ButImust！Imust！Imust！Away，faintheartedness！’
　　Levinrosetohisfeet，tookoffhisovercoat，and，gainingspeedovertheroughiceroundthepavilion，cameoutonthesmoothiceandskatedwithouteffort，asitwere，by，simpleexerciseofwill，increasingandslackeningspeedandturninghiscourse。Heapproachedherwithtimidity，butagainhersmilereassuredhim。
　　Shegavehimherhand，andtheysetoffsidebyside，goingfasterandfaster，andthemorerapidlytheymovedthemoretightlyshegraspedhishand。
　　`WithyouIshouldsoonlearn；Isomehowfeelconfidenceinyou，’
　　shesaidtohim。
　　`AndIhaveconfidenceinmyselfwhenyouareleaningonme，’
　　hesaid，butwasatoncefrightenedatwhathehadsaid，andblushed。Andindeed，nosoonerhadheutteredthesewords，thanallatonce，likethesungoingbehindacloud，herfacelostallitstenderness，andLevindetectedthefamiliarchangeinherexpressionthatdenotedmentalconcentration；
　　atinywrinklecameuponhersmoothbrow。
　　`Isthereanythingtroublingyou？However，I’venorighttoasksuchaquestion，’hesaidhurriedly。
　　`Oh，whyso？……No，Ihavenothingtotroubleme，’sherespondedcoldly，andimmediatelyadded:`Youhaven’tseenMlle。Linon，haveyou？’
　　`Notyet。’
　　`Goandspeaktoher-shelikesyousomuch。’
　　`What’swrong？Ihaveoffendedher。Lordhelpme！’thoughtLevin，andheflewtowardstheoldFrenchwomanwiththegrayringlets，whowassittingonabench。Smilingandshowingherfalseteeth，shegreetedhimasanoldfriend。
　　`Yes，youseewe’regrowingup，’shesaidtohim，glancingtowardKitty，`andgrowingold。Tinybearhasgrownbignow！’pursuedtheFrenchwoman，laughing，andsheremindedhimofhisjokeaboutthethreeyoungladieswhomhehadcomparedtothethreebearsintheEnglishnurserytale。`Doyourememberthat’swhatyouusedtocallthem？’
　　Herememberedabsolutelynothing，butshehadbeenlaughingatthejokefortenyearsnowandwasfondofit。
　　`Now，goandskate，goandskate。OurKittyhaslearnedtoskatenicely，hasn’tshe？’
　　WhenLevindarteduptoKittyherfacewasnolongerstern；hereyeslookedathimwiththesamesincerityandtenderness，butLevinfanciedthatinhertendernesstherewasacertainnoteofdeliberatecomposure。
　　Andhefeltdepressed。Aftertalkingalittleofheroldgovernessandherpeculiarities，shequestionedhimabouthislife。
　　`Surely，youmustfeeldullinthecountryinthewinter，’shesaid。
　　`No，I’mnotdull-Iamverybusy，’hesaid，feelingthatshewasmakinghimsubmittohercomposedtone，whichhewouldnothavethestrengthtobreakthrough-justashadbeenthecaseatthebeginningofthewinter。
　　`Areyougoingtostayintownlong？’Kittyquestionedhim。
　　`Idon’tknow，’heanswered，notthinkingofwhathewassaying。
　　Thethoughtcameintohismindthatifhewereheldinsubmissionbyhertoneofquietfriendlinesshewouldendbygoingbackagainwithoutdecidinganything，andheresolvedtomutinyagainstit。
　　`Howisityoudon’tknow？’
　　`Idon’tknow。Itdependsuponyou，’hesaid，andwasimmediatelyhorror-strickenathisownwords。
　　Whetheritwasthatshedidnothearhiswords，orthatshedidnotwanttohearthem，shemadeasortofstumble，twicestruckout，andhurriedlyskatedawayfromhim。SheskateduptoMlle。Linon，saidsomethingtoher，andwenttowardthepavilionwheretheladiestookofftheirskates。
　　`MyGod！WhathaveIdone！MercifulGod！Helpme，guideme，’saidLevin，prayinginwardly，andatthesametime，feelinganeedofviolentexercise，heskatedabout，describingconcentricandeccentriccircles。
　　Atthatmomentoneoftheyoungmen，thebestoftheskatersoftheday，cameoutofthecoffeehouseonhisskates，withacigaretteinhismouth。Takingarunhedasheddownthestepsonhisskates，crashingandleaping。Heflewdown，andwithoutevenchangingthefree-and-easypositionofhishands，skatedawayovertheice。
　　`Ah，that’sanewtrick！’saidLevin，andhepromptlyranuptothetoptoperformthisnewtrick。
　　`Don’tbreakyourneck！Thisneedspractice！’NikolaiShcherbatskyshoutedafterhim。
　　Levinwenttothesteps，tookarunfromaboveasbesthecould，anddasheddown，preservinghisbalanceinthisunwontedmovementwithhishands。Onthelaststephestumbled，butbarelytouchingtheicewithhishand，withaviolenteffortrecoveredhimself，andskatedoff，laughing。
　　`Whatafine，darlingchapheis！’Kittywasthinkingatthatmoment，asshecameoutofthepavilionwithMlle。Linonandlookedtowardhimwithasmileofquietkindness，asthoughhewereafavoritebrother。
　　`Andcanitbemyfault，canIhavedoneanythingwrong？Theytalkofcoquetry。
　　Iknowit’snothethatIlove；butstillIamhappywithhim，andhe’ssonice。Only，whydidhesaythat？……’shemused。
　　CatchingsightofKittygoingaway，andhermothermeetingheratthesteps，Levin，flushedfromhisrapidexercise，stoodstillandponderedaminute。Hetookoffhisskates，andovertookthemotheranddaughterattheentranceofthegardens。
　　`Delightedtoseeyou，’saidPrincessShcherbatskaia。`OnThursdayswearehome，asalways。’
　　`Today，then？’
　　`Weshallbepleasedtoseeyou，’thePrincesssaidstiffly。
　　ThisstiffnesshurtKitty，andshecouldnotresistthedesiretosmoothoverhermother’scoldness。Sheturnedherhead，andwithasmilesaid:
　　`Good-bytillthisevening。’
　　AtthatmomentStepanArkadyevich，hishatcockedononeside，withbeamingfaceandeyes，strodeintothegardenlikeabuoyantconqueror。
　　Butasheapproachedhismother-in-law，herespondedtoherinquiriesaboutDolly’shealthwithamournfulandguiltycountenance。Afteralittlesubduedanddejectedconversationwithherhesetstraighthischestagain，andtookLevinbythearm。
　　`Well，shallwesetoff？’heasked。`I’vebeenthinkingaboutyouallthistime，andI’mvery，verygladyou’vecome，’hesaid，lookinghiminthefacewithasignificantair。
　　`Yes，comealong，’answeredLevininecstasy，hearingunceasinglythesoundofthatvoicesaying，`Good-bytillthisevening，’andseeingthesmilewithwhichitwassaid。
　　`ToEnglandorTheHermitage？’
　　`It’sallthesametome。’
　　`Well，then，Englanditis，’saidStepanArkadyevich，selectingthatrestaurantbecauseheowedmoretherethanatTheHermitage，andconsequentlyconsidereditmeantoavoidit。`Haveyougotasleigh？That’sfine-forIsentmycarriagehome。’
　　Thefriendshardlyspokealltheway。LevinwaswonderingwhatthatchangeinKitty’sexpressionhadmeant，andalternatelyassuringhimselfthattherewashope，andfallingintodespair，seeingclearlythathishopeswereinsane，andyetallthewhilehefelthimselfquiteanotherman，utterlyunlikewhathehadbeenbeforehersmileandthosewords，`Good-bytillthisevening。’
　　StepanArkadyevichwasabsorbedduringthedriveincomposingthemenuofthedinner。
　　`Youliketurbot，don’tyou？’hesaidtoLevinastheywerearriving。
　　`Eh？’respondedLevin。`Turbot？Yes，I’mawfullyfondofturbot。’
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter10[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter10WhenLevinwentintotherestaurantwithOblonsky，hecouldnothelpnoticingacertainpeculiarityofexpression，asitwere，arestrainedradiance，aboutthefaceandwholefigureofStepanArkadyevich。Oblonskytookoffhisovercoat，andwithhishatoveroneearwalkedintothediningroom，givingdirectionstotheTatarwaiters，whowereclusteredabouthimineveningcoats，andwithnapkinsundertheirarms。Bowingrightandlefttoacquaintanceswho，hereaseverywhere，greetedhimjoyously，hewentuptothebar，tookalittlewineglassofvodkaandasnackoffish，andsaidtothepaintedFrenchwomandeckedinribbons，laceandringlets，behindthedesk，somethingsoamusingthateventhatFrenchwomanwasmovedtogenuinelaughter。LevinforhispartrefrainedfromtakinganyvodkaonlybecausehefoundmostoffensivethisFrenchwoman，allmadeup，itseemed，offalsehair，poudrederizandvinaigredetoilette。Hemadehastetomoveawayfromher，asfromadirtyplace。HiswholesoulwasfilledwithmemoriesofKitty，andtherewasasmileoftriumphandhappinessshininginhiseyes。
　　`Thisway，YourExcellency，please。YourExcellencywon’tbedisturbedhere，’saidaparticularlypertinacious，white-headedoldTatarwithimmensehipsandcoattailsgapingwidelybehind。`Walkin，yourExcellency，’hesaidtoLevin-beingattentivetohisguestaswell，bywayofshowinghisrespecttoStepanArkadyevich。
　　Instantlyflingingafreshclothovertheroundtableunderthebronzesconce，thoughitalreadyhadatableclothonit，hepushedupvelvetchairsandcametoastandstillbeforeStepanArkadyevichwithanapkinandabilloffareinhishands，awaitinghiscommands。
　　`Ifyoupreferit，YourExcellency，aprivateroomwillbefreedirectly:PrinceGolitsinwithalady。Freshoystershavecomein。’
　　`Ah，oysters！’StepanArkadyevichbecamethoughtful。
　　`Howifweweretochangeourprogram，Levin？’hesaid，keepinghisfingeronthebilloffare。Andhisfaceexpressedserioushesitation。
　　`Aretheoystersgood？Mind，now！’
　　`They’reFlensburg，YourExcellency。We’venoOstend。’
　　`Flensburgwilldo-butaretheyfresh？’
　　`Onlyarrivedyesterday。’
　　`Well，then，howifweweretobeginwithoysters，andsochangethewholeprogram？Eh？’
　　`It’sallthesametome。Ishouldlikecabbagesoupandporridgebetterthananything；butofcoursethere’snothinglikethathere。’
　　`Porridgeà；laRusse，YourHonorwouldlike？’saidtheTatar，bendingdowntoLevin，likeanursespeakingtoachild。
　　`No，jokingapart，whateveryouchooseissuretobegood。I’vebeenskating，andI’mhungry。Anddon’timagine，’headded，detectingalookofdissatisfactiononOblonsky’sface，`thatIshan’tappreciateyourchoice。Idon’tobjecttoagooddinner。’
　　`Ishouldhopeso！Afterall，it’soneofthepleasuresoflife，’
　　saidStepanArkadyevich。`Well，then，myfriend，yougiveustwo-orbettersaythree-dozenoysters，clearsoupwithvegetables……’
　　`Printaniere，’promptedtheTatar。ButStepanArkadyevichapparentlydidnotcaretoallowhimthesatisfactionofgivingtheFrenchnamesofthedishes。
　　`Withvegetablesinit，youknow。Thenturbotwiththicksauce，then……roastbeef；andmindit’sgood。Yes，andcapons，perhaps，andthenstewedfruit。’
　　TheTatar，recollectingthatitwasStepanArkadyevich’swaynottocallthedishesbythenamesintheFrenchbilloffare，didnotrepeatthemafterhim，butcouldnotresistrehearsingthewholemenutohimselfaccordingtothebill:`Soupeprintaniere，turbotsauceBeaumarchais，poulardà；l’estragon，Macé；doinedefruits……’andtheninstantly，asthoughworkedbysprings，layingdownoneboundbilloffare，hetookupanother，thelistofwines，andsubmittedittoStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Whatshallwedrink？’
　　`Whatyoulike，onlynottoomuch。Champagne，’saidLevin。
　　`What！tostartwith？You’rerightthough，Idaresay。Doyoulikethewhiteseal？’
　　`Cachetblanc，’promptedtheTatar。
　　`Verywell，then，giveusthatbrandwiththeoysters，andthenwe’llsee。’
　　`Yes，sir。Andwhattablewine？’
　　`YoucangiveusNuits。Oh，no-bettertheclassicChablis。’
　　`Yes，sir。Andyourcheese，YourExcellency？’
　　`Oh，yes，Parmesan。Orwouldyoulikeanother？’
　　`No，it’sallthesametome，’saidLevin，unabletosuppressasmile。
　　AndtheTatarranoffwithflyingcoattails，andinfiveminutesdartedinwithadishofopenedoystersintheirnacreousshells，andabottlebetweenhisfingers。
　　StepanArkadyevichcrushedthestarchynapkin，tuckeditintohiswaistcoat，and，settlinghisarmscomfortably，startedontheoysters。
　　`Notbad，’hesaid，detachingthejelliedoystersfromtheirpearlyshellswithasmallsilverfork，andswallowingthemoneafteranother。
　　`Notbad，’herepeated，turninghisdewy，brillianteyesnowuponLevin，nowupontheTatar。
　　Levinatetheoysterstoo，thoughwhitebreadandcheesepleasedhimbetter。ButhewasadmiringOblonsky。EventheTatar，uncorkingthebottleandpouringthesparklingwineintothedelicatefunnel-shapedglasses，andadjustinghiswhitecravat，keptonglancingatStepanArkadyevichwithaperceptiblesmileofsatisfaction。
　　`Youdon’tcaremuchforoysters，doyou？’saidStepanArkadyevich，emptyinghiswineglass，`orareyouworriedaboutsomething。Eh？’
　　HewantedLevintobeingoodspirits。ButitwasnotthatLevinwasnotingoodspirits，hewasillatease。Withwhathehadinhissoul，hefelthardandawkwardintherestaurant，inthemidstofprivateroomswheremenwerediningwithladies，inallthisfussandbustle；thesurroundingsofbronzes，lookingglasses，gasandTatars-allofthiswasoffensivetohim。Hewasafraidofsullyingwhathissoulwasbrimfulof。
　　`I？Yes，Iamworried；butbesidesthat，allthisbothersme，’
　　hesaid。`Youcan’tconceivehowqueeritallseemstoacountrymanlikeme，asqueerasthatgentleman’snailsIsawatyouroffice……’
　　`Yes，IsawhowmuchinterestedyouwereinpoorGrinevich’snails，’
　　saidStepanArkadyevich，laughing。
　　`It’stoomuchforme，’respondedLevin。`Dotry，now，toputyourselfinmyplace-takethepointofviewofacountryman。Weinthecountrytrytobringourhandsintosuchastateaswillbemostconvenientforworkingwith。Sowecutournails；sometimeswetuckupoursleeves。
　　Andherepeoplepurposelylettheirnailsgrowaslongaspossible，andlinkonsmallsaucersbywayofstuds，sothattheycandonothingwiththeirhands。’
　　StepanArkadyevichsmiledgaily。
　　`Oh，yes，that’sjustasignthathehasnoneedtodocoarsework。Hisworkiswiththemind……’
　　`Maybe。Butstillit’squeertome，justasatthismomentitseemsqueertomethatwecountryfolkstrytosatiateourselvesassoonaswecan，soastobereadyforwork，whileherearewetryingtodelaysatietyaslongaspossible，andwiththatobjectareeatingoysters……’
　　`Why，ofcourse，’objectedStepanArkadyevich。`Butthat’sjusttheaimofculture-tomakeeverythingasourceofenjoyment。’
　　`Well，ifthat’sitsaim，I’dratherbeasavage。’
　　`Youareasavage，asitis。AllyouLevinsaresavages。’
　　Levinsighed。HerememberedhisbrotherNikolai，andfeltashamedandpained，andhescowled；butOblonskybeganspeakingofasubjectwhichatoncedrewhisattention。
　　`Oh，Isay，areyougoingtonighttoourpeople-theShcherbatsky’s，Imean？’hesaid，hiseyessparklingsignificantlyashepushedawaytheemptyroughshells，anddrewthecheesetowardhim。
　　`Yes，Ishallcertainlygo，’repliedLevin；`thoughIfanciedthePrincesswasnotverywarminherinvitation。’
　　`Whatnonsense！That’shermanner……Come，boy，thesoup！……
　　That’shermanner-grandedame，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`I’mcoming，too，butIhavetogototheCountessBonin’srehearsal。Come，isn’tittruethatyou’reasavage？HowdoyouexplainthesuddenwayinwhichyouvanishedfromMoscow？TheShcherbatskyswerecontinuallyaskingmeaboutyou，asthoughIoughttoknow。TheonlythingIknowisthatyoualwaysdowhatnooneelsedoes。’
　　`Yes，’saidLevin，slowlyandwithemotion，`you’reright。Iamasavage。Only，mysavagenessisnotinhavinggoneaway，butincomingnow。NowIhavecome……’
　　`Oh，whataluckyfellowyouare！’brokeinStepanArkadyevich，lookingintoLevin’seyes。
　　`Why？’
　　`Icantellthegallantsteeds，’bysome……Idon’tknowwhat……
　　``pace’s；Icantellyouths``bytheirfaces，’’’declaimedStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Everythingisbeforeyou。’
　　`Why，isitoverforyoualready？’
　　`No；notoverexactly，butthefutureisyours，andthepresentismine，andthepresent-well，it’sonlyfairtomiddling。’
　　`Howso？’
　　`Oh，thingsaren’tright。ButIdon’twanttotalkofmyself，besidesIcan’texplainitall，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Well，whyhaveyoucometoMoscow，then？……Hi！clearthetable！’hecalledtotheTatar。
　　`Areyoutryingtosurmise？’respondedLevin，hiseyes，gleamingintheirdepth，fixedonStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Iam，butIcan’tbethefirsttotalkaboutit。YoucanseebythatwhetherIsurmiserightorwrong，’saidStepanArkadyevich，gazingatLevinwithasubtlesmile。
　　`Well，andwhathaveyoutosaytome？’saidLevininaquiveringvoice，feelingthatallthemusclesofhisfacewerequiveringtoo。`Howdoyoulookatit？
　　StepanArkadyevichslowlyemptiedhisglassofChablis，nevertakinghiseyesoffLevin。
　　`I？’saidStepanArkadyevich。`There’snothingIdesiresomuchasthat-nothing！Itwouldbethebestthingthatcouldhappen。’
　　`Butyou’renotmakingamistake？Youknowwhatwe’respeakingof？’saidLevin，piercinghimwithhiseyes。`Youthinkit’spossible？’
　　`Ithinkit’spossible。Whynot？’
　　`No！Doyoureallythinkit’spossible？No-tellmeallyouthink！
　　Oh，butif……Ifrefusal’sinstoreforme！……IndeedIfeelsure……’
　　`Whatmakesyouthinkso？’saidStepanArkadyevich，smilingathisexcitement。
　　`Itseemssotomesometimes。Thatwillbeawfulforme，andforhertoo。’
　　`Oh，well，anywaythere’snothingawfulinitforagirl。Everygirl’sproudofaproposal。’
　　`Yes，everygirl，butnotshe。’
　　StepanArkadyevichsmiled。HesowellknewthatfeelingofLevin’s，thatforhimallthegirlsintheworldweredividedintotwoclasses:
　　oneclass-allthegirlsintheworldexcepther，andthosegirlswithallsortsofhumanfailings，andveryordinarygirls:theotherclass-
　　shealone，havingnofailingsofanysortandhigherthanallhumanity。
　　`Stay，takesomesauce，’hesaid，holdingbackLevin’shand，whowaspushingthesauceaway。
　　Levinobedientlyhelpedhimselftosauce，butwouldnotletStepanArkadyevichgoonwithhisdinner。
　　`No，stopaminute，stopaminute，’hesaid。`Youmustunderstandthatit’saquestionoflifeanddeathforme。Ihaveneverspokentoanyoneofthis。Andthere’snoonetowhomIcouldspeakofit，exceptyourself。
　　Youknowwe’reutterlyunlikeeachother，differentintastes，andviews，andeverything；butIknowyou’refondofmeandunderstandme，andthat’swhyIlikeyouawfully。ButforGod’ssake，bequitestraightforwardwithme。’
　　`ItellyouwhatIthink，’saidStepanArkadyevich，smiling。`ButI’llsaymore:mywifeisawonderfulwoman……’StepanArkadyevichsighed，recallinghisrelationswithhiswife，and，afteramoment’ssilence，resumed-`Shehasagiftofforeseeingthings。Sheseesrightthroughpeople；
　　butthat’snotall；sheknowswhatwillcometopass，especiallyinthewayofmarriages。Sheforetold，forinstance，thatPrincessShahovskaiawouldmarryBrenteln。Noonewouldbelieveit，butitcametopass。Andshe’sonyourside。’
　　`Howdoyoumean？’
　　`It’snotonlythatshelikesyou-shesaysthatKittyiscertaintobeyourwife。’
　　AtthesewordsLevin’sfacesuddenlylightedupwithasmile，asmilenotfarfromtouchingtears。
　　`Shesaysthat！’criedoutLevin。`Ialwayssaidshewascharming，yourwife。There，that’senoughsaidaboutit，’hesaid，gettingupfromhisseat。
　　`Well，butdositdown。’
　　ButLevincouldnotsitdown。Hewalkedwithhisfirmtreadtwiceupanddownthelittlecageofaroom，blinkedhiseyelidsthathistearsmightnotfall，andonlythensatdowntothetable。
　　`Youmustunderstand，’saidhe，`it’snotlove。I’vebeeninlove，butit’snotthat。It’snotmyfeeling，butasortofforceoutsidemethathastakenpossessionofme。Iwentaway，yousee，becauseImadeupmymindthatitcouldneverbe-youunderstand，likeahappinesswhichisnotofthisearth；butI’vestruggledwithmyself，andIseethere’snolivingwithoutit。Anditmustbesettled。’
　　`Whatdidyougoawayfor？’
　　`Ah，stopaminute！Ah，thethoughtsthatcomecrowdingonone！
　　Thequestionsonemustaskoneself！Listen。Youcan’timaginewhatyou’vedoneformebywhatyousaid。I’msohappythatI’vebecomepositivelyhateful；I’veforgotteneverything。IheardtodaythatmybrotherNikolai……
　　youknow，he’shere……Ihadforgottenevenhim。Itseemstomethathe’shappytoo。It’sasortofmadness。Butonething’sawful……Here，you’vebeenmarried，youknowthefeeling……It’sawfulthatwe-fullymature-withapast……apastnotoflove，butofsins……arebroughtallatoncesoneartoacreaturepureandinnocent；it’sloathsome，andthat’swhyonecan’thelpfeelingoneselfunworthy。’
　　`Oh，well，youhaven’tmanysinsonyourconscience。’
　　`Ah，still，’saidLevin，```When，withloathing，Igoo’ermylife，IshudderandIcurseandbitterlyregret……’’Yes。’
　　`Whatwouldyouhave？That’sthewayoftheworld，’saidStepanArkadyevich。
　　`There’sonecomfort，likethatoftheprayerwhichIalwaysliked:
　　``Forgivemenotaccordingtomydeeds，butaccordingtoThyloving-kindness。’’
　　That’stheonlywayshecanforgiveme。’
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter11[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter11Levinemptiedhisglass，andtheyweresilentforawhile。
　　`There’soneotherthingIoughttotellyou。DoyouknowVronsky？’
　　StepanArkadyevichaskedLevin。
　　`No，Idon’t。Whydoyouask？’
　　`Giveusanotherbottle，’StepanArkadyevichdirectedtheTatar，whowasfillinguptheirglassesandfidgetingroundthemjustwhenhewasleastwanted。
　　`Why，yououghttoknowVronskybecausehe’soneofyourrivals。’
　　`Who’sVronsky？’saidLevin，andhisfacewassuddenlytransformedfromthelookofchildlikeecstasywhichOblonskyhadjustbeenadmiringtoanangryandunpleasantexpression。
　　`VronskyisoneofthesonsofCountKirillIvanovichVronsky，andoneofthefinestspecimensofthegildedyouthofPeterburg。ImadehisacquaintanceinTver，whenIwasthereonofficialbusiness，andhecamethereforthelevyofrecruits。Fearfullyrich，handsome，greatconnections，anaide-de-camp，andwithallthataveryfinegood-naturedfellow。Buthe’smorethansimplyagood-naturedfellow，asI’vefoundouthere-he’saculturedman，too，andveryintelligent；he’samanwho’llmakehismark。’
　　Levinscowledandkeptsilent。
　　`Well，heturnedupheresoonafteryou’dgone，and，asIcansee，he’soverheadandearsinlovewithKitty，andyouknowthathermother……’
　　`Excuseme，butIknownothing，’saidLevin，frowninggloomily。
　　AndimmediatelyherecalledhisbrotherNikolai，andhowvilehewastohavebeenabletoforgethim。
　　`Youwaitabit-waitabit，’saidStepanArkadyevich，smilingandtouchinghishand。`I’vetoldyouwhatIknow，andIrepeatthatinthisdelicateandtendermatter，asfarasonecanconjecture，Ibelievethechancesareinyourfavor。’
　　Levindroppedbackinhischair；hisfacewaspale。
　　`ButIwouldadviseyoutosettlethethingassoonaspossible，’
　　pursuedOblonsky，fillinguphisglass。
　　`No，thanks，Ican’tdrinkanymore，’saidLevin，pushingawayhisglass。`Ishallgetdrunk……Come，tellmehowareyougettingon？’
　　hewenton，obviouslyanxioustochangetheconversation。
　　`Onewordmore:inanycaseIadviseyoutosettlethequestionsoon。TonightIdon’tadviseyoutospeak，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Goroundtomorrowmorning，makeaproposalinclassicform，andGodblessyou……’
　　`Oh，doyoustillthinkofcomingtomeforsomeshooting？Comenextspring，do，’saidLevin。
　　NowhiswholesoulwasfullofremorsethathehadbegunthisconversationwithStepanArkadyevich。HispeculiarfeelingwasprofanedbytalkoftherivalryofsomePeterburgofficer，ofthesuppositionsandthecounselsofStepanArkadyevich。
　　StepanArkadyevichsmiled。HeknewwhatwaspassinginLevin’ssoul。
　　`I’llcomesomeday，’hesaid。`Yes，mydear，women-they’rethepivoteverythingturnsupon。Thingsareinabadwaywithme，verybad。Andit’sallthroughwomen。Tellmefrankly，now，’hepursued，pickingupacigarandkeepingonehandonhisglass；`givemeyouradvice。’
　　`Why，whatisit？’
　　`I’lltellyou。Supposeyou’remarried；youloveyourwife，butarefascinatedbyanotherwoman……’
　　`Excuseme，butI’mabsolutelyunabletocomprehendhowjustasIcan’tcomprehendhowIcouldnow，aftermydinner，gostraighttoabaker’sshopandstealaloaf。’
　　StepanArkadyevich’seyessparkledmorethanusual。
　　`Whynot？Aloafwillsometimessmellsogoodthatonecan’tresistit。
　　`Himmlischist’swennichbezwungenMeineirdischeBegier；
　　Aberdochwenn’snichtgelungenHatt’ichauchrechthü；bschPlaisir！’Ashesaidthis，StepanArkadyevichsmiledsubtly。Levin，too，couldnothelpsmiling。
　　`Yes，butjokingapart，’resumedOblonsky，`youmustunderstandthatthewoman，asweet，gentle，lovingcreature，poorandlonely，hassacrificedeverything。Now，whenthething’sdone，don’tyousee，canonepossiblycastheroff？Evensupposingonepartsfromher，soasnottobreakupone’sfamilylife，still，canonehelpfeelingforher，settingheronherfeet，lighteningherlot？’
　　`Well，youmustexcusemethere。Youknowtomeallwomenaredividedintotwoclasses……Well，no……itwouldbetruertosay:therearewomen，andthereare……I’veneverseencharmingfallenbeings，andInevershallseethem，butsuchcreaturesasthatpaintedFrenchwomanatthecounterwiththeringletsarevermintomymind，andallfallenwomenarelikeher。’
　　`ButtheMagdalen？’
　　`Ah，dropthat！ChristwouldneverhavesaidthosewordsifHehadknownhowtheywouldbeabused。OfalltheGospelthosewordsaretheonlyonesremembered。However，I’mnotsayingsomuchwhatIthink，aswhatIfeel。Ihavealoathingforfallenwomen。You’reafraidofspiders，andIofthesevermin。Mostlikelyyou’venotmadeastudyofspidersanddon’tknowtheircharacter；andsoitiswithme。’
　　`It’sverywellforyoutotalklikethat；it’sverymuchlikethatgentlemaninDickenswhousedtoflingalldifficultquestionsoverhisrightshoulderwithhislefthand。Butdenyingthefactsisnoanswer。
　　What’stobedone-youtellmethat；what’stobedone？Yourwifegetsolder，whileyou’refulloflife。Beforeyou’vetimetolookround，youfeelthatyoucan’tloveyourwifewithlove，howevermuchyoumayesteemher。Andthenallatonceloveturnsup-andyou’redonefor；you’redonefor，’StepanArkadyevichsaidwithwearydespair。
　　Levinsmiledslightly。
　　`Yes，you’redonefor，’resumedOblonsky。`Butwhat’stobedone？’
　　`Don’tstealloaves。’
　　StepanArkadyevichlaughedoutright。
　　`Oh，moralist！Butyoumustunderstand，therearetwowomen；oneinsistsonlyonherrights，andthoserightsareyourlove，whichyoucan’tgiveher；whiletheothersacrificeseverythingforyouandasksfornothing。
　　Whatareyoutodo？Howareyoutoact？There’safearfultragedyinit。’
　　`Ifyoucareformyprofessionoffaithasregardsthat，I’lltellyouthatIdon’tbelievetherewasanytragedyaboutit。Andthisiswhy。Tomymind，love……bothsortsoflove，whichyourememberPlatodefinesinhisBanquet，serveasthetouchstoneofmen。Somemenonlyunderstandonesort，andsomeonlytheother。Andthosewhoonlyknowthenonplatoniclovetalkinvainoftragedy。Insuchlovetherecanbenosortoftragedy。
　　``I’mmuchobligedforthegratification，myhumblerespects，’’-that’sallthetragedy。Andinplatoniclovetherecanbenotragedy，becauseinthatloveallisclearandpure，because……’
　　AtthatinstantLevinrecollectedhisownsinsandtheinnerconflicthehadlivedthrough。Andheaddedunexpectedly:
　　`Butperhapsyouareright。Verylikely……Idon’tknow-Ipositivelydon’tknow。’
　　`Yousee，’saidStepanArkadyevich，`you’reverymuchallofapiece。That’syourqualityandyourfailing。Youhaveacharacterthat’sallofapiece，andyouwantthewholeoflifetobeofapiecetoo-butthat’snothowitis。Youdespisepublicofficialworkbecauseyouwanttherealitytobeconstantlycorrespondingwiththeaim-andthat’snothowitis。Youwantaman’swork，too，alwaystohaveadefinedaim，andloveandfamilylifealwaystobeundivided-andthat’snothowitis。
　　Allthevariety，allthecharm，allthebeautyoflifeismadeupoflightandshadow。’
　　Levinsighedandmadenoreply。Hewasthinkingofhisownaffairs，andwasnotlisteningtoOblonsky。
　　Andsuddenlybothofthemfeltthatthoughtheywerefriends，thoughtheyhadbeendiningtogether，anddrunkwinewhichshouldhavedrawnthemcloser，yeteachwasthinkingonlyofhisownaffairs，andtheyhadnothingtodowithoneanother。Oblonskyhadmorethanonceexperiencedthisextremesenseofaloofness，insteadofintimacy，comingonafterdinner，andheknewwhattodoinsuchcases。
　　`Let’shavethecheck！’hecalled，andhewentintothenextroom，wherehepromptlycameacrossanaide-de-campofhisacquaintanceanddroppedintoconversationwithhimaboutanactressandherprotector。Andatonce，inthisconversationwiththeaide-de-camp，OblonskyhadasenseofrelaxationandreliefafterhisconversationwithLevin，whichalwaysputhimtotoogreatamentalandspiritualstrain。
　　WhentheTatarappearedwithacheckoftwenty-sixroublesandsomekopecks，besidesatipforhimself，Levin，whowouldanothertimehavebeenhorrified，likeanyonefromthecountry，athisshareoffourteenroubles，didnotnoticeit，paid，andsetoffhomewardtodressandgototheShcherbatsky’s，wherehisfatewastobedecided。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter12[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter12TheyoungprincessKittyShcherbatskaiawaseighteen。Itwasthefirstwinterthatshehadbeenoutintheworld。Hersuccessinsocietyhadbeengreaterthanthatofeitherofhereldersisters，andgreatereventhanhermotherhadanticipated。TosaynothingoftheyoungmenwhodancedattheMoscowballsbeingalmostallinlovewithKitty，twoserioussuitorshadalready，thefirstwinter，madetheirappearance:Levin，and，immediatelyafterhisdeparture，CountVronsky。
　　Levin’sappearanceatthebeginningofthewinter，hisfrequentvisits，andevidentloveforKitty，hadledtothefirstseriousconversationsbetweenKitty’sparentsastoherfuture，andtodisputesbetweenthem。
　　ThePrincewasonLevin’sside；hesaidhewishedfornothingbetterforKitty。ThePrincessforherpart，goingroundthequestioninthemannerpeculiartowomen，maintainedthatKittywastooyoung，thatLevinhaddonenothingtoprovethathehadseriousintentions，thatKittyfeltnogreatattractiontohim，andthereweresomeotherreasonstoo；butshedidnotstatetheprincipalpoint，whichwasthatshelookedforabettermatchforherdaughter，thatLevinwasnottoherliking，andthatshedidnotunderstandhim。WhenLevinhadabruptlydeparted，thePrincesswasdelighted，andsaidtoherhusbandtriumphantly:``Yousee，Iwasright。’’
　　WhenVronskyappearedonthescene，shewasstillmoredelighted，confirmedinheropinionthatKittywastomakenotsimplyagood，butabrilliantmatch。
　　Inthemother’seyestherecouldbenocomparisonbetweenVronskyandLevin。ThemotherdislikedinLevinhisstrangeanduncompromisingopinionsandhisshynessinsociety，foundedonhispride，asshesupposed，andhisqueersortoflife，assheconsideredit，absorbedincattleandpeasants。Shedidnotverymuchlikeitthathe，whowasinlovewithherdaughter，hadkeptcomingtothehouseforsixweeks，asthoughhewerewaitingforsomething，inspecting，asthoughhewereafraidhemightbedoingthemtoogreatanhonorbymakingaproposal，anddidnotrealizethatamanwhocontinuallyvisitsatahousewherethereisayoungunmarriedgirl，isboundtomakehisintentionsclear。Andsuddenly，withoutdoingso，hedisappeared。`It’saswellhe’snotattractiveenoughforKittytohavefalleninlovewithhim，’thoughtthemother。
　　Vronskysatisfiedallthemother’sdesires。Verywealthy，clever，ofaristocraticfamily，onthehighroadtoabrilliantcareerinthearmyandatcourt，andafascinatingman。Nothingbettercouldbewishedfor。
　　VronskyopenlyflirtedwithKittyatballs，dancedwithher，andcamecontinuallytothehouse；consequentlytherecouldbenodoubtoftheseriousnessofhisintentions。But，inspiteofthat，themotherhadspentthewholeofthatwinterinastateofterribleanxietyandagitation。
　　PrincessShcherbatskaiahadherselfbeenmarriedthirtyyearsago，herauntarrangingthematch。Thewooer，aboutwhomeverythingwaswellknownbeforehand，hadcome，lookedathisintended，andbeenlookedat。Thematchmakingaunthadascertainedandcommunicatedtheirmutualimpression。Thatimpressionhadbeenfavorable。Afterward，onadayfixedbeforehand，theexpectedproposalwasmadetoherparents，andaccepted。
　　Allhadpassedverysimplyandeasily。Soitseemed，atleast，tothePrincess。
　　Butoverherowndaughtersshehadfelthowfarfromsimpleandeasyisthebusiness，apparentlysocommonplace，ofmarryingoffone’sdaughters。
　　Thepanicsthathadbeenlivedthrough，thethoughtsthathadbeenbroodedover，themoneythathadbeenwasted，andthedisputeswithherhusbandovermarryingthetwoeldergirls，DaryaandNatalya！Now，sincetheyoungestbegantocomeoutintheworld，thePrincesswasgoingthroughthesameterrors，thesamedoubts，andstillmoreviolentquarrelswithherhusband，thanshehadovertheeldergirls。TheoldPrince，likeallfathersindeed，wasexceedinglyscrupulousonthescoreofthehonorandreputationofhisdaughters；hewasunreasonablyjealousoverhisdaughters，especiallyoverKitty，whowashisfavorite，andateveryturnhehadsceneswiththePrincessforcompromisingherdaughter。ThePrincesshadgrownaccustomedtothisalreadywithherotherdaughters，butnowshefeltthattherewasmoregroundforthePrince’sscrupulousness。Shesawthatoflateyearsmuchwaschangedinthemannersofsociety，thatamother’sdutieshadbecomestillmoredifficult。ShesawthatgirlsofKitty’sageformedsomesortofclubs，wenttosomesortoflectures，mixedfreelyinmen’ssociety，droveaboutthestreetsalone；manyofthemdidnotcurtsy；and，whatwasthemostimportantthing，allofthemwerefirmlyconvincedthattochoosetheirhusbandwastheirownaffair，andnottheirparent’s。`Marriagesaren’tmadenowadaysastheyusedtobe，’wasthoughtandsaidbyalltheseyounggirls，andevenbytheirelders。Butjusthowmarriagesweremadenowadays，thePrincesscouldnotlearnfromanyone。TheFrenchfashion-oftheparentsarrangingtheirchildren’sfuture-wasnotaccepted；
　　itwascondemned。TheEnglishfashionofthecompleteindependenceofgirlswasalsonotaccepted，andnotpossibleinRussiansociety。TheRussianfashionofmatchmakingwasconsideredunseemly；itwasridiculedbyeveryone-evenbythePrincessherself。Buthowgirlsweretobemarried，andhowparentsweretomarrythem，nooneknew。EveryonewithwhomthePrincesshadchancedtodiscussthemattersaidthesamething:`Mercyonus，it’shightimeinourdaytocastoffallthatold-fashionedbusiness。It’stheyoungpeoplehavetomarry，andnottheirparents；andsoweoughttoleavetheyoungpeopletoarrangeitastheychoose。’Itwasveryeasyforanyonetosaywhohadnodaughters，butthePrincessrealizedthat，intheprocessofgettingtoknoweachother，herdaughtermightfallinlove，andfallinlovewithsomeonewhodidnotcaretomarryher，orwhowasquiteunfittobeherhusband。And，howevermuchitwasinstilledintothePrincessthatinourtimesyoungpeopleoughttoarrangetheirlivesforthemselves，shewasunabletobelieveit，justasshewouldhavebeenunabletobelievethat，atanytimewhatever，loadedpistolswerethemostsuitableplaythingsforchildrenfiveyearsold。AndsothePrincesswasmoreuneasyoverKittythanshehadbeenovertheelderdaughters。
　　NowshewasafraidthatVronskymightconfinehimselftosimplyflirtingwithherdaughter。Shesawthatherdaughterwasinlovewithhim，buttriedtocomfortherselfwiththethoughtthathewasanhonorableman，andwouldnotdothis。Butatthesametimesheknewhoweasyitis，withthefreedomofmannersoftoday，toturnagirl’shead，andhowlightlymengenerallyregardsuchacrime。Theweekbefore，KittyhadtoldhermotherofaconversationshehadwithVronskyduringamazurka。ThisconversationhadpartlyreassuredthePrincess；yetherassurancecouldnotbeperfect。
　　VronskyhadtoldKittythatbothheandhisbrotherweresousedtoobeyingtheirmotherthattheynevermadeuptheirmindstoanyimportantundertakingwithoutconsultingher。`And，justnow，Iamimpatientlyawaitingmymother’scomingfromPeterburg，asapeculiarpieceofluck，’hehadtoldher。
　　Kittyhadrepeatedthiswithoutattachinganysignificancetothewords。Buthermothersawtheminadifferentlight。Sheknewthattheoldladywasexpectedfromdaytoday，thatshewouldbepleasedatherson’schoice，andshefeltitstrangethatheshouldnotmakehisproposalthroughfearofvexinghismother。However，shewassoanxiousforthemarriageitself，andstillmoreforrelieffromherfears，thatshebelieveditwasso。BitterasitwasforthePrincesstoseetheunhappinessofhereldestdaughter，Dolly，onthepointofleavingherhusband，heranxietyoverthedecisionofheryoungestdaughter’sfateengrossedallherfeelings。
　　Today，withLevin’sreappearance，afreshsourceofanxietyarose。Shewasafraidthatherdaughter，whohadatonetime，asshefancied，afeelingforLevin，might，fromanextremesenseofhonesty，refuseVronsky，andthatLevin’sarrivalmightgenerallycomplicateanddelaytheaffair，nowsonearconclusion。
　　`Why，hashebeenherelong？’thePrincessaskedaboutLevin，astheyreturnedhome。
　　`Hecametoday，maman。’
　　`There’sonethingIwanttosay……’beganthePrincess，andfromherseriousandalertface，Kittyguessedwhatitwouldbe。
　　`Mamma，’shesaid，flushinghotlyandturningquicklytoher，`please，pleasedon’tsayanythingaboutthat。Iknow，Iknowallaboutit。’
　　Shewishedwhathermotherwishedfor，butthemotivesofhermother’swisheshurther。
　　`Ionlywanttosaythattoraisehopes……’
　　`Mamma，darling，forgoodnes’ssake，don’ttalkaboutit。It’ssohorribletotalkaboutit。’
　　`Iwon’t，’saidhermother，seeingthetearsinherdaughter’seyes；`butonething，mylove；youpromisedmeyouwouldhavenosecretsfromme。Youwon’t？’
　　`Never，mamma-none，’answeredKitty，flushingandlookinghermotherstraightintheface；`butIhavenothingtotellyounow，andI……
　　I……IfIwantedto，Idon’tknowwhattosayorhow……Idon’tknow……’
　　`No，shecouldnottellanuntruthwiththoseeyes，’thoughtthemother，smilingatheragitationandhappiness。ThePrincesssmiled:soimmenseandsoimportantseemedtothepoorchildeverythingthatwastakingplacejustnowinhersoul。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter13[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter13Afterdinner，andtillthebeginningoftheevening，Kittywasexperiencingasensationakintothatofayoungmanbeforeabattle。Herheartthrobbedviolently，andherthoughtswouldnotrestonanything。
　　Shefeltthatthisevening，whenboththesemenwouldmeetforthefirsttime，wouldbeaturningpointinherlife。Andshewascontinuallypicturingthemtoherself，atonemomenteachindividually，andthenbothtogether。Whenshemusedonthepast，shedweltwithpleasure，withtenderness，onthememoriesofherrelationswithLevin。ThememoriesofchildhoodandofLevin’sfriendshipwithherdeadbrotherhaveaspecialpoeticcharmtoherrelationswithhim。Hisloveforher，ofwhichshefeltcertain，wasflatteringanddelightfultoher；anditwaseasyforhertothinkofLevin。InhermemoriesofVronskytherealwaysenteredacertainelementofawkwardness，thoughhewasinthehighestdegreeafashionableandeven-temperedman，asthoughthereweresomefalsenote-notinVronsky，hewasverysimpleandcharming-butinherself；whilewithLevinshefeltherselfperfectlysimpleandclear。But，ontheotherhand，directlyshethoughtofthefuturewithVronsky，therearosebeforeheraperspectiveofbrillianthappiness；withLevinthefutureseemedmisty。
　　Whenshewentupstairstodress，andlookedintothelookingglass，shenoticedwithjoythatitwasoneofhergooddays，andthatshewasincompletepossessionofallherforces-sheneededthissoforwhatlaybeforeher:shewasconsciousofexternalcomposureandfreegraceinhermovements。
　　Athalf-pastsevenshehadonlyjustgonedownintothedrawingroom，whenthefootmanannounced，`ConstantinDmitrievichLevin。’ThePrincesswasstillinherroom，andthePrincehadnotcomein。`Soitistobe，’
　　thoughtKitty，andallthebloodseemedtorushtoherheart。Shewashorrifiedatherpaleness，assheglancedintothelookingglass。
　　Atthatmomentsheknewbeyonddoubtthathehadcomeearlyonpurposetofindheraloneandtoproposetoher。Andonlythenforthefirsttimethewholethingpresenteditselfinanew，differentaspect；
　　onlythensherealizedthatthequestiondidnotaffectheronly-withwhomshewouldbehappy，andwhomsheloved-butthatshewouldhavethatmomenttowoundamanwhomsheliked。Andtowoundhimcruelly……Wherefore？
　　Becausehe，dearfellow，lovedher，wasinlovewithher。Buttherewasnohelpforit；itmustbeso-itwouldhavetobeso。
　　`MyGod！shallImyselfreallyhavetosayittohim？’shethought。
　　`CanItellhimIdon’tlovehim？Thatwillbealie。WhatamItosaytohim？ThatIlovesomeoneelse？No，that’simpossible。I’mgoingaway-I’mgoingaway。’
　　Shehadreachedthedoor，whensheheardhisstep。`NoIt’snothonest。WhathaveItobeafraidof？Ihavedonenothingwrong。Whatistobe，willbe！I’lltellthetruth。Andwithhimonecan’tbeillatease。
　　Hereheis，’shesaidtoherself，seeinghispowerfulandtimidfigure，withhisshiningeyesfixedonher。Shelookedstraightintohisface，asthoughimploringhimtospareher，andgavehimherhand。
　　`It’snottimeyet；IthinkI’mtooearly，’hesaidglancingroundtheemptydrawingroom。Whenhesawthathisexpectationswererealized，thattherewasnothingtopreventhimfromspeaking，hisfacebecamesomber。
　　`Oh，no，’saidKitty，andsatdownatatable。
　　`ButthiswasjustwhatIwanted，tofindyoualone，’hebegan，withoutsittingdown，andnotlookingather，soasnottolosecourage。
　　`Mammawillbedowndirectly。Shewasverymuchtiredyesterday。
　　Yesterday……’
　　Shetalkedon，notknowingwhatherlipswereuttering，andnottakinghersupplicatingandcaressingeyesoffhim。
　　Heglancedather；sheblushed，andceasedspeaking。
　　`ItoldyouIdidnotknowwhetherIshouldbeherelong……thatitdependedonyou……’
　　Shedroppedherheadlowerandlower，notknowingherselfwhatanswersheshouldmaketowhatwascoming。
　　`Thatitdependedonyou，’herepeated。`Imeanttosay……Imeanttosay……Icameforthis……Tohaveyoubemywife！’heblurtedout，notknowingwhathewassaying，butfeelingthatthemostterriblethingwassaid，hestoppedshortandlookedather。
　　Shewasbreathingheavily，withoutlookingathim。Shewasfeelingecstasy。Hersoulwasfloodedwithhappiness。Shehadneveranticipatedthathisutteranceoflovewouldproducesuchapowerfuleffectonher。
　　Butitlastedonlyaninstant。SherememberedVronsky。Sheliftedherclear，truthfuleyes，and，seeingLevin’sdesperateface，sheansweredhastily:
　　`Thatcannotbe……Forgiveme。’
　　Amomentago，andhowcloseshehadbeentohim，ofwhatimportanceinhislife！Andhowaloofandremotefromhimshehadbecomenow！
　　`Itcouldnothavebeenotherwise，’hesaid，withoutlookingather。Hebowed，andwasabouttoleave。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter14[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter14ButatthatverymomentthePrincesscamein。Therewasalookofhorroronherfacewhenshebeheldthemalone，andsawtheirdisturbedfaces。
　　Levinbowedtoher，andsaidnothing。Kittyneitherspokenorliftedhereyes。`ThankGod，shehasrefusedhim，’thoughtthemother，andherfacelightedupwiththehabitualsmilewithwhichshegreetedherguestsonThursdays。ShesatdownandbeganquestioningLevinabouthislifeinthecountry。Hesatdownagain，waitingforothervisitorstoarrive，inordertogooffunnoticed。
　　FiveminuteslatertherecameinafriendofKitty’s，marriedtheprecedingwinter-CountessNordstone。
　　Shewasathin，sallow，sicklyandnervouswoman，withbrilliantblackeyes。ShewasfondofKitty，andheraffectionforhershoweditself，astheaffectionofmarriedwomenforgirlsalwaysdoes，inthedesiretomakeamatchforKittyafterherownidealofmarriedhappiness；shewantedhertomarryVronsky。LevinshehadoftenmetattheShcherbatsky’searlyinthewinter，andshehadalwaysdislikedhim。Herinvariableandfavoritepursuit，whentheymet，consistedinmakingfunofhim。
　　`Idolikeitwhenhelooksdownatmefromtheheightofhisgrandeur，orbreaksoffhiswiseconversationwithmebecauseI’mafool，oriscondescendingtome。Ilikethatso-toseehimcondescending！I
　　amsogladhecan’tbearme，’sheusedtosayofhim。
　　Shewasright，forLevinactuallycouldnotbearher，anddespisedherforwhatshewasproudofandregardedasafinecharacteristic-hernervousness，herrefinedcontemptandindifferenceforeverythingcoarseandearthly。
　　TheCountessNordstoneandLevinhadgotintothatmutualrelationnotinfrequentlyseeninsociety，whentwopersons，whoremainexternallyonfriendlyterms，despiseeachothertosuchadegreethattheycannoteventakeeachotherseriously，andcannotevenbeoffendedbyeachother。
　　TheCountessNordstonepounceduponLevinatonce。
　　`Ah，ConstantinDmitrievich！Soyou’vecomebacktoourcorruptBabylon，’shesaid，givinghimhertiny，yellowhandandrecallingwhathehadchancedtosayearlyinthewinter，thatMoscowwasaBabylon。`Come，isBabylonreformed，orhaveyoudegenerated？’sheadded，glancingwithasimperatKitty。
　　`It’sveryflatteringforme，Countess，thatyouremembermywordssowell，’respondedLevin，whohadsucceededinrecoveringhiscomposure，andatoncefromhabitdroppedintohistoneofjokinghostilitytotheCountessNordstone。`Theymustcertainlymakeagreatimpressiononyou。’
　　`Oh，Ishouldthinkso！Ialwaysnoteeverythingdown。Well，Kitty，haveyoubeenskatingagain？……’
　　AndshebegantalkingtoKitty。AwkwardasitwasforLevintowithdrawnow，itwouldstillhavebeeneasierforhimtoperpetratethisawkwardnessthantoremainalltheeveningandseeKitty，whoglancedathimnowandthenandavoidedhiseyes。Hewasonthepointofgettingup，whenthePrincess，noticingthathewassilent，addressedhim。
　　`ShallyoubelonginMoscow？You’rebusywiththeZemstvo，though，aren’tyou，andcan’tbeawayforlong？’
　　`No，Princess，I’mnolongeramemberoftheboard，’hesaid。
　　`Ihavecomeupforafewdays。’
　　`There’ssomethingthematterwithhim，’thoughtCountessNordstone，glancingathisstern，seriousface。`Heisn’tinhisoldargumentativemood。ButI’lldrawhimout。IdolovemakingafoolofhimbeforeKitty，andI’lldoit。’
　　`ConstantinDmitrievich，’shesaidtohim，`doexplaintomeplease，whatdoesitmean-youknowallaboutsuchthings-inourvillageofKalugaallthepeasantsandallthewomenhavedrunkupalltheypossessed，andnowtheycan’tpayusanyrent。What’sthemeaningofthat？Youalwayspraisethemouzhiksso。’
　　Atthatinstantanotherladycameintotheroom，andLevingotup。
　　`Excuseme，Countess，butIreallyknownothingaboutit，andcan’ttellyouanything，’hesaid，andlookedroundattheofficerwhocameinbehindthelady。
　　`ThatmustbeVronsky，’thoughtLevin，and，tobesureofit，glancedatKitty。ShehadalreadyhadtimetolookatVronsky，andlookedroundatLevin。And，simplyfromthelookinhereyes，thatgrewunconsciouslybrighter，Levinknewthatshelovedthisman-knewitassurelyasifshehadtoldhiminsomanywords。Butwhatsortofamanwashe？
　　Now，whetherforgoodorforill，Levincouldnotchoosebutremain；
　　hemustfindoutwhatthemanwaslikewhomsheloved。
　　Therearepeoplewho，onmeetingasuccessfulrival，nomatterinwhat，areatoncedisposedtoturntheirbacksoneverythinggoodinhim，andtoseeonlywhatisbad。Therearepeoplewho，onthecontrary，desireabovealltofindinthatsuccessfulrivalthequalitiesbywhichhehasworstedthem，andseekwithathrobbingacheatheartonlywhatisgood。Levinbelongedtothesecondclass。ButhehadnodifficultyinfindingwhatwasgoodandattractiveinVronsky。Itwasapparentatthefirstglance。Vronskywasasquarelybuilt，darkman，notverytall，withagood-humored，handsomeandexceedinglycalmandfirmface。Everythingabouthisfaceandfigure，fromhisshort-croppedblackhairandfreshlyshavenchindowntohislooselyfitting，brand-newuniform，wassimpleandatthesametimeelegant。Makingwayfortheladywhohadcomein，VronskywentuptothePrincessandthentoKitty。
　　Asheapproachedher，hisbeautifuleyesshonewithanespeciallytenderlight，andwithafaint，happyandmodestlytriumphantsmilesoitseemedtoLevin，bowingcarefullyandrespectfullyoverher，heheldouthissmallbroadhandtoher。
　　Greetingandsayingafewwordstoeveryone，hesatdownwithoutonceglancingatLevin，whohadnevertakenhiseyesoffhim。
　　`Letmeintroduceyou，’saidthePrincess，indicatingLevin。`ConstantinDmitrievichLevin，CountAlexeiKirillovichVronsky。’
　　Vronskygotupand，lookingcordiallyatLevin，shookhandswithhim。
　　`IbelieveIwastohavedinedwithyouthiswinter，’hesaid，smilinghissimpleandopensmile；`butyouhadunexpectedlyleftforthecountry。’
　　`ConstantinDmitrievichdespisesandhatesthetown，andustownspeople，’
　　saidCountessNordstone。
　　`Mywordsmustmakeadeepimpressiononyou，sinceyourememberthemsowell，’saidLevin，and，suddenlybecomingconsciousthathehadsaidjustthesamethingbefore，hereddened。
　　VronskylookedatLevinandCountessNordstone，andsmiled。
　　`Areyoualwaysinthecountry？’heinquired。`Ishouldthinkitmustbedullinthewinter。’
　　`It’snotdullifonehasworktodo；besides，one’snotdullbyoneself，’Levinrepliedabruptly。
　　`Iamfondofthecountry，’saidVronsky，noticing，yetaffectingnottonotice，Levin’stone。
　　`ButIhope，Count，youwouldnotconsenttoliveinthecountryalways，’saidCountessNordstone。
　　`Idon’tknow；Ihavenevertriedforlong。Iexperiencedaqueerfeelingonce，’hewenton。`Ineverlongedsoforthecountry-Russiancountry，withbastshoesandpeasants-aswhenIwasspendingawinterwithmymotherinNice。Niceitselfisdullenough，youknow。And，indeed，NaplesandSorrentoareonlypleasantforashorttime。Andit’sjusttherethatRussiacomesbacktoone’smindmostvividly，andespeciallythecountry。
　　It’sasthough……’
　　Hetalkedon，addressingbothKittyandLevin，turninghisserene，friendlyeyesfromonetotheother，andsayingobviouslyjustwhatcameintohishead。
　　NoticingthatCountessNordstonewantedtosaysomething，hestoppedshortwithoutfinishingwhathehadbegun，andlistenedattentivelytoher。
　　Theconversationdidnotflagforaninstant，sothattheoldPrincess，whoalwayskeptinreserve，incaseasubjectshouldbelacking，twoheavyguns-theclassicalandprofessionaleducation，anduniversalmilitaryservice-hadnottomoveouteitherofthem，whileCountessNordstonehadnochanceofchaffingLevin。
　　Levinwantedto，andcouldnot，takepartinthegeneralconversation；
　　sayingtohimselfeveryinstant，`Nowgo，’hestilldidnotgo，asthoughwaitingforsomething。
　　Theconversationfellupontableturningandspirits，andCountessNordstone，whobelievedinspiritualism，begantodescribethemiraclesshehadseen。
　　`Ah，Countess，youreallymusttakeme；forpity’ssakedotakemetoseethem！Ihaveneverseenanythingextraordinary，thoughIamalwaysonthelookoutforiteverywhere，’saidVronsky，smiling。
　　`Verywell-nextSaturday，’answeredCountessNordstone。`Butyou，ConstantinDmitrievich-areyouabeliever？’sheaskedLevin。
　　`Whydoyouaskme？YouknowwhatIshallsay。’
　　`ButIwanttohearyouropinion。’
　　`Myopinion，’answeredLevin，`ismerelythatthistableturningprovesthateducatedsociety-socalled-isnohigherthanthepeasants。
　　Theybelieveintheevileye，andinwitchcraftandconjurations，whilewe……’
　　`Oh，thenyouaren’tabeliever？’
　　`Ican’tbelieve，Countess。’
　　`ButifI’veseenformyself？’
　　`Thepeasantwomen，too，tellustheyhaveseenhobgoblins。’
　　`ThenyouthinkItellalie？’
　　Andshelaughedamirthlesslaugh。
　　`Oh，no，Masha，ConstantinDmitrievichmerelysaidhecouldnotbelieve，’saidKitty，blushingforLevin，andLevinsawthis，and，stillmoreexasperated，wouldhaveanswered；butVronskywithhisbrightfranksmilerushedtothesupportoftheconversation，whichwasthreateningtobecomedisagreeable。
　　`Youdonotadmitthepossibilityatall？’hequeried。`Butwhynot？Weadmittheexistenceofelectricity，ofwhichweknownothing。Whyshouldtherenotbesomenewforce，stillunknowntous，which……’
　　`Whenelectricitywasdiscovered，’Levininterruptedhurriedly，`itwasonlythephenomenonthatwasdiscovered，anditwasunknownfromwhatitproceededandwhatwereitseffects，andagespassedbeforeitsapplicationswereconceived。Butthespiritualists，onthecontrary，havebegunwithtableswritingforthem，andspiritsappearingtothem，andhaveonlylaterstartedsayingthatitisanunknownforce。’
　　VronskylistenedattentivelytoLevin，ashealwaysdidlisten，obviouslyinterestedinhiswords。
　　`Yes，butthespiritualistssaywedon’tknowatpresentwhatthisforceis，butthereisaforce，andthesearetheconditionsinwhichitacts。Letthescientificmenfindoutwhattheforceconsistsof。No，Idon’tseewhythereshouldnotbeanewforce，ifit……’
　　`Why，becausewithelectricity，’Levininterruptedagain，`everytimeyourubtaragainstwool，acertainphenomenonismanifested；butinthiscaseitdoesnothappeneverytime，andsoitfollowsitisnotanaturalphenomenon。’
　　Feelingprobablythattheconversationwastakingatonetooseriousforadrawingroom，Vronskymadenorejoinder，butbywayoftryingtochangetheconversation，hesmiledbrightly，andturnedtotheladies。
　　`Doletustryatonce，Countess，’hesaid；butLevinwouldfinishsayingwhathethought。
　　`Ithink，’hewenton，`thatthisattemptofthespiritualiststoexplaintheirmiraclesassomesortofnewnaturalforceismostfutile。
　　Theyboldlytalkofspiritualforce，andthentrytosubjectittomaterialexperiment。’
　　Everyonewaswaitingforhimtofinish，andhefeltthis。
　　`Why，Ithinkyouwouldbeafirst-ratemedium，’saidCountessNordstone，`there’ssomethingenthusiasticaboutyou。’
　　Levinopenedhismouth，wasabouttosaysomething，reddened，andsaidnothing。
　　`Doletustrytableturningatonce，please，’saidVronsky。`Princess，willyouallowit？
　　AndVronskystoodup，lookingaboutforalittletable。
　　Kittygotuptofetchatable，and，asshepassed，hereyesmetLevin’s。Shefeltforhimwithherwholeheart，themorebecauseshewaspityinghimforasufferingofwhichshewasherselfthecause。`Ifyoucanforgiveme，forgiveme，’saidhereyes，`Iamsohappy。’
　　`Ihatethemall，andyou，andmyself，’hiseyesresponded，andhetookuphishat。Buthewasnotdestinedtoescape。justastheywerearrangingthemselvesroundthetable，andLevinwasonthepointofretiring，theoldPrincecamein，and，aftergreetingtheladies，addressedLevin。
　　`Ah！’hebeganjoyously。`Beenherelong，myboy？Ididn’tevenknowyouwereintown。Verygladtoseeyou。’TheoldPrinceembracedLevin，and，talkingtohim，didnotobserveVronsky，whohadrisen，andwascalmlywaitingtillthePrinceshouldturntohim。
　　Kittyfelthowgrievousherfather’scordialitywastoLevinafterwhathadhappened。Shesaw，too，howcoldlyherfatherrespondedatlasttoVronsky’sbow，andhowVronskylookedwithamiableperplexityatherfather，tryingandfailingtounderstandhowandwhyanyonecouldbehostilelydisposedtowardhim，andsheflushed。
　　`Prince，letushaveConstantinDmitrievich，’saidCountessNordstone，`wewanttotryanexperiment。’
　　`Whatexperiment？Tableturning？Well，youmustexcuseme，ladiesandgentlemen，buttomyminditisbetterfuntoplaytheringgame，’
　　saidtheoldPrince，lookingatVronsky，andguessingthatithadbeenhissuggestion。`There’ssomesenseinthat，anyway。’
　　VronskylookedwonderinglyatthePrincewithhisfirmeyes，and，withafaintsmile，beganimmediatelytalkingtoCountessNordstoneofthegreatballthatwastocomeoffnextweek。
　　`Ihopeyouwillbethere？’hesaidtoKitty。AssoonastheoldPrinceturnedawayfromhim，Levinslippedoutunnoticed，andthelastimpressionhecarriedawaywithhimofthateveningwasthesmiling，happyfaceofKittyansweringVronsky’sinquiryabouttheball。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter15[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter15AttheendoftheeveningKittytoldhermotherofherconversationwithLevin，andinspiteofallthepityshefeltforLevin，shewasgladatthethoughtthatshehadreceivedaproposal。Shehadnodoubtthatshehadactedrightly。Butaftershehadgonetobed，shecouldnotsleepforalongwhile。Oneimpressionpursuedherrelentlessly。ItwasLevin’sface，withhisscowlingbrows，andhiskindeyeslookingoutindarkdejectionbelowthem，ashestoodlisteningtoherfather，andglancingatherandatVronsky。Andshefeltsosorryforhimthattearscameintohereyes。
　　Butimmediatelyshethoughtofthemanforwhomshehadgivenhimup。Shevividlyrecalledhismanly，firmface，hisnoblecalmness，andthegoodnaturesoconspicuoustowardeveryone。Sherememberedtheloveforherofthemansheloved，andoncemoreallwasgladnessinhersoul，andshelayonthepillowsmilingwithhappiness。`I’msorry，I’msorry；butwhatcouldIdo？It’snotmyfault，’shesaidtoherself；butaninnervoicetoldherotherwise。WhethershefeltremorseathavingcaptivatedLevin，orathavingrefusedhim，shedidnotknow。Butherhappinesswaspoisonedbydoubts。`Lord，havepityonus；Lord，havepity，Lord，havepity！’shesaidovertoherselftillshefellasleep。
　　Meanwhiletheretookplacebelow，inthePrince’slittlestudy，oneofthescenessooftenrepeatedbetweentheparentsonaccountoftheirfavoritedaughter。
　　`What？I’lltellyouwhat！’shoutedthePrince，brandishinghisarms，andatoncewrappinghissquirrel-lineddressinggownroundhimagain。
　　`Thatyou’venopride，nodignity；thatyou’redisgracing，ruiningyourdaughterbythisvulgar，stupidmatchmaking！’
　　`But，really，formercy’ssake，Prince，whathaveIdone？’saidthePrincess，almostcrying。
　　She，pleasedandhappyafterherconversationwithherdaughter，hadgonetothePrincetosaygoodnightasusual，andthoughshehadnointentionoftellinghimofLevin’sproposalandKitty’srefusal，stillshehintedtoherhusbandthatshefanciedthingswerepracticallysettledwithVronsky，andwouldbedefinitelysoassoonashismotherarrived。
　　Andthereupon，atthosewords，thePrincehadallatonceflownintoapassion，andbeguntouseunseemlylanguage。
　　`Whathaveyoudone？I’lltellyouwhat。Firstofall，you’retryingtoallureaneligiblegentleman，andallMoscowwillbetalkingofit，andwithgoodreason。Ifyouhaveeveningparties，inviteeveryone，don’tpickoutthepossiblesuitors。Inviteallthesewhelps[sothePrincestyledtheyouthsofMoscow]；engageapianoplayer，andletthemdance-andnotasyoudidtonight:onlythewooers，anddoingyourmatching。