Wouldyoubelieveit，that，knowinghe’sagoodman，asplendidman，thatI’mnotworthhislittlefinger，Istillhatehim。Ihatehimforhisgenerosity。
　　Andthere’snothingleftformebut……’
　　Shewouldhavesaid`death，’butStepanArkadyevichwouldnotletherfinish。
　　`Youareillandoverwrought，’hesaid；`believeme，you’reexaggeratingdreadfully。There’snothingsoterribleinit。’
　　AndStepanArkadyevichsmiled。NooneelseinStepanArkadyevich’splace，havingtodowithsuchdespair，wouldhaveventuredtosmilethesmilewouldhaveseemedbrutal；butinhissmiletherewassomuchofsweetnessandalmostfemininetendernessthathissmiledidnotwound，butsoftenedandsoothed。Hisgentle，soothingwordsandsmileswereassoothingandsofteningasalmondoil。AndAnnasoonfeltthis。
　　`No，Stiva，’shesaid，`I’mlost，lost！Worsethanlost！Ican’tsayyetthatallisover；onthecontrary，Ifeelthatit’snotover。I’manoverstrainedcordthatmustsnap。Butit’snotendedyet……Anditwillhaveafearfulend。’
　　`Nomatter，wemustletthecordbeloosened，littlebylittle。
　　There’snopositionfromwhichthereisnowayofescape。’
　　`Ihavethought，andthought。Onlyone……’
　　Againheknewfromherterrifiedeyesthatthisonewayofescapeinherthoughtwasdeath，andhewouldnotlethersayit。
　　`Notatall，’hesaid。`Listentome。Youcan’tseeyourownpositionasIcan。Letmetellyoucandidlymyopinion。’Againhesmileddiscreetlyhisalmond-oilsmile。`I’llbeginfromthebeginning。Youmarriedamantwentyyearsolderthanyourself。Youmarriedhimwithoutloveandnotknowingwhatlovewas。Itwasamistake，let’sadmit。’
　　`Afearfulmistake！’saidAnna。
　　`But，Irepeat，it’sanaccomplishedfact。Thenyouhad，letussay，themisfortunetoloveamannotyourhusband。Thatwasamisfortune；
　　butthat，too，isanaccomplishedfact。Andyourhusbandknewitandforgaveit。’Hestoppedateachsentence，waitingforhertoobject，butshemadenoanswer。`That’sthat。Nowthequestionis:Canyougoonlivingwithyourhusband？Doyouwishit？Doeshewishit？’
　　`Iknownothing，nothing。’
　　`Butyousaidyourselfthatyoucan’tendurehim。’
　　`No，Ididn’tsayso。Idenyit。Idon’tknowanything，Idon’tunderstandanything。’
　　`Yes，butlet……’
　　`Youcan’tunderstand。IfeelI’mlyingheaddownwardinasortofpit，butIoughtnottosavemyself。AndIcan’t……’
　　`Nevermind，we’llslipsomethingunderyouandpullyouout。
　　Iunderstandyou:Iunderstandthatyoucan’ttakeitonyourselftoexpressyourwishes，yourfeelings。’
　　`There’snothing，nothingIwish……exceptforittobeallover。’
　　`Butheseesthisandknowsit。Anddoyousupposeitweighsonhimanylessthanonyou？You’rewretched，he’swretched，andwhatgoodcancomeofit？Whiledivorcewouldsolvethewholedifficulty。’WithsomeeffortStepanArkadyevichbroughtouthiscentralidea，andlookedsignificantlyather。
　　Shesaidnothing，andshookhercroppedheadindissent。Butfromthelookinherface，thatsuddenlybrightenedintoitsformerbeauty，hesawthatifshedidnotdesirethis，itwassimplybecauseitseemedtoheranunattainablehappiness。
　　`I’mawfullysorryforyouboth！AndhowhappyIshouldbeifIcouldarrangethings！’saidStepanArkadyevich，smilingmoreboldly。
　　`Don’tspeak，don’tsayaword！GodgrantonlythatImayspeakasIfeel。
　　I’mgoingtohim。’
　　Annalookedathimwithdreamy，shiningeyes，andsaidnothing。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart4，Chapter22[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter22StepanArkadyevich，withthesamesomewhatsolemnexpressionwithwhichheusedtotakehispresidentialchairathisboard，walkedintoAlexeiAlexandrovich’sroom。AlexeiAlexandrovichwaswalkingabouthisroomwithhishandsbehindhisback，thinkingofjustwhatStepanArkadyevichhadbeendiscussingwithhiswife。
　　`I’mnotinterruptingyou？’saidStepanArkadyevich，onthesightofhisbrother-in-lawbecomingsuddenlyawareofasenseofembarrassmentunusualwithhim。Toconcealthisembarrassmenthetookoutanewlypurchasedcigarettecasethatopenedinanewway，and，sniffingtheleather，tookacigaretteoutofit。
　　`No。Doyouwantanything？’AlexeiAlexandrovichsaidreluctantly。
　　`Yes，Iwished……Iwanted……Yes，Iwantedtotalktoyou，’saidStepanArkadyevich，withsurpriseawareofanunaccustomedtimidity。
　　Thisfeelingwassounexpectedandsostrangethathedidnotbelieveitwasthevoiceofconsciencetellinghimthatwhathemeanttodowaswrong。StepanArkadyevichmadeaneffortandstruggledwiththetimiditythathadcomeoverhim。
　　`Ihopeyoubelieveinmyloveformysisterandmysincereaffectionandrespectforyou，’hesaid，reddening。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichstoodstillandsaidnothing，buthisfacestruckStepanArkadyevichbyitsexpressionofanunresistingsacrifice。
　　`Iintended……Iwantedtohavealittletalkwithyouaboutmysisterandyourmutualposition，’hesaid，stillstrugglingwithanunaccustomedconstraint。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichsmiledmournfully，lookedathisbrother-in-law，and，withoutanswering，wentuptothetable，tookfromitanunfinishedletter，andhandedittohisbrother-in-law。
　　`Ithinkunceasinglyofthesamething。AndhereiswhatIhadbegunwriting，thinkingIcouldsayitbetterbyletter，andthatmypresenceirritatesher，’hesaid，ashegavehimtheletter。
　　StepanArkadyevichtooktheletter，lookedwithincreduloussurpriseatthelusterlesseyesfixedsoimmovablyonhim，andbegantoread:
　　`Iseethatmypresenceisirksometoyou。Painfulasitistometobelieveit，Iseethatitisso，andcannotbeotherwise。Idon’tblameyou，andGodismywitnessthatonseeingyouatthetimeofyourillnessIresolvedwithmywholehearttoforgetallthathadpassedbetweenus，andtobeginanewlife。Idonotregret，andshallneverregret，whatIhavedone；butIhavedesiredonething-yourgood，thegoodofyoursoul-andnowIseeIhavenotattainedthat。Tellmeyourselfwhatwillgiveyoutruehappinessandpeacetoyoursoul。Iputmyselfentirelyinyourhands，andtrusttoyourfeelingofwhatisright。’
　　StepanArkadyevichhandedbacktheletter，and，withthesamesurprise，continuedlookingathisbrother-in-law，notknowingwhattosay。ThissilencewassoawkwardforbothofthemthatStepanArkadyevich’slipsbegantwitchingnervously，whilehestillgazedwithoutspeakingatKarenin’sface。
　　`That’swhatIwantedtosaytoher，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，turningaway。
　　`Yes，yes……’saidStepanArkadyevich，notabletoanswerforthetearsthatwerechokinghim。`Yes，yes，Iunderstandyou，’hebroughtoutatlast。
　　`Iwanttoknowwhatshewouldlike，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　`Iamafraidshedoesnotunderstandherownposition。Sheisnotajudge，’saidStepanArkadyevich，recoveringhimself。`Sheiscrushed，simplycrushedbyyourgenerosity。Ifsheweretoreadthisletter，shewouldbeincapableofsayinganything-shewouldonlyhangherheadlowerthanever。’
　　`Yes，butwhat’stobedoneinthatcase？Howexplain……howfindoutherwishes？’
　　`Ifyouwillallowmetogivemyopinion，Ithinkthatitlieswithyoutopointoutdirectlythestepsyouconsidernecessarytoendthesituation。’
　　`Soyouconsideritmustbeended？’AlexeiAlexandrovichinterruptedhim。`Buthow？’headded，withagestureofhishandsbeforehiseyes，notusualwithhim。`Iseenopossiblewayoutofit。’
　　`Thereissomewayofgettingoutofeverysituation，’saidStepanArkadyevich，standingupandbecomingmorecheerful。`Therewasatimewhenyouthoughtofbreakingoff……Ifyouareconvincednowthatyoucannotmakeeachotherhappy……’
　　`Happinessmaybevariouslyunderstood。ButsupposethatIagreetoeverything，thatIwantnothing:whatwayisthereofgettingoutofoursituation？’
　　`Ifyoucaretoknowmyopinion，’-saidStepanArkadyevich，withthesamesmileofsoftening，almond-oiltendernesswithwhichhehadbeentalkingtoAnna。HiskindlysmilewassowinningthatAlexeiAlexandrovich，feelinghisownweaknessandunconsciouslyswayedbyit，wasreadytobelievewhatStepanArkadyevichwassaying。`Shewillneverspeakoutaboutit。
　　Butonethingispossible，onethingshemightdesire，’hewenton；`thatisthecessationofyourrelations，andallmemoriesassociatedwiththem。
　　Tomythinking，inyoursituationtheessentialthingistheformationofanewattitudetooneanother。Andthatcanonlyrestonabasisoffreedomonbothsides。’
　　`Divorce，’AlexeiAlexandrovichinterrupted，inatoneofaversion。
　　`Yes，Iimaginethatdivorce……Yes，divorce，’StepanArkadyevichrepeated，reddening。`Thatisfromeverypointofviewthemostrationalcourseformarriedpeoplewhofindthemselvesinthesituationyouarein。Whatcanbedoneifmarriedpeoplefindthatlifeisimpossibleforthemtogether？Thatmayalwayshappen。’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichsighedheavilyandclosedhiseyes。
　　`There’sonlyonepointtobeconsidered:iseitherofthepartiesdesirousofformingnewties？Ifnot，itisverysimple，’saidStepanArkadyevich，feelingmoreandmorefreefromconstraint。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovich，scowlingwithemotion，mutteredsomethingtohimself，andmadenoanswer。AllthatseemedsosimpletoStepanArkadyevich，AlexeiAlexandrovichhadthoughtoverthousandsoftimes。And，sofarfrombeingsimple，itallseemedtohimutterlyimpossible:divorce，thedetailsofwhichheknewbythistime，seemedtohimnowoutofthequestion，becausethesenseofhisowndignityandrespectforreligionforbadehistakinguponhimselfafictitiouschargeofadultery，andstillmore，sufferinghiswife，pardonedandbelovedbyhim，tobecaughtinthefactandputtopublicshame。Divorceappearedtohimimpossiblealsoonother，stillmoreweightygrounds。
　　Whatwouldbecomeofhissonincaseofadivorce？Toleavehimwithhismotherwasoutofthequestion。Thedivorcedmotherwouldhaveherownillegitimatefamily，inwhichhisstatusasastepson，andhiseducation，wouldbeprobablybad。Keephimwithhim？Heknewthatwouldbeanactofvengeanceonhispart，andthathedidnotdesire。But，apartfromthis，whatmorethanallmadedivorceseemimpossibletoAlexeiAlexandrovichwasthat，byconsentingtoadivorce，hewouldbecompletelyruiningAnna。
　　ThesayingofDaryaAlexandrovnaatMoscow，thatindecidingonadivorcehewasthinkingofhimself，andnotconsideringthatbythishewouldberuiningherirrevocably，hadsunkintohisheart。Andconnectingthissayingwithhisforgivenessofher，withhisdevotiontothechildren，heunderstooditnowinhisownway。Toconsenttoadivorce，togiveherherfreedom，meantinhisthoughtstotakefromhimselfthelasttiethatboundhimtolife-thechildrenwhomheloved；andtotakefromherthelastpropthatkeptheronthepathofright，tothrustherdowntoherruin。Ifsheweredivorced，heknewshewouldjoinherlifetoVronsky’s，andtheirtiewouldbeanillegitimateandcriminalone，sinceawife，bytheinterpretationoftheecclesiasticallaw，couldnotmarrywhileherhusbandwasliving。
　　`Shewilljoinhim，andinayearortwohewillthrowherover，orshewillformanewtie，’thoughtAlexeiAlexandrovich。`AndI，byagreeingtoanunlawfuldivorce，shallbetoblameforherruin。’Hehadthoughtitalloverhundredsoftimes，andwasconvincedthatadivorcewasnotatallsimple，asStepanArkadyevichhadsaid，butwasutterlyimpossible。
　　HedidnotbelieveasinglewordStepanArkadyevichsaidtohim；toeverywordhehadathousandobjectionstomake，buthelistenedtohim，feelingthathiswordsweretheexpressionofthatmightybrutalforcewhichcontrolledhislife，andtowhichhewouldhavetosubmit。
　　`Theonlyquestionisonwhattermsyouagreetogiveheradivorce。
　　Shedoesnotwantanything，doesnotdareaskyouforanything-sheleavesitalltoyourmagnanimity。’
　　`MyGod，myGod！Whatfor？’thoughtAlexeiAlexandrovich，rememberingthedetailsofdivorceproceedingsinwhichthehusbandtooktheblameonhimself，andwithjustthesamegesturewithwhichVronskyhaddoneit，hehidhisfaceinhishandsinshame。
　　`Youaretroubled，Iunderstandthat。Butifyouthinkitover……’
　　`’Anduntohimthatsmiteththeeontheonecheekofferalsotheother；andhimthattakethawaythycloakforbidnottotakethycoatalso，’’
　　thoughtAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　`Yes，yes！’hecriedinashrillvoice。`Iwilltakethedisgraceonmyself，Iwillgiveupevenmyson，but……Butwouldn’titbebettertoletitalone？Still，youmaydoasyoulike……’
　　And，turningawaysothathisbrother-in-lawcouldnotseehim，hesatdownonachairatthewindow。Therewasbitterness，therewasshameinhisheart，butwithbitternessandshamehefeltjoyandemotionattheheightofhisownmeekness。
　　StepanArkadyevichwastouched。Hewassilentforaspace。
　　`AlexeiAlexandrovich，believeme，sheappreciatesyourmagnanimity，’
　　hesaid。`ButitseemsitwasthewillofGod，’headded，andashesaiditfelthowfoolisharemarkitwas，andwithdifficultyrepressedasmileathisownfoolishness。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichwouldhavemadesomereply，buttearsstoppedhim。
　　`Thisisanunhappyfatality，andonemustacceptitassuch。
　　Iacceptthecalamityasanaccomplishedfact，andamdoingmybesttohelpbothherandyou，’saidStepanArkadyevich。
　　Whenhewentoutofhisbrother-in-law’sroomhewastouched，butthatdidnotpreventhimfrombeinggladhehadsuccessfullybroughtthemattertoaconclusion，forhefeltcertainAlexeiAlexandrovichwouldnotgobackonhiswords。Tothissatisfactionwasaddedthefactthatanideahadjuststruckhimforaconundrumturningonhissuccessfulachievement-whentheaffairwasoverhewouldputittohiswifeandmostintimatefriends。Hetriedthisconundrumintwoorthreedifferentways。`ButI’llworkitoutbetterthanthat，’hesaidtohimselfwithasmile。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart4，Chapter23[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter23Vronsky’swoundhadbeenadangerousone，thoughitdidnottouchtheheart，andforseveraldayshehoveredbetweenlifeanddeath。Thefirsttimehewasabletospeak，Varia，hisbrother’swife，wasaloneintheroom。
　　`Varia，’hesaid，lookingsternlyather，`Ishotmyselfbyaccident。
　　Andpleaseneverspeakofit，andtelleveryoneso。Orelseit’stooridiculous。’
　　Withoutansweringhiswords，Variabentoverhim，andwithadelightedsmilegazedintohisface。Hiseyeswereclear，notfeverish；buttheirexpressionwasstern。
　　`ThankGod！’shesaid。`You’renotinpain？’
　　`Alittlehere，’hepointedtohisbreast。
　　`Thenletmechangeyourbandages。’
　　Insilence，stiffeninghisbroadjaws，helookedatherwhileshebandagedhimup。Whenshehadfinishedhesaid:
　　`I’mnotdelirious。Pleasemanagethattheremaybenotalkofmyhavingshotmyselfonpurpose。’
　　`Noonesaysso。OnlyIhopeyouwon’tshootyourselfbyaccidentanymore，’shesaid，withaquestioningsmile。
　　`IthinkIwon’t，butitwouldhavebeenbetter……’
　　Andhesmiledgloomily。
　　Inspiteofthesewordsandthissmile，whichsofrightenedVaria，whentheinflammationwasoverandhebegantorecover，hefeltthathewascompletelyfreefromonepartofhismisery。Byhisactionhehad，asitwere，washedawaytheshameandhumiliationhehadfeltbefore。HecouldnowthinkcalmlyofAlexeiAlexandrovich。Herecognizedallhismagnanimity，buthedidnotnowfeelhimselfhumiliatedbyit。Besides，hegotbackagainintothebeatentrackofhislife。Hesawthepossibilityoflookingmeninthefaceagainwithoutshame，andhecouldliveinaccordancewithhisownhabits。Onethinghecouldnotpluckoutofhisheart，thoughheneverceasedstrugglingwithit-theregret，amountingtodespair，athavinglostherforever。That，havingexpiatedhissinagainstthehusband，hewasnowboundtorenounceher，andneverinfuturetostandbetweenherwithherrepentanceandherhusband，hehadfirmlydecidedinhisheart；
　　buthecouldnottearoutofhishearthisregretatthelossofherlove；
　　hecouldnoterasefromhismemorythosemomentsofhappinesswhichhehadknownwithherandhadsolittleprizedatthetime，andwhichhauntedhimwithalltheircharm。
　　SerpukhovskoyhadplannedhisappointmentatTashkend，andVronskyagreedtotheproposalwithouttheslightesthesitation。Butthenearerthetimeofdeparturecame，thebittererwasthesacrificehewasmakingtowhathethoughthisduty。
　　Hiswoundhadhealed，andhewasdrivingaboutmakingpreparationsforhisdepartureforTashkend。
　　`Toseeheronce，andthentoburymyself，todie，’hethought，and，ashewaspayingfarewellvisits，heutteredthisthoughttoBetsy。
　　Chargedwiththiscommission，BetsyhadgonetoAnna，andbroughthimbackanegativereply。
　　`Somuchthebetter，’thoughtVronsky，whenhereceivedthenews。
　　`ItwasaweaknesswhichwouldhaveshatteredwhatstrengthIhaveleft。’
　　NextdayBetsyherselfcametohiminthemorning，andannouncedthatshehadheardthroughOblonsky，asapositivefact，thatAlexeiAlexandrovichhadagreedtoadivorce，andthatthereforeVronskycouldseeAnna。
　　WithouteventroublinghimselftoseeBetsyoutofhisflat，forgettingallhisresolutions，withoutaskingwhenhecouldseeherorwhereherhusbandwas，VronskydrovestraighttotheKarenins’。Heranupthestairs，seeingnooneandnothing，andwitharapidstep，almostbreakingintoarun，hewentintoherroom。Andwithoutconsidering，withoutnoticingwhethertherewasanyoneintheroomornot，heflunghisarmsroundher，andbegantocoverwithkissesherface，herhands，herneck。
　　Annahadbeenpreparingherselfforthismeeting，hadthoughtwhatshewouldsaytohim，butshedidnotsucceedinsayinganything；
　　hispassionmasteredher。Shetriedtocalmhim，tocalmherself，butitwastoolate。Hisfeelinginfectedher。Herlipstrembledsothatforalongwhileshecouldsaynothing。
　　`Yes，youhaveconqueredme，andIamyours，’shesaidatlast，pressinghishandstoherbosom。
　　`Soithadtobe，’hesaid。`Solongaswelive，itmustbeso。
　　Iknowitnow。’
　　`That’strue，’shesaid，gettingwhiterandwhiter，andembracinghishead。`Still，thereissomethingterribleinitafterallthathashappened。’
　　`Itwillallpass，itwillallpass；weshallbesohappy。Ourlove，ifitonlycouldbestronger，willbestrengthenedbytherebeingsomethingterribleinit，’hesaid，liftinghisheadandshowinghisstrongteethinasmile。
　　Andshecouldnotbutrespondwithasmile-nottohiswords，buttotheloveinhiseyes。Shetookhishandandstrokedherchilledcheeksandcroppedheadwithit。
　　`Idon’tknowyouwiththisshorthair。You’vegrownsopretty。
　　Aboy。Buthowpaleyouare！’
　　`Yes，I’mveryweak，’shesaid，smiling。Andherlipsbegantremblingagain。
　　`We’llgotoItaly；youwillgetstrong，’hesaid。
　　`Canitbepossiblewecouldbelikehusbandandwife，alone，ourownfamily？’shesaid，lookingcloseintohiseyes。
　　`Itonlyseemsstrangetomethatitcaneverhavebeenotherwise。’
　　`Stivasaysthathehasagreedtoeverything，butIcan’taccepthismagnanimity，’shesaid，lookingdreamilypastVronsky’sface。`Idon’twantadivorce；it’sallthesametomenow。OnlyIdon’tknowwhathewilldecideaboutSeriozha。’
　　Hecouldnotconceivehowatthismomentoftheirmeetingshecouldrememberandthinkofherson，ofdivorce。Whatdiditallmatter？
　　`Don’tspeakofthat，don’tthinkofit，’hesaid，turningherhandinhis，andtryingtodrawherattentiontohim；butstillshedidnotlookathim。
　　`Oh，whydidn’tIdie！Itwouldhavebeenbetter，’shesaid，and，withoutsobbing，tearsfloweddownbothhercheeks；butshetriedtosmile，soasnottowoundhim。
　　TodeclinetheflatteringanddangerousappointmentatTashkendwouldhavebeen，Vronskyhadtillthenconsidered，disgracefulandimpossible。
　　Butnow，withoutaninstant’sconsideration，hedeclinedit，andobservingdissatisfactionintheupperquartersatthisstep，heimmediatelyretiredfromthearmy。
　　AmonthlaterAlexeiAlexandrovichwasleftalonewithhissoninhishouseatPeterburg，whileAnnahadgoneabroadwithVronsky，withouthavingobtainedadivorce，andhavingabsolutelydeclinedallideaofone。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter01[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]PARTFIVEChapter1PrincessShcherbatskaiaconsideredthatitwasoutofthequestionfortheweddingtotakeplacebeforeLent，justfiveweeksoff，sincenothalfthetrousseaucouldpossiblybereadybythattime。ButshecouldnotbutagreewithLevinthattofixitforafterLentwouldbeputtingitofftoolate，asanoldauntofPrinceShcherbatsky’swasseriouslyillandmightdie，andthenthemourningwoulddelaytheweddingstilllonger。
　　Andtherefore，decidingtodividethetrousseauintotwoparts-alargerandasmallertrousseau-thePrincessconsentedtohavetheweddingbeforeLent。Shedeterminedthatshewouldgetthesmallerpartofthetrousseauallreadynow，andthelargerpartshouldbesentonlater，andshewasmuchvexedwithLevinbecausehewasincapableofgivingheraseriousanswertothequestionwhetherheagreedtothisarrangementornot。Thearrangementwasthemoresuitableas，immediatelyafterthewedding，thenewlymarriedcoupleweretogotothecountry，wherethebelongingsofthelargertrousseauwouldnotbewanted。
　　Levinstillcontinuedinthesamedeliriouscondition，inwhichitseemedtohimthatheandhishappinessconstitutedthechiefandsoleaimofallexistence，andthatheneednotnowthinkorcareaboutanything，thateverythingwasbeingdoneandwouldbedoneforhimbyothers。Hehadnotevenplansandaimsforthefuture，heleftitsarrangementtoothers，knowingthateverythingwouldbedelightful。Hisbrother，SergeiIvanovich，andStepanArkadyevich，andthePrincess，guidedhimindoingwhathehadtodo。Allhedidwastoagreeentirelywitheverythingsuggestedtohim。Hisbrotherraisedmoneyforhim，thePrincessadvisedhimtoleaveMoscowafterthewedding。StepanArkadyevichadvisedhimtogoabroad。
　　Heagreedtoeverything。`Dowhatyouchoose，ifitamusesyou，I’mhappy，andmyhappinesscanbenogreaterandnolessbecauseofanythingyoudo，’hethought。WhenhetoldKittyofStepanArkadyevich’sadvicethattheyshouldgoabroad，hewasmuchsurprisedthatshedidnotagreetothis，andhadsomedefiniterequirementsofherowninregardtotheirfuture。SheknewLevinhadworkhelovedinthecountry。Shedidnot，ashesaw，understandthiswork-shedidnotevencaretounderstandit。
　　Butthatdidnotpreventherfromregardingitasamatterofgreatimportance。
　　Andthereforesheknewtheirhomewouldbeinthecountry，andshewantedtogonotabroadwhereshewasnotgoingtolive，buttotheplacewheretheirhomewouldbe。ThisdefinitelyexpressedpurposeastonishedLevin。
　　Butsincehedidnotcareeitherway，heimmediatelyaskedStepanArkadyevich，asthoughitwerehisduty，togodowntothecountryandtoarrangeeverythingtheretothebestofhisability，withthattasteofwhichhehadsomuch。
　　`But，Isay，’StepanArkadyevichsaidtohimonedayafterhehadcomebackfromthecountry，wherehehadgoteverythingreadyfortheyoungpeople’sarrival，`haveyouacertificateofhavingbeenatconfession？’
　　`No。Butwhatofit？’
　　`Youcan’tbemarriedwithoutit。’
　　`My，my，my！’criedLevin。`Why，Ibelieveit’snineyearssinceI’vetakenthesacrament！Ineverthoughtofit。’
　　`You’reaprettyfellow！’saidStepanArkadyevichlaughing，`andyoucallmeaNihilist！Butthiswon’tdo，youknow。Youmusttakethesacrament。’
　　`When？Therearefourdaysleftnow。’
　　StepanArkadyevicharrangedthisalso，andLevinhadtopreparehimselfforthesacrament。ToLevin，astoanyunbelieverwhorespectsthebeliefsofothers，itwasexceedinglydisagreeabletobepresentatandtotakepartinchurchceremonies。Atthismoment，inhispresentsoftenedstateoffeeling，sensitivetoeverything，thisinevitableactofhypocrisywasnotmerelypainfultoLevin，itseemedtohimutterlyimpossible。Now，intheheydayofhishighestglory，hisfullestflower，hewouldhavetobealiarorablasphemer。Hefeltincapableofbeingeither。ButthoughherepeatedlypliedStepanArkadyevichwithquestionsastothepossibilityofobtainingacertificatewithoutactuallycommunicating，StepanArkadyevichmaintainedthatitwasoutofthequestion。
　　`Besides，whatisittoyou-twodays？Andhe’sanawfullyfine，cleveroldfellow。He’llpullthetoothoutforyousogentlyyouwon’tnoticeit。’
　　Standingatthefirstmass，Levinattemptedtoreviveinhimselfhisyouthfulrecollectionsoftheintensereligiousemotionhehadpassedthroughbetweentheagesofsixteenandseventeen。Buthewasatonceconvincedthatitwasutterlyimpossibletohim。Heattemptedtolookatitallasanemptycustom，havingnosortofmeaning，likethecustomofpayingcalls；
　　buthefeltthathecouldnotdothateither。Levinfoundhimself，likethemajorityofhiscontemporaries，inthevaguestpositioninregardtoreligion。Believehecouldnot，andatthesametimehehadnofirmconvictionthatitwasallwrong。Andconsequently，notbeingabletobelieveinthesignificanceofwhathewasdoing，nortoregarditwithindifferenceasanemptyformality，duringthewholeperiodofpreparingforthesacramenthewasconsciousofafeelingofdiscomfortandshameatdoingwhathedidnothimselfunderstand，andwhat，asaninnervoicetoldhim，wasthereforefalseandwrong。
　　Duringtheservicehewouldfirstlistentotheprayers，tryingtoattachsomemeaningtothemnotdiscordantwithhisownviews；thenfeelingthathecouldnotunderstandandmustcondemnthem，hetriednottolistentothem，buttoattendtothethoughts，observations，andmemorieswhichfloatedthroughhisbrainwithextremevividnessduringthisidletimeofstandinginchurch。
　　Hehadstoodthroughthemass，theeveningservice，andthemidnightservice，andthenextdayhegotupearlierthanusual，and，withouthavingtea，wentateighto’clockinthemorningtothechurchforthemorningserviceandtheconfession。
　　Therewasnooneinchurchbutabeggarsoldier，twooldwomen，andthechurchmen。Ayoungdeacon，whoselongbackshowedintwodistincthalvesthroughhisthinundercassock，methim，and，atoncegoingtoalittletableatthewall，readtheexhortations。Duringthereading，especiallyatthefrequentandrapidrepetitionofthesamewords，`Lord，havemercyonus！’whichsoundedlike`mercynuslor！’Levinfeltthathisthoughtwasshutandsealedup，andthatitmustnotbetouchedorstirrednow，orelseconfusionwouldbetheresult；andsostandingbehindthedeaconhewentonthinkingofhisownaffairs，neitherlisteningnorexaminingwhatwassaid。`It’swonderfulwhatexpressionthereisinherhand，’hethought，rememberinghowtheyhadbeensittingthedaybeforeatacornertable。Theyhadnothingtotalkabout，aswasalmostalwaysthecaseatthistime，andlayingherhandonthetableshekeptopeningandshuttingit，andlaughedherselfasshewatchedheraction。Herememberedhowhehadkissedherhandandthenhadexaminedthelinesonthepinkpalm。`Another``mercynuslor！’’thoughtLevin，crossinghimself，bowing，andlookingatthesupplespringofthedeacon’sbackbowingbeforehim。`Shetookmyhandthenandexaminedthelines。``You’vegotasplendidhand，’shesaid。’Andhelookedathisownhandandtheshorthandofthedeacon。
　　`Yes，nowitwillsoonbeover，’hethought。`No，itseemstobestartingupagain，’hethought，listeningtotheprayers。`No，it’sjustending:
　　thereheisbowingdowntotheground。That’salwaysattheend。’
　　Thedeacon’shandinaplushcuffunobtrusivelyacceptedathree-roublenote，andthedeaconsaidhewouldputLevin’snamedownintheregister，and，hisnewbootscreakingjauntilyovertheflagstonesoftheemptychurch，hewenttothealtar。AmomentlaterhepeepedoutthenceandbeckonedtoLevin。Thought，tillthenlockedup，begantostirinLevin’shead，buthemadehastetodriveitaway。`Itwillcomerightsomehow，’hethought，andwenttowardtheambo。Hewentupthesteps，andturningtotheright，sawthepriest。Thepriest，alittleancientwithascantygrizzledbeardandweary，good-naturedeyes，wasstandingatthelectern，turningoverthepagesofamissal。WithaslightbowtoLevinhebeganimmediatelyreadingprayersinanaccustomedvoice。Whenhehadfinishedthemheboweddowntothegroundandturned，facingLevin。
　　`Christispresenthereunseen，receivingyourconfession，’hesaid，pointingtothecrucifix。`DoyoubelieveinallthedoctrinesoftheHolyApostolicChurch？’thepriestwenton，turninghiseyesawayfromLevin’sfaceandfoldinghishandsunderhisstole。
　　`Ihavedoubted-Idoubteverything，’saidLevininavoicethatjarredonhimself，andheceasedspeaking。
　　Thepriestwaitedafewsecondstoseeifhewouldnotsaymore，andclosinghiseyeshesaidquickly，withabroad，Vladimirskyaccent:
　　`Doubtisnaturaltotheweaknessofmankind，butwemustpraythatGodinHismercywillstrengthenus。Whatareyourspecialsins？’
　　headded，withouttheslightestinterval，asthoughanxiousnottowastetime。
　　`Mychiefsinisdoubt。Ihavedoubtsofeverything，andforthemostpartIamindoubt。’
　　`Doubtisnaturaltotheweaknessofmankind，’thepriestrepeatedthesamewords。`Whatdoyoudoubtaboutprincipally？’
　　`Idoubteverything。IsometimesevenhavedoubtsoftheexistenceofGod，’Levincouldnothelpsaying，andhewashorrifiedattheimproprietyofwhathewassaying。ButLevin’swordsdidnot，itseemed，makemuchimpressiononthepriest。
　　`WhatsortofdoubtcantherebeoftheexistenceofGod？’hesaidhurriedly，withabarelyperceptiblesmile。
　　Levindidnotspeak。
　　`WhatdoubtcanyouhaveoftheCreatorwhenyoubeholdHiscreation？’
　　thepriestwentonintherapidcustomaryrecitative。`Whohasdeckedtheheavenlyfirmamentwithitslights？Whohasclothedtheearthinitsbeauty？
　　HowexplainitwithouttheCreator？’hesaid，lookinginquiringlyatLevin。
　　Levinfeltthatitwouldbeimpropertoenteruponametaphysicaldiscussionwiththepriest，andsohesaidinreplymerelywhatwasadirectanswertothequestion。
　　`Idon’tknow，’hesaid。
　　`Youdon’tknow！ThenhowcanyoudoubtthatGodcreatedall？’
　　thepriestsaid，withgood-humoredperplexity。
　　`Idon’tunderstanditatall，’saidLevin，blushing，andfeelingthathiswordswerestupid，andthattheycouldnotbeanythingbutstupidinsuchaposition。
　　`PraytoGodandbeseechHim。Eventheholyfathershaddoubts，andprayedtoGodtostrengthentheirfaith。Thedevilhasgreatpower，andwemustresisthim。PraytoGod，beseechHim。PraytoGod，’herepeatedhurriedly。
　　Thepriestpausedforsometime，asthoughmeditating。
　　`You，Ihear，areabouttomarrythedaughterofmyparishionerandsoninthespirit，PrinceShcherbatsky？’heresumed，withasmile。
　　`Anexcellentyounglady。’
　　`Yes，’answeredLevin，blushingforthepriest。`Whatdoeshewanttoaskmeaboutthisatconfessionfor？’hethought。
　　And，asthoughansweringhisthought，thepriestsaidtohim:
　　`Youareabouttoenterintoholymatrimony，andGodmayblessyouwithoffspring。Areyou？-Well，whatsortofbringing-upcanyougiveyourbabesifyoudonotovercomethetemptationofthedevil，enticingyoutoinfidelity？’hesaid，withgentlereproachfulness。`Ifyouloveyourchildasagoodfather，youwillnotdesireonlywealth，luxury，honorforyourinfant；youwillbeanxiousforhissalvation，hisspiritualenlightenmentwiththelightoftruth。Eh？Whatanswerwillyoumakehimwhentheinnocentbabeasksyou:``Papa！Whomadeallthatenchantsmeinthisworld-theearth，thewaters，thesun，theflowers，thegrass？’Canyousaytohim:
　　``Idon’tknow？’Youcannotbutknow，sincetheLordGodinHisinfinitemercyhasrevealedittous。Oryourchildwillaskyou:``Whatawaitsmeinthelifebeyondthegrave？’Whatwillyousaytohimwhenyouknownothing？Howwillyouanswerhim？Willyouleavehimtotheallurementsoftheworldandthedevil？That’snotright，’hesaid，andhestopped，puttinghisheadononesideandlookingatLevinwithhiskindly，gentleeyes。
　　Levinmadenoanswerthistime，notbecausehedidnotwanttoenteruponadiscussionwiththepriest，butbecausenoonehadeveraskedhimsuchquestions-andwhenhisbabesdidaskhimthosequestions，itwouldbetimeenoughtothinkaboutansweringthem。
　　`Youareenteringuponatimeoflife，’pursuedthepriest，`whenyoumustchooseyourpathandkeeptoit。PraytoGodthatHemayinHismercyaidyouandhavemercyonyou！’heconcluded。`OurLordandGod，JesusChrist，intheabundanceandrichesofHisloving-kindness，forgivesthischild……’and，finishingtheprayerofabsolution，thepriestblessedhimanddismissedhim。
　　Ongettinghomethatday，Levinhadadelightfulsenseofreliefattheawkwardpositionbeingoverandhavingbeengotthroughwithouthishavingtotellalie。Apartfromthis，thereremainedavaguememorythatwhatthekind，fineoldfellowhadsaidhadnotbeenatallasstupidashehadfanciedatfirst，andthattherewassomethinginitthatmustbeclearedup。
　　`Ofcourse，notnow，’thoughtLevin，`butatsomelaterday。’
　　Levinfeltmorethanevernowthattherewassomethingnotclearandnotcleaninhissoul，andthat，inregardtoreligion，hewasinthesamepositionwhichheperceivedsoclearlyanddislikedinothers，andforwhichheblamedhisfriendSviiazhsky。
　　LevinspentthateveningwithhisbetrothedatDolly’s，andwasinveryhighspirits。ToexplaintoStepanArkadyevichthestateofexcitementinwhichhefoundhimself，hesaidthathewashappy，likeadogbeingtrainedtojumpthroughahoop，who，havingatlastcaughttheidea，anddonewhatwasrequiredofhim，whinesandwagsitstail，andjumpsuptothetableandthewindowsillsinitsdelight。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter02[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter2Onthedayofthewedding，accordingtotheRussiancustomthePrincessandDaryaAlexandrovnainsistedonstrictlykeepingallthecustoms，Levindidnotseehisbetrothed，anddinedathishotelwiththreebachelorfriends，casuallybroughttogetherathisrooms。ThesewereSergeiIvanovich，Katavassov，auniversityfriend，nowprofessorofnaturalscience，whomLevinhadmetinthestreetandinsistedontakinghomewithhim，andChirikov，hisbestman，aMoscowjusticeofthepeace，Levin’scompanioninhisbearhunts。
　　Thedinnerwasaverymerryone:SergeiIvanovichwasinhishappiestmood，andwasmuchamusedbyKatavassov’soriginality。Katavassov，feelinghisoriginalitywasappreciatedandunderstood，madethemostofit。Chirikovalwaysgavealivelyandgood-humoredsupporttoconversationofanysort。
　　`See，now，’saidKatavassov，drawlinghiswordsfromahabitacquiredinthelectureroom，`whatacapablefellowwasourfriendKonstantinDmitrievich。
　　I’mspeakingofabsentcompany-hedoesn’texistforusnow。Atthetimehelefttheuniversityhewasfondofscience，tookaninterestinhumanity；
　　nowone-halfofhisabilitiesisdevotedtodeceivinghimself，andtheothertojustifyingthedeceit。’
　　`AmoredeterminedenemyofmatrimonythanyouIneversaw，’saidSergeiIvanovich。
　　`Oh，no，I’mnotanenemyofmatrimony。I’minfavorofdivisionoflabor。Peoplewhocandonothingelseoughttorearpeople，whiletherestworkfortheirhappinessandenlightenment。That’showIlookatit。
　　Tomuddleuptwotradestherearetoomanyamateurs；I’mnotoneoftheirnumber。’
　　`HowhappyIshallbewhenIhearthatyou’reinlove！’saidLevin。
　　`Pleaseinvitemetothewedding。’
　　`I’minlovenow。’
　　`Yes，withacuttlefish！Youknow，’Levinturnedtohisbrother，`MikhailSemionovichiswritingaworkonthedigestiveorgansofthe……’
　　`Now，makeamuddleofit！Itdoesn’tmatterwhatabout。Andthefactis，Icertainlydolovecuttlefish。’
　　`Butthat’snohindrancetoyourlovingyourwife。’
　　`Thecuttlefishisnohindrance。Thewifeisthehindrance。’
　　`Whyso？’
　　`Oh，you’llsee！Youcareaboutfarming，hunting-well，you’llsee！……’
　　`Arkhipwasheretoday；hesaidtherewerenoendofelkinPrudnoe，andtwobears，’saidChirikov。
　　`Well，youmustgoandgetthemwithoutme。’
　　`Ah，that’sthetruth，’saidSergeiIvanovich。`Andyoumaysaygood-bytobearhuntingforthefuture-yourwifewon’tallowit！’
　　Levinsmiled。Thepictureofhiswifenotlettinghimgowassopleasantthathewasreadytorenounceforeverthedelightsoflookinguponbears。
　　`Still，it’sapitytheyshouldgetthosetwobearswithoutyou。
　　DoyourememberlasttimeatKhapilovo？Andnowitwouldbeadelightfulhunt！’saidChirikov。
　　Levinhadnotthehearttodisillusionhimofthenotionthattherecouldbesomethingdelightfulapartfromher，andsosaidnothing。
　　`There’ssomesenseinthiscustomofsayinggood-bytobachelorlife，’saidSergeiIvanovich。`Howeverhappyyoumaybe，youmustregretyourfreedom。’
　　`Andconfessthereisafeelingthatyouwanttojumpoutofthewindow，likeGogol’sbridegroom？’
　　`Ofcoursethereis，buthewon’tconfess，’saidKatavassov，andhebrokeintoloudlaughter。
　　`Oh，well，thewindow’sopen……Let’sstartoffthisinstanttoTver！There’sabigshe-bear；onecangorightuptothelair。Seriously，let’sgobythefiveo’clock！Andhereletthemdowhattheylike，’saidChirikovsmiling。
　　`Well，now，onmyhonor，’saidLevinsmiling，`Ican’tfindinmyheartthatfeelingofregretformyfreedom。’
　　`Yes，there’ssuchachaosinyourheartjustnowthatyoucan’tfindanythingthere，’saidKatavassov。`Waitabit，whenyousetittorightsalittle，you’llfindit！’
　　`No；ifso，Ishouldhavefeltalittle，apartfrommyfeeling’
　　hecouldnotsay`love’beforethem`andhappiness，acertainregretatlosingmyfreedom……Onthecontrary，Iamgladattheverylossofmyfreedom。’
　　`Awful！It’sahopelesscase！’saidKatavassov。`Well，let’sdrinktohisrecovery，orwishthatahundredthpartofhisdreamsmayberealized-andthatwouldbehappinesssuchasneverhasbeenseenonearth！’
　　Soonafterdinnertheguestswentawaytodressintimeforthewedding。
　　Whenhewasleftalone，andrecalledtheconversationofthesebachelorfriends，Levinaskedhimself:Hadheinhisheartthatregretforhisfreedomofwhichtheyhadspoken？Hesmiledatthequestion。`Freedom！
　　Whatisfreedomfor？Happinessisonlyinlovingandwishingherwishes，thinkingherthoughts；thatistosay，notfreedomatall-that’shappiness！’
　　`ButdoIknowherthoughts，herwishes，herfeelings？’somevoicesuddenlywhisperedtohim。Thesmilediedawayfromhisface，andhegrewthoughtful。Andsuddenlyastrangefeelingcameuponhim。Therecameoverhimadreadanddoubt-doubtofeverything。
　　`Whatifshedoesnotloveme？Whatifshe’smarryingmesimplytobemarried？Whatifshedoesn’tseeherselfwhatshe’sdoing？’heaskedhimself。`Shemaycometohersenses，andonlywhensheisbeingmarriedrealizethatshedoesnotandcannotloveme。’Andstrange，mostevilthoughtsofherbegantocometohim。HewasjealousofVronsky，ashehadbeenayearago，asthoughtheeveninghehadseenherwithVronskyhadbeenyesterday。Hesuspectedshehadnottoldhimeverything。
　　Hejumpedupquickly。`No，thiscan’tgoon！’hesaidtohimselfindespair。`I’llgotoher；I’llaskher；I’llsayforthelasttime:
　　Wearefree，andhadn’twebetterstayso？Anything’sbetterthanendlessmisery，disgrace，unfaithfulness！’Withdespairinhisheartandbitterangeragainstallmen，againsthimself，againsther，hewentoutofthehotelanddrovetoherhouse。
　　Hefoundherinoneoftherearrooms。Shewassittingonachestandmakingsomearrangementswithhermaid，sortingoverheapsofdressesofdifferentcolors，spreadonthebacksofchairsandonthefloor。
　　`Ah！’shecried，seeinghim，andbeamingwithdelight。`Kostia！
　　KonstantinDmitrievich！’Theselatterdayssheusedthesenamesalmostalternately。`Ididn’texpectyou！I’mgoingthroughmygirlishwardrobetoseewhat’sforwhom……’
　　`Oh！That’sverylovely！’hesaidgloomily，lookingatthemaid。
　　`Youcango，Duniasha，I’llcallyoupresently，’saidKitty。`Kostia，what’sthematter？’sheasked，definitelyadoptingthisfamiliarnameassoonasthemaidhadgoneout。Shenoticedhisstrangeface，agitatedandgloomy，andapaniccameoverher。
　　`Kitty！I’mintorture。Ican’tbeintorturealone，’hesaidwithdespairinhisvoice，standingbeforeherandlookingimploringlyintohereyes。Hesawalreadyfromherloving，truthfulface，thatnothingcouldcomeofwhathehadmeanttosay，butyethewantedhertoreassurehimherself。`I’vecometosaythatthere’sstilltime。Thiscanallbestoppedandsetright。’
　　`What？Idon’tunderstand。Whatisthematter？’
　　`WhatIhavesaidathousandtimesover，andcan’thelpthinking……
　　thatI’mnotworthyofyou。Youcouldn’tconsenttomarryme。Thinkalittle。
　　You’vemadeamistake。Thinkitoverthoroughly。Youcan’tloveme……if……
　　Bettersayso，’hesaid，withoutlookingather。`Ishallbewretched。
　　Letpeoplesaywhattheylike；anything’sbetterthanmisery……Farbetternowwhilethere’sstilltime……’
　　`Idon’tunderstand，’sheanswered，panic-stricken；`youmeanyouwanttogiveitup……thatyoudon’twantit？’
　　`Yes-ifyoudon’tloveme。’
　　`You’reoutofyourmind！’shecried，turningcrimsonwithvexation。
　　Buthisfacewassopiteousthatsherestrainedhervexation，andflingingsomeclothesoffanarmchair，shesatdownbesidehim。`Whatareyouthinking？
　　Tellmeall。’
　　`Iamthinkingyoucan’tloveme。Whatcanyoulovemefor？’
　　`MyGod！WhatcanIdo？……’shesaid，andburstintotears。
　　`Oh！WhathaveIdone？’hecried，andkneelingbeforeher，hefelltokissingherhands。
　　WhentheoldPrincesscameintotheroomfiveminuteslater，shefoundthemcompletelyreconciled。Kittyhadnotsimplyassuredhimthatshelovedhim，buthadgonesofar-inanswertohisquestion，whatshelovedhimfor-astoexplainwhatfor。Shetoldhimthatshelovedhimbecausesheunderstoodhimcompletely，becausesheknewwhathewouldlike，andbecauseeverythinghelikedwasgood。Andthisseemedtohimperfectlyclear。WhenthePrincesscametothem，theyweresittingsidebysideonthechest，sortingthedressesanddisputingoverKitty’swantingtogiveDuniashathebrowndressshehadbeenwearingwhenLevinproposedtoher，whileheinsistedthatthatdressmustneverbegivenaway，butthatDuniashashouldhavetheblueone。
　　`Howisityoudon’tsee？She’sabrunette，anditwon’tsuither……I’veworkeditallout。’
　　Hearingwhyhehadcome，thePrincesswashalf-humorously，half-seriouslyangrywithhim，andsenthimhometodressandnottohinderKitty’shairdressing，asCharlesthecoiffeurwasjustcoming。
　　`Asitis，she’sbeeneatingnothinglatelyandislosingherlooks，andthenyoumustcomeandupsetherwithyournonsense，’shesaidtohim。`Getalongwithyou，mydear！’
　　Levin，guiltyandshamefaced，butpacified，wentbacktohishotel。
　　Hisbrother，DaryaAlexandrovna，andStepanArkadyevich，allinfulldress，werewaitingforhimtoblesshimwithanicon。Therewasnotimetolose。
　　DaryaAlexandrovnahadtodrivehomeagaintofetchhercurledandpomadedson，whowastocarrytheiconinthebride’scarriage。Thenacarriagehadtobesentforthebestman，andanother，thatwouldtakeSergeiIvanovichaway，wouldhavetobesentback……Altogethertherewereagreatmanymostcomplicatedmatterstobeconsideredandarranged。Onethingwasunmistakable-thattheremustbenodelay，asitwasalreadyhalf-pastsix。
　　Nothingspecialhappenedattheceremonyofbenedictionwiththeicon。StepanArkadyevichstoodinacomicallysolemnposebesidehiswife，tooktheicon，and，tellingLevintobowdowntotheground，heblessedhimwithhiskindly，ironicalsmile，andkissedhimthreetimes；DaryaAlexandrovnadidthesame，andimmediatelywasinahurrytogetoff，andagainplungedintotheintricatequestionofthedueorderofthevariouscarriages。
　　`Come，I’lltellyouhowwe’llmanage:youdriveinourcarriagetofetchhim，andSergeiIvanovich，ifhe’llbesogood，willdrivethereandthensendhiscarriage。’
　　`Ofcourse；Ishallbedelighted。’
　　`We’llcomeondirectlywithhim。Areyourthingssentoff？’askedStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Yes，’answeredLevin，andhetoldKouzmatolayouthisclothesforhimtodress。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter03[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter3Acrowdofpeople，principallywomen，wasthrongingroundthechurchlightedupforthewedding。Thosewhohadnotsucceededingettingintothemainentrancewerecrowdingaboutthewindows，pushing，wrangling，andpeepingthroughthegratings。
　　Morethantwentycarriageshadalreadybeendrawnupinranksalongthestreetbythepolice。Apoliceofficer，regardlessofthefrost，stoodattheentrance，gorgeousinhisuniform。Morecarriageswerecontinuallydrivingup，andladieswearingflowersandcarryingtheirtrains，andmentakingofftheirkepisorblackhats，keptwalkingintothechurch。Insidethechurchbothlusterswerealreadylighted，andallthecandlesbeforetheicons。Thegoldennimbusontheredgroundoftheikonostasis，andthegiltreliefontheiconsandthesilverofthelustersandcandlesticks，andthefloor-flags，andtherugs，andthebannersaboveinthechoir，andthestepsoftheambo，andtheoldblackenedbooks，andthecassocksandsurplices-allwerefloodedwithlight。Ontherightsideofthewarmchurch，inthecrowdofeveningdressesandwhiteties，ofuniforms，andofsilk，velvet，satin，hairandflowers，ofbareshouldersandarmsandlonggloves，therewasdiscreetbutlivelyconversationthatechoedstrangelyinthehighcupola。Everytimetherewasheardthecreakoftheopeneddoortheconversationinthecrowddiedaway，andeverybodylookedroundexpectingtoseethebrideandbridegroomcomein。Butthedoorhadopenedmorethantentimes，andeachtimeitwaseitherabelatedguestorguests，whojoinedthecircleoftheinvitedontheright，orsomespectator，whohadeludedorsoftenedthepoliceofficer，andwenttojointhecrowdofoutsidersontheleft。Boththeguestsandtheoutsidepublichadbynowpassedthroughallthephasesofanticipation。
　　Atfirsttheyimaginedthatthebrideandbridegroomwouldarriveimmediately，andattachednoimportanceatalltotheirbeinglate。Thentheybegantolookmoreandmoreoftentowardthedoor，andtotalkofwhetheranythingcouldhavehappened。Thenthelongdelaybegantobepositivelydiscomforting，andrelationsandgueststriedtolookasiftheywerenotthinkingofthebridegroomatall，butwereengrossedinconversation。
　　Theprotodeacon，asthoughtoremindthemofthevalueofhistime，coughedimpatiently，makingthewindowpanesrattleintheirframes。
　　Inthechoirtheboredchoristerscouldbeheardtryingtheirvoicesandblowingtheirnoses。Thepriestwascontinuallysendingfirstthechurchclerkandthenthedeacontofindoutwhetherthebridegroomhadnotcome，moreandmoreoftenhewenthimself，inalilacvestmentandanembroideredsash，tothesidedoor，expectingtoseethebridegroom。Atlastoneoftheladies，glancingatherwatch，said，`Itreallyisstrange，though！’
　　andalltheguestsbecameuneasyandbeganloudlyexpressingtheirwonderanddissatisfaction。Oneofthebridegroom’sbestmenwenttofindoutwhathadhappened。Kittymeanwhilehadlongagobeenquiteready，and，inherwhitedressandlongveilandwreathoforangeblossoms，wasstandinginthedrawingroomoftheShcherbatskys’housewithhersister，MadameLvova，whowasherbridalmother。Shewaslookingoutofthewindow，andhadbeenforoverhalfanhouranxiouslyexpectingtohearfromherbestmanthatherbridegroomwasatthechurch。