TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter06[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter6`Perhapsthey’renotathome？’saidLevin，ashewentintothehallofCountessBol’shouse。
　　`Athome；pleasewalkin，’saidtheporter，resolutelyremovinghisovercoat。
　　`Howannoying！’thoughtLevinwithasigh，takingoffonegloveandstrokinghishat。`WhatdidIcomefor？WhathaveItosaytothem？’
　　AshepassedthroughthefirstdrawingroomLevinmetinthedoorwayCountessBol，withacarewornandsevereface，givingsomeordertoaservant。
　　OnseeingLevinshesmiled，andaskedhimtocomeintothenextlittledrawingroomwhereheheardvoices。InthisroomthereweresittinginarmchairsthetwodaughtersoftheCountess，andaMoscowcolonel，whomLevinknew。Levinwalkedup，greetedthem，andsatdownbesidethesofa，withhishatonhisknees。
　　`Howisyourwife？Haveyoubeenattheconcert？Wecouldn’tgo。
　　Mammahadtobeattherequiem。’
　　`Yes，Iheard……Whatasuddendeath！’saidLevin。
　　TheCountesscamein，satdownonthesofa，andshetooaskedafterhiswifeandinquiredabouttheconcert。
　　Levinanswered，andrepeatedaninquiryaboutMadameApraksina’ssuddendeath。
　　`Butshewasalwaysinpoorhealth。’
　　`Wereyouattheoperayesterday？’
　　`Yes，Iwas。’
　　`Luccawasverygood。’
　　`Yes，verygood，’hesaid，and，asitwasutterlyofnoconsequencetohimwhattheythoughtofhim，hebeganrepeatingwhattheyhadheardahundredtimesaboutthecharacteristicsofthesinger’stalent。CountessBolpretendedtobelistening。Then，whenhehadsaidenoughandhadpaused，thecolonel，whohadbeensilenttillthen，begantotalk。Thecoloneltootalkedoftheoperaandillumination。Atlast，afterspeakingoftheproposedfollejourné；eatTurin’s，thecolonellaughed，gotupnoisily，andwentaway。Levintoorose，buthesawbythefaceoftheCountessthatitwasnotyettimeforhimtogo。Hemuststaytwominuteslonger。Hesatdown。
　　Butashewasthinkingallthewhilehowstupiditwas，hecouldnotfindasubjectforconversation，andsatsilent。
　　`Youarenotgoingtothepublicmeeting？Theysayitwillbeveryinteresting，’begantheCountess。
　　`No，Ipromisedmybelle-soeurtofetchherfromit，’saidLevin。
　　Asilencefollowed。Themotheroncemoreexchangedglanceswithoneofthedaughters。
　　`Well，nowIthinkthetimehascome，’thoughtLevin，andhegotup。Theladiesshookhandswithhim，andbeggedhimtosaymillechosestohiswifeforthem。
　　Theporteraskedhim，ashegavehimhiscoat:`WhereisYourHonorstaying？’andimmediatelywrotedownhisaddressinabighandsomelyboundbook。
　　`OfcourseIdon’tcare，butstillIfeelashamedandawfullystupid，’thoughtLevin，consolinghimselfwiththereflectionthateveryonedoesit。Hedrovetothepublicmeeting，wherehewastofindhissister-in-law，soastodrivehomewithher。
　　Atthepublicmeetingofthecommitteetherewereagreatmanypeople，andalmostallthehighestsociety。Levinwasintimeforthereportwhich，aseveryonesaid，wasveryinteresting。Whenthereadingofthereportwasover，peoplemovedabout，andLevinmetSviiazhsky，whoinvitedhimverypressinglytocomethateveningtoameetingoftheSocietyofAgriculture，whereacelebratedreportwastobedelivered，andStepanArkadyevich，whohadonlyjustcomefromtheraces，andmanyotheracquaintances；
　　andLevinheardandutteredvariouscriticismsonthemeeting，onthenewplay，andonapublictrial。But，probablyfromthementalfatiguehewasbeginningtofeel，hemadeablunderinspeakingofthetrial，andthisblunderherecalledseveraltimeswithvexation。SpeakingofthesentenceuponaforeignerwhohadbeencondemnedinRussia，andofhowunfairitwouldbetopunishhimbyexileabroad，Levinrepeatedwhathehadheardthedaybeforeinconversationfromanacquaintance。
　　`Ithinksendinghimabroadismuchthesameaspunishingacarpbyputtingitintothewater，’saidLevin。Thenherecollectedthatthisidea，whichhehadheardfromanacquaintanceandutteredashisown，camefromafableofKrilov’s，andthattheacquaintancehadpickeditupfromanewspaperarticle。
　　Afterdrivinghomewithhissister-in-law，andfindingKittyingoodspiritsandquitewell，Levindrovetotheclub。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter07[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter7Levinreachedtheclubjustattherighttime。Membersandvisitorsweredrivingupashearrived。Levinhadnotbeenattheclubforaverylongwhile-notsincehelivedinMoscow，whenhewasleavingtheuniversityandgoingintosociety。Herememberedtheclub，theexternaldetailsofitsarrangement，buthehadcompletelyforgottentheimpressionithadmadeonhiminolddays。Butassoonas，drivingintothewidesemicircularcourtandgettingoutofthecab，hemountedthesteps，andthehallporter，adornedwithacrossbelt，noiselesslyopenedthedoortohimwithabow；
　　assoonashesawintheporter’sroomthecloaksandgaloshesofmemberswhothoughtitlesstroubletotakethemoffdownstairs；assoonasheheardthemysteriousringingbellthatprecededhimasheascendedthelow-stepped，carpetedstaircase，andsawthestatueonthelanding，andthethirdporteratthetopdoors，afamiliarfiguregrownolder，intheclublivery，openingthedoorwithouthasteordelay，andscanningthevisitorsastheypassedin-Levinfelttheoldimpressionoftheclubcomebackinarush，animpressionofrepose，comfort，andpropriety。
　　`Yourhat，please，’theportersaidtoLevin，whoforgottheclubruleofcheckinghishatintheporter’sroom。`Longtimesinceyou’vebeenhere。ThePrinceputyournamedownyesterday。PrinceStepanArkadyevichisnothereyet。’
　　TheporternotonlyknewLevin，butalsoallhisconnectionsandrelationships，andsoimmediatelymentionedhisintimatefriends。
　　Passingthroughtheouterhall，dividedupbyscreens，andtheroompartitionedontheright，whereamansitsatthefruitbuffet，Levinpassedbyashufflingoldman，andenteredthediningroom，fullofnoiseandpeople。
　　Hewalkedalongthetables，almostallfull，andscrutinizedthevisitors。Hesawpeopleofallsorts，oldandyoung；someheknewalittle；
　　somewereintimatefriends。Therewasnotasinglecrossorworried-lookingface。Allseemedtohavecheckedtheircaresandanxietiesintheporter’sroomwiththeirhats，andwerealldeliberatelygettingreadytoenjoythematerialblessingsoflife。SviiazhskywashereandShcherbatsky，NeviedovskyandtheoldPrince，andVronskyandSergeiIvanovich。
　　`Ah！Whyareyoulate？’thePrincesaidsmiling，andgivinghimhishandoverhisownshoulder。`How’sKitty？’headded，smoothingoutthenapkinhehadtuckedinathiswaistcoatbuttons。
　　`Verywell；theyarediningathome，allthreeofthem。’
　　`Ah，``Alines-Nadines’tobesure！There’snoroomwithus。Gotothattable，andmakehasteandtakeaseat，’saidthePrince，andturningawayhecarefullytookaplateofburbotsoup。
　　`Levin，thisway！’agood-naturedvoiceshoutedalittlefartheron。ItwasTurovtsin。Hewassittingwithayoungofficer，andbesidethemweretwochairstippedover。Levingladlywentuptothem。Hehadalwayslikedthegoodheartedrake，Turovtsin-hewasassociatedinhismindwithmemoriesofhiscourtship-andatthatmoment，afterthestrainofintellectualconversation，thesightofTurovtsin’sgood-naturedfacewasparticularlywelcome。
　　`ForyouandOblonsky。He’llbeheredirectly。’
　　Theyoungman，holdinghimselfveryerect，witheyesforevertwinklingwithenjoyment，wasanofficerfromPeterburg，Gaghin。Turovtsinintroducedthem。
　　`Oblonsky’salwayslate。’
　　`Ah，hereheis！
　　`Haveyouonlyjustcome？’saidOblonsky，comingquicklytowardthem。`Goodday。Hadsomevodka？Well，comealongthen。’
　　Levingotupandwentwithhimtothebigtablespreadwithspiritsandappetizersofthemostvariedkinds。Onewouldhavethoughtthatoutoftwodozendelicaciesonemightfindsomethingtoone’staste，butStepanArkadyevichaskedforsomethingspecial，andoneoftheliveriedwaitersstandingbyimmediatelybroughtwhatwasrequired。Theydrankaponyeachandreturnedtotheirtable。
　　Atonce，whiletheywerestillattheirsoup，Gaghinwasservedwithchampagne，andtoldthewaitertofillfourglasses。Levindidnotrefusethewine，andaskedforasecondbottle。Hewasveryhungry，andateanddrankwithgreatenjoyment，andwithstillgreaterenjoymenttookpartinthelivelyandsimpleconversationofhiscompanions。Gaghin，droppinghisvoice，toldthelastgoodstoryfromPeterburg，andthestory，thoughimproperandstupid，wassoludicrousthatLevinbrokeintoroarsoflaughtersoloudthatthosenearlookedround。
　　`That’sinthesamestyleas，``that’sathingIcan’tendure！’
　　Youknowthestory？’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Ah，that’sexquisite！Anotherbottle，’hesaidtothewaiter，andhebegantorelatehisgoodstory。
　　`PiotrIllyichVinovskyinvitesyoutodrinkwithhim，’alittleoldwaiterinterruptedStepanArkadyevich，bringingtwodelicateglassesofsparklingchampagne，andaddressingStepanArkadyevichandLevin。StepanArkadyevichtooktheglass，andlookingtowardabaldmanwithredmustachesattheotherendofthetable，henoddedtohim，smiling。
　　`Who’sthat？’askedLevin。
　　`Youmethimonceatmyplace，don’tyouremember？Agood-naturedfellow。’
　　LevindidthesameasStepanArkadyevichandtooktheglass。
　　StepanArkadyevich’sanecdotetoowasveryamusing。Levintoldhisstory，andthattoowassuccessful。Thentheytalkedofhorses，oftheraces，ofwhattheyhadbeendoingthatday，andofhowsmartlyVronsky’sAtlashadwonthefirstprize。Levindidnotnoticehowthetimepassedatdinner。
　　`Ah！Andheretheyare！’StepanArkadyevichsaidtowardtheendofdinner，leaningoverthebackofhischairandholdingouthishandtoVronsky，whocameupwithatallcoloneloftheGuards。Vronsky’sfacetoobeamedwiththelookofgood-humoredenjoymentthatwasgeneralintheclub。HeproppedhiselbowplayfullyonStepanArkadyevich’sshoulder，whisperingsomethingtohim，andheheldouthishandtoLevinwiththesamegood-humoredsmile。
　　`Verygladtomeetyou，’hesaid。`Ilookedoutforyouattheelection，butIwastoldyouhadgoneaway。’
　　`Yes，Ileftthesameday。We’vejustbeentalkingofyourhorse。
　　Icongratulateyou，’saidLevin。`Itwasruninveryfasttime。’
　　`Yes；you’veracehorsestoo，haven’tyou？’
　　`No，myfatherhad；butIrememberandknowsomethingaboutthem。’
　　`Wherehaveyoudined？’askedStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Wewereatthesecondtable，behindthecolumns。’
　　`We’vebeencelebratinghissuccess，’saidthetallcolonel。`It’shissecondImperialprize。IwishImighthavetheluckatcardshehaswithhorses。’
　　`Well，whywasteprecioustime？I’mgoingtothe``infernalregions，’’
　　addedthecolonel，andhewalkedaway。
　　`That’sIashvin，’VronskysaidinanswertoTurovtsin，andhesatdowninthevacatedseatbesidethem。Hedranktheglassofferedhim，andorderedabottleofwine。Undertheinfluenceoftheclubatmosphereorthewinehehaddrunk，LevinchattedawaytoVronskyofthebestbreedsofcattle，andwasverygladnottofeeltheslightesthostilitytothisman。Heeventoldhim，amongotherthings，thathehadheardfromhiswifethatshehadmethimatPrincessMaryaBorissovna’s。
　　`Ah，PrincessMaryaBorissovna-she’sexquisite！’saidStepanArkadyevich，andhetoldananecdoteaboutherwhichsetthemalllaughing。
　　VronskyinparticularlaughedwithsuchsimpleheartedamusementthatLevinfeltquitereconciledtohim。
　　`Well，havewefinished？’saidStepanArkadyevich，gettingupwithasmile。`Letusgo。’
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter08[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter8Gettingupfromthetable，LevinwalkedwithGaghinthroughtheloftyroomstothebilliardroom，feelinghisarmsswingashewalkedwithapeculiarlightnessandease。Ashecrossedthebigroom，hecameuponhisfather-in-law。
　　`Well，howdoyoulikeourTempleofIndolence？’saidthePrince，takinghisarm。`Comealong，comealong！’
　　`Yes，Iwantedtowalkaboutandlookateverything。It’sinteresting。’
　　`Yes，it’sinterestingforyou。Butitsinterestformeisquitedifferent。Youlookatsuchlittleancients，now，’hesaid，pointingtoaclubmemberwithbentbackandpendulouslip，shufflingtowardtheminhissoftboots，`andimaginethattheywereshlupikslikethatfromtheirbirthup。’
　　`Shlupiks？’
　　`Iseeyoudon’tknowthatname。That’sourclubdesignation。
　　Youknowthegameofrollingeggs:whenone’srolledalongwhileitbecomesashlupik。Soitiswithus；onegoesoncomingandcomingtotheclub，andendsbybecomingashlupik。Ah，youlaugh！butwelookout，forfearofdroppingintoitourselves。YouknowPrinceChechensky？’inquiredthePrince；andLevinsawbyhisfacethathewasjustgoingtorelatesomethingfunny。
　　`No，Idon’tknowhim。’
　　`Youdon’tsayso！Well，PrinceChechenskyisawell-knownfigure。
　　Nomatter，though。He’salwaysplayingbilliardshere。Onlythreeyearsagohewasnotashlupik，andkeptuphisspirits，andevenusedtocallotherpeopleshlupiks。Butonedayheturnsup，andourporter……YouknowVassilii？Why，thatfatone；he’sfamousforhisbonsmots。AndsoPrinceChechenskyaskshim，``Come，Vassiliiwho’shere？Anyshlupikshereyet？’
　　Andhesays:``You’rethethird。’Yes，mydearboy，thathedid！’
　　Talkingandgreetingthefriendstheymet，LevinandthePrincewalkedthroughalltherooms:thegreatroomwheretableshadalreadybeenset，andtheusualpartnerswereplayingforsmallstakes；thedivanroom，wheretheywereplayingchess，andSergeiIvanovichwassittingtalkingtosomebody；thebilliardroom，where，aboutthesofainarecess，therewasalivelypartydrinkingchampagne-Gaghinwasoneofthem。Theypeepedintothe`infernalregions，’whereagoodmanymenwerecrowdingroundonetable，atwhichIashvinwassitting。Tryingnottomakeanoise，theywalkedintothedarkreadingroom，whereundertheshadedlampstheresatayoungmanwithawrathfulcountenance，turningoveronejournalafteranother，andabaldgeneralburiedinabook。Theywent，too，intowhatthePrincecalledtheintellectualroom，wherethreegentlemenwereengagedinaheateddiscussionofthelatestpoliticalnews。
　　`Prince，pleasecome，we’reready，’saidoneofhiscardparty，whohadcometolookforhim，andthePrincewentoff。Levinsatdownandlistened，butrecallingalltheconversationofthemorninghefeltallofasuddenfearfullybored。Hegotuphurriedly，andwenttolookforOblonskyandTurovtsin，withwhomithadbeensopleasant。
　　Turovtsinwasoneofthecircledrinkinginthebilliardroom，andStepanArkadyevichwastalkingwithVronskynearthedooratthefarthercorneroftheroom。
　　`It’snotthatshe’sdull；butthisundefined，thisunsettledposition，’Levincaught，andhewasgoingtohurryaway，butStepanArkadyevichcalledhim。
　　`Levin！’saidStepanArkadyevich；andLevinnoticedthathiseyeswerenotfulloftearsexactly，butmoist，whichalwayshappenedwhenhehadbeendrinking，orwhenhewastouched。Todayitwasduetobothcauses。
　　`Levin，don’tgo，’hesaid，andhewarmlysqueezedhisarmabovetheelbow，obviouslynotatallwishingtolethimgo。
　　`Thisisatruefriendofmine-almostmygreatestfriend，’hesaidtoVronsky。`Youalsoarestillcloseranddearertome。AndIwantyou，andIknowyouought，tobefriends，andgreatfriends，becauseyou’rebothsplendidfellows。’
　　`Well，there’snothingforusnowbuttokissandbefriends，’
　　Vronskysaid，withgood-naturedplayfulness，holdingouthishand。
　　Levinquicklytooktheofferedhand，andsqueezeditwarmly。
　　`I’mvery，veryglad，’saidLevin。
　　`Waiter，abottleofchampagne，’saidStepanArkadyevich。
　　`AndI’mveryglad，’saidVronsky。
　　ButinspiteofStepanArkadyevich’sdesire，andtheirowndesire，theyhadnothingtotalkabout，andbothfeltit。
　　`Doyouknow，hehasnevermetAnna？’StepanArkadyevichsaidtoVronsky。`AndIwantaboveeverythingtotakehimtoseeher。Letusgo，Levin！’
　　`Really？’saidVronsky。`Shewillbeverygladtoseeyou。Ishouldbegoinghomeatonce，’headded，`butI’mworriedaboutIashvin，andI
　　wanttostayontillhefinishes。’
　　`Why，ishelosing？’
　　`Hekeepslosing，andI’mtheonlyfriendthatcanrestrainhim。’
　　`Well，whatdoyousaytopyramids？Levin，willyouplay？Capital！’
　　saidStepanArkadyevich。`Getthetableready，’hesaidtothemarker。
　　`Ithasbeenreadyalongwhile，’answeredthemarker，whohadalreadysettheballsinatriangle，andwasknockingtheredoneaboutforhisowndiversion。
　　`Well，letusbegin。’
　　AfterthegameVronskyandLevinsatdownatGaghin’stable，andatStepanArkadyevich’ssuggestionLevintookahandinthegame。Vronskysatdownatthetable，surroundedbyfriends，whowereincessantlycominguptohim。Everynowandthenhewenttothe`infernal’tokeepaneyeonIashvin。Levinwasenjoyingadelightfulsenseofreposeafterthementalfatigueofthemorning。HewasgladthatallhostilitywasatanendwithVronsky，andthesenseofpeace，decorumandcomfortneverlefthim。
　　Whenthegamewasover，StepanArkadyevichtookLevin’sarm。
　　`Well，letusgotoAnna’s，then。Atonce？Eh？Sheisathome。
　　Ipromisedherlongagotobringyou。Wherewereyouintendingtospendtheevening？’
　　`Oh，nowherespecially。IpromisedSviiazhskytogototheSocietyofAgriculture。Byallmeans，letusgo，’saidLevin。
　　`Verygood；comealong。Findoutifmycarriageishere，’StepanArkadyevichsaidtothewaiter。
　　Levinwentuptothetable，paidthefortyroubleshehadlost；
　　paidhisbill，theamountofwhichwasinsomemysteriouswayascertainedbythelittleoldwaiterwhostoodatthecounter，and，swinginghisarms，hewalkedthroughalltheroomstotheexit。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter09[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter9`Oblonsky’scarriage！’theportershoutedinanangrybass。Thecarriagedroveupandbothgotin。Itwasonlyforthefirstfewmoments，whilethecarriagewasdrivingoutoftheclubhousegates，thatLevinwasstillundertheinfluenceoftheclubatmosphereofrepose，comfort，andunimpeachablegoodform。Butassoonasthecarriagedroveoutintothestreet，andhefeltitjoltingovertheunevenroad，heardtheangryshoutofadrivercomingtowardthem，sawintheuncertainlighttheredblindofatavernandtheshops，thisimpressionwasdissipated，andhebegantothinkoverhisactions，andtowonderwhetherhewasdoingrightingoingtoseeAnna。
　　WhatwouldKittysay？ButStepanArkadyevichgavehimnotimeforreflection，and，asthoughdivininghisdoubts，hedispersedthem。
　　`HowgladIam，’hesaid，`thatyoushouldknowher！YouknowDollyhaslongwishedforit。AndLvov’sbeentoseeher，andoftengoes。
　　Thoughsheismysister，’StepanArkadyevichpursued，`Idon’thesitatetosaythatshe’saremarkablewoman……Butyouwillsee。Herpositionisverypainful，especiallynow。’
　　`Whyespeciallynow？’
　　`Wearecarryingonnegotiationswithherhusbandaboutadivorce。
　　Andhe’sagreed；buttherearedifficultiesinregardtotheson，andthebusiness，whichoughttohavebeenarrangedlongago，hasbeendraggingonforthreemonthspast。Assoonasthedivorceisover，shewillmarryVronsky。Howstupidtheseoldritualformsare-``Isaiah，rejoice！’-
　　whichnoonebelievesin，andwhichonlypreventpeoplebeingcomfortable！’
　　StepanArkadyevichputin。`Well，thentheirpositionwillbeasregularasmine，asyours。’
　　`Whatisthedifficulty？’saidLevin。
　　`Oh，it’salongandtediousstoryThewholebusinessisinsuchanindefinitestatewithus。Butthepointis，shehasbeenforthreemonthsinMoscow，whereeveryoneknowsher，waitingforthedivorce；shegoesoutnowhere，seesnowomanexceptDolly，because，doyouunderstand，shedoesn’tcaretohavepeoplecomeasafavor。ThatfoolPrincessVarvara，evenshehaslefther，consideringthisabreachofpropriety。Well，yousee，insuchapositionanyotherwomanwouldnothavefoundresourcesinherself。Butyou’llseehowshehasarrangedherlife-howcalm，howdignifiedsheis。Totheleft，inthealleyoppositethechurch！’shoutedStepanArkadyevich，leaningoutofthewindowofthecarriage。`Phew！Howhotitis！’hesaid，inspiteoftwelvedegreesoffrost，flingingopenhisunbuttonedovercoatstillmore。
　　`Butshehasadaughter:nodoubtshe’sbusylookingafterher？’
　　saidLevin。
　　`Ibelieveyoupictureeverywomansimplyasafemale，unecouveuse，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Ifshe’soccupied，itmustbewithherchildren。No，shebringsherupcapitally，Ibelieve，butonedoesn’thearabouther。She’sbusy，inthefirstplace，withwhatshewrites。
　　Iseeyou’resmilingironically，butyou’rewrong。She’swritingachildren’sbook，anddoesn’ttalkaboutittoanyone，butshereadittomeandI
　　gavethemanuscripttoVorkuev……youknow，thepublisher……Andhe’sanauthorhimselftoo，Ifancy。Heunderstandsthosethings，andhesaysit’saremarkablepieceofwork。Butareyoufancyingshe’sawritingwoman？
　　Notabitofit。She’sawomanwithaheart，beforeeverything，butyou’llsee。NowshehasalittleEnglishgirlwithher，andawholefamilyshe’slookingafter。’
　　`Oh，somethinginaphilanthropicway？’
　　`Why，youwilllookateverythingintheworstlight。It’snotfromphilanthropy，it’sfromtheheart。They-thatis，Vronsky-hadatrainer，anEnglishman，first-rateinhisownline，butadrunkard。He’scompletelygivenuptodrink-deliriumtremens-andthefamilywerecastontheworld。Shesawthem，helpedthem，gotmoreandmoreinterestedinthem，andnowthewholefamilyisonherhands。Butnotbywayofpatronage，youknow，helpingwithmoney；she’sherselfpreparingtheboysinRussianforthehighschool，andshe’stakenthelittlegirltolivewithher。
　　Butyou’llseeherforyourself。’
　　Thecarriagedroveintothecourtyard，andStepanArkadyevichrangloudlyattheentrancewhereasleighwasstanding。
　　And，withoutaskingtheservantwhoopenedthedoorwhethertheladywereathome，StepanArkadyevichwalkedintothehall。Levinfollowedhim，moreandmoredoubtfulwhetherheweredoingrightorwrong。
　　Lookingathimselfintheglass，Levinnoticedthathewasredintheface，buthefeltcertainhewasnotdrunk，andhefollowedStepanArkadyevichupthecarpetedstairs。AtthetopStepanArkadyevichinquiredofthefootman，whobowedtohimastoanintimatefriend，whowaswithAnnaArkadyevna，andreceivedtheanswerthatitwasM。Vorkuev。
　　`Wherearethey？’
　　`Inthestudy。’
　　Passingthroughthediningroom，aroomnotverylarge，withdarkpaneledwalls，StepanArkadyevichandLevinwalkedoverthesoftcarpettothehalf-darkstudy，lightedupbyasinglelampwithabigdarkshade。
　　Anotherlampwithareflectorwashangingonthewall，lightingupabigfull-lengthportraitofawoman，whichLevincouldnothelplookingat。
　　ItwastheportraitofAnna，paintedinItalybyMikhailov。WhileStepanArkadyevichwentbehindthetreillage，andtheman’svoicewhichhadbeenspeakingpaused，Levingazedattheportrait，whichstoodoutfromtheframeinthebrilliantlightthrownonit，andhecouldnottearhimselfawayfromit。Hepositivelyforgotwherehewas，andnotevenhearingwhatwassaid，hecouldnottakehiseyesoffthemarvelousportrait。Itwasnotapicture，butaliving，charmingwoman，withblackcurlinghair，withbarearmsandshoulders，withapensivesmileonthelips，coveredwithsoftdown；triumphantlyandsoftlyshelookedathimwitheyesthatbaffledhim。Shewasnotliving，onlybecauseshewasmorebeautifulthananylivingwomancanbe。
　　`Iamdelighted。’Heheardsuddenlynearhimavoice，unmistakablyaddressinghim，thevoiceoftheverywomanhehadbeenadmiringintheportrait。Annahadcomefrombehindthetreillagetomeethim，andLevinsawinthedimlightofthestudytheverywomanoftheportrait，inadark-bluegownofchangeableblue，notinthesamepositionnorwiththesameexpression，butwiththesameperfectionofbeautywhichtheartisthadcaughtintheportrait。Shewaslessdazzlinginreality，but，ontheotherhand，therewassomethingfreshandseductiveinthelivingwomanwhichwasnotintheportrait。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter10[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter10Shehadrisentomeethim，withoutconcealingherpleasureatseeinghim；
　　andinthequieteasewithwhichsheheldoutherlittleandvigoroushand，introducedhimtoVorkuev，andindicatedared-haired，prettylittlegirlwhowassittingatwork，callingherherpupil，Levinrecognizedandlikedthemannersofawomanofthegreatworld，alwaysself-possessedandnatural。
　　`Iamdelighted，delighted，’sherepeated，andonherlipsthesesimplewordstookforLevin’searsaspecialsignificance。`Ihaveknownyouandlikedyouforalongwhile，bothfromyourfriendshipwithStivaandforyourwife’ssake……Iknewherforaveryshorttime，butsheleftonmetheimpressionofanexquisiteflower-justaflower。Andtothinkshewillsoonbeamother！’
　　Shespokeeasilyandwithouthaste，lookingnowandthenfromLevintoherbrother，andLevinfeltthattheimpressionhewasmakingwasgood，andhefeltimmediatelyathome，ateaseandhappywithher，asthoughhehadknownherfromchildhood。
　　`IvanPetrovichandIsettledinAlexei’sstudy，’shesaidinanswertoStepanArkadyevich’squestionwhetherhemightsmoke，`justsoastobeabletosmoke’-andglancingatLevin，insteadofaskingwhetherhewouldsmoke，shepulledcloseratortoise-shellcigarettecaseandtookacorn-leafcigarette。
　　`Howareyoufeelingtoday？’herbrotheraskedher。
　　`Oh，nothing。Nerves，asusual。’
　　`Yes，isn’titextraordinarilyfine？’saidStepanArkadyevich，noticingthatLevinwasglancingatthepicture。
　　`Ihaveneverseenabetterportrait。’
　　`Andextraordinarilylike，isn’tit？’saidVorkuev。
　　Levinlookedfromtheportraittotheoriginal。ApeculiarbrilliancelightedupAnna’sfacewhenshefelthiseyesonher。Levinflushed，andtocoverhisconfusionwouldhaveaskedwhethershehadseenDaryaAlexandrovnalately；butatthatmomentAnnaspoke:
　　`Wewerejusttalking，IvanPetrovichandI，ofVashchenkov’slastpictures。Haveyouseenthem？’
　　`Yes，Ihaveseenthem，’answeredLevin。
　　`But，Ibegyourpardon，Iinterruptedyou……Youweresaying？……’
　　LevinaskedifshehadseenDollylately。
　　`Shewashereyesterday。ShewasveryindignantwiththehighschoolpeopleonGrisha’saccount。TheLatinteacher，itseems，hadbeenunfairtohim。’
　　`Yes，Ihaveseenhispictures。Ididn’tcareforthemverymuch，’
　　Levinwentbacktothesubjectshehadstarted。
　　Levintalkednownotatallwiththatpurelybusinesslikeattitudetothesubjectwithwhichhehadbeentalkingallthemorning。Everywordinhisconversationwithherhadaspecialsignificance。Andtalkingtoherwaspleasant；stillpleasanterwasittolistentoher。
　　Annatalkednotmerelynaturallyandcleverly，butcleverlyandcarelessly，attachingnovaluetoherownideasandgivinggreatweighttotheideasofthepersonshewastalkingto。
　　Theconversationturnedonthenewmovementinart，onthenewillustrationsoftheBiblebyaFrenchartist。Vorkuevattackedtheartistforarealismcarriedtothepointofcoarseness。LevinsaidthattheFrenchhadcarriedconventionalityfurtherthananyone，andthatconsequentlytheyseeagreatmeritinthereturntorealism。Inthefactofnotlyingtheyseepoetry。
　　NeverhadanythingcleversaidbyLevingivenhimsomuchpleasureasthisremark。Anna’sfacelightedupatonce，assheimmediatelyappreciatedthethought。Shelaughed。
　　`Ilaugh，’shesaid，`asonelaughswhenoneseesaverytrueportrait。WhatyousaidsoperfectlyhitsoffFrenchartnow，painting-andliteraturetoo，indeed-Zola，Daudet。Butperhapsitisalwaysso，thatmenformtheirconceptionsfromfictitious，conventionaltypes，andthen-allthecombinaisonsmade-theyaretiredofthefictitiousfiguresandbegintoinventmorenatural，truefigures。’
　　`That’sperfectlytrue，’saidVorkuev。
　　`Soyou’vebeenattheclub？’shesaidtoherbrother。
　　`Yes，yes，thisawoman！’Levinthought，forgettinghimselfandstaringpersistentlyatherlovely，mobileface，whichatthatmomentwasallatoncecompletelytransformed。Levindidnothearwhatshewastalkingofassheleanedovertoherbrother，buthewasstruckbythechangeofherexpression。Herface-sohandsomeamomentbeforeinitsrepose-
　　suddenlyworealookofstrangecuriosity，anger，andpride。Butthislastedonlyaninstant。Shehalf-closedhereyes，asthoughrecollectingsomething。
　　`Oh，well，butthat’sofnointeresttoanyone，’shesaid，andsheturnedtotheEnglishgirl。
　　`Pleaseordertheteainthedrawingroom，’shesaidinEnglish。
　　Thegirlgotupandwentout。
　　`Well，howdidshegetthroughherexamination？’askedStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Splendidly！She’saverygiftedchildandasweetcharacter。’
　　`Itwillendinyourlovinghermorethanyourown。’
　　`Thereamanspeaks。Inlovethere’snosuchthingasmoreorless。Ilovemydaughterwithonelove，andherwithanother。’
　　`IwasjusttellingAnnaArkadyevna，’saidVorkuev，`thatifsheweretoputahundredthpartoftheenergyshedevotestothisEnglishgirltothepublicquestionoftheeducationofRussianchildren，shewouldbedoingagreatandusefulwork。’
　　`Yes，butIcan’thelpit；Icouldn’tdoit。CountAlexeiKirillovichurgedmeverymuch’assheutteredthewordsCountAlexeiKirillovichsheglancedwithappealingtimidityatLevin，andheunconsciouslyrespondedwitharespectfulandreassuringlook，`heurgedmetotakeuptheschoolinthevillage。Ivisiteditseveraltimes。Thechildrenwereverydear，butIcouldnotfeeldrawntothework。Youspeakofenergy。Energyrestsuponlove；and，comeasitwill，there’snoforcingit。Itooktothischild-Icouldnotmyselfsaywhy。’
　　AndsheglancedagainatLevin。Andhersmileandherglance-
　　alltoldhimthatitwastohimonlyshewasaddressingherwords，valuinghisgoodopinion，andatthesametimesurebeforehandthattheyunderstoodoneanother。
　　`Iquiteunderstandthat，’Levinanswered。`It’simpossibletogiveone’shearttoaschoolorsuchinstitutionsingeneral，andIbelievethatthat’sjustwhyphilanthropicinstitutionsalwaysgivesuchpoorresults。’
　　Shewassilentforawhile，thenshesmiled。`Yes，yes，’sheagreed；
　　`Inevercould。Jen’aipaslecoeurassezlargetoloveawholeasylumofhorridlittlegirls。Celanem’ajamaisré；ussi。
　　Therearesomanywomenwhohavemadethemselvesunepositionsocialeinthatway。Andnowmorethanever，’shesaidwithamournful，confidingexpression，ostensiblyaddressingherbrother，butunmistakablyintendingherwordsonlyforLevin，`nowwhenIhavesuchneedofsomeoccupation，Icannot。’AndsuddenlyfrowningLevinsawthatshewasfrowningatherselffortalkingaboutherselfshechangedthesubject。`Iknowaboutyou，’
　　shesaidtoLevin；`thatyou’renotapublic-spiritedcitizen，andIhavedefendedyoutothebestofmyability。’
　　`Howhaveyoudefendedme？’
　　`Oh，accordingtotheattacksmadeonyou。Butwon’tyouhavesometea？’Sheroseandtookupabookboundinmorocco。
　　`Giveittome，AnnaArkadyevna，’saidVorkuev，indicatingthebook。`It’swellworthtakingup。’
　　`Oh，no，it’sallsosketchy。’
　　`Itoldhimaboutit，’StepanArkadyevichsaidtohissister，noddingatLevin。
　　`Youshouldn’thave。MywritingissomethingafterthefashionofthoselittlebasketsandcarvingswhichLizaMertsalovausedtosellmefromtheprisons。Shehadthedirectionoftheprisondepartmentinthatsociety，’sheturnedtoLevin；`andtheyweremiraclesofpatience，theworkofthosepoorwretches。’
　　AndLevinsawanewtraitinthiswoman，whoattractedhimsoextraordinarily。Besideswit，grace，andbeauty，shehadtruth。Shehadnowishtohidefromhimallthebitternessofherposition。Asshesaidthatshesighed，andherface，suddenlyassumingahardexpression，looked，asitwere，turnedtostone。Withthatexpressiononherfaceshewasmorebeautifulthanever；buttheexpressionwasnew；itwasutterlyunlikethatexpression，radiantwithhappinessandcreatinghappiness，whichhadbeencaughtbythepainterinherportrait。Levinlookedmorethanonceattheportraitandatherfigure，astakingherbrother’sarmshewalkedwithhimtothehighdoors，andhefeltforheratendernessandpityatwhichhewonderedhimself。
　　SheaskedLevinandVorkuevtogointothedrawingroom，whileshestayedbehindtosayafewwordstoherbrother。`Aboutherdivorce，aboutVronsky，andwhathe’sdoingattheclub，aboutme？’wonderedLevin。
　　AndhewassokeenlyinterestedbythequestionofwhatshewassayingtoStepanArkadyevich，thathescarcelyheardwhatVorkuevwastellinghimofthequalitiesofthestoryforchildrenAnnaArkadyevnahadwritten。
　　Atteathesamepleasantsortoftalk，fullofinterestingmatter，continued。Therewasnotasingleinstantwhenasubjectforconversationwastoseek；onthecontrary，itwasfeltthatonehadhardlytimetosaywhatonehadtosay，andeagerlyheldbacktohearwhattheothersweresaying。Andallthatwassaid，notonlybyher，butbyVorkuevandStepanArkadyevich-all，soitseemedtoLevin，gainedpeculiarsignificancefromherattentiontohimandhercriticism。
　　Whilehefollowedthisinterestingconversation，Levinwasallthetimeadmiringher-herbeauty，herintelligence，herculture，andatthesametimeherdirectnessandhercordiality。Helistenedandtalked，andallthewhilehewasthinkingofherinnerlife，tryingtodivineherfeelings。Andthoughhehadjudgedhersoseverelyhitherto，nowbysomestrangechainofreasoninghewasjustifyingherandalsowassorryforher，andafraidthatVronskydidnotfullyunderstandher。Atteno’clock，whenStepanArkadyevichgotuptogoVorkuevhadleftearlier，itseemedtoLevinthathehadonlyjustcome。RegretfullyLevintoorose。
　　`Good-by，’shesaid，holdinghishandandglancingintohisfacewithawinninglook。`Iamverygladquelaglaceestrompue。’
　　Shedroppedhishand，andhalf-closedhereyes。
　　`TellyourwifethatIloveherasbefore，andthatifshecannotpardonmemyposition，thenmywishforheristhatshemayneverpardonme。Topardonit，onemustgothroughwhatIhavegonethrough，andmayGodspareherthat。’
　　`Certainly，yes，Iwilltellher……’Levinsaid，blushing。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter11[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter11`Whatamarvelous，sweetandunhappywoman！’hewasthinking，ashesteppedoutintothefrostyairwithStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Well，didn’tItellyou？’saidStepanArkadyevich，seeingthatLevinhadbeencompletelywonover。
　　`Yes，’saidLevinpensively，`anextraordinarywoman！It’snothercleverness，butshehassuchwonderfuldepthoffeeling。I’mawfullysorryforher！’
　　`Now，pleaseGodeverythingwillsoonbesettled。Well，well，don’tbehardonpeopleinfuture，’saidStepanArkadyevich，openingthecarriagedoor。`Good-by；wedon’tgothesameway。’
　　StillthinkingofAnna，ofeverything，eventhesimplestphraseintheirconversationwithher，andrecallingtheminutestchangesinherexpression，enteringmoreandmoreintoherposition，andfeelingsympathyforher，Levinreachedhome。
　　AthomeKouzmatoldLevinthatKaterinaAlexandrovnawasquitewell，andthathersistershadjustgone，andhehandedhimtwoletters。
　　Levinreadthematonceinthehall，thathemightnotoverlookthemlater。
　　OnewasfromSokolov，hisbailiff。Sokolovwrotethatthewheatcouldnotbesold，thatthepricewasonlyfiveandahalfroubles，andthathedidnotknowwherehehadtogetthemoney。Theotherletterwasfromhissister。
　　Shescoldedhimforherbusinessbeingstillunsettled。
　　`Well，wemustsellitatfiveandahalfifwecan’tgetmore，’
　　Levindecidedonthespotthefirstquestionwhichhadalwaysbeforeseemedsuchaweightyone，withextraordinaryfacility。`It’sextraordinaryhowallone’stimeistakenuphere，’hethought，consideringthesecondletter。
　　Hefelthimselftoblamefornothavinggotdonewhathissisterhadaskedhimtodoforher。`Today，again，I’venotbeentocourt，buttodayI’vecertainlynothadtime。’Andresolvingthathewouldnotfailtodoitnextday，hewentuptohiswife。Ashewentin，Levinmentallyranrapidlythroughthedayhehadspent。Alltheeventsofthedaywereconversations:
　　conversationshehadheardandtakenpartin。Alltheconversationswereuponsubjectswhich，ifhehadbeenaloneinthecountry，hewouldneverhavetakenup，butheretheywereveryinteresting。Andalltheseconversationswererightenough，onlyintwoplacestherewassomethingnotquiteright。
　　Onewaswhathehadsaidaboutthecarp，theotherwassomethingnotquitethethinginthetendersympathyhewasfeelingforAnna。
　　Levinfoundhiswifelow-spiritedanddull。Thedinnerofthethreesistershadgoneoffverywell，butthentheyhadwaitedandwaitedforhim，allofthemhadfeltdull，thesistershaddeparted，andshehadbeenleftalone。
　　`Well，andwhathaveyoubeendoing？’sheaskedhim，lookingstraightintohiseyes，whichshonewithratherasuspiciousbrightness。Butthatshemightnotpreventhistellinghereverything，sheconcealedherclosescrutinyofhim，andwithanapprovingsmilelistenedtohisaccountofhowhehadspenttheevening。
　　`Well，I’mverygladImetVronsky。Ifeltquiteateaseandnaturalwithhim。Youunderstand，Ishalltrynottoseehim，butI’mgladthatthisawkwardnessisallover，’hesaid，andrememberingthat，bywayoftryingnottoseehim，hehadimmediatelygonetocallonAnna，heblushed。
　　`Wetalkaboutthepeasantsdrinking；Idon’tknowwhodrinksmost，thepeasantryorourownclass；thepeasantsdoitonholidays，but……’
　　ButKittytooknottheslightestinterestindiscussingthedrinkinghabitsofthepeasants。Shesawthatheblushed，andshewantedtoknowwhy。
　　`Well，andthenwheredidyougo？’
　　`StivaurgedmeawfullytogoandseeAnnaArkadyevna。’
　　Andashesaidthis，Levinblushedevenmore，andhisdoubtsastowhetherhehaddonerightingoingtoseeAnnaweresettledonceforall。Heknewnowthatheoughtnottohavedoneso。
　　Kitty’seyesopenedinacuriouswayandgleamedatAnna’sname，butcontrollingherselfwithaneffort，sheconcealedheremotionanddeceivedhim。
　　`Oh！’wasallshesaid。
　　`I’msureyouwon’tbeangryatmygoing。Stivabeggedmeto，andDollywishedit，’Levinwenton。
　　`Oh，no！’shesaid，buthesawinhereyesaconstraintthatbodedhimnogood。
　　`Sheisaverysweet，avery，veryunhappy，goodwoman，’hesaid，tellingheraboutAnna，heroccupations，andwhatshehadtoldhimtosaytoher。
　　`Yes，ofcourse，sheisverymuchtobepitied，’saidKitty，whenhehadfinished。`Whomwasyourletterfrom？’
　　Hetoldher，andbelievinginhercalmtone，hewenttochangehiscoat。
　　Comingback，hefoundKittyinthesameeasychair。Whenhewentuptoher，sheglancedathimandbrokeintosobs。
　　`What？Whatisit？’heasked，knowingbeforehandwhat。
　　`You’reinlovewiththathatefulwoman；shehasbewitchedyou！
　　Isawitinyoureyes。Yes，yes！Whatcanitallleadto？Youweredrinkingattheclub，drinkingandgambling，andthenyouwent……Where？No，wemustgoaway……Ishallgoawaytomorrow。’
　　ItwasalongwhilebeforeLevincouldsoothehiswife。Atlasthesucceededincalmingher，onlybyconfessingthatafeelingofpity，inconjunctionwiththewinehehaddrunk，hadbeentoomuchforhim；thathehadsuccumbedtoAnna’sartfulinfluence，andthathewouldavoidher。
　　OnethinghedidwithmoresincerityconfesstowasthatlivingsolonginMoscow，alifeofnothingbutconversation，eatinganddrinking，hewasgrowingcrazy。Theytalkedtillthreeo’clockinthemorning。Onlyatthreeo’clockweretheysufficientlyreconciledtobeabletogotosleep。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter12[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter12Aftertakingleaveofherguests，Annadidnotsitdown，butbeganwalkingupanddowntheroom。ShehadunconsciouslythewholeeveningdoneherutmosttoarouseinLevinafeelingoflove-asoflateshehadfallenintodoingwithallyoungmen-andsheknewshehadattainedheraim，asfaraswaspossibleinoneevening，withamarriedandconscientiousman。Shelikedhimverymuchindeed，and，inspiteofthestrikingdifference，fromthemasculinepointofview，betweenVronskyandLevin，asawomanshesawsomethingtheyhadincommon，whichhadmadeKittyabletoloveboth。Yetassoonashewasoutoftheroom，sheceasedtothinkofhim。
　　Onethought，andoneonly，pursuedherindifferentforms，andrefusedtobeshakenoff。`IfIhavesomucheffectonothers，onthisman，wholoveshishomeandhiswife，whyisitheissocoldtome？……
　　Notcoldexactly-helovesme，Iknowthat！Butsomethingnewisdrawingusapartnow。Whywasn’theherealltheevening？HetoldStivatosayhecouldnotleaveIashvin，andmustwatchoverhisplay。IsIashvinachild？Butsupposingit’strue。Henevertellsahe。Butthere’ssomethingelseinitifit’strue。Heisgladofanopportunityofshowingmethathehasotherduties；Iknowthat，Isubmittothat。Butwhyprovethattome？Hewantstoshowmethathisloveformeisnottointerferewithhisfreedom。ButIneednoproofs-Ineedlove。HeoughttounderstandallthebitternessofthislifeformehereinMoscow。Isthislife？I
　　amnotliving，butwaitingforanevent，whichiscontinuallyputoffandputoff。Noansweragain！AndStivasayshecannotgotoAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　AndIcan’twriteagain。Icandonothing，canbeginnothing，canalternothing；Iholdmyselfin，Iwait，inventingamusementsformyself-theEnglishfamily，writing，reading-butit’sallnothingbutasham，it’sallthesameasmorphine。Heoughttofeelforme，’shesaid，feelingtearsofself-pitycomingintohereyes。
　　SheheardVronsky’sabruptringandhurriedlydriedhertears-notonlydriedhertears，butsatdownbyalampandopenedabook，affectingcomposure。Shewantedtoshowhimthatshewasdispleasedthathehadnotcomehomeashehadpromised-displeasedonly，andnotonanyaccounttolethimseeherdistress，and，leastofall，herself-pity。Shemightpityherself，buthemustnotpityher。Shedidnotwantstrife，sheblamedhimforwantingtoquarrel，butunconsciouslyputherselfintoanattitudeofantagonism。
　　`Well，you’venotbeendull？’hesaid，eagerlyandgood-humoredly，goinguptoher。`Whataterriblepassionitis-gambling！’
　　`No，I’venotbeendull；I’velearnedlongagonottobedull。
　　Stivahasbeenhere，andLevin。’
　　`Yes，theymeanttocomeandseeyou。Well，howdidyoulikeLevin？’
　　hesaid，sittingdownbesideher。
　　`Verymuch。Theyhavenotbeengonelong。WhatwasIashvindoing？’
　　`Hewaswinning-seventeenthousand。Igothimaway。Hehadreallystartedhome，buthewentbackagain，andnowhe’slosing。’
　　`Thenwhatdidyoustayfor？’sheasked，suddenlyliftinghereyestohim。Theexpressionofherfacewascoldandungracious。`YoutoldStivayouwerestayingontogetIashvinaway。Andyouhavelefthimthere。’
　　Thesameexpressionofcoldreadinessfortheconflictappearedonhisfacetoo。
　　`Inthefirstplace，Ididnotaskhimtogiveyouanymessage；
　　andsecondly，Inevertelllies。Butthechiefpointis，Iwantedtostay，andIstayed，’hesaid，frowning。`Anna，whatisitfor，whywillyoudothis？’hesaidafteramoment’ssilence，bendingovertowardher；andheopenedhishand，hopingshewouldlayhersinit。
　　Shewasgladofthisappealfortenderness。Butsomestrangeforceofevilwouldnotlethergiveherselfuptoherfeelings，asthoughtherulesofwarfarewouldnotpermithertosurrender。
　　`Ofcourseyouwantedtostay，andyoustayed。Youdoeverythingyouwantto。Butwhatdoyoutellmethatfor？Withwhatobject？’shesaid，gettingmoreandmoreexcited。`Doesanyonecontestyourrights？Butyouwanttoberight，andyou’rewelcometoberight。’
　　Hishandclosed，heturnedaway，andhisfaceworeastillmoreobstinateexpression。
　　`Foryouit’samatterofobstinacy，’shesaid，watchinghimintentlyandsuddenlyfindingtherightwordforthatexpressionthatirritatedher，`simplyobstinacy。Foryouit’saquestionofwhetheryoukeeptheupperhandofme，whileforme……’Againshefeltsorryforherself，andshealmostburstintotears。`Ifyouknewwhatitisforme！WhenIfeelasIdonow，thatyouarehostile-yes，hostiletome-ifyouknewwhatthismeansforme！IfyouknewhowIfeelonthebrinkofcalamityatthisinstant，howafraidIamofmyself！’Andsheturnedaway，hidinghersobs。
　　`Butwhatareyoutalkingabout？’hesaid，horrifiedatherexpressionofdespairandagainbendingoverher，hetookherhandandkissedit。
　　`Whatisitfor？DoIseekamusementsoutsideourhome？Don’tIavoidthesocietyofwomen？’
　　`Well，yes！Ifthatwereall！’shesaid。
　　`Come，tellmewhatIoughttodotogiveyoupeaceofmind？I
　　amreadytodoanythingtomakeyouhappy，’hesaid，touchedbyherexpressionofdespair；`whatwouldn’tIdotosaveyoufromdistressofanysort，asnow，Anna！’hesaid。
　　`It’snothing，nothing！’shesaid。`Idon’tknowmyselfwhetherit’sthesolitarylife，mynerves……Come，don’tletustalkofit。Whatabouttherace？Youhaven’ttoldme！’sheinquired，tryingtoconcealhertriumphatthevictory，whichhadbeenonhersideafterall。
　　Heaskedforsupper，andbegantellingherabouttheraces；butinhistone，inhiseyes，whichbecamemoreandmorecold，shesawthathedidnotforgiveherforhervictory，thatthefeelingofobstinacywithwhichshehadbeenstrugglinghadasserteditselfagaininhim。Hewascoldertoherthanbefore，asthoughhewereregrettinghissurrender。
　　Andshe，rememberingthewordsthathadgivenherthevictory，`howIfeelonthebrinkofcalamity，howafraidIamofmyself，’sawthatthisweaponwasadangerousone，andthatitcouldnotbeusedasecondtime。Andshefeltthatbesidethelovethatboundthemtogethertherehadgrownupbetweenthemsomeevilspiritofstrife，whichshecouldnotexorcisefromhisheart，andstilllessfromherown。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter13[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter13Therearenoconditionstowhichamancannotbecomeused，especiallyifheseesthatallaroundhimarelivinginthesameway。Levincouldnothavebelievedthreemonthsbeforethathecouldhavegonequietlytosleepinthestateinwhichhewasthatday-thatleadinganaimless，irrationallife，alsolivingbeyondhismeans，afterdrinkingtoexcesshecouldnotcallwhathappenedattheclubanythingelse，forminginappropriatelyfriendlyrelationswithamanwithwhomhiswifehadoncebeeninlove，andafterastillmoreinappropriatecalluponawomanwhocouldonlybecalledalostwoman，afterbeingfascinatedbythatwomanandcausinghiswifedistress-hecouldstillgoquietlytosleep。Butundertheinfluenceoffatigue，asleeplessnight，andthewinehehaddrunk，hissleepwassoundanduntroubled。
　　Atfiveo’clockthecreakofadooropeningwakedhim。Hejumpedupandlookedround。Kittywasnotinbedbesidehim。Buttherewasalightmovingbehindthescreen，andheheardhersteps。
　　`Whatisit？……Whatisit？’hesaid，half-asleep。`Kitty！Whatisit？’
　　`Nothing，’shesaid，comingfrombehindthescreenwithacandleinherhand。`Ifeltunwell，’shesaid，smilingaparticularlysweetandmeaningsmile。
　　`What？Hasitbegun？’hesaidinterror。`Weoughttosend……’
　　andhurriedlyhereachedafterhisclothes。
　　`No，no，’shesaid，smilingandholdinghishand。`It’ssuretobenothing。Iwasratherunwell，onlyalittle。It’sallovernow。’
　　And，gettingintobed，sheblewoutthecandle，laydownandwasstill。Thoughhethoughtherstillnesssuspicious，asthoughshewereholdingherbreath，andstillmoresuspicioustheexpressionofpeculiartendernessandexcitementwithwhich，asshecamefrombehindthescreen，shehadsaid`Nothing，’hewassosleepythathefellasleepatonce。Onlylaterherememberedthestillnessofherbreathing，andunderstoodallthatmusthavebeenpassinginhersweet，preciousheartwhileshelaybesidehim，notstirring，inanticipationofthegreatesteventinawoman’slife。
　　Atseveno’clockhewaswakedbythetouchofherhandonhisshoulder，andagentlewhisper。Sheseemedstrugglingbetweenregretatwakinghim，andthedesiretotalktohim。
　　`Kostia，don’tbefrightened。It’sallright。ButIfancy……WeoughttosendforLizavetaPetrovna。’
　　Thecandlewaslightedagain。Shewassittingupinbed，holdingsomeknitting，whichshehadbeenbusyuponduringthelastfewdays。
　　`Please，don’tbefrightened，it’sallright。I’mnotabitafraid，’
　　shesaid，seeinghisscaredface，andshepressedhishandtoherbosomandthentoherlips。
　　Hehurriedlyjumpedup，hardlyawake，andkepthiseyesfixedonher，asheputonhisdressinggown；thenhestopped，stilllookingather。Hehadtogo，buthecouldnottearhimselfawayfromhereyes。
　　Hethoughthelovedherface，knewherexpression，hereyes，butneverhadheseenitlikethis。Howhatefulandhorribleheseemedtohimself，thinkingofthedistresshehadcausedheryesterday。Herflushedface，fringedwithsoftcurlinghairunderhernightcap，wasradiantwithjoyandcourage。
　　ThoughtherewassolittlethatwasartificialorpretendedinKitty’scharacteringeneral，Levinwasstruckbywhatwasrevealednow，whensuddenlyalldisguiseswerethrownoffandtheverykernelofhersoulshoneinhereyes。Andinthissimplicityandnakednessofhersoul，she，theverywomanhelovedinher，wasmoremanifestthanever。Shelookedathim，smiling；butallatonceherbrowstwitched，shethrewupherhead，and，goingquicklyuptohim，clutchedhishandandpressedcloseuptohim，breathingherhotbreathuponhim。Shewasinpainandwas，asitwere，complainingtohimofhersuffering。Andforthefirstminute，fromhabit，itseemedtohimthathewastoblame。Butinhereyestherewasatendernessthattoldhimthatshewasfarfromreproachinghim，thatshelovedhimforhersufferings。`IfnotI，whoistoblameforit？’hethoughtunconsciously，seekingsomeoneresponsibleforthissufferingforhimtopunish；buttherewasnooneresponsible。Shewassuffering，complaining，andtriumphinginhersufferings，andrejoicinginthem，andlovingthem。
　　Hesawthatsomethingsublimewasbeingaccomplishedinhersoul，butwhat？
　　Hecouldnotmakeitout。Itwasbeyondhisunderstanding。
　　`Ihavesenttomamma。YougoquicklytofetchLizavetaPetrovna……
　　Kostia！……Nevermind-it’sover。’
　　Shemovedawayfromhimandrangthebell。
　　`Well，gonow；Pasha’scoming。Iamallright。’
　　AndLevinsawwithastonishmentthatshehadtakenuptheknittingshehadbroughtininthenight，andhadbegunworkingatitagain。
　　AsLevinwasgoingoutofonedoor，heheardthemaidservantcomeinattheother。HestoodatthedoorandheardKittygivingexactdirectionstothemaid，andbeginningtohelphermovethebedstead。
　　Hedressed，andwhiletheywereputtinginhishorse，astherewerenohacksaboutasyet，heranagainuptothebedroom，notontiptoe，itseemedtohim，butonwings。Twomaidservantswerecarefullyshiftingsomethingaboutinthebedroom。Kittywaswalkingaboutknittingrapidlyandgivingdirections。
　　`I’mgoingforthedoctor。TheyhavesentforLizavetaPetrovna，butI’llgoontheretoo。Isn’tthereanythingwanted？Yes-shallIgotoDolly’s？’
　　Shelookedathim，obviouslynothearingwhathewassaying。
　　`Yes，yes。Dogo，’shesaidquickly，frowningandwavingherhandtohim。
　　Hehadjustgoneintothedrawingroom，whensuddenlyaplaintivemoansoundedfromthebedroom，smotheredinstantly。Hestoodstill，andforalongwhilehecouldnotunderstand。
　　`Yes，thatisshe，’hesaidtohimself，and，clutchingathishead，herandownstairs。
　　`Lordhavemercyonus！Forgiveus！Helpus！’herepeatedthewordsthatforsomereasoncamesuddenlytohislips。Andhe，anunbeliever，repeatedthesewordsnotwithhislipsonly。Atthatinstantheknewthatallhisdoubts，eventheimpossibilityofbelievingwithhisreason，ofwhichhewasawareinhimself，didnotintheleasthinderhisturningtoGod。Allofthatnowfloatedoutofhissoullikedust。TowhomwashetoturnifnottoHiminwhosehandshefelthimself，hissoul，andhislove？
　　Thehorsewasnotyetready，butfeelingapeculiarconcentrationofhisphysicalforcesandhisintellectonwhathehadtodo，he，losingnominute，startedoffonfootwithoutwaitingforthehorse，andtoldKouzmatoovertakehim。
　　Atthecornerhemetanighthackdrivinghurriedly。Inthelittlesleigh，wrappedinavelvetcloak，satLizavetaPetrovnawithakerchiefroundherhead。`ThankGod！thankGod！’hesaid，overjoyedtorecognizeherlittlefairfacewhichworeapeculiarlyserious，evensternexpression。
　　Tellingthedrivernottostop，heranalongbesideher。
　　`Fortwohours，then？Notmore？’sheinquired。`YoushouldletPiotrDmitrievichknow，butdon’thurryhim。Andgetsomeopiumatthechemist’s。’
　　`Soyouthinkthatitwillgowell？Lordhavemercyonusandhelpus！’Levinsaid，seeinghisownhorsedrivingoutofthegate。JumpingintothesleighbesideKouzma，hetoldhimtodrivetothedoctor’s。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter14[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter14Thedoctorwasnotyetup，andthefootmansaidthat`hehadbeenuplate，andhadgivenordersnottobewaked，butwouldgetupsoon。’Thefootmanwascleaningthelampchimneys，andseemedverybusyaboutthem。Thisconcentrationofthefootmanuponhislamps，andhisindifferencetowhatwaspassinginLevin，atfirstastoundedhim，butimmediatelyonconsideringthequestionherealizedthatnoonekneworwasboundtoknowhisfeelings，andthatitwasallthemorenecessarytoactcalmly，sensibly，andresolutelytogetthroughthiswallofindifferenceandattainhisaim。`Don’tbeinahurryorletanythingslip，’Levinsaidtohimself，feelingagreaterandgreaterflowofphysicalenergyandattentiontoallhehadyettodo。
　　Havingascertainedthatthedoctorwasnotgettingup，Levinconsideredvariousplans，anddecidedonthefollowingone；thatKouzmashouldgoforanotherdoctor，whilehehimselfshouldgotothechemist’sforopium，andif，whenhecameback，thedoctorhadnotyetbeguntogetup，hewould，eitherbytippingthefootman，orbyforce，wakethedoctoratallhazards。
　　Atthechemist’sthelankpharmacistwaferedapacketofpowdersforacoachmanwhostoodwaiting，andrefusedhimopiumwiththesamecallousnesswithwhichthedoctor’sfootmanhadcleanedhislampchimneys。Tryingnottogetflusteredoroutoftemper，Levinmentionedthenamesofthedoctorandmidwife，andexplainingwhattheopiumwasneededfor，triedtopersuadehim。TheassistantinquiredinGermanwhetherheshouldgiveit，andreceivinganaffirmativereplyfrombehindthepartition，hetookoutabottleandafunnel，deliberatelypouredtheopiumfromabiggerbottleintoalittleone，stuckonalabel，sealeditup，inspiteofLevin’srequestthathewouldnotdoso，andwasabouttowrapituptoo。ThiswasmorethanLevincouldstand；hetookthebottlefirmlyoutofhishands，andrantothebigglassdoors。Thedoctorwasnotevennowgettingup，andthefootman，busynowinputtingdowntherugs，refusedtowakehim。Levindeliberatelytookoutaten-roublenote，andcarefultospeakslowly，thoughlosingnotimeoverthebusiness，hehandedhimthenote，andexplainedthatPiotrDmitrievichwhatagreatandimportantpersonageheseemedtoLevinnow，thisPiotrDmitrievich，whohadbeenofsolittleconsequenceinhiseyesbeforehadpromisedtocomeatanytime；thathewouldcertainlynotbeangry！Andthathemustthereforewakehimatonce。
　　Thefootmanagreed，andwentupstairs，takingLevinintothewaitingroom。
　　Levincouldhearthroughthedoorthedoctorcoughing，movingabout，washing，andsayingsomething。Threeminutespassed；itseemedtoLevinthatmorethananhourhadgoneby。Hecouldnotwaitanylonger。
　　`PiotrDmitrievich，PiotrDmitrievich？’hesaidinanimploringvoiceattheopendoor。`ForGod’ssake，forgiveme！Seemeasyouare。
　　It’sbeengoingonmorethantwohoursalready。’
　　`Inaminute；inaminute！’answeredavoice，andtohisamazementheardthatthedoctorwassmilingashespoke。
　　`Foroneinstant！’……
　　`Inaminute。’
　　Twominutesmorepassedwhilethedoctorwasputtingonhisboots，andtwominutesmorewhilethedoctorputonhiscoatandcombedhishair。
　　`PiotrDmitrievich！’Levinwasbeginningagaininaplaintivevoice，justasthedoctorcamein，dressedandready。`Thesepeoplehavenoconscience，’thoughtLevin。`Combinghishair，whilewe’redying！’
　　`Goodmorning！’thedoctorsaidtohim，shakinghands，and，asitwere，teasinghimwithhiscomposure。`There’snohurry。Well，now？’
　　Tryingtobeasaccurateaspossible，Levinbegantotellhimeveryunnecessarydetailofhiswife’scondition，interruptinghisaccountrepeatedlywithentreatiesthatthedoctorwouldcomewithhimatonce。
　　`Oh，youneedn’tbeinanyhurry。Youdon’tunderstand，youknow。
　　I’mcertainI’mnotwanted；stillI’vepromised，and，ifyoulike，I’llcome。Butthere’snohurry。Pleasesitdown；won’tyouhavesomecoffee？’
　　Levinstaredathimwitheyesthataskedwhetherhewaslaughingathim；butthedoctorhadnonotionofmakingfunofhim。
　　`Iknow，Iknow，’thedoctorsaid，smiling；`I’mamarriedmanmyself；andatthesemomentswehusbandsareverymuchtobepitied。I’veapatientwhosehusbandalwaystakesrefugeinthestablesonsuchoccasions。’
　　`Butwhatdoyouthink，PiotrDmitrievich？Doyousupposeitwillgoallright？’
　　`Everythingpointstoafavorableissue。’
　　`Soyou’llcomeimmediately？’saidLevin，lookingwrathfullyattheservantwhowasbringinginthecoffee。
　　`Injustanhour。’
　　`Oh，forGod’ssake！’
　　`Well，letmedrinkmycoffee，anyway。’
　　Thedoctorstarteduponhiscoffee。Bothweresilent。
　　`TheTurksarereallygettingbeaten，though。Didyoureadyesterday’stelegrams？’saidthedoctor，thoroughlymasticatingaroll。
　　`No，Ican’tstandit！’saidLevin，jumpingup。`Soyou’llbewithusinaquarterofanhour？’
　　`Inhalfanhour。’
　　`Onyourhonor？’
　　WhenLevingothome，hedroveupatthesametimeasthePrincess，andtheywentuptothebedroomtogether。ThePrincesshadtearsinhereyes，andherhandswereshaking。SeeingLevin，sheembracedhim，andburstintotears。
　　`Well，mydearLizavetaPetrovna？’shequeried，claspingthehandofthemidwife，whocameouttomeetthemwithabeamingandanxiousface。
　　`Everythingisgoingonwell，’shesaid；`persuadehertoliedown。Shewillfeeleasierthatway。’
　　Fromthemomentwhenhehadwakedupandunderstoodwhatwasgoingon，Levinhadpreparedhismindtobearresolutelywhatwasbeforehim，andwithoutconsideringoranticipatinganything，toavoidupsettinghiswife，and，onthecontrary，tosootheherandkeepuphercourage。Withoutallowinghimselfeventothinkofwhatwastocome，ofhowitwouldend，judgingfromhisinquiriesastotheusualdurationoftheseordeals，Levinhadinhisimaginationbracedhimselftobearupandtokeepatightreinonhisfeelingsforfivehours，andithadseemedtohimhecoulddothis。
　　Butwhenhecamebackfromthedoctor’sandsawhersufferingsagain，hefelltorepeatingmoreandmorefrequently:`Lord，havemercyonus，andsuccorus！’Hesighed，andflunghisheadup，andbegantofeelafraidhecouldnotbearit，thathewouldburstintotearsorrunaway-suchagonyitwastohim。Yetonlyonehourhadpassed。
　　Butafterthathourtherepassedanotherhour，twohours，three，thefullfivehourshehadfixedasthefurthestlimitofhissufferings，andthesituationwasstillunchanged；andhewasstillbearingitbecausetherewasnothingtobedonebutbearit-everyinstantfeelingthathehadreachedtheutmostlimitsofhisendurance，andthathisheartwouldbreakwithsympathyandpain。
　　Butstilltheminutespassedby，andthehours，andstillmorehours，andhismiseryandhorrorgrewandweremoreandmoreintense。
　　Alltheordinaryconditionsoflife，withoutwhichonecanformnoconceptionofanything，hadceasedtoexistforLevin。Helostallsenseoftime。Minutes-thoseminuteswhenshesentforhimandheheldhermoisthand，thatwouldsqueezehishandwithextraordinaryviolenceandthenpushitaway-seemedtohimhours，andhoursseemedtohimminutes。
　　HewassurprisedwhenLizavetaPetrovnaaskedhimtolightacandlebehindascreen，andhefoundthatitwasfiveo’clockintheafternoon。Ifhehadbeentolditwasonlyteno’clockinthemorninghewouldnothavebeensurprised。Wherehewasallthistime，heknewaslittleasthetimeofanything。Hesawherswollenface，sometimesbewilderedandinagony，sometimessmilingandtryingtoreassurehim。HesawtheoldPrincesstoo，flushedandoverwrought，withhergraycurlsindisorder，forcingherselftogulpdownhertears，bitingherlips；hesawDollytoo，andthedoctor，smokingthickcigarettes，andLizavetaPetrovnawithafirm，resolute，reassuringface，andtheoldPrincewalkingupanddownthehallwithafrowningface。Butwhytheycameinandwentout，wheretheywere，hedidnotknow。ThePrincesswaswiththedoctorinthebedroom，theninthestudy，whereatablesetfordinnersuddenlyappeared；thenshewasnotthere，butDollywas。ThenLevinrememberedhehadbeensentsomewhere。
　　Oncehehadbeensenttomoveatableandsofa。Hehaddonethiseagerly，thinkingithadtobedoneforhersake，andonlylateronhefounditwashisownbedhehadbeengettingready。Thenhehadbeensenttothestudytoaskthedoctorsomething。Thedoctorhadansweredandthenhadsaidsomethingabouttheirregularitiesinthemunicipalcouncil。ThenhehadbeensenttothebedroomtohelptheoldPrincessmovetheholyimageinitssilver-giltsetting，andwiththePrincess’soldwaitingmaidhehadclamberedonashelftoreachitandhadbrokenthelampad，andtheoldservanthadtriedtoreassurehimaboutthelampadandabouthiswife，andhecarriedtheholyimageinandsetitattheheadofKitty’sbed，carefullytuckingtheimageinbehindthepillow。Butwhere，when，andwhyallthishadhappened，hecouldnottell。HedidnotunderstandwhytheoldPrincesstookhishand，andlookingcompassionatelyathim，beggedhimnottoworryhimself，andDollypersuadedhimtoeatsomethingandledhimoutoftheroom，andeventhedoctorlookedseriouslyandwithcommiserationathim，andofferedhimadropofsomething。
　　AllheknewandfeltwasthatwhatwashappeningwaswhathadhappenednearlyayearbeforeinthehotelofthecountrytownatthedeathbedofhisbrotherNikolai。Butthathadbeengrief-thiswasjoy。Yetthatgriefandthisjoywerealikeoutsidealltheordinaryconditionsoflife；
　　theywereloopholes，asitwere，inthatordinarylife，throughwhichtherecameglimpsesofsomethingsublime。Andinthecontemplationofthissublimesomethingthesoulwasexaltedtoinconceivableheightsofwhichithadbeforehadnoconception，whilereasonlaggedbehind，unabletokeepupwithit。
　　`Lord，havemercyonus，andsuccorus！’herepeatedtohimselfincessantly，feeling，inspiteofhislongand，asitseemed，completealienationfromreligion，thatheturnedtoGodjustastrustfullyandsimplyashehadinhischildhoodandfirstyouth。
　　Allthistimehehadtwodistinctmoods。Onewasawayfromher，withthedoctor，whokeptsmokingonethickcigaretteafteranotherandextinguishingthemontheedgeofafullashtray；withDolly，andwiththeoldPrince，wheretherewastalkaboutdinner，aboutpolitics，aboutMariaPetrovna’sillness，andwhereLevinsuddenlyforgotforaminutewhatwashappening，andfeltasthoughhehadwakedupfromsleep；theothermoodwasinherpresence，atherpillow，wherehisheartseemedbreaking，andstilldidnotbreak，fromsympatheticsuffering，andheprayedtoGodwithoutceasing。Andeverytimehewasbroughtbackfromamomentofoblivionbyascreamreachinghimfromthebedroom，hefellintothesamestrangeterrorthathadcomeuponhimthefirstminute。Everytimeheheardashriek，hejumpedup，rantojustifyhimself，rememberedonthewaythathewasnottoblame，andhelongedtodefendher，tohelpher。Butashelookedather，hesawagainthathelpwasimpossible，andhewasfilledwithterrorandprayed:`Lord，havemercyonus，andhelpus！’Andastimewenton，boththesemoodsbecamemoreintense；thecalmerhebecameawayfromher，completelyforgettingher，themoreagonizingbecamebothhersufferingsandhisfeelingofhelplessnessbeforethem。Hejumpedup，wouldhavelikedtorunaway，butrantoher。
　　Sometimes，whenagainandagainshecalleduponhim，heblamedher；butseeinghersubmissive，smilingface，andhearingthewords`I
　　amworryingyou，’hethrewtheblameonGod；butthinkingofGod，atoncehefellbeseechingGodtoforgivehimandhavemercy。
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