TheexternalrelationsofAlexeiAlexandrovichandhiswifehadremainedunchanged。Thesoledifferencelayinthefactthathewasmorebusilyoccupiedthanever。Asinformeryears，atthebeginningofthespringhehadgonetoaforeignwateringplaceforthesakeofhishealth，beingderangedeveryyearwithhisstrenuouswinterwork。AndjustasalwayshereturnedinJulyandatoncefelltohisusualworkwithincreasedenergy。Justasalways，too，hiswifehadmovedforthesummertoavillaoutoftown，whileheremainedinPeterburg。
　　FromthedateoftheirconversationafterthepartyatPrincessTverskaia’shehadneverspokenagaintoAnnaofhissuspicionsandhisjealousies，andthathabitualtoneofhisofbanteringmimicrywasthemostconvenienttonepossibleforhispresentattitudetohiswife。Hewasalittlecoldertohiswife。Hesimplyseemedtobeslightlydispleasedwithherforthatfirstmidnightconversation，whichshehadrepelled。Inhisattitudetohertherewasashadeofvexation，butnothingmore。`Youwouldnotbeopenwithme，’heseemedtosay，mentallyaddressingher；`somuchtheworseforyou。Nowyoumaybegasyouplease，butIwon’tbeopenwithyou。Somuchtheworseforyou！’hesaidmentally，likeamanwho，aftervainlyattemptingtoextinguishafire，shouldflyinaragewithhisvaineffortsandsay，`Oh，verywellthen！Youshallburnforthis！’
　　Thisman，sosubtleandastuteinofficiallife，didnotrealizealltheinsanityofsuchanattitudetohiswife。Hedidnotrealizeit，becauseitwastooterribletohimtorealizehisactualposition，andheshutdownandlockedandsealedupinhisheartthatsecretplacewherelayhidhisfeelingstowardhisfamily-thatis，hiswifeandson。Hewhohadbeensuchaconsideratefather，hadfromtheendofthatwinterbecomepeculiarlyfrigidtohisson，andadoptedtohimjustthesamebanteringtoneasheusedwithhiswife。`Aha，youngman！’wasthegreetingwithwhichhemethim。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichasserted，andbelieved，thathehadneverinanypreviousyearhadsomuchofficialbusinessasthatyear。Buthewasnotawarethathesoughtworkforhimselfthatyear，thatthiswasoneofthemeansforkeepingshutthatsecretplacewherelayhidhisfeelingstowardhiswifeandson，andhisthoughtsaboutthem，whichbecamemoreterriblethelongertheylaythere。IfanyonehadhadtherighttoaskAlexeiAlexandrovichwhathethoughtofhiswife’sbehavior，themildandpeaceableAlexeiAlexandrovichwouldhavemadenoanswer，buthewouldhavebeengreatlyangeredwithanymanwhoshouldquestionhimonthatsubject。ItwaspreciselyforthisreasonthattherecameintoAlexeiAlexandrovich’sfacealookofhaughtinessandseveritywheneveranyoneinquiredafterhiswife’shealth。AlexeiAlexandrovichdidnotwanttothinkatallabouthiswife’sbehaviorandfeelings，andheactuallysucceededinnotthinkingaboutthematall。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovich’spermanentsummervillawasinPeterhof，andtheCountessLidiaIvanovnausedtospendthesummerthere，closetoAnna，andconstantlyseeingher。ThatyearCountessLidiaIvanovnadeclinedtosettleinPeterhof，didnotcallonceatAnnaArkadyevna’s，andhadhintedtoAlexeiAlexandrovichabouttheunsuitabilityofAnna’scloseintimacywithBetsyandVronsky。AlexeiAlexandrovichhadsternlycuthershort，roundlydeclaringhiswifetobeabovesuspicion，andfromthattimebegantoavoidCountessLidiaIvanovna。Hedidnotwanttosee，anddidnotsee，thatmanypeopleinsocietycastdubiousglancesonhiswife；hedidnotwanttounderstand，anddidnotunderstand，whyhiswifehadsoparticularlyinsistedonstayingatTsarskoe，whereBetsywasstaying，andnotfarfromthecampofVronsky’sregiment。Hedidnotallowhimselftothinkaboutit，andhedidnotthinkaboutit；but，allthesame，thoughheneveradmittedittohimself，andhadnoproofs，norevensuspiciousevidence，atthebottomofhisheartheknewbeyondalldoubtthathewasadeceivedhusband，andhewasprofoundlymiserableaboutit。
　　HowoftenduringthoseeightyearsofhappylifewithhiswifehadAlexeiAlexandrovichlookedatothermen’sfaithlesswivesandotherdeceivedhusbandsandaskedhimself:`Howcanpeopledescendtothat？Howisittheydon’tputanendtosuchahideoussituation？’Butnow，whenthemisfortunehadcomeuponhimself，hewassofarfromthinkingofputtinganendtothesituationthathewouldnotrecognizeitatall-wouldnotrecognizeitjustbecauseitwastooawful，toounnatural。
　　SincehisreturnfromabroadAlexeiAlexandrovichhadbeentwiceattheircountryvilla。Oncehedinedthere，anothertimehespenttheeveningtherewithapartyoffriends，buthehadnotoncestayedthenightthere，asithadbeenhishabittodoinpreviousyears。
　　ThedayoftheraceshadbeenaverybusydayforAlexeiAlexandrovich；butwhensketchingoutthedayinthemorninghemadeuphismindtogoimmediatelyafterhisearlydinner，totheirsummervillatoseehiswifeandfromtheretotheraces，whichalltheCourtweretowitness，andatwhichhewasboundtobepresent。Hewasgoingtoseehiswife，becausehehaddeterminedtoseeheronceaweektokeepupappearances。Andbesides，onthatday，asitwasthefifteenth，hehadtogivehiswifesomemoneyforherexpenses，accordingtotheirusualarrangement。
　　Withhishabitualcontroloverhisthoughts，thoughhethoughtallthisabouthiswife，hedidnotlethisthoughtsstrayfurtherinregardtoher。
　　ThatmorningwasaveryfulloneforAlexeiAlexandrovich。Theeveningbefore，CountessLidiaIvanovnahadsenthimapamphletbyacelebratedtravelerinChina，whowasstayinginPeterburg，andwithitsheenclosedanotebegginghimtoseethetravelerhimself，ashewasanextremelyinterestingpersonfromvariouspointsofview，andlikelytobeuseful。AlexeiAlexandrovichhadnothadtimetoreadthepamphletthroughintheevening，andfinisheditinthemorning。Thenpeoplebeganarrivingwithpetitions，andthencamethereports，interviews，appointments，dismissals，apportionmentofrewards，pensions，payments，papers-theworkdayround，asAlexeiAlexandrovichcalledit，thatalwaystookupsomuchtime。Thentherewasaprivatebusinessofhisown，avisitfromthedoctor，andfromthestewardwhomanagedhisproperty。Thestewarddidnottakeupmuchtime。HesimplygaveAlexeiAlexandrovichthemoneyheneeded，togetherwithabriefstatementofthepositionofhisaffairs，whichwasnotaltogethersatisfactory，asduringthatyear，owingtoincreasedexpenses，morehadbeenpaidoutthanusual，andtherewasadeficit。Butthedoctor，acelebratedPeterburgdoctor，whowasanintimateacquaintanceofAlexeiAlexandrovich，hadtakenupagreatdealoftime。AlexeiAlexandrovichhadnotexpectedhimthatday，andwassurprisedathisvisit，andstillmoresowhenthedoctorquestionedhimverycarefullyabouthishealth，listenedtohisbreathing，andtappedathisliver。AlexeiAlexandrovichdidnotknowthathisfriendLidiaIvanovna，noticingthathewasnotaswellasusualthatyear，hadbeggedthedoctortogoandexaminehim。`Dothisformysake，’theCountessLidiaIvanovnahadsaidtohim。
　　`IwilldoitforthesakeofRussia，Countess，’repliedthedoctor。
　　`Apricelessman！’saidtheCountessLidiaIvanovna。
　　ThedoctorwasextremelydissatisfiedwithAlexeiAlexandrovich。Hefoundtheliverconsiderablyenlarged，andthedigestivepowersweakened，whilethecourseofmineralwatershadbeenquitewithouteffect。Heprescribedmorephysicalexerciseasfaraspossible，andasfaraspossiblelessmentalstrain，andaboveallnoworry-inotherwords，justwhatwasasmuchoutofAlexeiAlexandrovich’spowerasabstainingfrombreathing。Thenhewithdrew，leavinginAlexeiAlexandrovichanunpleasantsensethatsomethingwaswrongwithhim，andthattherewasnochanceofcuringit。
　　Ashewascomingaway，thedoctorchancedtomeetonthestepsanacquaintanceofhis，Sludin，whowasheadclerkinAlexeiAlexandrovich’soffice。Theyhadbeencomradesattheuniversity，and，thoughtheyrarelymet，theythoughthighlyofeachotherandwereexcellentfriends，andhencetherewasnoonetowhomthedoctorwouldhavegivenhisopinionofapatientsofreelyastoSludin。
　　`HowgladIamyou’vebeenseeinghim！’saidSludin。`He’snotwell，andIfancy……Well，whatdoyouthinkofhim？’
　　`I’lltellyou，’saidthedoctor，beckoningoverSludin’sheadtohiscoachmantobringthecarriageround。`It’sjustthis，’saidthedoctor，takingafingerofhiskidgloveinhiswhitehandsandpullingit，`ifyoudon’tstrainthestrings，andthentrytobreakthem，you’llfinditadifficultjob；butstrainastringtoitsveryutmost，andthemereweightofonefingeronthestrainedstringwillsnapit。Andwithhiscloseassiduity，hisconscientiousdevotiontohiswork，he’sstrainedtotheutmost；andthere’ssomeoutsideburdenweighingonhim，andthatnotalightone，’concludedthedoctor，raisinghiseyebrowssignificantly。`Willyoubeattheraces？’headded，ashecamedowntohiscarriage。`Yes，yes，tobesure；itdoeswastealotoftime，’thedoctorrespondedvaguelytosomereplyofSludin’shehadnotcaught。
　　Directlyafterthedoctor，whohadtakenupsomuchtime，camethecelebratedtraveler，andAlexeiAlexandrovich，bymeansofthepamphlethehadonlyjustfinishedreading，andhispreviousacquaintancewiththesubject，impressedthetravelerbythedepthofhisknowledgeofthesubjectandthebreadthandenlightenmentofhisviewofit。
　　AtthesametimewiththetravelertherewasannouncedaprovincialmarshalofnobilityonavisittoPeterburg，withwhomAlexeiAlexandrovichhadtohavesomeconversation。Afterhisdeparture，hehadtofinishthedailyroutineofbusinesswithhisheadclerk，andthenhestillhadtodriveroundtocallonacertainpersonageonamatterofgraveandseriousimport。AlexeiAlexandrovichhardlymanagedtobebackbyfiveo’clock，hisdinnerhour，and，afterdiningwithhisheadclerk，heinvitedhimtodrivewithhimtohissummervillaandtotheraces。
　　Thoughhedidnotacknowledgeittohimself，AlexeiAlexandrovichalwaystriednowadaystosecurethepresenceofathirdpersoninhisinterviewswithhiswife。
　　Annawasupstairs，standingbeforethelookingglass，and，withAnnushka’sassistance，pinningthelastribbononhergownwhensheheardcarriagewheelscrunchingthegravelattheentrance。
　　`It’stooearlyforBetsy，’shethought，and，glancingoutofthewindow，shecaughtsightofthecarriageand，protrudedfromit，theblackhatofAlexeiAlexandrovich，andtheearsthatsheknewsowell。`Howunlucky！Canhebegoingtostaythenight？’shewondered，andthethoughtofallthatmightcomeofsuchachancestruckherassoawfulandterriblethat，withoutdwellingonitforamoment，shewentdowntomeethimwithabrightandradiantface；andconsciousofthepresenceofthatspiritoffalsehoodanddeceitinherselfthatshehadcometoknowoflate，sheabandonedherselftothatspiritandbegantalking，hardlyknowingwhatshewassaying。
　　`Ah，howlovelyofyou！’shesaid，givingherhusbandherhand，andwithasmilegreetingSludin，whowaslikeoneofthefamily。`You’restayingthenight，Ihope？’wasthefirstwordthespiritoffalsehoodpromptedhertoutter。`Andnowwe’llgotogether。Onlyit’sapityI’vepromisedBetsy。She’scomingforme。’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichknithisbrowsatBetsy’sname。
　　`Oh，I’mnotgoingtoseparatetheinseparables，’hesaidinhisusualbanteringtone。`I’mgoingwithMikhailVassilyevich。Eventhedoctorsordermetowalk。I’llwalk，andfancymyselfatthespringsagain。’
　　`There’snohurry，’saidAnna。`Wouldyouliketea？’
　　Sherang。
　　`Bringintea，andtellSeriozhathatAlexeiAlexandrovichishere。Well，tellme，howhaveyoubeen？MikhailVassilyevich，you’venotbeentoseemebefore。Lookhowlovelyitisoutontheterrace，’shesaid，turningfirsttooneandthentotheother。
　　Shespokeverysimplyandnaturally，buttoomuchandtoofast。ShewasthemoreawareofthisfromnoticingintheinquisitivelookwhichMikhailVassilyevichturnedonherthathewas，asitwere，keepingwatchonher。
　　MikhailVassilyevichpromptlywentoutontheterrace。
　　Shesatdownbesideherhusband。
　　`Youdon’tlookquitewell，’shesaid。
　　`Yes，’hesaid；`thedoctor’sbeenwithmetodayandwastedanhourofmytime。Ifeelthatsomeoneofourfriendsmusthavesenthim:myhealth’ssoprecious……’
　　`Come:whatdidhesay？’
　　Shequestionedhimabouthishealth，andwhathehadbeendoing，andtriedtopersuadehimtotakearestandcomeouttoher。
　　Allthisshesaidbrightly，rapidly，andwithapeculiarbrillianceinhereyes。ButAlexeiAlexandrovichdidnotnowattachanyspecialsignificancetothistoneofhers。Heheardonlyherwordsandgavethemonlythedirectsensetheybore。Andheansweredsimply，thoughjestingly。Therewasnothingremarkableinallthisconversation，butneveraftercouldAnnarecallthisbriefscenewithoutanagonizingpangofshame。
　　Seriozhacamein，precededbyhisgoverness。IfAlexeiAlexandrovichhadallowedhimselftoobservehewouldhavenoticedthetimidandbewilderedeyeswithwhichSeriozhaglancedfirstathisfatherandthenathismother。Buthewouldnotseeanything，andhedidnotseeit。
　　`Ah，theyoungman！He’sgrown。Really，he’sgettingquiteaman。Howareyou，youngman？’
　　Andhegavehishandtothescaredchild。
　　Seriozhahadbeenshyofhisfatherbefore，andnow，eversinceAlexeiAlexandrovichhadtakentocallinghim`youngman，’andsincethatinsolvablequestionhadoccurredtohimastowhetherVronskywerefriendorfoe，heavoidedhisfather。Helookedroundtowardhismother，asthoughseekingrefuge。Itwasonlywithhismotherthathewasatease。Meanwhile，AlexeiAlexandrovichwasholdinghissonbytheshoulder，whilehewasspeakingtothegoverness，andSeriozhawassomiserablyuncomfortablethatAnnasawhewasonthepointoftears。
　　Anna，whohadflushedalittletheinstanthersonhadcomein，noticingthatSeriozhawasuncomfortable，gotuphurriedly，tookAlexeiAlexandrovich’shandfromherson’sshoulder，and，kissingtheboy，ledhimoutontotheterrace，andquicklycameback。
　　`It’stimetostart，though，’saidshe，glancingatherwatch。`HowisitBetsydoesn’tcome？……’
　　`Yes，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，and，gettingup，hefoldedhishandsandcrackedhisfingers。`I’vecometobringyousomemoney，too-fornightingales，weknow，can’tliveonfairytales，’hesaid。`Youwantit，Iexpect？’
　　`No，Idon’t……Yes，Ido，’shesaid，withoutlookingathim，andcrimsoningtotherootsofherhair。`Butyou’llcomebackhereaftertheraces，Isuppose？’
　　`Oh，yes！’answeredAlexeiAlexandrovich。`Andhere’sthegloryofPeterhof-PrincessTverskaia，’headded，lookingoutofthewindowattheEnglishharnessedcarriage，withthetinyseatsplacedextremelyhigh。`Whatelegance！Charming！Well，letusbestartingtoo，then。’
　　PrincessTverskaiadidnotgetoutofhercarriage，butherliveryman，inspatterdashes，acapeandblackhighhat，jumpedoffattheentrance。
　　`I’mgoing；good-by！’saidAnna，and，kissingherson，shewentuptoAlexeiAlexandrovichandheldoutherhandtohim。`Itwaseversolovelyofyoutocome。’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichkissedherhand。
　　`Well，aurevoir，then！You’llcomebackforsometea-that’llbedelightful！’shesaid，andwentout，radiantandgay。Butassoonashewasoutofsight，shebecameawareofthespotonherhandthathislipshadtouched，andsheshudderedwithrepulsion。
　　WhenAlexeiAlexandrovichreachedtheracecourseAnnawasalreadysittinginthepavilionbesideBetsy，inthatpavilionwherethehighestsocietyhadgathered。Shecaughtsightofherhusbandinthedistance。Twomen，herhusbandandherlover，werethetwocentersofherexistence，and，unaidedbyherexternalsenses，shewasawareoftheirproximity。Shewasawareofherhusbandapproachingalongwayoff，andshecouldnothelpfollowinghiminthesurgingcrowdinthemidstofwhichhewasmoving。Shewatchedhisprogresstowardthepavilion，sawhimnowrespondingcondescendinglytoaningratiatingbow，nowexchangingfriendly，nonchalantgreetingswithhisequals，nowassiduouslytryingtocatchtheeyeofsomegreatoneofthisworld，andtakingoffhisbigroundhatthatpresseddownthetipsofhisears。Allthesewaysofhissheknew，andallwerehatefultoher。`Nothingbutambition，nothingbutdesiretogeton-that’sallthereisinhissoul，’shethought；`asforhisloftyideals，loveofculture，religion，theyareonlysomanytoolsforgettingon。’
　　Fromhisglancestowardtheladies’pavilionhewasstaringstraightather，butdidnotdistinguishhiswifeintheseaofmuslin，ribbons，feathers，parasolsandflowersshesawthathewaslookingforher，butshepurposelyavoidednoticinghim。
　　`AlexeiAlexandrovich！’PrincessBetsycalledtohim；`I’msureyoudon’tseeyourwife:heresheis。’
　　Hesmiledhischillysmile。
　　`There’ssomuchsplendorherethatone’seyesaredazzled，’hesaid，andhewentintothepavilion。Hesmiledtohiswifeasamanshouldsmileonmeetinghiswifeafteronlyjustpartingfromher，andgreetedtheprincessandotheracquaintances，givingtoeachwhatwasdue-thatistosay，jestingwiththeladiesanddealingoutfriendlygreetingsamongthemen。Below，nearthepavilion，wasstandinganadjutantgeneralofwhomAlexeiAlexandrovichhadahighopinion，notedforhisintelligenceandculture。AlexeiAlexandrovichenteredintoconversationwithhim。
　　Therewasanintervalbetweentheraces，andsonothinghinderedconversation。Theadjutantgeneralexpressedhisdisapprovalofraces。AlexeiAlexandrovichreplieddefendingthem。Annaheardhishigh，measuredtones，withoutlosingoneword，andeverywordstruckherasfalse，andstabbedherearswithpain。
　　Whenthefour-verstasteeplechasewasbeginning，shebentforwardandgazedwithfixedeyesatVronskyashewentuptohishorseandmounted，andatthesametimesheheardthatloathsome，never-ceasingvoiceofherhusband。ShewasinanagonyofterrorforVronsky，butastillgreateragonywasthenever-ceasing，asitseemedtoher，streamofherhusband’sshrillvoicewithitsfamiliarintonations。
　　`I’mawickedwoman，alostwoman，’shethought；`butIdon’tlikelying，Ican’tendurefalsehood，whileasforhim[herhusband]，falsehoodisthebreathoflifetohim。Heknowsallaboutit，heseesitall；whatdoeshecareifhecantalksocalmly？Ifheweretokillme，ifheweretokillVronsky，Imightrespecthim。No，allhewantsisfalsehoodandpropriety，’Annasaidtoherself，notconsideringexactlywhatitwasshewantedofherhusband，andhowshewouldhavelikedtoseehimbehave。ShedidnotunderstandeitherthatAlexeiAlexandrovich’speculiarloquacitythatday，soexasperatingtoher，wasmerelytheexpressionofhisinwarddistressanduneasiness。Asachildthathasbeenhurthopsabout，puttingallhismusclesintomovementtodrownthepain，inthesamewayAlexeiAlexandrovichneededmentalexercisetodrownthethoughtsofhiswife，thatinherpresenceandinVronsky’s，andwiththecontinualiterationofhisname，wouldforcethemselvesonhisattention。Anditisasnaturalforachildtohopabout，asitwasnaturalforhimtotalkwellandcleverly。Hewassaying:
　　`Dangerintheracestoofficers，tocavalrymen，isanessentialelementintherace。IfEnglandcanpointtothemostbrilliantfeatsofcavalryinmilitaryhistory，itissimplyowingtothefactthatshehashistoricallydevelopedthisforcebothinbeastsandinmen。Sporthas，inmyopinion，agreatvalue，and，asisalwaysthecase，weseenothingbutwhatismostsuperficial。’
　　`It’snotsuperficial，’saidPrincessTverskaia。`Oneoftheofficers，theysay，hasbrokentworibs。’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichsmiledhissmile，whichuncoveredhisteeth，butrevealednothingmore。
　　`We’lladmit，Princess，thatthat’snotsuperficial，’hesaid，`butinternal。Butthat’snotthepoint，’andheturnedagaintothegeneralwithwhomhetalkedseriously；`wemustn’tforgetthatthosewhoaretakingpartintheracearemilitarymen，whohavechosenthatcareer，andonemustallowthateverycallinghasitsdisagreeableside。Itformsanintegralpartofthedutiesofanofficer。Lowsports，suchasprizefightingorSpanishbullfights，areasignofbarbarity。Butspecializedtrialsofskillareasignofdevelopment。’
　　`No，Ishan’tcomeanothertime；it’stooupsetting，’saidPrincessBetsy。`Isn’tit，Anna？’
　　`Itisupsetting，butonecan’ttearoneselfaway，’saidanotherlady。`IfI’dbeenaRomanwomanIshouldneverhavemissedasinglecircus。’
　　Annasaidnothing，and，keepingheroperaglassup，gazedalwaysatthesamespot。
　　Atthatmomentatallgeneralwalkedthroughthepavilion。Breakingoffwhathewassaying，AlexeiAlexandrovichgotuphurriedly，thoughwithdignity，andbowedlowtothegeneral。
　　`You’renotracing？’theofficerasked，chaffinghim。
　　`Myraceisaharderone，’AlexeiAlexandrovichrespondeddeferentially。
　　Andthoughtheanswermeantnothing，thegenerallookedasthoughhehadheardawittyremarkfromawittyman，andfullyrelishedlapointedelasauce。
　　`Therearetwoaspects，’AlexeiAlexandrovichresumed:`thosewhotakepartandthosewholookon；andloveforsuchspectaclesisanunmistakableproofofalowdegreeofdevelopmentinthespectator，Iadmit，but……’
　　`Anybets，Princess？’soundedStepanArkadyevich’svoicefrombelow，addressingBetsy。`Who’syourfavorite？’
　　`AnnaandIareforKuzovlev，’repliedBetsy。
　　`I’mforVronsky。Apairofgloves？’
　　`Done！’
　　`Butitisaprettysight，isn’tit？’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichpausedwhiletheothersweretalkingnearhim，buthebeganagaindirectly。
　　`Iadmitthatmanlysportsdonot……’hemadeanattempttocontinue。
　　Butatthatmomenttheracersstarted，andallconversationceased。AlexeiAlexandrovichalsofellsilent，andeveryonestoodupandturnedtowardthestream。AlexeiAlexandrovichtooknointerestintherace，andsohedidnotwatchtheracers，butfelllistlesslytoscanningthespectatorswithhiswearyeyes。HiseyesresteduponAnna。
　　Herfacewaswhiteandstern。Shewasobviouslyseeingnothingandnoonebutoneman。Herhandhadconvulsivelyclutchedherfan，andsheheldherbreath。Helookedatherandhastilyturnedaway，scrutinizingotherfaces。
　　`Buthere’sthisladytoo，andothersverymuchmovedaswell；it’sverynatural，’AlexeiAlexandrovichtoldhimselfHetriednottolookather，butunconsciouslyhiseyesweredrawntoher。Heexaminedthatfaceagain，tryingnottoreadwhatwassoplainlywrittenonit，andagainsthisownwill，withhorror，readinitwhathedidnotwanttoknow。
　　Thefirstfall-Kuzovlev’s，atthestream-agitatedeveryone，butAlexeiAlexandrovichsawdistinctlyonAnna’spale，triumphantfacethatthemanshewaswatchinghadnotfallen。When，afterMakhotinandVronskyhadclearedtheworstbarrier，thenextofficerhadbeenthrownstraightonhisheadatitandfatallyinjured，andashudderofhorrorpassedoverthewholepublic，AlexeiAlexandrovichsawthatAnnadidnotevennoticeit，andhadsomedifficultyinrealizingwhattheyweresayingaroundher。Butmoreandmoreoften，andwithgreaterpersistence，hewatchedher。Anna，whollyengrossedasshewaswiththesightofVronskyracing，becameawareofherhusband’scoldeyesfixeduponherfromaside。
　　Sheglancedroundforaninstant，lookedinquiringlyathim，andwithaslightfrownturnedawayagain。
　　`Ah，Idon’tcare！’sheseemedtosaytohim，andshedidnotonceglanceathimagain。
　　Theracewasanunluckyone，andoftheseventeenofficerswhorodeinitmorethanhalfhadbeenthrownandhurt。Towardtheendoftheraceeveryonewasinastateofagitation，whichwasintensifiedbythefactthattheCzarwasdispleased。
　　Everyonewasloudlyexpressingdisapprobation，everyonewasrepeatingaphrasesomeonehaduttered:`Thelionsandgladiatorswillbethenextthing，’andeveryonewasfeelinghorrified；sothatwhenVronskyfelltotheground，andAnnamoanedaloud，therewasnothingverymuchoutofthewayinit。ButafterwardachangecameoverAnna’sfacewhichreallywentbeyonddecorum。Sheutterlylostherhead。Shebeganflutteringlikeacagedbird，atonemomentwantingtogetupandmoveaway，andatthenextturningtoBetsy。
　　`Letusgo，letusgo！’shesaid。
　　ButBetsydidnothearher。Shewasbendingdown，talkingtoageneralwhohadcomeuptoher。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichwentuptoAnnaandcourteouslyofferedherhisarm。
　　`Letusgo，ifyoulike，’hesaidinFrench，butAnnawaslisteningtothegeneralanddidnotnoticeherhusband。
　　`He’sbrokenhislegtoo，sotheysay，’thegeneralwassaying。`Thissurpasseseverything。’
　　Withoutansweringherhusband，AnnaliftedheroperaglassandgazedtowardtheplacewhereVronskyhadfallen；butitwassofaroff，andtherewassuchacrowdofpeopleaboutit，thatshecouldmakeoutnothing。Sheputdowntheoperaglass，andwouldhavemovedaway，butatthatmomentanofficergallopedupandmadesomeannouncementtotheCzar。Annacranedforward，listening。
　　`Stiva！Stiva！’shecriedtoherbrother。
　　Butherbrotherdidnothearher。Againshewouldhavemovedaway。
　　`OncemoreIofferyoumyarmifyouwanttobegoing，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，reachingforherhand。
　　Shedrewbackfromhimwithaversion，andwithoutlookingathisfaceanswered:
　　`No，no，leavemealone-I’llstay。’
　　ShesawnowthatfromtheplaceofVronsky’saccidentanofficerwasrunningacrossthecoursetowardthepavilion。Betsywavedherhandkerchieftohim。Theofficerbroughtthenewsthattheriderwasnotkilled，butthatthebackofthehorsehadbeenbroken。
　　OnhearingthisAnnasatdownhurriedly，andhidherfaceinherfan。AlexeiAlexandrovichsawthatshewasweeping，andcouldnotcontrolhertears，noreventhesobsthatwereshakingherbosom。AlexeiAlexandrovichstoodsoastoscreenher，givinghertimetorecoverherself。
　　`ForthethirdtimeIofferyoumyarm，’hesaidtoherafterashortinterval，turningtoher。Annagazedathimanddidnotknowwhattosay。PrincessBetsycametoherrescue。
　　`No，AlexeiAlexandrovich；IbroughtAnnaandIpromisedtotakeherhome，’putinBetsy。
　　`Excuseme，Princess，’hesaidsmilingcourteously，butlookingherveryfirmlyintheface，`butIseethatAnna’snotverywell，andIwishhertocomehomewithme。’
　　Annalookedaboutherinafrightenedway，gotupsubmissively，andlaidherhandonherhusband’sarm。
　　`I’llsendtohimandfindout，andletyouknow，’Betsywhisperedtoher。
　　Astheyleftthepavilion，AlexeiAlexandrovich，asalways，talkedtothosehemet，andAnnahad，asalways，totalkandanswer；butshewasutterlybesideherself，andmovedhangingonherhusband’sarm，asthoughinadream。
　　`Ishekilledornot？Isittrue？Willhecomeornot？ShallIseehimtoday？’shewasthinking。
　　Shetookherseatinherhusband’scarriageinsilence，andinsilencedroveoutofthepressofcarriages。Inspiteofallhehadseen，AlexeiAlexandrovichstilldidnotallowhimselftoconsiderhiswife’srealcondition。Hemerelysawtheoutwardsymptoms。Hesawthatshewasbehavingunbecomingly，andconsideredithisdutytotellherso。Butitwasverydifficultforhimnottosaymore，totellhernothingbutthat。Heopenedhismouthtotellhershehadbehavedunbecomingly，buthecouldnothelpsayingsomethingutterlydifferent。
　　`Whataninclinationweallhave，though，forthesecruelspectacles！hesaid。`Iobserve……’
　　`Eh？Idon’tunderstand，’saidAnnacontemptuously。
　　Hewasoffended，andatoncebegantosaywhathehadmeanttosay。
　　`Iamobligedtotellyou……’hebegan。
　　`Sonowwearetohaveitout，’shethought，andshefeltfrightened。
　　`Iamobligedtotellyouthatyourbehaviorhasbeenunbecomingtoday，’hesaidtoher，inFrench。
　　`Inwhatwayhasmybehaviorbeenunbecoming？’shesaidaloud，turningherheadswiftlyandlookinghimstraightintheface，notwiththebrightexpressionthatseemedcoveringsomething，butwithalookofdetermination，underwhichsheconcealedwithdifficultythedismayshewasfeeling。
　　`Becareful，’hesaid，pointingtotheopenwindowoppositethecoachman。
　　Hegotupandpulledupthewindow。
　　`Whatdidyouconsiderunbecoming？’sherepeated。
　　`Thedespairyouwereunabletoconcealattheaccidenttooneoftheriders。’
　　Hewaitedforhertoretort，butshewassilent，lookingstraightbeforeher。
　　`Ihavealreadybeggedyousotoconductyourselfinsocietythatevenmalicioustonguescanfindnothingtosayagainstyou。TherewasatimewhenIspokeofyourinwardattitude，butIamnotspeakingofthatnow。NowIspeakonlyofyourexternalattitude。Youhavebehavedimproperly，andIwouldwishitnottooccuragain。’
　　Shedidnothearhalfofwhathewassaying；shefeltpanic-strickenbeforehim，andwasthinkingwhetheritwastruethatVronskywasnotkilled。Wasitofhimtheywerespeakingwhentheysaidtheriderwasunhurt，butthatthebackofthehorsehadbeenbroken？Shemerelysmiledwithaforcedsmilewhenhefinished，andmadenoreply，becauseshehadnotheardwhathesaid。AlexeiAlexandrovichhadbeguntospeakboldly，butasherealizedplainlywhathewasspeakingof，thedismayshewasfeelinginfectedhimtoo。Hesawthesmile，andastrangemisapprehensioncameoverhim。
　　`Sheissmilingatmysuspicions。Yes，shewilltellmedirectlywhatshetoldmebefore；thatthereisnofoundationformysuspicions，thatthewholethingisabsurd。’
　　Atthatmoment，whentherevelationofeverythingwashangingoverhim，therewasnothingheexpectedsomuchasthatshewouldanswermockingly，asbefore，thathissuspicionswereabsurdandutterlygroundless。Soterribletohimwaswhatheknewthatnowhewasreadytobelieveanything。Buttheexpressionofherface，scaredandgloomy，didnotnowpromiseevendeception。
　　`PossiblyIwasmistaken，’saidhe。`Ifso，Ibegyourpardon。’
　　`No，youwerenotmistaken，’shesaidslowly，lookingdesperatelyintohisfrigidface。`Youwerenotmistaken。Iwasindespair，norcouldIhelpbeingindespair。Iamlisteningtoyou，butIamthinkingofhim。Ilovehim，Iamhismistress；Ican’tbearyou；I’mafraidofyou，andIhateyou……Youcandowhatyouliketome。’
　　Anddroppingbackintothecornerofthecarriage，shebrokeintosobs，hidingherfaceinherhands。AlexeiAlexandrovichdidnotstir，andkeptlookingstraightbeforehim。Buthiswholefacesuddenlyborethesolemnrigidityofthedead，andhisexpressiondidnotchangeduringthewholetimeofthedrivehome。Onreachingthehouseheturnedhisheadtoher，stillwiththesameexpression。
　　`Verywell！ButIexpectastrictobservanceoftheexternalformsofproprietytillsuchtime’-hisvoiceshook-`asImaytakemeasurestosecuremyhonor，andcommunicatethemtoyou。’
　　Hegotoutfirstandhelpedhertogetout。Beforetheservantshepressedherhand，tookhisseatinthecarriage，anddrovebacktoPeterburg。
　　ImmediatelyafterwardafootmancamefromPrincessBetsyandbroughtAnnaanote。
　　`IsenttoAlexeitofindouthowheis，andhewritesmeheisquitewellandunhurt，butindespair。’
　　`Sohewillbehere，’shethought。`WhatagoodthingItoldhimall。’
　　Sheglancedatherwatch。Shehadstillthreehourstowait，andthememoriesoftheirlastmeetingsetherbloodinflame。
　　`MyGod，howlightitis！It’sdreadful，butIdolovetoseehisface，andIdolovethisfantasticlight……Myhusband！Oh！yes……Well，thankGod！everything’satanendwithhim。’
　　InthelittleGermanwateringplacetowhichtheShcherbatskyshadbetakenthemselves，asinallplacesindeedwherepeoplearegatheredtogether，theusualprocess，asitwere，ofthecrystallizationofsocietywenton，assigningtoeachmemberofthatsocietyadefiniteandunalterableplace。Justastheparticleofwaterinfrost，definitelyandunalterably，takesthespecialformofthecrystalofsnow，soeachnewpersonthatarrivedatthespringswasatonceplacedinhisorherpeculiarplace。
　　FürstShcherbatsky，samtGemahlinundTochter，bytheapartmentstheytook，andfromtheirnameandfromthefriendstheymade，wereimmediatelycrystallizedintoadefiniteplacemarkedoutforthem。
　　TherewasvisitingthewateringplacethatyeararealGermanFürstin，inconsequenceofwhichthecrystallizingprocesswentonmorevigorouslythanever。PrincessShcherbatskywished，aboveeverything，topresentherdaughtertothisGermanPrincess，andthedayaftertheirarrivalshedulyperformedthisrite。Kittymadealowandgracefulcurtsyinthe`verysimple，’thatistosay，veryelegantfrockthathadbeenorderedforherfromParis。TheGermanPrincesssaid，`Ihopetheroseswillsooncomebacktothisprettylittleface，’andfortheShcherbatskygcertaindefinitelinesofexistencewereatoncelaiddown，fromwhichtherewasnodeparting。TheShcherbatskysmadetheacquaintancetooofthefamilyofanEnglishlady，andofaGermanCountessandherson，woundedinthelastwar，andofalearnedSwede，andofM。Canutandhissister。YetinevitablytheShcherbatskyswerethrownmostintothesocietyofaMoscowlady，MaryaEugenyevnaRtishchevaandherdaughter，whomKittydisliked，becauseshehadfallenill，likeherself，overaloveaffair；andaMoscowcolonel，whomKittyhadknownfromchildhood，andhadalwaysseeninuniformandepaulets，andwhonow，withhislittleeyesandhisopenneckandfloweredcravat，wasuncommonlyridiculousandtedious，becausetherewasnogettingridofhim。Whenallthiswassofirmlyestablished，Kittybegantobeverymuchbored，especiallyasthePrincewentofftoCarlsbadandshewasleftalonewithhermother。Shetooknointerestinthepeoplesheknew，feelingthatnothingfreshwouldcomeofthem。Herchiefmentalinterestinthewateringplaceconsistedinwatchingandmakingtheoriesaboutthepeopleshedidnotknow。ItwascharacteristicofKittythatshealwaysimaginedeverythinginpeopleinthemostfavorablelightpossible，especiallysointhoseshedidnotknow。Andnow，asshemadesurmisesastowhopeoplewere，whatweretheirrelationstooneanother，andwhattheywerelike，Kittyendowedthemwiththemostmarvelousandnoblecharacters，andfoundconfirmationinherobservations。
　　OfthesepeopletheonethatattractedhermostwasaRussiangirlwhohadcometothewateringplacewithaninvalidRussianlady，MadameStahl，aseveryonecalledher。MadameStahlbelongedtothehighestsociety，butshewassoillthatshecouldnotwalk，andonlyonexceptionallyfinedaysmadeherappearanceatthespringsinaninvalidcarriage。Butitwasnotsomuchfromill-healthasfrompride-soPrincessShcherbatskaiainterpretedit-thatMadameStahlhadnotmadetheacquaintanceofanyoneamongtheRussiansthere。TheRussiangirllookedafterMadameStahl，andbesidesthat，shewas，asKittyobserved，onfriendlytermswithalltheinvalidswhowereseriouslyill-andthereweremanyofthematthesprings-andwassolicitousovertheminthemostnaturalway。ThisRussiangirlwasnot，asKittygathered，relatedtoMadameStahl，norwassheapaidattendant。MadameStahlcalledherVarenka，andotherpeoplecalledher`MademoiselleVarenka。’ApartfromtheinterestKittytookinthisgirl’srelationswithMadameStahlandwithotherunknownpersons，Kitty，asoftenhappened，feltaninexplicableattractiontoMademoiselleVarenka，andwasawarewhentheireyesmetthatshetoolikedher。
　　OfMademoiselleVarenkaonewouldnotsaythatshehadpassedherfirstyouth，butshewas，asitwere，acreaturewithoutyouth；shemighthavebeentakenfornineteenorforthirty。Ifherfeatureswerecriticizedseparately，shewashandsomeratherthatplain，inspiteofthesicklyhueofherface。Herswouldhavebeenagoodfigure，too，ifithadnotbeenforherextremethinnessandthesizeofherhead，whichwastoolargeforhermediumheight。Butshewasnotlikelytobeattractivetomen。Shewaslikeafineflower，alreadypastitsbloomandwithoutfragrance，thoughthepetalswerestillunwithered。Moreover，shewouldhavebeenunattractivetomenalsofromthelackofjustwhatKittyhadtoomuchof-ofthesuppressedfireofvitality，andtheconsciousnessofherownattractiveness。
　　Shealwaysseemedabsorbedinwork，beyondadoubt，andsoitseemedasifshecouldtakenointerestinanythingoutsideit。ItwasjustthiscontrastwithherownpositionthatwasforKittythegreatattractionofMademoiselleVarenka。Kittyfeltthatinher，inhermanneroflife，shewouldfindanexampleofwhatshewasnowsopainfullyseeking:interestinlife，adignityinlife-apartfromtheworldlyrelationsofgirlswithmen，whichsorevoltedKitty，andappearedtohernowasashamefulexhibitionofgoodsinsearchofapurchaser。ThemoreattentivelyKittywatchedherunknownfriend，themoreconvincedshewasthatthisgirlwastheperfectcreatureshefanciedher，andthemoreeagerlyshewishedtomakeheracquaintance。
　　Thetwogirlsusedtomeetseveraltimesaday，andeverytimetheymetKitty’seyessaid:`Whoareyou？Whatareyou？AreyoureallytheexquisitecreatureIimagineyoutobe？Butforgoodness’sakedon’tsuppose，’hereyesadded，`thatIwouldforcemyacquaintanceonyou-Isimplyadmireyouandlikeyou。’`Ilikeyoutoo，andyou’revery，verysweet。AndIshouldlikeyoubetterstill，ifIhadtime，’answeredtheeyesoftheunknowngirl。Kittysaw，indeed，thatshewasalwaysbusy。EithershewastakingthechildrenofaRussianfamilyhomefromthesprings，orfetchingashawlforasicklady，andwrappingherupinit，ortryingtointerestanirritableinvalid，orselectingandbuyingteacakesforsomeone。
　　SoonafterthearrivaloftheShcherbatskysthereappearedinthemorningcrowdatthespringstwopersonswhoattracteduniversalandunfavorableattention。Thesewereatallmanwithastoopingfigureandhugehands，inanoldcoattooshortforhim，withblack，simple，andyetterribleeyes，andapock-marked，kind-lookingwoman，verybadlyandtastelesslydressed。RecognizingthesepersonsasRussians，Kittyhadalreadyinherimaginationbegunconstructingadelightfulandtouchingromanceaboutthem。ButthePrincess，havingascertainedfromtheKurlistethatthiswasNikolaiLevinandMaryaNikolaevna，explainedtoKittywhatabadmanthisLevinwas，andallherfanciesaboutthesetwopeoplevanished。Notsomuchfromwhathermothertoldher，asfromthefactthatitwasKonstantin’sbrother，thispairsuddenlyseemedtoKittyinthehighestdegreeunpleasant。ThisLevin，withhiscontinualtwitchingofhishead，arousedinhernowanirrepressiblefeelingofdisgust。
　　Itseemedtoherthathisbig，terribleeyes，whichpersistentlypursuedher，expressedafeelingofhatredandcontempt，andshetriedtoavoidmeetinghim。
　　Itwasafoulday；ithadbeenrainingallthemorning，andtheinvalids，withtheirparasols，hadflockedintothearcades。
　　KittywaswalkingtherewithhermotherandtheMoscowcolonel，smartandjauntyinhisEuropeancoat，boughtready-madeatFrankfort。Theywerewalkingononesideofthearcade，tryingtoavoidLevin，whowaswalkingontheotherside。Varenka，inherdarkdress，inablackhatwithaturndownbrim，waswalkingupanddownthewholelengthofthearcadewithablindFrenchwoman，and，everytimeshemetKitty，theyexchangedfriendlyglances。
　　`Mamma，couldn’tIspeaktoher？’saidKitty，watchingherunknownfriend，andnoticingthatshewasgoinguptothespring，andthattheymightcometheretogether。
　　`Oh，ifyouwanttosomuch，I’llfindoutaboutherfirstandmakeheracquaintancemyself，’answeredhermother。`Whatdoyouseeinheroutoftheway？Acompanion，mostprobably。Ifyoulike，I’llmakeacquaintancewithMadameStahl；Iusedtoknowherbelle-soeur，’addedthePrincess，liftingherheadhaughtily。
　　KittyknewthatthePrincesswasoffendedbecauseMadameStahlhadapparentlyavoidedmakingheracquaintance。Kittydidnotinsist。
　　`Howwonderfullysweetsheis！’shesaid，gazingatVarenkajustasshehandedaglasstotheFrenchwoman。`Lookhownaturalandsweetitallis。’
　　`It’ssofunnytoseeyourengouements，’saidthePrincess。`No，we’dbettergoback，’sheadded，noticingLevincomingtowardthemwithhiscompanionandaGermandoctor，towhomhewastalkingverynoisilyandangrily。
　　Theyturnedtogoback，whensuddenlytheyheard，notmerelynoisytalk，butactualshouting。Levin，stoppingshort，wasshoutingatthedoctor，andthedoctor，too，wasexcited。Acrowdgatheredaboutthem。ThePrincessandKittybeatahastyretreat，whilethecoloneljoinedthecrowdtofindoutwhatwasup。
　　Afewminuteslaterthecolonelovertookthem。
　　`Whatwasit？’inquiredthePrincess。
　　`Scandalousanddisgraceful！’answeredthecolonel。`TheonethingtobedreadedismeetingRussiansabroad。Thattallgentlemanwasabusingthedoctor，flingingallsortsofinsultsathimbecausehewasn’ttreatinghimquiteasheliked，andhebeganwavinghisstickathim。It’ssimplyscandalous！’
　　`Oh，howunpleasant！’saidthePrincess。`Well，andhowdiditend？’
　　`Luckilyatthatpointthatmiss……theoneinthemushroomhat……intervened。SheisaRussianlady，Ithink，’saidthecolonel。
　　`MademoiselleVarenka？’Kittyaskedjoyously。
　　`Yes，yes。Shecametotherescuebeforeanyoneelse；shetookthemanbythearmandledhimaway。’
　　`There，mamma，’saidKitty，`yetyouwonderwhyI’menthusiasticabouther。’
　　Thenextday，asshewatchedherunknownfriend，KittynoticedthatMademoiselleVarenkawasalreadyonthesametermswithLevinandhiscompanionaswithherotherproteges。Shewentuptothem，enteredintoconversationwiththem，andservedasinterpreterforthewoman，whocouldnotspeakanyforeignlanguage。
　　KittybegantoentreathermotherstillmoreurgentlytolethermakeacquaintancewithVarenka。And，disagreeableasitwastothePrincesstoseemtotakethefirststepinwishingtomaketheacquaintanceofMadameStahl，whothoughtfittogiveherselfairs，shemadeinquiriesaboutVarenka，and，havingascertainedparticularsabouthertendingtoprovethattherecouldhenoharm，eveniflittlegoodintheacquaintance，sheherselfapproachedVarenkaandmadeacquaintancewithher。
　　Choosingatimewhenherdaughterhadgonetothespring，whileVarenkahadstoppedoutsidethebaker’s，thePrincessapproachedher。
　　`Allowmetomakeyouracquaintance，’shesaid，withherdignifiedsmile。`Mydaughterhaslostherhearttoyou，’shesaid。`Possiblyyoudonotknowme。Iam……’
　　`Thatfeelingismorethanreciprocal，Princess，’Varenkaansweredhurriedly。
　　`Whatagooddeedyoudidyesterdaytoourpoorcompatriot！’saidthePrincess。
　　Varenkaflushedalittle。
　　`Idon’tremember。Idon’tthinkIdidanything，’shesaid。
　　`Why，yousavedthatLevinfromdisagreeableconsequences。’
　　`Yes，sacompagnecalledme，andItriedtopacifyhim；he’sveryill，andwasdissatisfiedwiththedoctor。I’musedtolookingaftersuchinvalids。’
　　`Yes，I’veheardyouliveatMentonewithyouraunt-Ithink-MadameStahl:Iusedtoknowherbelle-soeur。’
　　`No，she’snotmyaunt。Icallhermaman，butIamnotrelatedtoher；Iwasbroughtupbyher，’answeredVarenka，flushingalittleagain。
　　Thiswassosimplysaid，andsosweetwasthetruthfulandcandidexpressionofherface，thatthePrincesssawwhyKittyhadtakensuchafancytoVarenka。
　　`Well，andwhat’sthisLevingoingtodo？’askedthePrincess。
　　`He’sgoingaway，’answeredVarenka。
　　AtthatinstantKittycameupfromthespringbeamingwithdelightbecausehermotherhadbecomeacquaintedwithherunknownfriend。
　　`See，Kitty，yourintensedesiretomakefriendswithMademoiselle……’
　　`Varenka，’Varenkaputinsmiling，`that’swhateveryonecallsme。’
　　Kittyblushedwithpleasure，andslowly，withoutspeaking，squeezedhernewfriend’shand，whichdidnotrespondtoherpressure，butlaymotionlessinherhand。Thehanddidnotrespondtoherpressure，butthefaceofMademoiselleVarenkaglowedwithasoft，glad，thoughrathermournful，smile，thatshowedlargebuthandsometeeth。
　　`Ihavelongwishedforthistoo，’shesaid。
　　`But`Butyouaresobusy……’
　　`Oh，noI’mnotatallbusy，’answeredVarenka，butatthatmomentshehadtoleavehernewfriendsbecausetwolittleRussiangirls，childrenofaninvalid，ranuptoher。
　　`Varenka，mamma’scalling！’theycried。
　　AndVarenkawentafterthem。
　　TheparticularswhichthePrincesshadlearnedinregardtoVarenka’spastandherrelationswithMadameStahlwereasfollows:
　　MadameStahl，ofwhomsomepeoplesaidthatshehadworriedherhusbandoutofhislife，whileotherssaiditwashewhohadmadeherwretchedbyhisimmoralbehavior，hadalwaysbeenawomanofweakhealthandenthusiastictemperament。When，afterherseparationfromherhusband，shegavebirthtoheronlychild，thechildhaddiedalmostimmediately，andthefamilyofMadameStahl，knowinghersensibilityandfearingthenewswouldkillher，hadsubstitutedanotherchild，ababybornthesamenightandinthesamehouseinPeterburg，thedaughterofthechiefcookoftheImperialHousehold。ThiswasVarenka。MadameStahllearnedlateronthatVarenkawasnotherownchild，butshewentonbringingherup，especiallyasverysoonafterwardVarenkahadnotarelationofherownliving。
　　MadameStahlhadnowbeenlivingwithoutabreak，morethantenyearsabroad，inthesouth，neverleavinghercouch。AndsomepeoplesaidthatMadameStahlhadmadehersocialpositionasaphilanthropic，highlyreligiouswoman；otherpeoplesaidshereallywasatheartthehighlyethicalbeing，livingfornothingbutthegoodofherfellowcreatures，whichsherepresentedherselftobe。Nooneknewwhatherfaithwas-Catholic，Protestant，orOrthodox。Butonefactwasindubitable-shewasinamicablerelationswiththehighestdignitariesofallthechurchesandsects。
　　Varenkalivedwithherallthewhileabroad，andeveryonewhoknewMadameStahlknewandlikedMademoiselleVarenka，aseveryonecalledher。
　　Havinglearnedallthesefacts，thePrincessfoundnothingtoobjecttoinherdaughter’sintimacywithVarenka，moreespeciallyasVarenka’sbreedingandeducationwereofthebest-shespokeFrenchandEnglishextremelywell-and，whatwasofthemostweight，broughtamessagefromMadameStahlexpressingherregretthatshehadbeenpreventedbyherill-healthfrommakingtheacquaintanceofthePrincess。
　　AftergettingtoknowVarenka，Kittybecamemoreandmorefascinatedbyherfriend，andeverydayshediscoverednewvirtuesinher。
　　ThePrincess，hearingthatVarenkahadagoodvoice，askedhertocomeandsingtothemintheevening。
　　`Kittyplays，andwehaveapiano；notagoodone，it’strue，butyouwillgiveussomuchpleasure，’saidthePrincesswithheraffectedsmile，whichKittydislikedparticularlyjustthen，becauseshenoticedthatVarenkahadnoinclinationtosing。Varenkacame，however，intheevening，andbroughtarollofmusicwithher。ThePrincesshadinvitedMaryaEugenyevnaandherdaughter，andthecolonel。
　　Varenkaseemedquiteunaffectedbythepresenceofpersonswhomshedidnotknow，andshewentdirectlytothepiano。Shecouldnotaccompanyherself，butshecouldsingmusicatsightverywell。Kitty，whoplayedwell，accompaniedher。
　　`Youhaveanextraordinarytalent，’thePrincesssaidtoherafterVarenkahadsungthefirstsongexcellently。
　　MaryaEugenyevnaandherdaughterexpressedtheirthanksandadmiration。
　　`Look，’saidthecolonel，lookingoutofthewindow，`whatanaudiencehascollectedtolistentoyou。’
　　Thereactuallywasaconsiderablecrowdunderthewindows。
　　`Iamverygladitgivesyoupleasure，’Varenkaansweredsimply。
　　Kittylookedwithprideatherfriend。Shewasenchantedbyhertalent，andhervoice，andherface，butmostofallbyhermanner，byVarenka’sobviouslythinkingnothingofhersingingandbeingquiteunmovedbytheirpraise。Sheseemedonlytobeasking:`AmItosingagain，oristhatenough？’
　　`IfithadbeenI，’thoughtKitty，`howproudIshouldhavebeen！HowdelightedIshouldhavebeentoseethatcrowdunderthewindows！Butshe’sutterlyunmovedbyit。Heronlymotiveistoavoidrefusingandtopleasemaman。Whatisthereabouther？Whatisitgivesherthepowertolookdownoneverything，tobecalmindependentlyofeverything？HowIshouldliketoknowit，andtolearnitfromher！’thoughtKitty，gazingintohersereneface。ThePrincessaskedVarenkatosingagain，andVarenkasanganothersong，alsosmoothly，distinctly，andwell，standingerectatthepianoandbeatingtimeonitwithherthin，dark-skinnedhand。
　　ThenextsonginthebookwasanItalianone。Kittyplayedtheopeningbars，andlookedroundatVarenka。
　　`Let’sskipthat，’saidVarenka，flushingalittle。
　　KittylethereyesrestonVarenka’sface，withalookofdismayandinquiry。
　　`Verywell，thenextone，’shesaidhurriedly，turningoverthepages，andatoncefeelingthattherewassomethingconnectedwiththesong。
　　`No，’answeredVarenkawithasmile，layingherhandonthemusic，`no，let’shavethatone。’Andshesangitjustasquietly，ascoolly，andaswellastheothers。
　　Whenshehadfinished，theyallthankedheragain，andwentofftotea。KittyandVarenkawentoutintothelittlegardenthatadjoinedthehouse。
　　`AmIright，thatyouhavesomereminiscencesconnectedwiththatsong？’saidKitty。`Don’ttellme，’sheaddedhastily，`onlysayifI’mright。’
　　`No，whynot？I’lltellyou，’saidVarenkasimply，and，withoutwaitingforareply，shewenton:`Yes，itbringsupmemories，oncepainfulones。Icaredforsomeoneonce，andIusedtosinghimthatsong。’
　　Kittywithbig，wide-openeyesgazedsilently，sympatheticallyatVarenka。
　　`Icaredforhim，andhecaredforme；buthismotherwasopposed，andhemarriedanothergirl。He’slivingnownotfarfromus，andIseehimsometimes。Youdidn’tthinkIhadalovestory，too，’shesaid，andtherewasafaintgleaminherhandsomefaceofthatfirewhichKittyfeltmustoncehaveglowedalloverher。
　　`Ididn’tthinkso？Why，ifIwereaman，Icouldnevercareforanyoneelseafterknowingyou。OnlyIcan’tunderstandhowhecould，topleasehismother，forgetyouandmakeyouunhappy；hehadnoheart。’
　　`Oh，no，he’saverygoodman，andI’mnotunhappy；quitethecontrary-I’mveryhappy。Well，weshan’tbesinginganymorenow，’sheadded，turningtowardthehouse。
　　`Howgoodyouare！Howgoodyouare！’criedKitty，andstoppingher，shekissedher。`IfIcouldonlybeevenalittlelikeyou！’
　　`Whyshouldyoubelikeanyone？You’relovelyasyouare，’saidVarenka，smilinghergentle，wearysmile。
　　`No，I’mnotlovelyatall。Come，tellme……Stopaminute，let’ssitdown，’saidKitty，makinghersitdownagainbesideher。`Tellme，isn’tithumiliatingtothinkthatamanhasdisdainedyourlove，thathehasn’tcaredforit？……’
　　`Buthedidn’tdisdainit；Ibelievehecaredforme，buthewasadutifulson……’
　　`Yes，butifithadn’tbeenonaccountofhismother，ifithadbeenhisowndoing？……’saidKitty，feelingshewasgivingawayhersecret，andthatherface，burningwiththeflushofshame，hadbetrayedheralready。
　　`Inthatcasehewouldhavedonewrong，andIshouldnothaveregrettedhim，’answeredVarenka，evidentlyrealizingthattheywerenowtalkingnotofher，butofKitty。
　　`Butthehumiliation，’saidKitty，`thehumiliationonecanneverforget-never！’shesaid，rememberingherlookatthelastballduringthepauseinthemusic。
　　`Whereisthehumiliation？Why，youdidnothingwrong？’
　　`Worsethanwrong-shameful。’
　　VarenkashookherheadandlaidherhandonKitty’s。
　　`Why，what’sshamefulaboutit？’shesaid。`Youdidn’ttellamanwhodidn’tcareforyou，thatyoulovedhim，didyou？’
　　`Ofcoursenot；Ineversaidaword，butheknewit。No，no，therearelooks，thereareways；Ican’tforgetit，ifIliveahundredyears。’
　　`Whyso？Idon’tunderstand。Thewholepointiswhetheryoulovehimnowornot，’saidVarenka，whocalledeverythingbyitsname。
　　`Ihatehim；Ican’tforgivemyself。’
　　`Why，whatfor？’
　　`Theshame，thehumiliation！’
　　`Oh！ifeveryonewereassensitiveasyouare！’saidVarenka。`Thereisn’tagirlwhohasn’tbeenthroughthesame。Andit’sallsounimportant。’
　　`Why，whatisimportant？’saidKitty，lookingintoherfacewithinquisitivewonder。
　　`Oh，there’ssomuchthat’simportant，’saidVarenka，smiling。
　　`Why，what？’
　　`Oh，somuchthat’smoreimportant，’answeredVarenka，notknowingwhattosay。ButatthatinstanttheyheardthePrincess’svoicefromthewindow。`Kitty，it’scold！Eithergetashawl，orcomeindoors。’
　　`Itreallyistimetogoin！’saidVarenka，gettingup。`IhavetogoontoMadameBerthe’s；sheaskedmeto。’
　　Kittyheldherbythehand，andwithpassionatecuriosityandentreatyhereyesaskedher:`Whatisit，whatisthisofsuchimportance，thatgivesyousuchtranquility？Youknow，tellme！’ButVarenkadidnotevenknowwhatKitty’seyeswereaskingher。ShemerelythoughtthatshehadtogotoseeMadameBerthetoothatevening，andtomakehastehomeintimeformaman’steaattwelveo’clock。Shewentindoors，collectedhermusic，andsayinggood-bytoeveryone，wasabouttogo。
　　`Allowmetoseeyouhome，’saidthecolonel。
　　`Yes，howcanyougoaloneatnightlikethis？’chimedinthePrincess。`Anyway，I’llsendParasha。’
　　KittysawthatVarenkacouldhardlyrestrainasmileattheideathatsheneededanescort。
　　`No，Ialwaysgoaboutaloneandnothingeverhappenstome，’shesaid，takingherhat。AndkissingKittyoncemore，withoutsayingwhatwasimportant，shesteppedoutcourageouslywiththemusicunderherarmandvanishedintothetwilightofthesummernight，bearingawaywithherhersecretofwhatwasimportant，andwhatgaveherthatcalmanddignitysomuchtobeenvied。
　　KittymadetheacquaintanceofMadameStahltoo，andthisacquaintance，togetherwithherfriendshipwithVarenka，didnotmerelyexerciseagreatinfluenceonher-italsocomfortedherinhermentaldistress。Shefoundthiscomfortthroughacompletelynewworldbeingopenedtoherbymeansofthisacquaintance，aworldhavingnothingincommonwithherpast；anexalted，nobleworld，fromtheheightofwhichshecouldcontemplateherpastcalmly。ItwasrevealedtoherthatbesidestheinstinctivelifetowhichKittyhadgivenherselfuphithertotherewasaspirituallife。Thislifewasdisclosedinreligion，butareligionhavingnothingincommonwiththatonewhichKittyhadknownfromchildhood，andwhichfoundexpressioninmassesandeveningservicesattheWidow’sHome，whereonemightmeetone’sfriends；andinlearningbyheartSlavonictextswiththepriest。Thiswasalofty，mysteriousreligionconnectedwithawholeseriesofnoblethoughtsandfeelings，whichonecouldnotmerelybelievebecauseonewastoldtobelieve，butwhichonecouldlove。
　　Kittyfoundallthisoutnotfromwords。MadameStahltalkedtoKittyastoacharmingchildthatoneregardswithpleasure，asoneregardsthememoryofone’syouth，andonlyonceshesaidinpassingthatinallhumansorrowsnothinggivescomfortbutloveandfaith，andthatinthesightofChrist’scompassionforusnosorrowistrifling-andimmediatelytalkedofotherthings。ButineverygestureofMadameStahl，ineveryword，ineveryheavenly-asKittycalledit-look；and，aboveall，inthewholestoryofherlife，whichsheheardfromVarenka，Kittyrecognizedthatsomething`thatwasimportant，’ofwhich，tillthen，shehadknownnothing。
　　Yet，elevatedasMadameStahl’scharacterwas，touchingaswasherstory，andexaltedandmovingaswasherspeech，Kittycouldnothelpdetectinginhersometraitswhichperplexedher。Shenoticedthat，whenquestioningheraboutherfamily，MadameStahlhadsmiledcontemptuously，whichwasnotinaccordwithChristianmeekness。Kittynoticed，too，thatwhenshehadfoundaCatholicpriestwithher，MadameStahlhadstudiouslykeptherfaceintheshadowofthelampshadeandhadsmiledinapeculiarway。Trivialasthesetwoobservationswere，theyperplexedher，andshehadherdoubtsastoMadameStahl。ButontheotherhandVarenka，aloneintheworld，withoutfriendsorrelations，withamelancholydisappointmentinthepast，desiringnothing，regrettingnothing，wasjustthatperfectionofwhichKittydaredhardlydream。InVarenkasherealizedthatonehasbuttoforgetoneselfandloveothers，andonewillbecalm，happyandgood。AndthatwaswhatKittylongedtobe。Seeingnowclearlywhatwasmostimportant，Kittywasnotsatisfiedwithbeingenthusiasticoverit；sheatoncegaveherselfupwithherwholesoultothenewlifethatwasopeningtoher。FromVarenka’saccountsofthedoingsofMadameStahlandotherpeoplewhomshementioned，Kittyhadalreadyconstructedtheplanofherownfuturelife。Shewould，likeMadameStahl’sniece，Aline，ofwhomVarenkahadtalkedtoheragreatdeal，seekoutthosewhowereintrouble，wherevershemightbeliving，helpthemasfarasshecould，givingthemtheGospel；shewouldreadtheGospeltothesick，tothecriminals，tothedying。TheideaofreadingtheGospeltocriminals，asAlinedid，particularlyfascinatedKitty。Butalltheseweresecretdreams，ofwhichKittydidnottalkeithertohermotherortoVarenka。
　　Whileawaitingthetimeforcarryingoutherplansonalargescale，however，Kitty，eventhenatthesprings，wherethereweresomanypeopleillandunhappy，readilyfoundachanceforpracticinghernewprinciplesinimitationofVarenka。
　　AtfirstthePrincessnoticednothingbutthatKittywasmuchundertheinfluenceofherengouement，asshecalledit，forMadameStahl，andstillmoreforVarenka。ShesawthatKittydidnotmerelyimitateVarenkainherconduct，butunconsciouslyimitatedherinhermannerofwalking，oftalking，ofblinkinghereyes。ButlateronthePrincessnoticedthat，apartfromthisadoration，somekindofseriousspiritualchangewastakingplaceinherdaughter。
　　ThePrincesssawthatintheeveningsKittyreadaFrenchTestamentthatMadameStahlhadgivenher-athingshehadneverdonebefore；thatsheavoidedsocietyacquaintancesandassociatedwiththesickpeoplewhowereunderVarenka’sprotection，andespeciallyonepoorfamily，thatofasickpainter，Petrov。Kittywasunmistakablyproudofplayingthepartofasisterofmercyinthatfamily。Allthiswaswellenough，andthePrincesshadnothingtosayagainstit，especiallyasPetrov’swifewasaperfectlyrespectablewoman，andthattheGermanPrincess，noticingKitty’sdevotion，praisedher，callingheranangelofconsolation。Allthiswouldhavebeenverywell，iftherehadbeennoexaggeration。ButthePrincesssawthatherdaughterwasrushingintoextremes，andsoindeedshetoldher。
　　`Ilnefautjamaisrienoutrer，’shesaidtoher。
　　Herdaughtermadehernoreply，butinherheartshethoughtthatonecouldnottalkaboutexaggerationwhereChristianitywasconcerned。Whatexaggerationcouldtherebeinthepracticeofadoctrinewhereinonewasbiddentoturntheothercheekwhenonewassmitten，andgiveone’sshirtifone’scoatweretaken？ButthePrincessdislikedthisexaggeration，anddislikedevenmorethefactthatshefeltherdaughterdidnotcaretoshowherallherheart。Kittydidinfactconcealhernewviewsandfeelingsfromhermother。Sheconcealedthemnotbecauseshedidnotrespectordidnotlovehermother，butsimplybecauseshewashermother。Shewouldhaverevealedthemtoanyonesoonerthantohermother。
　　`HowisitAnnaPavlovna’snotbeentoseeusforsolong？’thePrincesssaidoneday，referringtoMadamePetrov。`I’veaskedher，butsheseemsputoutaboutsomething。’
　　`No，I’venotnoticedit，maman，’saidKitty，flushinghotly。
　　`Isitlongsinceyou’vebeentoseethem？’
　　`Weintendmakinganexcursiontothemountainstomorrow，’answeredKitty。
　　`Well，youmaygo，’answeredthePrincess，gazingatherdaughter’sembarrassedfaceandtryingtoguessthecauseofherembarrassment。
　　ThatdayVarenkacametodinnerandtoldthemthatAnnaPavlovnahadchangedhermindandgivenuptheexcursionforthemorrow。AndthePrincessnoticedagainthatKittyreddened。
　　`Kitty，haven’tyouhadsomemisunderstandingwiththePetrovs？’saidthePrincess，whentheywereleftalone。`Whyhasshegivenupsendingthechildrenandcomingtoseeus？’
　　Kittyansweredthatnothinghadhappenedbetweenthem，andthatshecouldnottellwhyAnnaPavlovnaseemeddispleasedwithher。Kittyansweredperfectlytruthfully。ShedidnotknowthereasonAnnaPavlovnahadchangedtowardher，butsheguessedit。Sheguessedatsomethingwhichshecouldnottellhermother，whichshedidnotputintowordstoherselfItwasoneofthosethingswhichoneknowsbutwhichonecanneverspeakofeventooneself，soterribleandshamefulwoulditbetobemistaken。
　　Againandagainshewentoverinhermemoryallherrelationswiththefamily。Sherememberedthesimpledelightexpressedontheround，good-naturedfaceofAnnaPavlovnaattheirmeetings；sherememberedtheirsecretconfabulationsabouttheinvalid，theirplotstodrawhimawayfromtheworkwhichwasforbiddenhim，andtogethimoutofdoors；thedevotionoftheyoungestboy，whousedtocallher`myKitty，’andwouldnotgotobedwithouther。Howlovelyitallwas！`Thensherecalledthethin，terriblythinfigureofPetrov，withhislongneck，inhisbrowncoat，hisscant，curlyhair，hisquestioningblueeyesthatweresoterribletoKittyatfirst，andhispainfulattemptstoseemheartyandlivelyinherpresence。Sherecalledtheeffortsshehadmadeatfirsttoovercometherepugnanceshefeltforhim，asforallconsumptivepeople，andthepainsithadcosthertothinkofthingstosaytohim。Sherecalledthetimid，softenedlookwithwhichhegazedather，andthestrangefeelingofcompassionandawkwardness，andlaterofasenseofherowngoodness，whichshehadfeltatit。Howlovelyitallwas！Butallthatwasatfirst。Now，afewdaysago，everythingwassuddenlyspoiled。AnnaPavlovnahadmetKittywithaffectedcordiality，andhadkeptcontinualwatchonherandonherhusband。
　　CouldthattouchingpleasureheshowedwhenshecamenearbethecauseofAnnaPavlovna’scoolness？
　　`Yes，’shemused，`therewassomethingunnaturalaboutAnnaPavlovna，andutterlyunlikehergoodnature，whenshesaidangrilythedaybeforeyesterday:``There，hewillkeepwaitingforyou；hewouldn’tdrinkhiscoffeewithoutyou，thoughhe’sgrownsodreadfullyweak。’’
　　`Yes，perhaps，too，shedidn’tlikeitwhenIgavehimtherug。Itwasallsosimple，buthetookitsoawkwardly，andwassolongthankingme，thatIfeltawkwardtoo。Andthenthatportraitofmehedidsowell。Andmostofallthatlookofconfusionandtenderness！Yes，yes，that’sit！’Kittyrepeatedtoherselfwithhorror。`No，itcan’tbe，itoughtn’ttobe！He’ssomuchtobepitied！’shesaidtoherselfdirectlyafter。
　　Thisdoubtpoisonedthecharmofhernewlife。