesandhisintellectonwhathehadtodo，he，losingnominute，startedoffonfootwithoutwaitingforthehorse，andtoldKouzmatoovertakehim。
　　Atthecornerhemetanighthackdrivinghurriedly。Inthelittlesleigh，wrappedinavelvetcloak，satLizavetaPetrovnawithakerchiefroundherhead。`ThankGod！thankGod！’hesaid，overjoyedtorecognizeherlittlefairfacewhichworeapeculiarlyserious，evensternexpression。Tellingthedrivernottostop，heranalongbesideher。
　　`Fortwohours，then？Notmore？’sheinquired。`YoushouldletPiotrDmitrievichknow，butdon’thurryhim。Andgetsomeopiumatthechemist’s。’
　　`Soyouthinkthatitwillgowell？Lordhavemercyonusandhelpus！’Levinsaid，seeinghisownhorsedrivingoutofthegate。JumpingintothesleighbesideKouzma，hetoldhimtodrivetothedoctor’s。
　　Thedoctorwasnotyetup，andthefootmansaidthat`hehadbeenuplate，andhadgivenordersnottobewaked，butwouldgetupsoon。’Thefootmanwascleaningthelampchimneys，andseemedverybusyaboutthem。Thisconcentrationofthefootmanuponhislamps，andhisindifferencetowhatwaspassinginLevin，atfirstastoundedhim，butimmediatelyonconsideringthequestionherealizedthatnoonekneworwasboundtoknowhisfeelings，andthatitwasallthemorenecessarytoactcalmly，sensibly，andresolutelytogetthroughthiswallofindifferenceandattainhisaim。`Don’tbeinahurryorletanythingslip，’Levinsaidtohimself，feelingagreaterandgreaterflowofphysicalenergyandattentiontoallhehadyettodo。
　　Havingascertainedthatthedoctorwasnotgettingup，Levinconsideredvariousplans，anddecidedonthefollowingone；thatKouzmashouldgoforanotherdoctor，whilehehimselfshouldgotothechemist’sforopium，andif，whenhecameback，thedoctorhadnotyetbeguntogetup，hewould，eitherbytippingthefootman，orbyforce，wakethedoctoratallhazards。
　　Atthechemist’sthelankpharmacistwaferedapacketofpowdersforacoachmanwhostoodwaiting，andrefusedhimopiumwiththesamecallousnesswithwhichthedoctor’sfootmanhadcleanedhislampchimneys。Tryingnottogetflusteredoroutoftemper，Levinmentionedthenamesofthedoctorandmidwife，andexplainingwhattheopiumwasneededfor，triedtopersuadehim。TheassistantinquiredinGermanwhetherheshouldgiveit，andreceivinganaffirmativereplyfrombehindthepartition，hetookoutabottleandafunnel，deliberatelypouredtheopiumfromabiggerbottleintoalittleone，stuckonalabel，sealeditup，inspiteofLevin’srequestthathewouldnotdoso，andwasabouttowrapituptoo。ThiswasmorethanLevincouldstand；hetookthebottlefirmlyoutofhishands，andrantothebigglassdoors。Thedoctorwasnotevennowgettingup，andthefootman，busynowinputtingdowntherugs，refusedtowakehim。Levindeliberatelytookoutaten-roublenote，andcarefultospeakslowly，thoughlosingnotimeoverthebusiness，hehandedhimthenote，andexplainedthatPiotrDmitrievichwhatagreatandimportantpersonageheseemedtoLevinnow，thisPiotrDmitrievich，whohadbeenofsolittleconsequenceinhiseyesbeforehadpromisedtocomeatanytime；thathewouldcertainlynotbeangry！Andthathemustthereforewakehimatonce。
　　Thefootmanagreed，andwentupstairs，takingLevinintothewaitingroom。
　　Levincouldhearthroughthedoorthedoctorcoughing，movingabout，washing，andsayingsomething。Threeminutespassed；itseemedtoLevinthatmorethananhourhadgoneby。Hecouldnotwaitanylonger。
　　`PiotrDmitrievich，PiotrDmitrievich？’hesaidinanimploringvoiceattheopendoor。`ForGod’ssake，forgiveme！Seemeasyouare。It’sbeengoingonmorethantwohoursalready。’
　　`Inaminute；inaminute！’answeredavoice，andtohisamazementheardthatthedoctorwassmilingashespoke。
　　`Foroneinstant！’……
　　`Inaminute。’
　　Twominutesmorepassedwhilethedoctorwasputtingonhisboots，andtwominutesmorewhilethedoctorputonhiscoatandcombedhishair。
　　`PiotrDmitrievich！’Levinwasbeginningagaininaplaintivevoice，justasthedoctorcamein，dressedandready。`Thesepeoplehavenoconscience，’thoughtLevin。`Combinghishair，whilewe’redying！’
　　`Goodmorning！’thedoctorsaidtohim，shakinghands，and，asitwere，teasinghimwithhiscomposure。`There’snohurry。Well，now？’
　　Tryingtobeasaccurateaspossible，Levinbegantotellhimeveryunnecessarydetailofhiswife’scondition，interruptinghisaccountrepeatedlywithentreatiesthatthedoctorwouldcomewithhimatonce。
　　`Oh，youneedn’tbeinanyhurry。Youdon’tunderstand，youknow。I’mcertainI’mnotwanted；stillI’vepromised，and，ifyoulike，I’llcome。Butthere’snohurry。Pleasesitdown；won’tyouhavesomecoffee？’
　　Levinstaredathimwitheyesthataskedwhetherhewaslaughingathim；butthedoctorhadnonotionofmakingfunofhim。
　　`Iknow，Iknow，’thedoctorsaid，smiling；`I’mamarriedmanmyself；andatthesemomentswehusbandsareverymuchtobepitied。I’veapatientwhosehusbandalwaystakesrefugeinthestablesonsuchoccasions。’
　　`Butwhatdoyouthink，PiotrDmitrievich？Doyousupposeitwillgoallright？’
　　`Everythingpointstoafavorableissue。’
　　`Soyou’llcomeimmediately？’saidLevin，lookingwrathfullyattheservantwhowasbringinginthecoffee。
　　`Injustanhour。’
　　`Oh，forGod’ssake！’
　　`Well，letmedrinkmycoffee，anyway。’
　　Thedoctorstarteduponhiscoffee。Bothweresilent。
　　`TheTurksarereallygettingbeaten，though。Didyoureadyesterday’stelegrams？’saidthedoctor，thoroughlymasticatingaroll。
　　`No，Ican’tstandit！’saidLevin，jumpingup。`Soyou’llbewithusinaquarterofanhour？’
　　`Inhalfanhour。’
　　`Onyourhonor？’
　　WhenLevingothome，hedroveupatthesametimeasthePrincess，andtheywentuptothebedroomtogether。ThePrincesshadtearsinhereyes，andherhandswereshaking。SeeingLevin，sheembracedhim，andburstintotears。
　　`Well，mydearLizavetaPetrovna？’shequeried，claspingthehandofthemidwife，whocameouttomeetthemwithabeamingandanxiousface。
　　`Everythingisgoingonwell，’shesaid；`persuadehertoliedown。Shewillfeeleasierthatway。’
　　Fromthemomentwhenhehadwakedupandunderstoodwhatwasgoingon，Levinhadpreparedhismindtobearresolutelywhatwasbeforehim，andwithoutconsideringoranticipatinganything，toavoidupsettinghiswife，and，onthecontrary，tosootheherandkeepuphercourage。Withoutallowinghimselfeventothinkofwhatwastocome，ofhowitwouldend，judgingfromhisinquiriesastotheusualdurationoftheseordeals，Levinhadinhisimaginationbracedhimselftobearupandtokeepatightreinonhisfeelingsforfivehours，andithadseemedtohimhecoulddothis。Butwhenhecamebackfromthedoctor’sandsawhersufferingsagain，hefelltorepeatingmoreandmorefrequently:`Lord，havemercyonus，andsuccorus！’Hesighed，andflunghisheadup，andbegantofeelafraidhecouldnotbearit，thathewouldburstintotearsorrunaway-suchagonyitwastohim。Yetonlyonehourhadpassed。
　　Butafterthathourtherepassedanotherhour，twohours，three，thefullfivehourshehadfixedasthefurthestlimitofhissufferings，andthesituationwasstillunchanged；andhewasstillbearingitbecausetherewasnothingtobedonebutbearit-everyinstantfeelingthathehadreachedtheutmostlimitsofhisendurance，andthathisheartwouldbreakwithsympathyandpain。
　　Butstilltheminutespassedby，andthehours，andstillmorehours，andhismiseryandhorrorgrewandweremoreandmoreintense。
　　Alltheordinaryconditionsoflife，withoutwhichonecanformnoconceptionofanything，hadceasedtoexistforLevin。Helostallsenseoftime。Minutes-thoseminuteswhenshesentforhimandheheldhermoisthand，thatwouldsqueezehishandwithextraordinaryviolenceandthenpushitaway-seemedtohimhours，andhoursseemedtohimminutes。HewassurprisedwhenLizavetaPetrovnaaskedhimtolightacandlebehindascreen，andhefoundthatitwasfiveo’clockintheafternoon。Ifhehadbeentolditwasonlyteno’clockinthemorninghewouldnothavebeensurprised。Wherehewasallthistime，heknewaslittleasthetimeofanything。Hesawherswollenface，sometimesbewilderedandinagony，sometimessmilingandtryingtoreassurehim。HesawtheoldPrincesstoo，flushedandoverwrought，withhergraycurlsindisorder，forcingherselftogulpdownhertears，bitingherlips；hesawDollytoo，andthedoctor，smokingthickcigarettes，andLizavetaPetrovnawithafirm，resolute，reassuringface，andtheoldPrincewalkingupanddownthehallwithafrowningface。Butwhytheycameinandwentout，wheretheywere，hedidnotknow。ThePrincesswaswiththedoctorinthebedroom，theninthestudy，whereatablesetfordinnersuddenlyappeared；thenshewasnotthere，butDollywas。ThenLevinrememberedhehadbeensentsomewhere。Oncehehadbeensenttomoveatableandsofa。Hehaddonethiseagerly，thinkingithadtobedoneforhersake，andonlylateronhefounditwashisownbedhehadbeengettingready。Thenhehadbeensenttothestudytoaskthedoctorsomething。Thedoctorhadansweredandthenhadsaidsomethingabouttheirregularitiesinthemunicipalcouncil。ThenhehadbeensenttothebedroomtohelptheoldPrincessmovetheholyimageinitssilver-giltsetting，andwiththePrincess’soldwaitingmaidhehadclamberedonashelftoreachitandhadbrokenthelampad，andtheoldservanthadtriedtoreassurehimaboutthelampadandabouthiswife，andhecarriedtheholyimageinandsetitattheheadofKitty’sbed，carefullytuckingtheimageinbehindthepillow。Butwhere，when，andwhyallthishadhappened，hecouldnottell。HedidnotunderstandwhytheoldPrincesstookhishand，andlookingcompassionatelyathim，beggedhimnottoworryhimself，andDollypersuadedhimtoeatsomethingandledhimoutoftheroom，andeventhedoctorlookedseriouslyandwithcommiserationathim，andofferedhimadropofsomething。
　　AllheknewandfeltwasthatwhatwashappeningwaswhathadhappenednearlyayearbeforeinthehotelofthecountrytownatthedeathbedofhisbrotherNikolai。Butthathadbeengrief-thiswasjoy。Yetthatgriefandthisjoywerealikeoutsidealltheordinaryconditionsoflife；theywereloopholes，asitwere，inthatordinarylife，throughwhichtherecameglimpsesofsomethingsublime。Andinthecontemplationofthissublimesomethingthesoulwasexaltedtoinconceivableheightsofwhichithadbeforehadnoconception，whilereasonlaggedbehind，unabletokeepupwithit。
　　`Lord，havemercyonus，andsuccorus！’herepeatedtohimselfincessantly，feeling，inspiteofhislongand，asitseemed，completealienationfromreligion，thatheturnedtoGodjustastrustfullyandsimplyashehadinhischildhoodandfirstyouth。
　　Allthistimehehadtwodistinctmoods。Onewasawayfromher，withthedoctor，whokeptsmokingonethickcigaretteafteranotherandextinguishingthemontheedgeofafullashtray；withDolly，andwiththeoldPrince，wheretherewastalkaboutdinner，aboutpolitics，aboutMariaPetrovna’sillness，andwhereLevinsuddenlyforgotforaminutewhatwashappening，andfeltasthoughhehadwakedupfromsleep；theothermoodwasinherpresence，atherpillow，wherehisheartseemedbreaking，andstilldidnotbreak，fromsympatheticsuffering，andheprayedtoGodwithoutceasing。Andeverytimehewasbroughtbackfromamomentofoblivionbyascreamreachinghimfromthebedroom，hefellintothesamestrangeterrorthathadcomeuponhimthefirstminute。Everytimeheheardashriek，hejumpedup，rantojustifyhimself，rememberedonthewaythathewasnottoblame，andhelongedtodefendher，tohelpher。Butashelookedather，hesawagainthathelpwasimpossible，andhewasfilledwithterrorandprayed:`Lord，havemercyonus，andhelpus！’Andastimewenton，boththesemoodsbecamemoreintense；thecalmerhebecameawayfromher，completelyforgettingher，themoreagonizingbecamebothhersufferingsandhisfeelingofhelplessnessbeforethem。Hejumpedup，wouldhavelikedtorunaway，butrantoher。
　　Sometimes，whenagainandagainshecalleduponhim，heblamedher；butseeinghersubmissive，smilingface，andhearingthewords`Iamworryingyou，’hethrewtheblameonGod；butthinkingofGod，atoncehefellbeseechingGodtoforgivehimandhavemercy。
　　Hedidnotknowwhetheritwaslateorearly。Thecandleshadallburnedout。Dollyhadjustbeeninthestudyandhadsuggestedtothedoctorthatheshouldliedown。Levinsatlisteningtothedoctor’sstoriesofaquackmesmerizerandlookingattheashesofhiscigarette。Therehadbeenaperiodofrepose，andhehadsunkintooblivion。Hehadcompletelyforgottenwhatwasgoingonnow。Heheardthedoctor’schatandunderstoodit。Suddenlytherecameanunearthlyshriek。TheshriekwassoawfulthatLevindidnotevenjumpup，but，holdinghisbreath，gazedinterrifiedinquiryatthedoctor。Thedoctorputhisheadononeside，listened，andsmiledapprovingly。EverythingwassoextraordinarythatnothingcouldstrikeLevinasstrange。`Isupposeitmustbeso，’hethought，andstillsatwherehewas。Whosescreamwasthis？Hejumpedup，ranontiptoetothebedroom，edgedroundLizavetaPetrovnaandthePrincess，andtookuphispositionatKitty’spillow。Thescreamhadsubsided，buttherewassomechangenow。Whatitwashedidnotseeanddidnotcomprehend，andhehadnowishtoseeorcomprehend。ButhesawitbythefaceofLizavetaPetrovna。LizavetaPetrovna’sfacewassternandpale，andstillasresolute，thoughherjawsweretwitching，andhereyeswerefixedintentlyonKitty。Kitty’sswollenandagonizedface，atressofhairclingingtohermoistbrow，wasturnedtohimandsoughthiseyes。Herliftedhandsaskedforhishands。Clutchinghischillhandsinhermoistones，shebegansqueezingthemtoherface。
　　`Don’tgo，don’tgo！I’mnotafraid，I’mnotafraid！’shesaidrapidly。`Mamma，takemyearrings。Theybotherme。You’renotafraid？Soon，soon，LizavetaPetrovna……’
　　Shespokequickly，veryquickly，andtriedtosmile。Butsuddenlyherfacewasdrawn-shepushedhimaway。
　　`Oh，thisisawful！I’mdying，I’mdying！Goaway！’sheshrieked，andagainheheardthatunearthlyscream。
　　Levinclutchedathisheadandranoutoftheroom。
　　`It’snothing，it’snothing，it’sallright，’Dollycalledafterhim。
　　Buttheymightsaywhattheyliked，heknewnowthatallwasover。Hestoodinthenextroom，hisheadleaningagainstthedoorpost，andheardshrieks，howls，suchashehadneverheardbefore，andheknewthatwhathadbeenKittywasutteringtheseshrieks。Hehadlongagoceasedtowishforthechild。Bynowheloathedthischild。Hedidnotevenprayforherlifenow-allhelongedforwasthecessationofthisawfulanguish。
　　`Doctor！Whatisit？Whatisit？MyGod！’hesaid，snatchingatthedoctor’shandashecameup。
　　`It’stheend，’saidthedoctor。Andthedoctor’sfacewassograveashesaiditthatLevintooktheendasmeaningherdeath。
　　Besidehimself，heranintothebedroom。ThefirstthinghesawwasthefaceofLizavetaPetrovna。Itwasevenmorefrowningandstern。Kitty’sfacehedidnotknow。Intheplacewhereithadbeenwassomethingthatwasfearfulinitsstraineddistortionandinthesoundsthatcamefromit。Hefelldownwithhisheadonthewoodenframeworkofthebed，feelingthathisheartwasbursting。Theawfulscreamneverpaused，itbecamestillmoreawful，andasthoughithadreachedtheutmostlimitofterror，suddenlyitceased。Levincouldnotbelievehisears，buttherecouldbenodoubt；thescreamhadceasedandheheardasubduedstirandbustle，andhurriedbreathing，andhervoice，gasping，alive，tender，andblissful，utteredsoftly:`It’sover！’
　　Heliftedhishead。Withherhandshangingexhaustedonthequilt，lookingextraordinarilylovelyandserene，shelookedathiminsilenceandtriedtosmile，andcouldnot。
　　Andsuddenly，fromthemysteriousandawfulfarawayworldinwhichhehadbeenlivingforthelasttwenty-twohours，Levinfelthimselfallinaninstantbornebacktotheoldeverydayworld，thoughglorifiednowbysucharadianceofhappinessthathecouldnotbearit。Thestrainedchordssnapped；sobsandtearsofjoywhichhehadneverforeseenroseupwithsuchviolencethathiswholebodyshook，andforlongtheypreventedhimfromspeaking。
　　Fallingonhiskneesbeforethebed，heheldhiswife’shandbeforehislipsandkissedit，andthehand，withaweakmovementofthefingers，respondedtohiskiss。Andmeanwhile，thereatthefootofthebed，inthedefthandsofLizavetaPetrovna，likeaflickeringlightinalamp，laythelifeofahumancreature，whichhadneverexistedbefore，andwhichwouldnowwiththesameright，withthesameimportancetoitself，liveandcreateinitsownimage。
　　`Alive！alive！Andaboytoo！Setyourmindatrest！’LevinheardLizavetaPetrovnasaying，assheslappedthebaby’sbackwithashakinghand。
　　`Mamma，isittrue？’saidKitty’svoice。
　　ThePrincess’ssobswerealltheanswershecouldmake。
　　Andinthemidstofthesilencetherecameinunmistakablereplytothemother’squestion，avoicequiteunlikethesubduedvoicesspeakingintheroom。Itwasthebold，clamorous，self-assertivesquallofthenewhumanbeing，whichhadsoincomprehensiblyappeared。
　　IfLevinhadbeentoldbeforethatKittywasdead，andthathehaddiedwithher，andthattheirchildrenwereangels，andthatGodwasstandingbeforehim，hewouldhavebeensurprisedatnothing。Butnow，comingbacktotheworldofreality，hehadtomakegreatmentaleffortstotakeinthatshewasaliveandwell，andthatthecreaturesquallingsodesperatelywashisson。Kittywasalive，heragonywasover。Andhewasunutterablyhappy。Thatheunderstood；andhewascompletelyhappyinit。Butthebaby？Whence，why，whowashe？……Hecouldnotgetusedtotheidea。Itseemedtohimsomethingextraneous，superfluous，towhichhecouldnotaccustomhimself。
　　Atteno’clocktheoldPrince，SergeiIvanovich，andStepanArkadyevich，weresittingatLevin’s。HavinginquiredafterKitty，theyhaddroppedintoconversationuponothersubjects。Levinheardthem，andunconsciously，astheytalked，goingoverthepast，overwhattheyhadbeenuptothatmorning，hethoughtofhimselfashehadbeenyesterdaytillthatpoint。Itwasasthoughahundredyearshadpassedsincethen。Hefelthimselfexaltedtounattainableheights，fromwhichhestudiouslyloweredhimselfsoasnottowoundthepeoplehewastalkingto。Hetalked，andwasallthetimethinkingofhiswife，ofherpresentcondition，ofhisson，inwhoseexistencehetriedtoschoolhimselfintobelieving。Thewholeworldofwoman，whichhadtakenforhimsincehismarriageanewvaluehehadneversuspectedbefore，wasnowsoexaltedthathisimaginationcouldnotembraceit。Heheardthemtalkofyesterday’sdinnerattheclub，andthought:`Whatishappeningwithhernow？Issheasleep？Howisshe？Whatisshethinkingof？Ishecrying-mysonDmitrii？’Andinthemiddleoftheconversation，inthemiddleofasentence，hejumpedupandwentoutoftheroom。
　　`SendmewordifIcanseeher，’saidthePrince。
　　`Verywell，inaminute，’answeredLevin，andwithoutstopping，hewenttoherroom。
　　Shewasnotasleep，shewastalkinggentlywithhermother，makingplansaboutthechristening。
　　Carefullysettorights，withhairwellbrushed，inasmartlittlecapwithsomeblueinit，herarmsoutonthequilt，shewaslyingonherback。Meetinghiseyes，hereyesdrewhimtoher。Herface，brightbefore，brightenedstillmoreashedrewnearher。Therewasthesamechangeinitfromearthlytounearthlythatisseeninthefaceofthedead。Butthereitmeansfarewell-hereitmeantwelcome。Againarushofemotion，suchashehadfeltatthemomentofthechild’sbirth，floodedhisheart。Shetookhishandandaskedhimifhehadslept。Hecouldnotanswer，andturnedaway，realizinghisweakness。
　　`Ihavehadanap，Kostia！’shesaidtohim。`AndIamsocomfortablenow。’
　　Shelookedathim，butsuddenlyherexpressionchanged。
　　`Givehimtome，’shesaid，hearingthebaby’scry。`Givehimtome，LizavetaPetrovna，andheshalllookathim。’
　　`Tobesure，hispapashalllookathim，’saidLizavetaPetrovna，gettingupandbringingsomethingred，andqueerandwriggling。`Waitaminute，we’llarrayourselvesfirst，’andLizavetaPetrovnalaidtheredwobblingthingonthebed，beganuntrussingandtrussingupthebaby，liftingitupandturningitoverwithonefingerandpowderingitwithsomething。
　　Levin，lookingatthetiny，pitifulcreature，madestrenuouseffortstodiscoverinhisheartsometracesoffatherlyfeelingforit。Hefeltnothingtowarditbutdisgust。Butwhenitwasundressedandhecaughtaglimpseofwee，wee，littlehands，littlefeet，saffron-colored，withlittletoes，too；andevenwithalittlebigtoedifferentfromtherest，andwhenhesawLizavetaPetrovnaclosingthewide-openlittlehands，asthoughtheyweresoftsprings，andputtingthemintolinengarments，suchpityforthelittlecreaturecameuponhim，andsuchterrorthatshewouldhurtit，thatheheldherhandback。
　　LizavetaPetrovnalaughed。
　　`Don’tbefrightened，don’tbefrightened！’
　　Whenthebabyhadbeenarrayedandtransformedintoasoliddoll，LizavetaPetrovnadandleditasthoughproudofherhandiwork，andstoodalittleawaysothatLevinmightseehissoninallhisglory。
　　Kittylookedsidewaysinthesamedirection，nevertakinghereyesoffthebaby。`Givehimtome！Givehimtome！’shesaid，andevenmadeasthoughshewouldsitup。
　　`Whatareyouthinkingof，KaterinaAlexandrovna，youmustn’tmovelikethat！Waitaminute。I’llgivehimtoyou。Herewe’reshowingpapawhatafinefellowweare！’
　　AndLizavetaPetrovna，withonehandsupportingthewobblinghead，liftedupontheotherarmthestrange，limp，redcreature，whoseheadwaslostinitsswaddlingclothes。Butithadanose，too，andslantingeyes，andsmackinglips。
　　`Asplendidbaby！’saidLizavetaPetrovna。
　　Levinsighedwithmortification。Thissplendidbabyexcitedinhimnofeelingbutdisgustandcompassion。Itwasnotatallthefeelinghehadlookedforwardto。
　　HeturnedawaywhileLizavetaPetrovnaputthebabytotheunaccustomedbreast。
　　Suddenlylaughtermadehimlookround。Thebabyhadtakenthebreast。
　　`Comethat’senough，that’senough！’saidLizavetaPetrovna，butKittywouldnotletthebabygo。Hefellasleepinherarms。
　　`Look，now，’saidKitty，turningthebabysothathecouldseeit。Theaged-lookinglittlefacesuddenlypuckeredupstillmore，andthebabysneezed。
　　Smiling，hardlyabletorestrainhistears，Levinkissedhiswifeandwentoutofthedarkroom。
　　Whathefelttowardthislittlecreaturewasutterlyunlikewhathehadexpected。Therewasnothingcheerfulandjoyousinthefeeling；onthecontrary，itwasanewtortureofapprehension。Itwastheconsciousnessofanewsphereofliabilitytopain。Andthissensewassopainfulatfirst，theapprehensionlestthishelplesscreatureshouldsufferwassointense，thatitpreventedhimfromnoticingthestrangethrillofsenselessjoyandevenpridethathehadfeltwhenthebabyhadsneezed。
　　StepanArkadyevich’saffairswereinaverybadway。
　　Themoneyfortwo-thirdsoftheforesthadallbeenspentalready，andhehadborrowedfromthemerchantinadvanceattenpercentdiscountalmostalltheremainingthird。Themerchantwouldnotgivemore，especiallyasDaryaAlexandrovna，forthefirsttimethatwinterinsistingonherrighttoherownproperty，hadrefusedtosignthereceiptforthepaymentofthelastthirdoftheforest。Allhissalarywentonhouseholdexpensesandinpaymentofpettydebtsthatcouldnotbeputoff。Therewaspositivelynomoney。
　　Thiswasunpleasantandawkward，andinStepanArkadyevich’sopinionthingscouldnotgoonlikethis。Theexplanationofthepositionwas，inhisview，tobefoundinthefactthathissalarywastoosmall。Theposthefilledhadbeenunmistakablyverygoodfiveyearsago，butitwassonolonger。Petrov，thebankdirector，hadtwelvethousand；Sventitsky，acompanydirector，hadseventeenthousand；Mitin，whohadfoundedabank，receivedfiftythousand。`ClearlyI’vebeennapping，andthey’veoverlookedme，’StepanArkadyevichthoughtabouthimself。Andhebegankeepinghiseyesandearsopen，andtowardtheendofthewinterhehaddiscoveredaverygoodberthandhadformedaplanofattackuponit，atfirstfromMoscowthroughaunts，uncles，andfriends，andthen，whenthematterwaswelladvanced，inthespring，hewenthimselftoPeterburg。Itwasoneofthoseberthswithincomesrangingfromonethousandtofiftythousandroubles，ofwhichtherearesomanymorenowadaysthanthereweresnug，bribableonesinthepast。ItwasthepostofsecretaryofthecommitteeoftheamalgamatedagencyoftheSouthernRailways，andofcertainbankingcompanies。Thisposition，likeallsuchappointments，calledforsuchimmenseenergyandsuchvariedqualifications，thatitwasdifficultforthemtobefoundunitedinanyoneman。Andsinceamancombiningallthequalificationswasnottobefound，itwasatleastbetterthatthepostbefilledbyanhonestthanbyadishonestman。AndStepanArkadyevichwasnotmerelyanhonestman，unemphatically，inthecommonacceptationoftheword；hewasanhonestman，emphatically，inthatspecialsensewhichthewordhasinMoscow，whentheytalkofan`honest’politician，an`honest’writer，an`honest’newspaper，an`honest’institution，an`honest’tendency，meaningnotsimplythatthemanortheinstitutionisnotdishonest，butthattheyarecapableonoccasionofstingingtheauthorities。StepanArkadyevichmovedinthosecirclesinMoscowinwhichthatexpressionhadcomeintouse，wasregardedthereasanhonestman，andsohadmorerighttothisappointmentthanothers。
　　Theappointmentyieldedanincomeoffromseventotenthousandayear，andOblonskycouldfillitwithoutgivinguphisgovernmentposition。Itwasinthehandsoftwoministers，onelady，andtwoJews，andallthesepeople，thoughthewayhadbeenpavedalreadywiththem，StepanArkadyevichhadtoseeinPeterburg。Besidesthisbusiness，StepanArkadyevichhadpromisedhissisterAnnatoobtainfromKareninadefiniteansweronthequestionofdivorce。AndbeggingfiftyroublesfromDolly，hesetoffforPeterburg。
　　StepanArkadyevichsatinKarenin’sstudylisteningtohisreportonthecausesoftheunsatisfactorypositionofRussianfinance，andonlywaitingforthemomentwhenhewouldfinishtospeakabouthisownbusinessoraboutAnna。
　　`Yes，that’sverytrue，’hesaid，whenAlexeiAlexandrovichtookoffthepince-nez，withoutwhichhecouldnotreadnow，andlookedinquiringlyathisquondambrother-in-law，`that’sverytrueinparticularcases，butstill，theprincipleofourdayisfreedom。’
　　`Yes，butIlaydownanotherprinciple，embracingtheprincipleoffreedom，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，withemphasisontheword`embracing’，andheputonhispince-nezagain，soastoreadthepassageinwhichthisstatementwasmade。
　　Andturningoverthebeautifullywritten，wide-marginedmanuscript，AlexeiAlexandrovichreadaloudtheconclusivepassageoncemore。
　　`Idon’tadvocateprotectionforthesakeofprivateinterest，butforthepublicweal-andforthelowerandupperclassesequally，’hesaid，lookingoverhispince-nezatOblonsky。`Buttheycannotgraspthat，theyaretakenupnowwithpersonalinterests，andcarriedawaybyphrases。’
　　StepanArkadyevichknewthatwhenKareninbegantotalkofwhattheyweredoingandthinking，thepersonswhowouldnotaccepthisreportandwerethecauseofeverythingwronginRussia，thatitwascomingneartheend。Andsonowheeagerlyabandonedtheprincipleoffreetrade，andfullyagreed。AlexeiAlexandrovichpaused，thoughtfullyturningoverthepagesofhismanuscript。
　　`Oh，bytheway，’saidStepanArkadyevich，`Iwantedtoaskyou，sometimewhenyouseePomorsky，todrophimahintthatIshouldbeverygladtogetthatnewappointmentofmemberofthecommitteeoftheamalgamatedagencyoftheSouthernRailwaysandbankingcompanies。’StepanArkadyevichwasfamiliarbynowwiththetitleoftheposthecoveted，andhebroughtitoutrapidlywithoutmistake。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichquestionedhimastothedutiesofthisnewcommittee，andpondered。Hewasconsideringwhetherthenewcommitteewouldnotbeactinginsomewaycontrarytotheviewshehadbeenadvocating。Butastheinfluenceofthenewcommitteewasofaverycomplexnature，andhisviewswereofverywideapplication，hecouldnotdecidethisstraightoff，andtakingoffhispince-nez，hesaid:
　　`Ofcourse，Icanmentionittohim；butwhatisyourreasonpreciselyforwishingtoobtaintheappointment？’
　　`It’sagoodsalary，risingtoninethousand，andmymeans……’
　　`Ninethousand！’repeatedAlexeiAlexandrovich，andhefrowned。
　　ThehighfigureofthesalarymadehimreflectthatonthatsideStepanArkadyevich’sproposedpositionrancountertothemaintendencyofhisownprojectsofreform，whichalwaysleanedtowardeconomy。
　　`Iconsider，andIhaveembodiedmyviewsinanoteonthesubject，thatinourdaytheseimmensesalariesareevidenceoftheunsoundeconomicassietteofourfinances。’
　　`Butwhat’stobedone？’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Supposeabankdirectorgetstenthousand-well，he’sworthit；oranengineergetstwentythousand-afterall，it’sagrowingthing，youknow！’
　　`Iassumethatasalaryisthepricepaidforacommodity，anditoughttoconformwiththelawofsupplyanddemand。Ifthesalaryisfixedwithoutanyregardforthatlaw，as，forinstance，whenIseetwoengineersleavingcollegetogether，bothequallywelltrainedandefficient，andonegettingfortythousandwhiletheotherissatisfiedwithtwo；orwhenIseelawyersandhussars，havingnospecialqualifications，appointeddirectorsofbankingcompanieswithimmensesalaries，Iconcludethatthesalaryisnotfixedinaccordancewiththelawofsupplyanddemand，butsimplythroughpersonalinterest。Andthisisanabuseofgreatgravityinitself，andonethatreactsinjuriouslyonthegovernmentservice。Iconsider……’
　　StepanArkadyevichmadehastetointerrupthisbrother-in-law。
　　`Yes；butyoumustagreethatthenewinstitutionbeingstartedisofundoubtedutility。Afterall，youknow，it’sagrowingthing！Whattheylayparticularstressonisthethingbeingcarriedonhonestly，’saidStepanArkadyevichwithemphasis。
　　ButtheMoscowsignificanceofthewordhonestwaslostonAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　`Honestyisonlyanegativequalification，’hesaid。
　　`Well，you’lldomeagreatservice，anyway，’saidStepanArkadyevich，`byputtinginawordtoPomorsky-justinthewayofconversation……’
　　`ButIfancyitdependsmoreonBolgarinov，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　`Bolgarinovhasfullyassented，asfarashe’sconcerned，’saidStepanArkadyevich，turningred。StepanArkadyevichreddenedatthementionofthatname，becausehehadbeenthatmorningattheJewBolgarinov’s，andthevisithadleftanunpleasantrecollection。
　　StepanArkadyevichbelievedmostpositivelythatthecommitteeinwhichhewastryingtogetanappointmentwasanew，genuine，andhonestpublicbody，butthatmorningwhenBolgarinovhad-intentionally，beyondadoubt-kepthimtwohourswaitingwithotherpetitionersinhiswaitingroom，hehadsuddenlyfeltuneasy。
　　Whetherhewasuncomfortablebecausehe，adescendantofRurik，PrinceOblonsky，hadbeenkeptfortwohourswaitingtoseeaJew，orthatforthefirsttimeinhisfifehewasnotfollowingtheexampleofhisancestorsinservingthegovernment，butwasturningoffintoanewcareer-atanyratehewasveryuncomfortable。DuringthosetwohoursinBolgarinov’swaitingroomStepanArkadyevich，steppingjauntilyabouttheroom，pullinghissidewhiskers，enteringintoconversationwiththeotherpetitioners，andinventingacalembourdealingwithhiswaitintheJew’santeroom，assiduouslyconcealedfromothers，andevenfromhimself，thefeelinghewasexperiencing。
　　Butallthetimehewasuncomfortableandperturbed，hecouldnothavesaidwhy-whetherbecausehecouldnotgethiscalembourjustright，orfromsomeotherreason。WhenatlastBolgarinovhadreceivedhimwithexaggeratedpolitenessandunmistakabletriumphathishumiliation，andhadallbutrefusedthefavoraskedofhim，StepanArkadyevichhadmadehastetoforgetitallassoonaspossible。Andnow，atthemererecollection，heblushed。