AllofMikhailov’smobilefacebeamedatonce；hiseyessparkled。
　　Hetriedtosaysomething，buthecouldnotspeakforexcitement，andpretendedtobecoughing。LowaswashisopinionofGolenishchev’scapacityforunderstandingart，triflingaswasthetrueremarkuponthefidelityoftheexpressionofPilateasanofficial，andoffensiveasmighthaveseemedtheutteranceofsounimportantanobservationwhilenothingwassaidofmoreseriouspoints，Mikhailovwasinanecstasyofdelightatthisobservation。HehadhimselfthoughtaboutPilate’sfigurejustwhatGolenishchevhadsaid。
　　Thefactthatthisreflectionwasbutoneofmillionsofreflections，which，asMikhailovknewforcertain，wouldbetrue，didnotdiminishforhimthesignificanceofGolenishchev’sremark。HisheartwarmedtoGolenishchevforthisremark，andfromastateofdepressionhesuddenlypassedtoecstasy。
　　Atoncethewholeofhispicturelivedbeforehiminalltheindescribablecomplexityofeverythingliving。MikhailovagaintriedtosaythatthatwashowheunderstoodPilate，buthislipsquiveredintractably，andhecouldnotpronouncethewords。VronskyandAnnatoosaidsomethinginthatsubduedvoicewhichpartlytoavoidhurtingtheartist’sfeelingsandpartlytoavoidgivingloudutterancetosomethingsilly-soeasilydonewhentalkingofartpeopleuseatexhibitionsofpictures。Mikhailovfanciedthatthepicturehadmadeanimpressiononthemtoo。Hewentuptothem。
　　`HowmarvelousChrist’sexpressionis！’saidAnna。Ofallshesawshelikedthatexpressionmostofall，andshefeltthatitwasthecenterofthepicture，andsopraiseofitwouldbepleasanttotheartist。
　　`OnecanseethatHeispityingPilate。’
　　ThisagainwasoneofthemilliontruereflectionsthatcouldbefoundinhispictureandinthefigureofChrist。ShesaidthatHewaspityingPilate。InChrist’sexpressionthereoughttobeindeedanexpressionofpity，sincethereisanexpressionoflove，ofunearthlypeace，ofpreparednessfordeath，andasenseofthevanityofwords。Ofcourse，thereistheexpressionofanofficialinPilate，andofpityinChrist，consideringthatoneistheincarnationofthefleshly，andtheotherofthespiritual，life。AllthisandmuchmoreflashedintoMikhailov’sthoughts。Andhisfacebeamedwithdelightagain。
　　`Yes，andhowthatfigureisdone-whatatmosphere！Onecanwalkroundit，’saidGolenishchev，unmistakablybetrayingbythisremarkthathedidnotapproveofthemeaningandideaofthefigure。
　　`Yes，there’sawonderfulmastery！’saidVronsky。`Howthosefiguresinthebackgroundstandout！Thereyouhavetechnique，’hesaid，addressingGolenishchev，alludingtoaconversationbetweenthemaboutVronsky’sdespairofattainingthistechnique。
　　`Yes，yes，marvelous！’GolenishchevandAnnaassented。
　　Inspiteoftheexcitedconditioninwhichhewas，thesentenceabouttechniquehadsentapangtoMikhailov’sheart，andlookingangrilyatVronskyhesuddenlyscowled。Hehadoftenheardthisword`technique，’
　　andwasutterlyunabletounderstandwhatwasmeantbyit。Heknewthatbythistermwasmeantamechanicaldexterityforpaintingordrawing，entirelyapartfromitssubject。Hehadnoticedoftenthateveninactualpraisetechniquewasopposedtoessentialquality，asthoughonecouldpaintwellsomethingthatwasbad。Heknewthatagreatdealofattentionandcarewasnecessaryintakingofftheveils，toavoidinjuringthecreationitself，andtotakeoffalltheveils；buttherewasnoartofpainting-notechniqueofanysort-aboutit。Iftoalittlechildortohiscookwererevealedwhathesaw，eitherwouldhavebeenabletopeeltheveilsoffwhatwasseen。Andthemostexperiencedandadroitpaintercouldnotbymeremechanicalfacultypaintanythingifthelinesofthesubjectwerenotrevealedtohimfirst。Besides，hesawthatifitcametotalkingabouttechnique，itwasimpossibletopraisehimforit。Inallhehadpaintedhesawfaultsthathurthiseyes，comingfromwantofcareintakingofftheveils-faultshecouldnotcorrectnowwithoutspoilingthewhole。
　　Andinalmostallthefiguresandfaceshesaw，too，remnantsoftheveilsnotperfectlyremovedthatspoiledthepicture。
　　`Onethingmightbesaid，ifyouwillallowmetomaketheremark……’
　　observedGolenishchev。
　　`Oh，Ishallbedelighted，Ibegofyoutodoso，’saidMikhailovwithaforcedsmile。
　　`Thatis，youmakeHimtheman-god，andnottheGod-man。ButI
　　knowthatwaswhatyoumeanttodo。’
　　`IcannotpaintaChristthatisnotinmyheart，’saidMikhailovmorosely。
　　`Yes；butinthatcase，ifyouwillallowmetosaywhatIthink……
　　Yourpictureissofinethatmyobservationcannotdetractfromit，and，besides，itisonlymypersonalopinion。Withyouitisdifferent。Yourverymotiveisdifferent。ButletustakeIvanov。IimaginethatifChristisbroughtdowntothelevelofanhistoricalcharacter，itwouldhavebeenbetterforIvanovtoselectsomeotherhistoricalsubject，fresh，untouched。’
　　`Butifthisisthegreatestsubjectpresentedtoart？’
　　`Ifonelookedonewouldfindothers。Butthepointisthatartcannotsufferdoubtanddiscussion。AndbeforethepictureofIvanovthequestionarisesforthebelieverandtheunbelieveralike，``IsitGod，orisitnotGod？’andtheunityoftheimpressionisdestroyed。’
　　`Whyso？Ithinkthat，foreducatedpeople，’saidMikhailov，`thequestioncannotexist。’
　　Golenishchevdidnotagreewiththis，andconfoundedMikhailovbyhissupportofhisfirstideaoftheunityoftheimpressionbeingessentialtoart。
　　Mikhailovwasgreatlyperturbed，buthecouldsaynothingindefenseofhisownidea。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter12[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter12AnnaandVronskyhadlongbeenexchangingglances，regrettingtheirfriend’sflowofcleverness。AtlastVronsky，withoutwaitingfortheartist，walkedawaytoanothersmallpicture。
　　`Oh，howexquisite！Whatalovelything！Agem！Howexquisite！’
　　theycriedwithonevoice。
　　`Whatisitthey’resopleasedwith？’thoughtMikhailov。Hehadpositivelyforgottenthatpicturehehadpaintedthreeyearsago。Hehadforgottenalltheagoniesandtheecstasieshehadlivedthroughwiththatpicturewhen，forseveralmonths，ithadbeentheonethoughthauntinghimdayandnight。Hehadforgotten，ashealwaysforgot，thepictureshehadfinished。Hedidnotevenliketolookatit，andhadonlybroughtitoutbecausehewasexpectinganEnglishmanwhowantedtobuyit。
　　`Oh，that’sonlyanoldstudy，’hesaid。
　　`Howfine！’saidGolenishchev，hetoo，withunmistakablesincerity，fallingunderthespellofthepicture。
　　Twoboyswereanglingintheshadeofawillowtree。Theelderhadjustdroppedinthehook，andwascarefullypullingthefloatfrombehindabush，entirelyabsorbedinwhathewasdoing。Theother，alittleyounger，waslyinginthegrassleaningonhiselbows，withhistangled，flaxenheadinhishands，staringatthewaterwithhisdreamyblueeyes。
　　Whatwashethinkingof？
　　TheenthusiasmoverthispicturestirredsomeoftheoldfeelingforitinMikhailov，buthefearedanddislikedthiswasteoffeelingforthingspast，andso，eventhoughthispraisewasgratefultohim，hetriedtodrawhisvisitorsawaytoathirdpicture。
　　ButVronskyaskedwhetherthepicturewasforsale？ToMikhailovatthatmoment，excitedbyvisitors，itwasextremelydistastefultospeakofmoneymatters。
　　`Itisputuptheretobesold，’heanswered，scowlinggloomily。
　　Whenthevisitorshadgone，MikhailovsatdownoppositethepictureofPilateandChrist，andinhismindwentoverwhathadbeensaid，andwhat，thoughnotsaid，hadbeenimpliedbythosevisitors。And，strangetosay，whathadhadsuchweightwithhim，whiletheywerethereandwhilehementallyputhimselfattheirpointofview，suddenlylostallimportanceforhim。Hebegantolookathispicturewithallhisownfull，artist’svision，andwassooninthatmoodofconvictionoftheperfectibility，andsoofthesignificance，ofhispicture-aconvictionessentialtotheintensestfervor，excludingallotherinterests-inwhichalonehecouldwork。
　　Christ’sforeshortenedlegwasnotright，though。Hetookhispaletteandbegantowork。AshecorrectedtheleghelookedcontinuallyatthefigureofJohninthebackground，whichhisvisitorshadnotevennoticed，butwhichheknewwasbeyondperfection。Whenhehadfinishedtheleghewantedtotouchthatfigure，buthefelttoomuchexcitedforthat。Hewasequallyunabletoworkwhenhewascoldandwhenhewastoomuchaffectedandsaweverythingtooclearly。Therewasonlyonestageinthetransitionfromcoldnesstoinspiration，atwhichworkwaspossible。
　　Todayhewastoomuchagitated。Hewouldhavecoveredthepicture，buthestopped，holdingtheclothinhishand，and，smilingblissfully，gazedalongwhileatthefigureofJohn。Atlast，tearinghimselfawaywithevidentregret，hedroppedthecloth，and，exhaustedbuthappy，wenthome。
　　Vronsky，Anna，andGolenishchev，ontheirwayhome，wereparticularlylivelyandcheerful。TheytalkedofMikhailovandhispictures。Thewordtalent，bywhichtheymeantaninborn，almostphysical，aptitudeapartfrombrainandheart，andinwhichtheytriedtofindanexpressionforalltheartisthadgainedfromlife，recurredparticularlyoftenintheirtalk，asthoughitwerenecessaryforthemtosumupwhattheyhadnoconceptionof，thoughtheywantedtotalkofit。Theysaidthattherewasnodenyinghistalent，butthathistalentcouldnotdevelopforwantofeducation-thecommondefectofourRussianartists。Butthepictureoftheboyshadimprinteditselfontheirmemories，andtheywerecontinuallycomingbacktoit。`Whatanexquisitething！Howhehassucceededinit，andhowsimply！Hedoesn’tevencomprehendhowgooditis。Yes，Imustn’tletitslip；Imustbuyit，’saidVronsky。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter13[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter13MikhailovsoldVronskyhispicture，andagreedtopaintaportraitofAnna。
　　Onthedayfixedhecameandbeganthework。
　　Fromthefifthsittingtheportraitimpressedeveryone，especiallyVronsky，notonlybyitsresemblance，butbyitscharacteristicbeauty。
　　ItwasstrangehowMikhailovcouldhavediscoveredpreciselythebeautycharacteristicofher。`OneneedstoknowandloveherasIhavelovedhertodiscovertheverysweetestexpressionofhersoul，’Vronskythought，thoughitwasonlyfromthisportraitthathehadhimselflearnedthissweetestexpressionofhersoul。Buttheexpressionwassotruethathe，andotherstoo，fanciedtheyhadlongknownit。
　　`Ihavebeenstrugglingonforeversolongwithoutdoinganything，’
　　hesaidofhisownportraitofher，`andhejustlookedandpaintedit。
　　That’swheretechniquecomesin。’
　　`Thatwillcome，’wastheconsolingreassurancegivenhimbyGolenishchev，inwhoseviewVronskyhadbothtalent，and，whatwasmostimportant，education，givinghimanexaltedoutlookonart。Golenishchev’sfaithinVronsky’stalentwasproppedupbyhisownneedofVronsky’ssympathyandapprovalforhisownessaysandideas，andhefeltthatthepraiseandsupportmustbemutual。
　　Inanotherman’shouse，andespeciallyinVronsky’spalazzo，Mikhailovwasquiteadifferentmanfromwhathewasinhisstudio。Hebehavedwithhostiledeference，asthoughhewereafraidofcomingclosertopeoplehedidnotrespect。HecalledVronsky`YourExcellency，’and，notwithstandingAnna’sandVronsky’sinvitations，hewouldneverstaytodinner，norcomeexceptforthesittings。Annawasevenmorefriendlytohimthantootherpeople，andwasverygratefulforherportrait。Vronskywasmorethancourteouswithhim，andwasobviouslyinterestedtoknowtheartist’sopinionofhispicture。GolenishchevneverletslipanopportunityofinstillingsoundideasaboutartintoMikhailov。ButMikhailovremainedequallychillytoallofthesepeople。Annawasawarefromhiseyesthathelikedtolookather，butheavoidedconversationwithher。Vronsky’stalkabouthispaintinghemetwithstubbornsilence，andhewasasstubbornlysilentwhenhewasshownVronsky’spicture。HewasunmistakablyboredbyGolenishchev’sconversation，andhedidnotattempttoopposehim。
　　AltogetherMikhailov，withhisreservedanddisagreeable，and，apparently，hostileattitude，wasquitedislikedbythemastheygottoknowhimbetter；andtheyweregladwhenthesittingswereover，andtheywereleftwithamagnificentportraitintheirpossession，andhegaveupcoming。
　　Golenishchevwasthefirsttogiveexpressiontoanideathathadoccurredtoallofthem-whichwasthatMikhailovwassimplyenviousofVronsky。
　　`Notenvious，letussay，sincehehastalent；butitannoyshimthatawealthymanofthehighestsociety，andaCount，tooyouknowthesefellowsdetestallthat，can，withoutanyparticulartrouble，doaswell，ifnotbetter，thanhewhohasdevotedallhislifetoit。And，morethanall，it’saquestionofeducation，whichhelacks。’
　　VronskydefendedMikhailov，butatthebottomofhishearthebelievedthis，becauseinhisviewamanofadifferent，lowerworldwouldbesuretobeenvious。
　　Anna’sportrait-thesamesubjectpaintedfromnaturebothbyhimandbyMikhailov-oughttohaveshownVronskythedifferencebetweenhimandMikhailov；buthedidnotseeit。OnlyafterMikhailov’sportraitwaspainteddidheleaveoffpaintinghisownportraitofAnna，decidingthatitwasnolongerneeded。Hispictureofmedievallifehewentonwith。
　　Andhehimself，andGolenishchev，and，stillmore，Anna，thoughtitverygood，becauseitwasfarmorelikethecelebratedpicturestheyknewthanMikhailov’spicture。
　　Mikhailovmeanwhile，althoughAnna’sportraitgreatlyfascinatedhim，wasevenmoregladthantheywerewhenthesittingswereover，andhehadnolongertolistentoGolenishchev’sdisquisitionsuponart，andcouldforgetaboutVronsky’spainting。HeknewthatVronskycouldnotbepreventedfromamusinghimselfwithpainting；heknewthatheandalldilettantihadaperfectrighttopaintwhattheyliked，butitwasdistastefultohim。Amancouldnotbepreventedfrommakinghimselfabigwaxdoll，andkissingit。Butifthemanweretocomewiththedollandsitbeforeamaninlove，andbegincaressinghisdollasthelovercaressedthewomanheloved，itwouldbedistastefultothelover。JustsuchadistastefulsensationwaswhatMikhailovfeltatthesightofVronsky’spainting:hefeltitbothludicrousandirritating，bothpitiableandoffensive。
　　Vronsky’sinterestinpaintingandtheMiddleAgesdidnotlastlong。Hehadenoughtasteforpaintingtobeunabletofinishhispicture。
　　Thepicturecametoastandstill。Hewasvaguelyawarethatitsdefects，inconspicuousatfirst，wouldbeglaringifheweretogoonwithit。ThesameexperiencebefellhimasGolenishchev，whofeltthathehadnothingtosay，andcontinuallydeceivedhimselfwiththetheorythathisideawasnotyetmature，thathewasworkingitoutandcollectingmaterial。
　　ThisexasperatedandtorturedGolenishchev，butVronskywasincapableofdeceivingandtorturinghimself，andevenmoreincapableofexasperation。
　　Withhischaracteristicdecision，withoutexplanationorapology，hesimplyceasedworkatpainting。
　　But，withoutthisoccupation，thelifeofVronskyandofAnna，whowonderedathislossofinterestinit，struckthemasintolerablytediousinanItaliantown；thepalazzosuddenlyseemedsoobtrusivelyoldanddirty，thespotsonthecurtains，thecracksinthefloors，thebrokenplasteronthecornices，becamesodisagreeablyobvious，andtheeverlastingsamenessofGolenishchev，andtheItalianprofessor，andtheGermantraveler，becamesowearisome，thattheyhadtomakesomechange。
　　TheyresolvedtogotoRussia，tothecountry。InPeterburgVronskyintendedtoarrangeapartitionofthelandwithhisbrother，whileAnnameanttoseeherson。ThesummertheyintendedtospendonVronsky’sgreatfamilyestate。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter14[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter14Levinhadbeenmarriedtwomonths。Hewashappy，butnotatallinthewayhehadexpectedtobe。Ateverystephefounddisenchantmentinhisformerdreams，andnew，unexpectedenchantment。Hewashappy；butonenteringuponfamilylifehesawateverystepthatitwasutterlydifferentfromwhathehadimagined。Ateverystepheexperiencedwhatamanwouldexperiencewho，afteradmiringthesmooth，happycourseofalittleboatonalake，shouldgethimselfintothatlittleboat。Hesawthatitwasnotallsittingstill，andfloatingsmoothly；thatonehadtothinktoo，notforaninstantforgettingwhereonewasfloating；andthattherewaswaterunderone，andthatonemustrow；andthathisunaccustomedhandswouldbesore；andthatitwasonlyeasytolookat；butthatdoingit，thoughverydelightfulwasverydifficult。
　　Asabachelor，whenhehadwatchedotherpeople’smarriedlife，hadseenthepettycares，thesquabbles，thejealousy，hehadonlysmiledcontemptuouslyinhisheart。Inhisfuturemarriedlifetherecouldbe，hewasconvinced，nothingofthatsort；eventheexternalforms，indeed，hefancied，mustbeutterlyunlikethelifeofothersineverything。Andallofasudden，insteadofhislifewithhiswifebeingmadeonanindividualpattern，itwas，onthecontrary，entirelymadeupofthepettiestdetails，whichhehadsodespisedbefore，butwhichnow，bynowillofhisown，hadgainedanextraordinaryandindisputableimportance。AndLevinsawthattheorganizationofallthesedetailswasbynomeanssoeasyashehadfanciedbefore。AlthoughLevinbelievedhimselftohavethemostexactconceptionsofdomesticlife，unconsciously，likeallmen，hepictureddomesticlifeonlyasenjoymentoflove，withnothingtohinderandnopettycarestodistract。Heought，asheconceivedtheposition，todohiswork，andtofindreposefromitinthehappinessoflove。Sheoughttobebeloved，andnothingmore。But，likeallmen，heforgotthatshetoowouldwantwork。Andhewassurprisedthatshe，hispoetic，exquisiteKitty，couldnotmerelyinthefirstweeks，buteveninthefirstdaysoftheirmarriedlife，think，remember，andbusyherselfabouttablecloths，andfurniture，aboutmattressesforvisitors，aboutatray，aboutthecook，andthedinner，andsoon。Whiletheywerestillengaged，hehadbeenstruckbythedefinitenesswithwhichshehaddeclinedthetourabroadanddecidedtogointothecountry，asthoughsheknewofsomethingshewanted，andcouldstillthinkofsomethingoutsideherlove。Thishadjarreduponhimthen，andnowhertrivialcaresandanxietiesjarreduponhimseveraltimes。
　　Buthesawthatthiswasessentialforher。And，lovingherashedid，thoughhedidnotunderstandthereasonforthem，andjeeredatthesedomesticpursuits，hecouldnothelpadmiringthem。HejeeredatthewayinwhichshearrangedthefurnituretheyhadbroughtfromMoscow；rearrangedtheirrooms；hungupcurtains；preparedroomsforvisitors，andforDolly；sawafteranabodeforhernewmaid；ordereddinneroftheoldcook；cameintocollisionwithAgathyaMikhailovna，takingfromherthechargeofthestores。
　　Hesawhowtheoldcooksmiled，admiringher，andlisteningtoherinexperienced，impossibleorders；howmournfullyandtenderlyAgathyaMikhailovnashookherheadovertheyoungmistress’snewarrangementsinthepantry。HesawthatKittywasextraordinarilysweetwhen，laughingandcrying，shecametotellhimthathermaid，Masha，wasusedtolookinguponherasheryounglady，andsonooneobeyedher。Itseemedtohimsweet，butstrange，andhethoughtitwouldhavebeenbetterwithoutthis。
　　Hedidnotknowhowgreatasenseofchangeshewasexperiencing；
　　she，whoathomehadsometimeswantedsomepickledcabbage，orsweets，withoutthepossibilityofgettingeither，nowcouldorderwhatsheliked，buypoundsofsweets，spendasmuchmoneyassheliked，andorderanycakesshepleased。
　　ShewasdreamingwithdelightnowofDolly’scomingtothemwithherchildren，especiallybecauseshewouldorderforthechildrentheirfavoritecakes，andDollywouldappreciateallhernewhousekeeping。Shedidnotknowherselfwhyandwherefore，butthearrangingofherhousehadanirresistibleattractionforher。Instinctivelyfeelingtheapproachofspring，andknowingthattherewouldbedaysofroughweathertoo，shebuilthernestasbestshecould，andwasinhasteatthesametimetobuildandtolearnhowtodoit。
　　ThiscarefordomesticdetailsinKitty，soopposedtoLevin’sidealofexaltedhappiness，wasatfirstoneofthedisenchantments；andthissweetcareofherhousehold，theaimofwhichhedidnotunderstand，butcouldnothelploving，wasoneofthenewenchantments。
　　Anotherdisenchantmentandenchantmentconsistedoftheirquarrels。
　　Levincouldneverhaveconceivedthatbetweenhimandhiswifeanyrelationscouldariseotherthantender，respectfulandloving，andallatonce，intheveryearlydays，theyquarreled，sothatshesaidhedidnotcareforher，thathecaredfornoonebuthimself，burstintotears，andwavedherhands。
　　ThisfirstquarrelarosefromLevin’shavinggoneouttoanewgrangeandhavingbeenawayhalfanhourtoolong，becausehehadtriedtogethomebyashortcutandhadlosthisway。Hedrovehomethinkingofnothingbuther，ofherlove，ofhisownhappiness，and，thenearerhedrewtohome，thewarmerwashistendernessforher。Heranintotheroomwiththesamefeeling，withanevenstrongerfeeling，thanhehadhadwhenhereachedtheShcherbatskys’housetopropose。Andsuddenlyhewasmetbyaloweringexpressionhehadneverseeninher。Hewouldhavekissedher，shepushedhimaway。
　　`Whatisit？’
　　`You’vebeenenjoyingyourself……’shebegan，tryingtobecalmandspiteful。
　　Butassoonassheopenedhermouth，sheburstintoastreamofreproach，ofsenselessjealousy，ofallthathadbeentorturingherduringthathalf-hourwhichshehadspentsittingmotionlessatthewindow。Itwasonlythen，forthefirsttime，thatheclearlyunderstoodwhathehadnotunderstoodwhenheledheroutofthechurchafterthewedding。Hefeltnowthathewasnotsimplyclosetoher，butthathedidnotknowwhereheendedandshebegan。Hefeltthisfromtheagonizingsensationofdivisionthatheexperiencedatthatinstant。Hewasoffendedforthefirstinstant，buttheverysamesecondhefeltthathecouldnotbeoffendedbyher，thatshewashimself。Hefeltforthefirstmomentasamanfeelswhen，havingsuddenlyreceivedaviolentblowfrombehind，heturnsround，angryandeagertoavengehimself，tolookforhisantagonist，andfindsthatitishehimselfwhohasaccidentallystruckhimself，thatthereisnoonetobeangrywith，andthathemustputupwithandtrytosoothethepain。
　　Neverafterwarddidhefeelitwithsuchintensity，butthisfirsttimehecouldnotforalongwhilegetoverit。Hisnaturalfeelingurgedhimtodefendhimself，toprovetohershewaswrong；buttoproveherwrongwouldmeanirritatingherstillmoreandmakingtherupturegreaterthatwasthecauseofallhissuffering。Onehabitualfeelingimpelledhimtogetridoftheblameandtopassitonher；anotherfeeling，evenstronger，impelledhimasquicklyaspossibletosmoothovertherupturewithoutlettingitgrowgreater。Toremainundersuchundeservedreproachwaswretched，buttomakehersufferbyjustifyinghimselfwasworsestill。
　　Likeamanhalf-awakeinanagonyofpain，hewantedtotearout，toflingawaytheseatofpain，and，comingtohissenses，hefeltthattheseatofpainwashimself。Hecoulddonothingbuttrytohelptheseatofpainbearit，andthishetriedtodo。
　　Theymadepeace。She，recognizingthatshewaswrong，thoughshedidnotsayso，becametenderertohim，andtheyexperiencednew，redoubledhappinessintheirlove。Butthatdidnotpreventsuchquarrelsfromhappeningagain，andexceedinglyoftentoo，onthemostunexpectedandtrivialgrounds。
　　Thesequarrelsfrequentlyarosefromthefactthattheydidnotyetknowwhatwasofimportancetoeach，andthatallthisearlyperiodtheywerebothofteninabadtemper。Whenonewasinagoodtemper，andtheotherinabadtemper，thepeacewasnotbroken；butwhenbothhappenedtobeinanill-humor，quarrelssprangupfromsuchincomprehensiblytriflingcausesthattheycouldneverrememberafterwardwhattheyhadquarreledabout。Itistruethatwhentheywerebothinagoodtempertheirenjoymentoflifewasredoubled。Butstillthisfirstperiodoftheirmarriedlifewasadifficulttimeforthem。
　　Duringallthisearlyperiodtheyhadapeculiarlyvividsenseoftension，asitwere，atugginginoppositedirectionsofthechainbywhichtheywerebound。Altogethertheirhoneymoon-thatistosay，themonthaftertheirwedding-fromwhich，throughtradition，Levinhadexpectedsomuch，wasnotmerelynotatimeofsweetness，butremainedinthememoriesofbothasthebitterestandmosthumiliatingperiodintheirlives。Theybothaliketriedinlaterlifetoblotoutfromtheirmemoriesallthemonstrous，shamefulincidentsofthatmorbidperiod，whenbothwererarelyinanormalframeofmind，whenbothwererarelyquitethemselves。
　　Itwasonlyinthethirdmonthoftheirmarriedlife，aftertheirreturnfromMoscow，wheretheyhadbeenstayingforamonth，thattheirlifebegantogomoresmoothly。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter15[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter15TheyhadjustcomebackfromMoscow，andweregladtobealone。Hewassittingatthewritingtableinhisstudy，writing。She，wearingthedarklilacdressshehadwornduringthefirstdaysoftheirmarriedlife，andputonagaintoday-adressparticularlyrememberedandlovedbyhim-
　　wassittingonthesofa，thesameold-fashionedleathersofawhichhadalwaysstoodinthestudyinLevin’sfather’sandgrandfather’sdays。Shewassewingatbroderieanglaise。Hethoughtandwrote，neverlosingthehappyconsciousnessofherpresence。Hiswork，bothonthelandandonthebook，inwhichtheprinciplesofthenewlandsystemweretobelaiddown，hadnotbeenabandoned；butjustasformerlyhisworkandideashadseemedtohimpettyandtrivialincomparisonwiththedarknessthatoverspreadalllife，nowtheyseemedasunimportantandpettyincomparisonwiththelifethatlaybeforehimsuffusedwiththebrilliantlightofhappiness。
　　Hewentonwithhiswork，buthefeltnowthatthecenterofgravityofhisattentionhadpassedtosomethingelse，andthatconsequentlyhelookedathisworkquitedifferentlyandmoreclearly。Formerlythisworkhadbeenforhimanescapefromlife。Formerlyhehadfeltthatwithoutthisworkhislifewouldbetoogloomy。Nowthisworkwasnecessaryforhimsothatlifemightnotbetoouniformlybright。Takinguphismanuscript，readingthroughwhathehadwritten，hefoundwithpleasurethattheworkwasworthhisworkingat。Manyofhisoldideasseemedtohimsuperfluousandextreme，butmanyblanksbecamedistincttohimwhenhereviewedthewholethinginhismemory。HewaswritingnowanewchapteronthecausesofthepresentdisadvantageousconditionofagricultureinRussia。HemaintainedthatthepovertyofRussiaarisesnotmerelyfromtheanomalousdistributionoflandedpropertyandfrommisdirectedreforms，butthatwhathadcontributedoflateyearstothisresultwasacivilizationfromwithout，abnormallygrafteduponRussia-especiallyfacilitiesofcommunicationsuchasrailways，leadingtocentralizationintowns，thedevelopmentofluxury，andtheconsequentdevelopmentofmanufactures，credit，anditsaccompanimentofspeculation-alltothedetrimentofagriculture。Itseemedtohimthatinanormaldevelopmentofwealthinastateallthesephenomenawouldariseonlywhenaconsiderableamountoflaborhadbeenputintoagriculture，whenithadcomeunderregular，oratleastdefinite，conditions；thatthewealthofacountryoughttoincreaseproportionally，andespeciallyinsuchawaythatothersourcesofwealthshouldnotoutstripagriculture；
　　thatinharmonywithacertainstageofagriculturethereshouldbemeansofcommunicationcorrespondingtoit，andthatinourunsettledconditionoftheland，railways，calledintobeingbypoliticalandnotbyeconomicneeds，werepremature，and，insteadofpromotingagriculture，aswasexpectedofthem，theywerecompetingwithagricultureandpromotingthedevelopmentofmanufacturesandcredit，andsoarrestingitsprogress；andthatjustastheone-sidedandprematuredevelopmentofoneorganinananimalwouldhinderitsgeneraldevelopment，sointhegeneraldevelopmentofwealthinRussia，credit，facilitiesofcommunication，manufacturingactivity，indubitablynecessaryinEurope，wheretheyhadarisenintheirpropertime，hadwithusonlydoneharm，bythrowingintothebackgroundthechiefquestion，nextinturn，oftheorganizationofagriculture。
　　Whilehewasathiswriting，shewasthinkinghowunnaturallycordialherhusbandhadbeentoyoungPrinceCharsky，whohad，withgreatwantoftact，flirtedwithherthedaybeforetheyleftMoscow。`He’sjealous，’
　　shethought。`MyGod！Howsweetandsillyheis！He’sjealousofme！IfheonlyknewthatallothersarenomoretomethanPiotrthecook！’shethought，lookingathisheadandredneckwithafeelingofpossessionstrangetoherself。`Thoughit’sapitytotakehimfromhisworkbuthehasplentyoftime！，Imustlookathisface；willhefeelI’mlookingathim？Iwishhe’dturnround……I’llwillhimto！’andsheopenedhereyeswide，asthoughtointensifytheinfluenceofhergaze。
　　`Yes，theydrawawayallthesapandgiveafalseresplendence，’
　　hemuttered，stoppedwriting，and，feelingthatshewaslookingathimandsmiling，helookedround。
　　`Well？’hequeried，smiling，andgettingup。
　　`Helookedround，’shethought。
　　`It’snothing；Iwantedyoutolookround，’shesaid，watchinghim，andtryingtoguesswhetherhewasvexedatbeinginterruptedornot。
　　`Howhappywearealonetogether！Iam，thatis，’hesaid，goinguptoherwitharadiantsmileofhappiness。
　　`I’mjustashappy。I’llnevergoanywhere，especiallynottoMoscow。’
　　`Andwhatwereyouthinkingabout？’
　　`I？Iwasthinking……No，no，goonwriting；don’tbreakoff，’
　　shesaid，pursingupherlips，`andImustcutouttheselittleholesnow，doyousee？’
　　Shetookupherscissorsandbegancuttingthemout。
　　`No；tellme-whatwasit？’hesaid，sittingdownbesideherandwatchingthecircularmotionofthetinyscissors。
　　`Oh！whatwasIthinkingabout？IwasthinkingaboutMoscow，aboutthenapeofyourneck。’
　　`WhyshouldI，ofallpeople，havesuchhappiness！It’sunnatural。
　　Toogood，’hesaidkissingherhand。
　　`Ifeelquitetheopposite；thebetterthingsare，themorenaturalitseemstome。’
　　`Andyou’vegotalittlecurlloose，’hesaid，carefullyturningherheadround。`Alittlecurl，ohyes。No，no，wearebusyatourwork！’
　　Workdidnotprogressfurther，andtheydartedapartfromoneanotherlikeculpritswhenKouzmacameintoannouncethatteawasready。
　　`Havetheycomefromtown？’LevinaskedKouzma。
　　`They’vejustcome；they’reunpackingthethings。’
　　`Comequickly，’shesaidtohimasshewentoutofthestudy，`orelseIshallreadtheletterswithoutyou。’
　　Leftalone，afterputtinghismanuscriptstogetherinthenewportfolioboughtbyher，hewashedhishandsatthenewwashstandwiththenewelegantfittings，whichhadallmadetheirappearancewithher。
　　Levinsmiledathisownthoughts，andshookhisheaddisapprovinglyatthosethoughts；afeelingakintoremorsefrettedhim。Therewassomethingshameful，effeminate，Capuan，ashecalledittohimself，inhispresentmodeoflife。`It’snotrighttogoonlikethis，’hethought。`It’llsoonbethreemonths，andI’mdoingnexttonothing。Today，almostforthefirsttime，Isettoworkseriously-andwhathappened？Ididnothingbutbeginandthrowitaside。Ihavealmostgivenupevenmyordinarypursuits。I
　　scarcelywalkordriveaboutatalltolookafterthingsonmyland。EitherIamloathtoleaveher，orIseeshe’sdullalone。AndIusedtothinkthat，beforemarriage，lifewasnothingmuch，somehowdidn’tcount，butthataftermarriagelifebeganinearnest。Andherealmostthreemonthshavepassed，andIhavespentmytimesoidlyandunprofitably。No，thiswon’tdo；Imustbegin。Ofcourse，it’snotherfault。She’snottoblameinanyway。Ioughttobefirmermyself，tomaintainmymasculineindependenceofaction；orelseIshallgetintosuchways，andshe’llgetusedtothemtoo……Ofcourseshe’snottoblame，’hetoldhimself。
　　Butitishardforanyonewhoisdissatisfiednottoblamesomeoneelse，andespeciallythepersonnearestofalltoone，forthebasisofone’sdissatisfaction。AnditvaguelycameintoLevin’smindthatsheherselfwasnottoblameshecouldnotbetoblameforanything，butwhatwastoblamewashereducation，toosuperficialandfrivolous。`ThatfoolCharsky:Iknowshewantedtostophim，butdidn’tknowhowto。’`Yes，apartfromherinterestinthehousethatshehas，apartfromdressandbroderieanglaise，shehasnoseriousinterests。Nointerestinmywork，intheestate，inthepeasants，norinmusic，thoughshe’srathergoodatit，norinreading。Shedoesnothing，andisperfectlysatisfied。’Levin，inhisheart，censuredthis，anddidnotasyetunderstandthatshewaspreparingforthatperiodofactivitywhichwastocomeforherwhenshewouldatoncebethewifeofherhusbandandmistressofthehouse，andwouldbear，andnurse，andbringupchildren。Heknewnotthatshewasinstinctivelyawareofthis，andpreparingherselfforthistimeofterribletoil，didnotreproachherselfforthemomentsofcarelessnessandhappinessinherlove，whichshewasenjoyingnow，whilegailybuildinghernestforthefuture。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter16[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter16WhenLevinwentupstairs，hiswifewassittingnearthenewsilversamovarandthenewteaservice，and，havingsettledoldAgathyaMikhailovnaatalittletablewithafullcupoftea，wasreadingaletterfromDolly，withwhomtheywereincontinualandfrequentcorrespondence。
　　`Yousee，yourlady’ssettledmehere，toldmetositabitwithher，’saidAgathyaMikhailovna，smilingamicablyatKitty。
　　InthesewordsofAgathyaMikhailovnaLevinreadthefinalactofthedramawhichhadbeenenactedoflatebetweenherandKitty。Hesawthat，inspiteofAgathyaMikhailovna’sfeelingsbeinghurtbyanewmistresstakingthereinsofgovernmentoutofherhands，Kittyhadyetconqueredherandmadeherloveher。
　　`Here，Iopenedyourlettertoo，’saidKitty，handinghimanilliterateletter。`It’sfromthatwoman，Ithink-yourbrother’s……’shesaid。`I
　　didnotreaditthrough。ThisisfrommypeopleandfromDolly。Fancy！
　　DollytookTaniaandGrishatoachildren’sballattheSarmatskys’:TaniawasaFrenchmarquise。’
　　ButLevindidnothearher。Flushing，hetooktheletterfromMaryaNikolaevna，hisbrother’sformermistress，andbegantoreadit。
　　ThiswasthesecondletterhehadreceivedfromMaryaNikolaevna。Inthefirstletter，MaryaNikolaevnawrotethathisbrotherhadsentherpackingfornofaultofhers，and，withtouchingsimplicity，addedthatthoughshewasinwantagain，sheaskedfornothing，andwishedfornothing，butwasonlytormentedbythethoughtthatNikolaiDmitrievichwouldcometogriefwithouther，owingtotheweakstateofhishealth，andbeggedhisbrothertolookafterhim。Nowshewrotequitedifferently。ShehadfoundNikolaiDmitrievich，hadagainmadeitupwithhiminMoscow，andhadmovedwithhimtoaprovincialtown，wherehehadreceivedapostinthegovernmentservice。But，shewrote，hehadquarreledwiththeheadofficial，andwasonhiswaybacktoMoscow，onlyhehadbeentakensoillontheroadthatitwasdoubtfulifhewouldeverleavehisbedagain。`It’salwaysofyouhehastalked，and，besideshehasnomoremoneyleft。’
　　`Readthis；Dollywritesaboutyou，’Kittywasbeginning，withasmile；butshestoppedsuddenly，noticingthechangedexpressiononherhusband’sface。`Whatisit？What’sthematter？’
　　`ShewritestomethatNikolai，mybrother，isatdeath’sdoor。
　　Ishallgotohim。’
　　Kitty’sfacechangedatonce。ThoughtsofTaniaasamarquise，ofDolly，allhadvanished。
　　`Whenareyougoing？’shesaid。
　　`Tomorrow。’
　　`AndIwillgowithyou-mayI？’shesaid。
　　`Kitty！Whatareyouthinkingof？’hesaidreproachfully。
　　`WhatamIthinkingof？’offendedthatheshouldseemtotakehersuggestionunwillinglyandwithvexation。
　　`Whyshouldn’tIgo？Ishan’tbeinyourway。I……’
　　`I’mgoingbecausemybrotherisdying，’saidLevin。`Whyshouldyou……’
　　`Why？Forthesamereasonasyou。’
　　`And，atamomentofsuchgravityforme，sheonlythinksofherbeingdullbyherself，’thoughtLevin。Andthissubterfugeinamatterofsuchgravityinfuriatedhim。
　　`It’soutofthequestion，’hesaidsternly。
　　AgathyaMikhailovna，seeingthatitwascomingtoaquarrel，gentlyputdownhercupandwithdrew。Kittydidnotevennoticeher。Thetoneinwhichherhusbandhadsaidthelastwordsoffendedher，especiallybecauseheevidentlydidnotbelievewhatshehadsaid。
　　`Itellyou，thatifyougo，Ishallcomewithyou；Ishallcertainlycome，’shesaidhastilyandwrathfully。`Whyoutofthequestion？Whydoyousayit’soutofthequestion？’
　　`Becauseit’llbegoingGodknowswhere，byallsortsofroadsandtoallsortsofhotels……Youwouldbeahindrancetome，’saidLevin，tryingtobecool。
　　`Notatall。Idon’twantanything。Whereyoucango，Ican……’
　　`Well，foronethingthen，becausethiswoman’stherewhomyoucan’tmeet。’
　　`Idon’tknowanddon’tcaretoknowwho’sthereandwhat。Iknowthatmyhusband’sbrotherisdying，andmyhusbandisgoingtohim，andIgowithmyhusbandsothat……’
　　`Kitty！Don’tgetangry。Butjustthinkalittle:thisisamatterofsuchimportancethatIcan’tbeartothinkthatyoushouldbringinafeelingofweakness，ofdisliketobeingleftalone。Come，you’llbedullalone，sogoandstayatMoscowalittle。’
　　`There，youalwaysascribebase，vilemotivestome，’shesaidwithtearsofwrathandwoundedpride。`Ididn’tmeananything-itwasn’tweakness，itwasn’tanything……Ifeelthatit’smydutytobewithmyhusbandwhenhe’sintrouble，butyoutryonpurposetohurtme，youtryonpurposenottounderstand……’
　　`No；thisisawful！Tobesuchaslave！’criedLevin，gettingup，andunabletorestrainhisvexationanylonger。Butatthesamesecondhefeltthathewasbeatinghimself。
　　`Thenwhydidyoumarry？Youcouldhavebeenfree。Whydidyou，ifyouregretit？’shesaid，gettingupandrunningawayintothedrawingroom。
　　Whenhewenttoher，shewassobbing。
　　Hebegantospeak，tryingtofindwordsnottodissuadebutsimplytosootheher。Butshedidnotheedhim，andwouldnotagreetoanything。
　　Hebentdowntoherandtookherhand，whichresistedhim。Hekissedherhand，kissedherhair，kissedherhandagain-stillshewassilent。Butwhenhetookherfaceinbothhishands，andsaid`Kitty！’shesuddenlycollectedherself，stillshedsometears，andtheywerereconciled。
　　Itwasdecidedthattheyshouldgotogetherthenextday。Levintoldhiswifethathebelievedshewantedtogosimplyinordertobeofuse，agreedthatMaryaNikolaevna’sbeingwithhisbrotherdidnotmakehergoingimproper，buthesetoffdissatisfied，atthebottomofhisheart，bothwithherandwithhimself。Hewasdissatisfiedwithherforbeingunabletomakeuphermindtolethimgowhenitwasnecessaryandhowstrangeitwasforhimtothinkthathe，solatelyhardlydaringtobelieveinsuchhappinessasthepossibilityofherlovinghim-nowwasunhappybecauseshelovedhimtoomuch！，andhewasdissatisfiedwithhimselffornotshowingmorestrengthofwill。Evengreaterwasthefeelingofdisagreementatthebottomofhisheartastohernotneedingtoconsiderthewomanwhowaswithhisbrother，andhethoughtwithhorrorofallthecontingenciestheymightmeetwith。Themereideaofhiswife，hisKitty，beinginthesameroomwithacommonwench，sethimshudderingwithhorrorandloathing。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter17[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter17ThehoteloftheprovincialtownwhereNikolaiLevinwaslyingillwasoneofthoseprovincialhotelswhichareconstructedonthenewestmodelofmodernimprovements，withthebestintentionsofcleanliness，comfort，andevenelegance，but，owingtothepublicthatpatronizesthem，arewithastoundingrapiditytransformedintofilthytavernswithapretensionofmodernimprovementandmadebytheverypretensionworsethantheold-fashioned，honestlyfilthyhotels。Thishotelhadalreadyreachedthatstage，andthesoldierinafilthyuniformsmokingintheentry，supposedtostandforahallporter，andthecast-iron，perforated，somberanddisagreeablestaircase，andthefreeandeasywaiterinafilthydresscoat，andthecommondiningroomwithadustybouquetofwaxflowersadorningthetable，andfilth，dustanddisordereverywhere，and，atthesametime，thesortofmodern，up-to-date，self-complacent，railwayuneasinessofthishotel，arousedamostpainfulfeelinginLevinaftertheirfreshyounglife，especiallybecausetheimpressionoffalsitymadebythehotelwassooutofkeepingwithwhatawaitedthem。
　　Asisinvariablythecase，aftertheyhadbeenaskedatwhatpricetheywantedrooms，itappearedthattherewasnotonedecentroomforthem；
　　onedecentroomhadbeentakenbytheinspectorofrailroads，anotherbyalawyerfromMoscow，athirdbyPrincessAstafievajustarrivedfromthecountry。Thereremainedonlyonefilthyroom，nexttowhichtheypromisedthatanothershouldbeemptybytheevening。Feelingangrywithhiswifebecausewhathehadexpectedhadcometopass-thatatthemomentofarrival，whenhisheartthrobbedwithemotionandanxietytoknowhowhisbrotherwasgettingon，heshouldhavetobeseeingafterher，insteadofrushingstraighttohisbrother-Levinconductedhertotheroomassignedthem。
　　`Go，dogo！’shesaid，lookingathimwithtimidandguiltyeyes。
　　Hewentoutofthedoorwithoutaword，andatoncestumbledoverMaryaNikolaevna，whohadheardofhisarrivalandhadnotdaredtogointoseehim。ShewasjustthesameaswhenhehadseenherinMoscow；
　　thesamewoolengown，andbarearmsandneck，andthesamegood-naturedlystupid，pock-markedface，onlyalittleplumper。
　　`Well，howishe？Howishe？’
　　`Verybad。Hecan’tgetup。Hehasbeenexpectingyouallthiswhile。He……Areyou……withyourwife？’
　　Levindidnotforthefirstmomentunderstandwhatconfusedher，butsheimmediatelyenlightenedhim。
　　`I’llgoaway。I’llgodowntothekitchen，’shebroughtout。
　　`NikolaiDmitrievichwillbedelighted。Heheardaboutit，andknowsher，andremembersherabroad。’
　　Levinrealizedthatshemeanthiswife，anddidnotknowwhatanswertomake。
　　`Comealong，comealongtohim！’hesaid。
　　But，assoonashemoved，thedoorofhisroomopenedandKittypeepedout。Levincrimsonedbothfromshameandangerathiswife，whohadputherselfandhiminsuchadifficultposition；butMaryaNikolaevnacrimsonedstillmore。Shepositivelyshranktogetherandflushedtothepointoftears，and，clutchingtheendsofhershawlinbothhands，twistedtheminherredfingerswithoutknowingwhattosayandwhattodo。
　　ForthefirstinstantLevinsawanexpressionofeagercuriosityintheeyeswithwhichKittylookedatthisincomprehensibletoher，awfulwoman；butitlastedonlyasingleinstant。
　　`Well！Howishe？’sheturnedtoherhusbandandthentoher。
　　`Butonecan’tgoontalkinginthepassagelikethis！’Levinsaid，lookingangrilyatagentlemanwhowalkedjauntilyatthatinstantacrossthecorridor，asthoughabouthisaffairs。
　　`Wellthen，comein，’saidKitty，turningtoMaryaNikolaevna，whohadrecoveredherself-but，noticingherhusband’sfaceofdismay-`orgoon；go，andthencomeforme，’shesaid，andwentbackintotheroom。Levinwenttohisbrother’sroom。
　　Hehadnotintheleastexpectedwhathesawandfeltinhisbrother’sroom。Hehadexpectedtofindhiminthesamestateofself-deceptionwhichhehadheardwassofrequentwiththeconsumptive，andwhichhadstruckhimsomuchduringhisbrother’svisitintheautumn。Hehadexpectedtofindthephysicalsignsoftheapproachofdeathmoremarked-greaterweakness，greateremaciation，butstillalmostthesameconditionofthings。
　　Hehadexpectedhimselftofeelthesamedistressatthelossofthebrotherhelovedandthesamehorrorinfaceofdeathashehadfeltthen，onlyinagreaterdegree。Andhehadpreparedhimselfforthis；buthefoundsomethingutterlydifferent。
　　Inalittledirtyroomwiththepaintedpanelsofitswallsfilthywithspittle；withconversationaudiblefromthenextroomthroughthethinpartition，inastiflingatmospheresaturatedwithimpurities，onabedsteadmovedawayfromthewall，therelay，coveredwithaquilt，abody。Onearmofthisbodywasabovethequilt，andthewrist，hugeasarakehandle，wasattached，inconceivablyitseemed，tothethin，longbobbinsmoothfromthebeginningtothemiddle。Theheadlaysidewaysonthepillow。Levincouldseethescantylockswetwithsweatonthetemplesandthetensed，seeminglytransparentforehead。
　　`ItcannotbethatthatfearfulbodywasmybrotherNikolai？’
　　thoughtLevin。Buthewentcloser，sawtheface，anddoubtbecameimpossible。
　　Inspiteoftheterriblechangeintheface，Levinhadonlytoglanceatthoseeagereyesathisapproach，onlytocatchthefaintmovementofthemouthunderthestickymustache，torealizetheterribletruththatthisdeadbodywashislivingbrother。
　　Theglitteringeyeslookedsternlyandreproachfullyatthebrotherashedrewnear。Andimmediatelythisglanceestablishedalivingrelationshipbetweenlivingmen。Levinimmediatelyfeltthereproachintheeyesfixedonhim，andfeltremorseathisownhappiness。
　　WhenKonstantintookhimbythehand，Nikolaismiled。Thesmilewasfaint，scarcelyperceptible，andinspiteofthesmilethesternexpressionoftheeyeswasunchanged。
　　`Youdidnotexpecttofindmelikethis，’hearticulatedwitheffort。
　　`Yes……no，’saidLevin，hesitatingoverhiswords。`Howwasityoudidn’tletmeknowbefore-thatis，atthetimeofmywedding？Imadeinquiriesinalldirections。’
　　Hehadtotalksoasnottobesilent，andhedidnotknowwhattosay，especiallyashisbrothermadenoreply，andsimplystaredwithoutdroppinghiseyes，andapparentlypenetratedtotheinnermeaningofeachword。Levintoldhisbrotherthathiswifehadcomewithhim。Nikolaiexpressedpleasure，butsaidhewasafraidoffrighteningherbyhiscondition。A
　　silencefollowed。SuddenlyNikolaistirred，andbegantosaysomething。
　　Levinexpectedsomethingofpeculiargravityandimportancefromtheexpressionofhisface，butNikolaibeganspeakingofhishealth。Hefoundfaultwiththedoctor，regrettinghehadnotacelebratedMoscowdoctor。Levinsawthathestillhadhopes。
　　Seizingthefirstmomentofsilence，Levingotup，anxioustoescape，ifonlyforaninstant，fromhisagonizingemotion，andsaidthathewouldgoandfetchhiswife。
　　`Verywell，andI’lltellMashatotidyuphere。It’sdirtyandstinkinghere，Iexpect。Masha！Clearuptheroom，’thesickmansaidwitheffort。`Andwhenyou’veclearedup，yougoaway，’headded，lookinginquiringlyathisbrother。
　　Levinmadenoanswer。Goingoutintothecorridor，hestoppedshort。Hehadsaidhewouldfetchhiswife，butnow，takingstockoftheemotionhewasfeeling，hedecidedthat，onthecontrary，hewouldtrytopersuadehernottogointothesickman。`WhyshouldshesufferasIamsuffering？’hethought。
　　`Well，howishe？’Kittyaskedwithafrightenedface。
　　`Oh，it’sawful，it’sawful！Whatdidyoucomefor？’saidLevin。
　　Kittywassilentforafewseconds，lookingtimidlyandruefullyatherhusband；thenshewentupandtookhimbytheelbowwithbothhands。
　　`Kostia！Takemetohim；itwillbeeasierforustobearittogether。
　　Onlytakeme，takemetohim，please，andgoaway，’shesaid。`Youmustunderstandthatformetoseeyou，andnottoseehim，isfarmorepainful。
　　ThereImightbeahelptoyouandtohim。Please，letme！’shebesoughtherhusband，asthoughthehappinessofherlifedependedonit。
　　Levinwasobligedtoagree，and，regaininghiscomposure，andcompletelyforgettingaboutMaryaNikolaevnabynow，hewentagainintohisbrotherwithKitty。
　　Steppinglightly，andcontinuallyglancingatherhusband，showinghimavalorousandsympatheticface，Kittywentintothesickroom，and，turningwithouthaste，noiselesslyclosedthedoor。Withinaudiblestepsshewentquicklytothesickman’sbedside，andgoingupsothathewouldnothavetoturnhishead，sheimmediatelyclaspedinherfreshyounghandtheskeletonofhishugehand，pressedit，andbeganspeakingwiththatsofteagerness，sympatheticandinoffensive，whichispeculiarmerelytowomen。
　　`Wehavemet，thoughwewerenotacquainted，atSoden，’shesaid。
　　`YouneverthoughtIwastobeyoursister。’
　　`Youwouldnothaverecognizedme？’hesaid，withasmilewhichhadbecomeradiantatherentrance。
　　`Yes，Ishould。Whatagoodthingyouletusknow！NotadayhaspassedthatKostiahasnotmentionedyou，andbeenanxious。’
　　Butthesickman’sinterestdidnotlastlong。
　　Beforeshehadfinishedspeaking，therehadcomebackintohisfacethestern，reproachfulexpressionofthedyingman’senvyoftheliving。
　　`Iamafraidyouarenotquitecomfortablehere，’shesaid，turningawayfromhisfixedstare，andlookingabouttheroom。`Wemustaskaboutanotherroom，’shesaidtoherhusband，`sothatwemightbenearer。’
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter18[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter18Levincouldnotlookcalmlyathisbrother；hecouldnothimselfbenaturalandcalminhispresence。Whenhewentintothesickman，hiseyesandhisattentionwereunconsciouslydimmed，andhedidnotseeanddidnotdistinguishthedetailsofhisbrother’sposition。Hesmelttheawfulodor，sawthedirt，disorder，andmiserablecondition，andheardthegroans，andfeltthatnothingcouldbedonetohelp。Itneverenteredhisheadtoanalyzethedetailsofthesickman’ssituation，toconsiderhowthatbodywaslyingunderthequilt，howthoseemaciatedlegsandthighsandspinewerelyinghuddledup，andwhethertheycouldnotbemademorecomfortable，whetheranythingcouldnotbedonetomakethings，ifnotbetter，atleastnotsobad。Itmadehisbloodruncoldwhenhebegantothinkofallthesedetails。Hewasabsolutelyconvincedthatnothingcouldbedonetoprolonghisbrother’slifeortorelievehissuffering。ButaconsciousnessofLevin’sregardingallaidasoutofthequestionwasfeltbythesickman，andexasperatedhim。AndthismadeitstillmorepainfulforLevin。Tobeinthesickroomwasagonytohim，nottobetherewasstillworse。Andhewascontinually，onvariouspretexts，goingoutoftheroom，andcominginagain，becausehewasunabletoremainalone。
　　ButKittythought，andfelt，andactedquitedifferently。Onseeingthesickmanshepitiedhim。Andpityinherwomanlyheartdidnotarouseatallthatfeelingofhorrorandloathingthatitarousedinherhusband，butadesiretoact，tofindoutallthedetailsofhisstate，andtoremedythem。Andsinceshehadnottheslightestdoubtthatitwasherdutytohelphim，shehadnodoubteitherthatitwaspossible，andimmediatelysettowork。Theverydetails，themerethoughtofwhichreducedherhusbandtoterror，immediatelyengagedherattention。Shesentforthedoctor，senttothechemist’s，setthemaidwhohadcomewithherandMaryaNikolaevnatosweepanddustandscrub；sheherselfwashedupsomething，washedoutsomethingelse，laidsomethingunderthequilt。Somethingwasbyherdirectionbroughtintothesickroom，somethingelsewascarriedout。Sheherselfwentseveraltimestoherroom，regardlessofthemenshemetinthecorridor，gotoutandbroughtinsheets，pillowcases，towels，andshirts。
　　Thewaiter，whowasbusywithapartyofengineersdininginthedininghall，cameseveraltimeswithaniratecountenanceinanswertohersummons，andcouldnotavoidcarryingoutherorders，asshegavethemwithsuchgraciousinsistencethattherewasnoevadingher。Levindidnotapproveofallthis；hedidnotbelieveitwouldbeofanygoodtothepatient。Aboveall，hewasafraidthepatientwouldbeangryatit。
　　Butthesickman，thoughheseemedtobeindifferentaboutit，wasnotangry，butonlyabashedandonthewholeseemedinterestedinwhatshewasdoingwithhim。ComingbackfromthedoctortowhomKittyhadsenthim，Levin，onopeningthedoor，cameuponthesickmanattheinstantwhen，byKitty’sdirection，theywerechanginghislinen。Thelongwhiteridgeofhisspine，withthehuge，prominentshoulderbladesandjuttingribsandvertebrae，wasbare，andMaryaNikolaevnaandthewaiterwerestrugglingwiththesleeveofthenightshirt，andcouldnotgetthelong，limparmintoit。Kitty，hurriedlyclosingthedoorafterLevin，didnotlookinthatdirection，butthesickmangroaned，andshemovedrapidlytowardhim。
　　`Come，alittlequicker，’shesaid。
　　`Oh，don’tyoucome，’saidthesickmanangrily。`I’lldoitmyself……’
　　`Whatdidyousay？’queriedMaryaNikolaevna。
　　ButKittyheardandsawhewasashamedanduncomfortableatbeingnakedbeforeher。
　　`I’mnotlooking，I’mnotlooking！’shesaid，puttingthearmin。`MaryaNikolaevna，youcomethisside-youdoit，’sheadded。
　　`Please，runoverforme，there’salittlebottleinmysmallbag，’shesaid，turningtoherhusband，`youknow，inthesidepocket；
　　bringit，please，andmeanwhilethey’llfinishclearinguphere。’
　　Returningwiththebottle，Levinfoundthesickmansettledcomfortablyandeverythingabouthimcompletelychanged。Theheavysmellwasreplacedbythesmellofaromaticvinegar，whichKittywithpoutinglipsandpuffed-out，rosycheekswassquirtingthroughasmalltube。Therewasnodustvisibleanywhere；arugwaslaidbythebedside。Onthetablestoodmedicinebottlesanddecanterstidilyarranged，andthelinenneededwasfoldedupthere，andKitty’sbroderieanglaise。Ontheothertablebythepatient’sbedtherewerecandles，anddrink，andpowders。Thesickmanhimself，washedandcombed，layincleansheetsonhighraisedpillows，inacleannightshirtwithawhitecollarabouthisastoundinglythinneck，and，withanewexpressionofhope，waslookingfixedlyatKitty。
　　ThedoctorbroughtbyLevin，andfoundbyhimattheclub，wasnottheonewhohadbeenattendingNikolaiLevin，andwhomhedisliked。
　　Thenewdoctortookupastethoscopeandsoundedthepatient，shookhishead，prescribedmedicine，andwithextrememinutenessexplainedfirsthowtotakethemedicineandthenwhatdietwastobeadheredto。Headvisedeggs，raworhardlycooked，andSeltzerwater，withnewmilkatacertaintemperature。Whenthedoctorhadgoneawaythesickmansaidsomethingtohisbrother，ofwhichLevincoulddistinguishonlythelastwords:`YourKatia。’Bytheexpressionwithwhichhegazedather，Levinsawthathewaspraisingher。HebeckonedtohimKatia，ashecalledher。
　　`I’mmuchbetteralready，’hesaid。`Why，withyouIshouldhavegotwelllongago。Howfineeverythingis！’Hetookherhandanddrewittowardhislips，but，asthoughafraidshewoulddislikeit，hechangedhismind，letitgo，andonlystrokedit。Kittytookhishandinbothofhersandsqueezedit。
　　`Nowturnmeoverontheleftsideandgotobed，’hesaid。
　　NoonecouldmakeoutwhathesaidbutKitty；shealoneunderstood。
　　Sheunderstoodbecauseshewasallthewhilementallykeepingwatchonwhatheneeded。
　　`Ontheotherside，’shesaidtoherhusband，`healwayssleepsonthatside。Turnhimover-it’ssodisagreeablecallingtheservants。
　　I’mnotstrongenough。Canyou？’shesaidtoMaryaNikolaevna。
　　`I’mafraid……’answeredMaryaNikolaevna。
　　TerribleasitwastoLevintoputhisarmsroundthatterriblebody，totakehold，underthequilt，ofthatofwhichhepreferredtoknownothing，underhiswife’sinfluencehemadehisresolutefacethatsheknewsowell，and，puttinghisarmsintothebedtookholdofthebody，butinspiteofhisownstrength，hewasstruckbythestrangeheavinessofthosepowerlesslimbs。Whilehewasturninghimover，consciousofthehugeemaciatedarmabouthisneck，Kittyswiftlyandnoiselesslyturnedthepillow，beatitup，andsettledinitthesickman’shead，smoothingbackhishair，whichwasstickingagaintohismoistbrow。
　　Thesickmankepthisbrother’shandinhisown。Levinfeltthathemeanttodosomethingwithhishandandwaspullingitsomewhere。Levinyieldedwithasinkingheart:yes，hedrewittohismouthandkissedit。
　　Levin，shakingwithsobsandunabletoarticulateaword，wentoutoftheroom。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter19[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter19`Thouhasthidthesethingsfromthewiseandprudent，andhastrevealedthemuntobabes。’SoLevinthoughtabouthiswifeashetalkedtoherthatevening。
　　Levinthoughtofthetext，notbecauseheconsideredhimself`wiseandprudent。’Hedidnotconsiderhimselfwiseandprudent，buthecouldnothelpknowingthathehadmoreintellectthanhiswifeandAgathyaMikhailovna，andhecouldnothelpknowingthatwhenhethoughtofdeath，hethoughtwithalltheforceofhisintellect。Heknewtoothatthebrainsofmanygreatmen，whosethoughtshehadread，hadbroodedoverdeathandyetknewnotahundredthpartofwhathiswifeandAgathyaMikhailovnaknewaboutit。Differentasthosetwowomenwere，AgathyaMikhailovnaandKatia，ashisbrotherNikolaihadcalledher，andasLevinparticularlylikedtocallhernow，theywerequitealikeinthis。Bothknew，withoutashadeofdoubt，whatsortofthinglifewas，andwhatwasdeath，andthoughneitherofthemcouldhaveanswered，andwouldnotevenhaveunderstoodthequestionsthatpresentedthemselvestoLevin，bothhadnodoubtofthesignificanceofthisevent，andwerepreciselyalikeintheirwayoflookingatit，whichtheysharedwithmillionsofpeople。Theproofthattheyknewforacertaintythenatureofdeathlayinthefactthattheyknewwithoutasecondofhesitationhowtodealwiththedying，andwerenotfrightenedbythem。Levin，andothermenlikehim，thoughtheycouldhavesaidagreatdealaboutdeath，obviouslydidnotknowthissincetheywereafraidofdeath，andwereabsolutelyatalosswhattodowhenpeopleweredying。
　　IfLevinhadbeenalonenowwithhisbrotherNikolai，hewouldhavelookedathimwithterror，andwithstillgreaterterrorwaited，andwouldnothaveknownwhatelsetodo。
　　Morethanthat，hedidnotknowwhattosay，howtolook，howtomove。Totalkofoutsidethingsseemedtohimshocking，impossible；
　　totalkofdeathanddepressingsubjects-alsoimpossible。Tobesilentwasalsoimpossible。`IfIlookathimhewillthinkIamstudyinghim，Iamafraidofhim；ifIdon’tlookathim，he’llthinkI’mthinkingofotherthings。IfIwalkontiptoe，hewillbevexed；totreadfirmly，I’mashamed。’Kittyevidentlydidnotthinkofherself，andhadnotimetothinkaboutherself:shewasthinkingabouthimbecausesheknewsomething，andallwentwell。Sheeventoldhimaboutherselfandaboutherwedding，andsmiledandsympathizedwithhim，andpettedhim，andtalkedofcasesofrecovery，andallwentwell；therefore，shemustknow。TheproofthatherbehaviorandAgathyaMikhailovna’swasnotinstinctive，animal，irrational，layinthatapartfromthephysicaltreatment，thereliefofsuffering，bothAgathyaMikhailovnaandKittyrequiredforthedyingmansomethingelsemoreimportantthanthephysicaltreatment，andsomethingwhichhadnothingincommonwithphysicalconditions。AgathyaMikhailovna，speakingofamanrecentlydead，hadsaid:`Well，thankGod，hetookthesacramentandreceivedExtremeUnction；Godgranteachoneofussuchadeath。’Katia，injustthesameway，besidesallhercareaboutlinen，bedsores，drink，foundtimetheveryfirstdaytopersuadethesickmanofthenecessityoftakingthesacramentandreceivingExtremeUnction。
　　Ongettingbackfromthesickroomtotheirowntworoomsforthenight，Levinsatwithhanginghead，notknowingwhattodo。Tosaynothingofsupper，ofpreparingforbed，ofconsideringwhattheyweregoingtodo，hecouldnoteventalktohiswife；hewasashamedto。Kitty，onthecontrary，wasmoreactivethanusual。Shewasevenlivelierthanusual。
　　Sheorderedsuppertobebrought，herselfunpackedtheirthings，andherselfhelpedtomakethebeds，anddidnotevenforgettosprinklethemwithPersianinsecticide。Sheshowedthatalertness，thatswiftnessofreflectionwhichcomesoutinmenbeforeabattle，inconflict，inthedangerousanddecisivemomentsoflife-thosemomentswhenamanshowsonceandforallhisvalue，andthatallhispasthasnotbeenwastedbuthasbeenapreparationforthesemoments。
　　Everythingwentrapidlyinherhands，andbeforeitwastwelveo’clockalltheirthingswerearrangedtidilyandorderlyinsuchawaythatthehotelroomsseemedlikehome，likeherrooms:thebedsweremade，brushes，combs，lookingglasseswereputout，tablenapkinswerespread。
　　Levinfeltthatitwasunpardonabletoeat，tosleep，totalkevennow，anditseemedtohimthateverymovementhemadewasunseemly。
　　Shearrangedthebrushes，butshediditallsothattherewasnothingshockinginit。
　　Theycouldneitherofthemeat，however，andforalongwhiletheycouldnotsleep，anddidnotevengotobed。
　　`IamverygladIpersuadedhimtoreceiveExtremeUnctiontomorrow，’
　　shesaid，sittinginherdressingjacketbeforeherfoldinglookingglass，combinghersoft，fragranthairwithasmall-toothedcomb。`Ihaveneverseenit，butIknow，mammahastoldme，thereareprayerssaidforrecovery。’
　　`Doyousupposehecanpossiblyrecover？’saidLevin，watchingaslendertressatthebackofherroundlittleheadthatwascontinuallyhiddenwhenshepassedthecombthroughthefront。
　　`Iaskedthedoctor；hesaidhecouldn’tlivemorethanthreedays。Butcantheybesure？I’mveryglad，anyway，thatIpersuadedhim，’
　　shesaid，lookingaskanceatherhusbandthroughherhair。`Anythingispossible，’sheaddedwiththatpeculiar，ratherslyexpressionthatwasalwaysinherfacewhenshespokeofreligion。
　　Sincetheirconversationaboutreligionduringtheirengagementneitherofthemhadeverstartedadiscussionofthesubject，butsheperformedalltheceremoniesofgoingtochurch，sayingherprayers，andsoon，alwayswiththeunvaryingconvictionthatthisoughttobeso。Inspiteofhisassertiontothecontrary，shewasfirmlypersuadedthathewasasmuchaChristianasshe，andindeedafarbetterone；andallthathesaidaboutitwassimplyoneofhisabsurdmasculinefreaks，justashewouldsayaboutherbroderieanglaise-thatgoodpeoplepatchholesbutthatshecutthemoutonpurpose，andsoon。
　　`Yes，youseethiswoman，MaryaNikolaevna，didnotknowhowtomanageallthis，’saidLevin。`And……ImustownI’mvery，verygladyoucame。Youaresuchpuritythat……’Hetookherhandanddidnotkissittokissherhandinsuchclosenesstodeathseemedtohimimproper；hemerelysqueezeditwithapenitentair，lookingatherbrighteningeyes。
　　`Itwouldhavebeenmiserableforyoutobealone，’shesaid，andliftingherhandswhichhidhercheeks，flushingwithpleasure，twistedhercoilofhaironthenapeofherneckandpinneditthere。`No，’shewenton，`shedidnotknowhow……Luckily，IlearnedlotatSoden。’
　　`Surelytherearenopeopletheresoill？’
　　`Worse。’
　　`What’ssoawfultomeisthatIcan’tbutseehimashewaswhenhewasyoung。Youwouldnotbelievehowcharminghewasasayouth，butIdidnotunderstandhimthen。’
　　`Icanquite，quitebelieveit。HowIfeelthatwemighthavebeenfriends！’shesaid；and，distressedatwhatshehadsaid，shelookedroundatherhusband，andtearscameintohereyes。
　　`Yes，mighthavebeen，’hesaidmournfully。`He’sjustoneofthosepeopleofwhomtheysaythattheyarenotforthisworld。’
　　`Butwehavemanydaysbeforeus；wemustgotobed，’saidKitty，glancingathertinywatch。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter20[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter20DEATHThenextdaythesickmanreceivedthesacramentandExtremeUnction。DuringtheceremonyNikolaiLevinprayedfervently。Hisgreateyesfastenedontheholyiconthatwassetoutonacardtablecoveredwithacolorednapkin，expressedsuchpassionateprayerandhopethatitwasawfultoLevintoseeit。Levinknewthatthispassionateprayerandhopewouldonlymakehimfeelmorebitterlythepartingfromthelifehesoloved。Levinknewhisbrotherandtheworkingsofhisintellect:heknewthathisunbeliefcamenotfromlifebeingeasierforhimwithoutfaith，buthadgrownupbecause，stepbystep，thecontemporaryscientificinterpretationofnaturalphenomenacrushedoutthepossibilityoffaith；andsoheknewthathispresentreturnwasnotalegitimateone，broughtaboutbywayofthesameworkingofhisintellect，butsimplyatemporary，interestedreturntofaithinadesperatehopeofrecovery。LevinknewtoothatKittyhadstrengthenedhishopebyaccountsofthemarvelousrecoveriesshehadheardofLevinknewallthis；anditwasagonizinglypainfultohimtobeholdthesupplicating，hopefuleyesandtheemaciatedwrist，liftedwithdifficulty，makingthesignofthecrossonthetensebrow，andtheprominentshouldersandhollow，gaspingchest，whichonecouldnotfeelconsistentwiththelifethesickmanwasprayingfor。DuringthesacramentLevinofferedprayers，anddidwhathe，anunbeliever，haddoneathousandtimes。Hesaid，addressingGod:`IfThoudostexist，makethismanrecover’ofcoursethissamethinghasbeenrepeatedmanytimes，`andThouwiltsavehimandme。’
　　AfterExtremeUnctionthesickmanbecamesuddenlymuchbetter。