TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter15[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter15Hedidnotknowwhetheritwaslateorearly。Thecandleshadallburnedout。Dollyhadjustbeeninthestudyandhadsuggestedtothedoctorthatheshouldliedown。Levinsatlisteningtothedoctor’sstoriesofaquackmesmerizerandlookingattheashesofhiscigarette。Therehadbeenaperiodofrepose，andhehadsunkintooblivion。Hehadcompletelyforgottenwhatwasgoingonnow。Heheardthedoctor’schatandunderstoodit。Suddenlytherecameanunearthlyshriek。TheshriekwassoawfulthatLevindidnotevenjumpup，but，holdinghisbreath，gazedinterrifiedinquiryatthedoctor。Thedoctorputhisheadononeside，listened，andsmiledapprovingly。
　　EverythingwassoextraordinarythatnothingcouldstrikeLevinasstrange。
　　`Isupposeitmustbeso，’hethought，andstillsatwherehewas。Whosescreamwasthis？Hejumpedup，ranontiptoetothebedroom，edgedroundLizavetaPetrovnaandthePrincess，andtookuphispositionatKitty’spillow。Thescreamhadsubsided，buttherewassomechangenow。Whatitwashedidnotseeanddidnotcomprehend，andhehadnowishtoseeorcomprehend。ButhesawitbythefaceofLizavetaPetrovna。LizavetaPetrovna’sfacewassternandpale，andstillasresolute，thoughherjawsweretwitching，andhereyeswerefixedintentlyonKitty。Kitty’sswollenandagonizedface，atressofhairclingingtohermoistbrow，wasturnedtohimandsoughthiseyes。Herliftedhandsaskedforhishands。Clutchinghischillhandsinhermoistones，shebegansqueezingthemtoherface。
　　`Don’tgo，don’tgo！I’mnotafraid，I’mnotafraid！’shesaidrapidly。`Mamma，takemyearrings。Theybotherme。You’renotafraid？Soon，soon，LizavetaPetrovna……’
　　Shespokequickly，veryquickly，andtriedtosmile。Butsuddenlyherfacewasdrawn-shepushedhimaway。
　　`Oh，thisisawful！I’mdying，I’mdying！Goaway！’sheshrieked，andagainheheardthatunearthlyscream。
　　Levinclutchedathisheadandranoutoftheroom。
　　`It’snothing，it’snothing，it’sallright，’Dollycalledafterhim。
　　Buttheymightsaywhattheyliked，heknewnowthatallwasover。
　　Hestoodinthenextroom，hisheadleaningagainstthedoorpost，andheardshrieks，howls，suchashehadneverheardbefore，andheknewthatwhathadbeenKittywasutteringtheseshrieks。Hehadlongagoceasedtowishforthechild。Bynowheloathedthischild。Hedidnotevenprayforherlifenow-allhelongedforwasthecessationofthisawfulanguish。
　　`Doctor！Whatisit？Whatisit？MyGod！’hesaid，snatchingatthedoctor’shandashecameup。
　　`It’stheend，’saidthedoctor。Andthedoctor’sfacewassograveashesaiditthatLevintooktheendasmeaningherdeath。
　　Besidehimself，heranintothebedroom。ThefirstthinghesawwasthefaceofLizavetaPetrovna。Itwasevenmorefrowningandstern。
　　Kitty’sfacehedidnotknow。Intheplacewhereithadbeenwassomethingthatwasfearfulinitsstraineddistortionandinthesoundsthatcamefromit。Hefelldownwithhisheadonthewoodenframeworkofthebed，feelingthathisheartwasbursting。Theawfulscreamneverpaused，itbecamestillmoreawful，andasthoughithadreachedtheutmostlimitofterror，suddenlyitceased。Levincouldnotbelievehisears，buttherecouldbenodoubt；thescreamhadceasedandheheardasubduedstirandbustle，andhurriedbreathing，andhervoice，gasping，alive，tender，andblissful，utteredsoftly:`It’sover！’
　　Heliftedhishead。Withherhandshangingexhaustedonthequilt，lookingextraordinarilylovelyandserene，shelookedathiminsilenceandtriedtosmile，andcouldnot。
　　Andsuddenly，fromthemysteriousandawfulfarawayworldinwhichhehadbeenlivingforthelasttwenty-twohours，Levinfelthimselfallinaninstantbornebacktotheoldeverydayworld，thoughglorifiednowbysucharadianceofhappinessthathecouldnotbearit。Thestrainedchordssnapped；sobsandtearsofjoywhichhehadneverforeseenroseupwithsuchviolencethathiswholebodyshook，andforlongtheypreventedhimfromspeaking。
　　Fallingonhiskneesbeforethebed，heheldhiswife’shandbeforehislipsandkissedit，andthehand，withaweakmovementofthefingers，respondedtohiskiss。Andmeanwhile，thereatthefootofthebed，inthedefthandsofLizavetaPetrovna，likeaflickeringlightinalamp，laythelifeofahumancreature，whichhadneverexistedbefore，andwhichwouldnowwiththesameright，withthesameimportancetoitself，liveandcreateinitsownimage。
　　`Alive！alive！Andaboytoo！Setyourmindatrest！’LevinheardLizavetaPetrovnasaying，assheslappedthebaby’sbackwithashakinghand。
　　`Mamma，isittrue？’saidKitty’svoice。
　　ThePrincess’ssobswerealltheanswershecouldmake。
　　Andinthemidstofthesilencetherecameinunmistakablereplytothemother’squestion，avoicequiteunlikethesubduedvoicesspeakingintheroom。Itwasthebold，clamorous，self-assertivesquallofthenewhumanbeing，whichhadsoincomprehensiblyappeared。
　　IfLevinhadbeentoldbeforethatKittywasdead，andthathehaddiedwithher，andthattheirchildrenwereangels，andthatGodwasstandingbeforehim，hewouldhavebeensurprisedatnothing。Butnow，comingbacktotheworldofreality，hehadtomakegreatmentaleffortstotakeinthatshewasaliveandwell，andthatthecreaturesquallingsodesperatelywashisson。Kittywasalive，heragonywasover。Andhewasunutterablyhappy。Thatheunderstood；andhewascompletelyhappyinit。Butthebaby？Whence，why，whowashe？……Hecouldnotgetusedtotheidea。Itseemedtohimsomethingextraneous，superfluous，towhichhecouldnotaccustomhimself。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter16[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter16Atteno’clocktheoldPrince，SergeiIvanovich，andStepanArkadyevich，weresittingatLevin’s。HavinginquiredafterKitty，theyhaddroppedintoconversationuponothersubjects。Levinheardthem，andunconsciously，astheytalked，goingoverthepast，overwhattheyhadbeenuptothatmorning，hethoughtofhimselfashehadbeenyesterdaytillthatpoint。
　　Itwasasthoughahundredyearshadpassedsincethen。Hefelthimselfexaltedtounattainableheights，fromwhichhestudiouslyloweredhimselfsoasnottowoundthepeoplehewastalkingto。Hetalked，andwasallthetimethinkingofhiswife，ofherpresentcondition，ofhisson，inwhoseexistencehetriedtoschoolhimselfintobelieving。Thewholeworldofwoman，whichhadtakenforhimsincehismarriageanewvaluehehadneversuspectedbefore，wasnowsoexaltedthathisimaginationcouldnotembraceit。Heheardthemtalkofyesterday’sdinnerattheclub，andthought:
　　`Whatishappeningwithhernow？Issheasleep？Howisshe？Whatisshethinkingof？Ishecrying-mysonDmitrii？’Andinthemiddleoftheconversation，inthemiddleofasentence，hejumpedupandwentoutoftheroom。
　　`SendmewordifIcanseeher，’saidthePrince。
　　`Verywell，inaminute，’answeredLevin，andwithoutstopping，hewenttoherroom。
　　Shewasnotasleep，shewastalkinggentlywithhermother，makingplansaboutthechristening。
　　Carefullysettorights，withhairwellbrushed，inasmartlittlecapwithsomeblueinit，herarmsoutonthequilt，shewaslyingonherback。Meetinghiseyes，hereyesdrewhimtoher。Herface，brightbefore，brightenedstillmoreashedrewnearher。Therewasthesamechangeinitfromearthlytounearthlythatisseeninthefaceofthedead。Butthereitmeansfarewell-hereitmeantwelcome。Againarushofemotion，suchashehadfeltatthemomentofthechild’sbirth，floodedhisheart。
　　Shetookhishandandaskedhimifhehadslept。Hecouldnotanswer，andturnedaway，realizinghisweakness。
　　`Ihavehadanap，Kostia！’shesaidtohim。`AndIamsocomfortablenow。’
　　Shelookedathim，butsuddenlyherexpressionchanged。
　　`Givehimtome，’shesaid，hearingthebaby’scry。`Givehimtome，LizavetaPetrovna，andheshalllookathim。’
　　`Tobesure，hispapashalllookathim，’saidLizavetaPetrovna，gettingupandbringingsomethingred，andqueerandwriggling。`Waitaminute，we’llarrayourselvesfirst，’andLizavetaPetrovnalaidtheredwobblingthingonthebed，beganuntrussingandtrussingupthebaby，liftingitupandturningitoverwithonefingerandpowderingitwithsomething。
　　Levin，lookingatthetiny，pitifulcreature，madestrenuouseffortstodiscoverinhisheartsometracesoffatherlyfeelingforit。Hefeltnothingtowarditbutdisgust。Butwhenitwasundressedandhecaughtaglimpseofwee，wee，littlehands，littlefeet，saffron-colored，withlittletoes，too；andevenwithalittlebigtoedifferentfromtherest，andwhenhesawLizavetaPetrovnaclosingthewide-openlittlehands，asthoughtheyweresoftsprings，andputtingthemintolinengarments，suchpityforthelittlecreaturecameuponhim，andsuchterrorthatshewouldhurtit，thatheheldherhandback。
　　LizavetaPetrovnalaughed。
　　`Don’tbefrightened，don’tbefrightened！’
　　Whenthebabyhadbeenarrayedandtransformedintoasoliddoll，LizavetaPetrovnadandleditasthoughproudofherhandiwork，andstoodalittleawaysothatLevinmightseehissoninallhisglory。
　　Kittylookedsidewaysinthesamedirection，nevertakinghereyesoffthebaby。`Givehimtome！Givehimtome！’shesaid，andevenmadeasthoughshewouldsitup。
　　`Whatareyouthinkingof，KaterinaAlexandrovna，youmustn’tmovelikethat！Waitaminute。I’llgivehimtoyou。Herewe’reshowingpapawhatafinefellowweare！’
　　AndLizavetaPetrovna，withonehandsupportingthewobblinghead，liftedupontheotherarmthestrange，limp，redcreature，whoseheadwaslostinitsswaddlingclothes。Butithadanose，too，andslantingeyes，andsmackinglips。
　　`Asplendidbaby！’saidLizavetaPetrovna。
　　Levinsighedwithmortification。Thissplendidbabyexcitedinhimnofeelingbutdisgustandcompassion。Itwasnotatallthefeelinghehadlookedforwardto。
　　HeturnedawaywhileLizavetaPetrovnaputthebabytotheunaccustomedbreast。
　　Suddenlylaughtermadehimlookround。Thebabyhadtakenthebreast。
　　`Comethat’senough，that’senough！’saidLizavetaPetrovna，butKittywouldnotletthebabygo。Hefellasleepinherarms。
　　`Look，now，’saidKitty，turningthebabysothathecouldseeit。Theaged-lookinglittlefacesuddenlypuckeredupstillmore，andthebabysneezed。
　　Smiling，hardlyabletorestrainhistears，Levinkissedhiswifeandwentoutofthedarkroom。
　　Whathefelttowardthislittlecreaturewasutterlyunlikewhathehadexpected。Therewasnothingcheerfulandjoyousinthefeeling；
　　onthecontrary，itwasanewtortureofapprehension。Itwastheconsciousnessofanewsphereofliabilitytopain。Andthissensewassopainfulatfirst，theapprehensionlestthishelplesscreatureshouldsufferwassointense，thatitpreventedhimfromnoticingthestrangethrillofsenselessjoyandevenpridethathehadfeltwhenthebabyhadsneezed。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter17[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter17StepanArkadyevich’saffairswereinaverybadway。
　　Themoneyfortwo-thirdsoftheforesthadallbeenspentalready，andhehadborrowedfromthemerchantinadvanceattenpercentdiscountalmostalltheremainingthird。Themerchantwouldnotgivemore，especiallyasDaryaAlexandrovna，forthefirsttimethatwinterinsistingonherrighttoherownproperty，hadrefusedtosignthereceiptforthepaymentofthelastthirdoftheforest。Allhissalarywentonhouseholdexpensesandinpaymentofpettydebtsthatcouldnotbeputoff。Therewaspositivelynomoney。
　　Thiswasunpleasantandawkward，andinStepanArkadyevich’sopinionthingscouldnotgoonlikethis。Theexplanationofthepositionwas，inhisview，tobefoundinthefactthathissalarywastoosmall。Theposthefilledhadbeenunmistakablyverygoodfiveyearsago，butitwassonolonger。Petrov，thebankdirector，hadtwelvethousand；Sventitsky，acompanydirector，hadseventeenthousand；Mitin，whohadfoundedabank，receivedfiftythousand。`ClearlyI’vebeennapping，andthey’veoverlookedme，’StepanArkadyevichthoughtabouthimself。Andhebegankeepinghiseyesandearsopen，andtowardtheendofthewinterhehaddiscoveredaverygoodberthandhadformedaplanofattackuponit，atfirstfromMoscowthroughaunts，uncles，andfriends，andthen，whenthematterwaswelladvanced，inthespring，hewenthimselftoPeterburg。Itwasoneofthoseberthswithincomesrangingfromonethousandtofiftythousandroubles，ofwhichtherearesomanymorenowadaysthanthereweresnug，bribableonesinthepast。ItwasthepostofsecretaryofthecommitteeoftheamalgamatedagencyoftheSouthernRailways，andofcertainbankingcompanies。Thisposition，likeallsuchappointments，calledforsuchimmenseenergyandsuchvariedqualifications，thatitwasdifficultforthemtobefoundunitedinanyoneman。Andsinceamancombiningallthequalificationswasnottobefound，itwasatleastbetterthatthepostbefilledbyanhonestthanbyadishonestman。AndStepanArkadyevichwasnotmerelyanhonestman，unemphatically，inthecommonacceptationoftheword；hewasanhonestman，emphatically，inthatspecialsensewhichthewordhasinMoscow，whentheytalkofan`honest’politician，an`honest’writer，an`honest’newspaper，an`honest’institution，an`honest’tendency，meaningnotsimplythatthemanortheinstitutionisnotdishonest，butthattheyarecapableonoccasionofstingingtheauthorities。StepanArkadyevichmovedinthosecirclesinMoscowinwhichthatexpressionhadcomeintouse，wasregardedthereasanhonestman，andsohadmorerighttothisappointmentthanothers。
　　Theappointmentyieldedanincomeoffromseventotenthousandayear，andOblonskycouldfillitwithoutgivinguphisgovernmentposition。
　　Itwasinthehandsoftwoministers，onelady，andtwoJews，andallthesepeople，thoughthewayhadbeenpavedalreadywiththem，StepanArkadyevichhadtoseeinPeterburg。Besidesthisbusiness，StepanArkadyevichhadpromisedhissisterAnnatoobtainfromKareninadefiniteansweronthequestionofdivorce。AndbeggingfiftyroublesfromDolly，hesetoffforPeterburg。
　　StepanArkadyevichsatinKarenin’sstudylisteningtohisreportonthecausesoftheunsatisfactorypositionofRussianfinance，andonlywaitingforthemomentwhenhewouldfinishtospeakabouthisownbusinessoraboutAnna。
　　`Yes，that’sverytrue，’hesaid，whenAlexeiAlexandrovichtookoffthepince-nez，withoutwhichhecouldnotreadnow，andlookedinquiringlyathisquondambrother-in-law，`that’sverytrueinparticularcases，butstill，theprincipleofourdayisfreedom。’
　　`Yes，butIlaydownanotherprinciple，embracingtheprincipleoffreedom，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，withemphasisontheword`embracing’，andheputonhispince-nezagain，soastoreadthepassageinwhichthisstatementwasmade。
　　Andturningoverthebeautifullywritten，wide-marginedmanuscript，AlexeiAlexandrovichreadaloudtheconclusivepassageoncemore。
　　`Idon’tadvocateprotectionforthesakeofprivateinterest，butforthepublicweal-andforthelowerandupperclassesequally，’
　　hesaid，lookingoverhispince-nezatOblonsky。`Buttheycannotgraspthat，theyaretakenupnowwithpersonalinterests，andcarriedawaybyphrases。’
　　StepanArkadyevichknewthatwhenKareninbegantotalkofwhattheyweredoingandthinking，thepersonswhowouldnotaccepthisreportandwerethecauseofeverythingwronginRussia，thatitwascomingneartheend。Andsonowheeagerlyabandonedtheprincipleoffreetrade，andfullyagreed。AlexeiAlexandrovichpaused，thoughtfullyturningoverthepagesofhismanuscript。
　　`Oh，bytheway，’saidStepanArkadyevich，`Iwantedtoaskyou，sometimewhenyouseePomorsky，todrophimahintthatIshouldbeverygladtogetthatnewappointmentofmemberofthecommitteeoftheamalgamatedagencyoftheSouthernRailwaysandbankingcompanies。’StepanArkadyevichwasfamiliarbynowwiththetitleoftheposthecoveted，andhebroughtitoutrapidlywithoutmistake。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichquestionedhimastothedutiesofthisnewcommittee，andpondered。Hewasconsideringwhetherthenewcommitteewouldnotbeactinginsomewaycontrarytotheviewshehadbeenadvocating。
　　Butastheinfluenceofthenewcommitteewasofaverycomplexnature，andhisviewswereofverywideapplication，hecouldnotdecidethisstraightoff，andtakingoffhispince-nez，hesaid:
　　`Ofcourse，Icanmentionittohim；butwhatisyourreasonpreciselyforwishingtoobtaintheappointment？’
　　`It’sagoodsalary，risingtoninethousand，andmymeans……’
　　`Ninethousand！’repeatedAlexeiAlexandrovich，andhefrowned。
　　ThehighfigureofthesalarymadehimreflectthatonthatsideStepanArkadyevich’sproposedpositionrancountertothemaintendencyofhisownprojectsofreform，whichalwaysleanedtowardeconomy。
　　`Iconsider，andIhaveembodiedmyviewsinanoteonthesubject，thatinourdaytheseimmensesalariesareevidenceoftheunsoundeconomicassietteofourfinances。’
　　`Butwhat’stobedone？’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Supposeabankdirectorgetstenthousand-well，he’sworthit；oranengineergetstwentythousand-afterall，it’sagrowingthing，youknow！’
　　`Iassumethatasalaryisthepricepaidforacommodity，anditoughttoconformwiththelawofsupplyanddemand。Ifthesalaryisfixedwithoutanyregardforthatlaw，as，forinstance，whenIseetwoengineersleavingcollegetogether，bothequallywelltrainedandefficient，andonegettingfortythousandwhiletheotherissatisfiedwithtwo；orwhenIseelawyersandhussars，havingnospecialqualifications，appointeddirectorsofbankingcompanieswithimmensesalaries，Iconcludethatthesalaryisnotfixedinaccordancewiththelawofsupplyanddemand，butsimplythroughpersonalinterest。Andthisisanabuseofgreatgravityinitself，andonethatreactsinjuriouslyonthegovernmentservice。I
　　consider……’
　　StepanArkadyevichmadehastetointerrupthisbrother-in-law。
　　`Yes；butyoumustagreethatthenewinstitutionbeingstartedisofundoubtedutility。Afterall，youknow，it’sagrowingthing！Whattheylayparticularstressonisthethingbeingcarriedonhonestly，’
　　saidStepanArkadyevichwithemphasis。
　　ButtheMoscowsignificanceofthewordhonestwaslostonAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　`Honestyisonlyanegativequalification，’hesaid。
　　`Well，you’lldomeagreatservice，anyway，’saidStepanArkadyevich，`byputtinginawordtoPomorsky-justinthewayofconversation……’
　　`ButIfancyitdependsmoreonBolgarinov，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　`Bolgarinovhasfullyassented，asfarashe’sconcerned，’saidStepanArkadyevich，turningred。StepanArkadyevichreddenedatthementionofthatname，becausehehadbeenthatmorningattheJewBolgarinov’s，andthevisithadleftanunpleasantrecollection。
　　StepanArkadyevichbelievedmostpositivelythatthecommitteeinwhichhewastryingtogetanappointmentwasanew，genuine，andhonestpublicbody，butthatmorningwhenBolgarinovhad-intentionally，beyondadoubt-kepthimtwohourswaitingwithotherpetitionersinhiswaitingroom，hehadsuddenlyfeltuneasy。
　　Whetherhewasuncomfortablebecausehe，adescendantofRurik，PrinceOblonsky，hadbeenkeptfortwohourswaitingtoseeaJew，orthatforthefirsttimeinhisfifehewasnotfollowingtheexampleofhisancestorsinservingthegovernment，butwasturningoffintoanewcareer-atanyratehewasveryuncomfortable。DuringthosetwohoursinBolgarinov’swaitingroomStepanArkadyevich，steppingjauntilyabouttheroom，pullinghissidewhiskers，enteringintoconversationwiththeotherpetitioners，andinventingacalembourdealingwithhiswaitintheJew’santeroom，assiduouslyconcealedfromothers，andevenfromhimself，thefeelinghewasexperiencing。
　　Butallthetimehewasuncomfortableandperturbed，hecouldnothavesaidwhy-whetherbecausehecouldnotgethiscalembourjustright，orfromsomeotherreason。WhenatlastBolgarinovhadreceivedhimwithexaggeratedpolitenessandunmistakabletriumphathishumiliation，andhadallbutrefusedthefavoraskedofhim，StepanArkadyevichhadmadehastetoforgetitallassoonaspossible。Andnow，atthemererecollection，heblushed。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter18[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter18`NowthereissomethingIwanttotalkabout，andyouknowwhatitis……
　　aboutAnna，’StepanArkadyevichsaid，pausingforabriefspace，andshakingofftheunpleasantimpression。
　　AssoonasOblonskyutteredAnna’sname，thefaceofAlexeiAlexandrovichbecamecompletelytransformed；allthelifewentoutofit，anditlookedwearyanddead。
　　`Whatisitexactlythatyouwantfromme？’hesaid，movinginhischairandsnappinghispince-nez。
　　`Adefinitesettlement，AlexeiAlexandrovich-somesettlementofthesituation。I’mappealingtoyou’`notastoaninjuredhusband，’
　　StepanArkadyevichwasgoingtosay，but，afraidofwreckinghisnegotiationbythis，hechangedthewords`notastoastatesman’whichdidnotsoundapropos，`butsimplyastoaman，andagoodheartedman，andaChristian。
　　Youmusthavepityonher，’hesaid。
　　`Thatis，inwhatway，precisely？’Kareninsaidsoftly。
　　`Yes，pityonher。IfyouhadseenherasIhave！-Ihavebeenspendingallthewinterwithher-youwouldhavepityonher。Herpositionisawful，simplyawful！’
　　`Ihadimagined，’answeredAlexeiAlexandrovichinahigher，almostshrillvoice，`thatAnnaArkadyevnahadeverythingshehaddesiredforherself。’
　　`Oh，AlexeiAlexandrovich，forGod’ssake，let’snotindulgeinrecriminations！Whatispastispast，andyouknowwhatshewantsandiswaitingfor-adivorce。’
　　`ButIbelieveAnnaArkadyevnarefusesadivorce，ifImakeitaconditiontoleavememyson。Irepliedinthatsense，andsupposedthatthematterwasended。Iconsideritatanend，’shriekedAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　`But，forheaven’ssake，don’tgetexcited！’saidStepanArkadyevich，touchinghisbrother-in-law’sknee。`Thematterisnotended。Ifyouwillallowmetorecapitulate，itwaslikethis:whenyouparted，youwereasmagnanimousascouldpossiblybe；youwerereadytogivehereverything-freedom，evendivorce。Sheappreciatedthat。No，makenodoubt。Shedidappreciateit-tosuchadegreethat，atthefirstmoment，feelinghowshehadwrongedyou，shedidnotconsiderandcouldnotconsidereverything。
　　Shegaveupeverything。Butexperience，time，haveshownthatherpositionisunbearable，impossible。’
　　`ThelifeofAnnaArkadyevnacanhavenointerestforme，’AlexeiAlexandrovichputin，raisinghiseyebrows。
　　`Allowmetodisbelievethat，’StepanArkadyevichrepliedgently。
　　`Herpositionisintolerableforher，andofnobenefittoanyonewhatever。
　　Shehasdeservedit，youwillsay。Sheknowsthatandasksyoufornothing；
　　shesaysplainlythatshedarenotaskyou。ButI，allofus-herrelatives，allwholoveher-begyou，entreatyou。Whyshouldshesuffer？Whoisanythebetterforit？’
　　`Excuseme，youseemtoputmeinthepositionoftheguiltyparty，’
　　observedAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　`Oh，no，oh，no，notatall！Pleaseunderstandme，’saidStepanArkadyevichagaintouchinghim-thistimehishand-asthoughfeelingsurethisphysicalcontactwouldsoftenhisbrother-in-law。`AllIsayisthis:herpositionisintolerable，anditmightbealleviatedbyyou，andyouwilllosenothingbyit。Iwillarrangeitallforyou，sothatyou’llnevernoticeit。Youdidpromiseit，youknow。’
　　`Thepromisewasgivenbefore。AndIhadsupposedthatthequestionofmysonhadsettledthematter。Besides，IhopedthatAnnaArkadyevnahadenoughmagnanimity……’AlexeiAlexandrovicharticulatedwithdifficulty，hislipstwitchingandhisfacewhite。
　　`Sheleavesitalltoyourmagnanimity。Shebegs，sheimploresonethingofyou-toextricateherfromtheimpossiblepositioninwhichsheisplaced。Shedoesnotaskforhersonnow。AlexeiAlexandrovich，youareagoodman。Putyourselfinherpositionforaminute。Thequestionofdivorceforherinherpositionisaquestionoflifeanddeath。Ifyouhadnotpromiseditonce，shewouldhavereconciledherselftoherposition，shewouldhavegoneonlivinginthecountry。Butyoupromisedit，andshewrotetoyou，andmovedtoMoscow。Andhereshe’sbeenforsixmonthsinMoscow，whereeverychancemeetingcutshertotheheart，everydayexpectingananswer。Why，it’slikekeepingacondemnedcriminalforsixmonthswiththeroperoundhisneck，promisinghimperhapsdeath，perhapsmercy。Havepityonher，andIwillundertaketoarrangeeverything……
　　Vosscrupules……’
　　`Iamnottalkingaboutthat，aboutthat……’AlexeiAlexandrovichinterruptedwithdisgust。`But，perhaps，IpromisedwhatIhadnorighttopromise。’
　　`Soyougobackonyourpromise？’
　　`Ihaveneverrefusedtodoallthatispossible，butIwanttimetoconsiderhowmuchofwhatIpromisedispossible。’
　　`No，AlexeiAlexandrovich！’criedOblonsky，jumpingup。`Iwon’tbelievethat！She’sunhappyasonlyawomancanbeunhappy，andyoucannotrefuseinsuch……’
　　`AsmuchofwhatIpromisedasispossible。Vousprofessezd’ê；trelibrepenseur。ButI，asabeliever，cannot，inamatterofsuchgravity，actinoppositiontotheChristianlaw。’
　　`ButinChristiansocietiesandamongus，asfarasI’maware，divorceisallowed，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Divorceissanctionedevenbyourchurch。Andwesee……’
　　`Itisallowed，butnotinthesense……’
　　`AlexeiAlexandrovich，youarenotlikeyourself，’saidOblonsky，afterabriefpause。`Wasn’tityouanddidn’tweallappreciateitinyou？whoforgaveeverything，and，movedsimplybyChristianfeeling，werereadytomakeanysacrifice？Yousaidyourself:ifamantakethycloak，givehimthycoatalso，andnow……’
　　`Ibeg，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovichshrilly，gettingsuddenlyontohisfeet，hisfacewhiteandhisjawstwitching，`Ibegyoutodropthis……
　　todrop……thissubject！’
　　`Oh，no！Oh，forgiveme，forgivemeifIhavewoundedyou，’saidStepanArkadyevich，holdingouthishandwithasmileofembarrassment；
　　`butlikeamessengerIhavesimplyperformedthecommissiongivenme。’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichgavehimhishand，ponderedalittle，andsaid:
　　`Imustthinkitoverandseekforguidance。ThedayaftertomorrowIwillgiveyouafinalanswer，’hesaid，afterconsideringamoment。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter19[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter19StepanArkadyevichwasabouttogoawaywhenKorneicameintoannounce:
　　`SergeiAlexeevich！’
　　`Who’sSergeiAlexeevich？’StepanArkadyevichwasabouttoask，butherememberedimmediately。
　　`Ah，Seriozha！’hesaidaloud-`’sergeiAlexeevich！’Ithoughtitwasthedirectorofsomedepartment-Annaaskedmetoseehimtoo，’
　　heremembered。
　　Andherecalledthetimid，piteousexpressionwithwhichAnnahadsaidtohimatparting:`Anyway，youwillseehim。Findoutexactlywhereheis，whoislookingafterhim。AndStiva……Ifitwerepossible！
　　Coulditbepossible？’StepanArkadyevichknewwhatwasmeantbythat`ifitwerepossible，’-ifitwerepossibletoarrangethedivorcesoastoletherhaveherson……StepanArkadyevichsawnowthatitwasuselesstodreamofthat，butstillhewasgladtoseehisnephew。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichremindedhisbrother-in-lawthattheyneverspoketotheboyofhismother，andhebeggedhimnottomentionasinglewordabouther。
　　`Hewasveryillafterthatinterviewwithhismother，whichwehadnotforeseen，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich。`Indeed，wefearedforhislife。Butwithrationaltreatment，andseabathinginthesummer，heregainedhisstrength，andnow，bythedoctor’sadvice，Ihavelethimgotoschool。
　　Andcertainlythecompanionshipatschoolhashadagoodeffectonhim，andheisperfectlywell，andmakinggoodprogress。’
　　`Whatafinefellowhe’sgrown！Andhe’snolongerSeriozha，butquitefull-fledged-SergeiAlexeevich！’saidStepanArkadyevich，smiling，ashelookedatthehandsome，broad-shoulderedladinbluejacketandlongtrousers，whowalkedinalertlyandconfidently。Theboylookedhealthyandgood-humored。Hebowedtohisuncleastoastranger，but，recognizinghim，heblushedandturnedhurriedlyawayfromhim，asthoughoffendedandirritatedatsomething。Theboywentuptohisfatherandhandedhimanoteofthemarkshehadgainedinschool。
　　`Well，that’sveryfair，’saidhisfather，`youmaygo。’
　　`He’sthinnerandtaller，andhasgrownfromachildintoaboy；
　　Ilikethat，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Doyourememberme？’
　　Theboylookedbackquicklyathisuncle。
　　`Yes，mononcle，’heanswered，glancingathisfather，andagainhelookeddowncast。
　　Hisunclecalledhimtohim，andtookhishand。
　　`Well，andhowareyougettingon？’hesaid，wantingtotalktohim，andnotknowingwhattosay。
　　Theboy，blushingandmakingnoanswer，cautiouslydrewhishandaway。AssoonasStepanArkadyevichletgohishand，heglanceddoubtfullyathisfather，and，likeabirdsetfree，hedartedoutoftheroom。
　　AyearhadpassedsincethelasttimeSeriozhahadseenhismother。
　　Sincethenhehadheardnothingmoreofher。Andinthecourseofthatyearhehadgonetoschool，andmadefriendsamonghisschoolfellows。Thedreamsandmemoriesofhismother，whichhadmadehimillafterseeingher，didnotoccupyhisthoughtsnow。Whentheycamebacktohim，hestudiouslydrovethemaway，regardingthemasshamefulandgirlish，belowthedignityofaboyandaschoolboy。Heknewthathisfatherandmotherwereseparatedbysomequarrel，heknewthathehadtoremainwithhisfather，andhetriedtogetusedtothatidea。
　　Hedislikedseeinghisuncle，solikehismother，foritcalledupthosememorieswhichhewasashamedof。Hedislikeditallthemoreas，fromcertainwordshehadcaughtashewaitedatthestudydoor，andstillmorefromthefacesofhisfatheranduncle，hehadguessedthattheymusthavebeentalkingofhismother。Andtoavoidcondemningthefatherwithwhomhelivedandonwhomhewasdependent，and，aboveall，toavoidgivingwaytosentimentality，whichheconsideredsodegrading，Seriozhatriednottolookathisuncle，whohadcometodisturbhispeaceofmind，andnottothinkofwhatherecalledtohim。
　　ButwhenStepanArkadyevich，goingoutafterhim，sawhimonthestairs，and，callingtohim，askedhimhowhespenthisplaytimeatschool，Seriozhatalkedmorefreelytohimawayfromhisfather’spresence。
　　`Wehavearailwaynow，’hesaidinanswertohisuncle’squestion。
　　`It’slikethis，yousee:twositonabench-they’rethepassengers；
　　andonestandsupstraightonthebench。Andallareharnessedtoitbytheirarmsorbytheirbelts，andtheyrunthroughalltherooms-thedoorsareleftopenbeforehand。Well，andit’sprettyhardworkbeingtheconductor！’
　　`That’stheonethatstands？’StepanArkadyevichinquired，smiling。
　　`Yes，youwantpluckforit，andclevernesstoo，especiallywhentheystopallofasudden，orsomeonefallsdown。’
　　`Yes，thatmustbeaseriousmatter，’saidStepanArkadyevich，watchingwithmournfulinteresttheeagereyes，likehismother’s；notchildishnow-nolongerfullyinnocent。AndthoughhehadpromisedAlexeiAlexandrovichnottospeakofAnna，hecouldnotrestrainhimself。
　　`Doyourememberyourmother？’heaskedsuddenly。
　　`No，Idon’t，’Seriozhasaidquickly。Heblushedcrimson，hiseyesdrooping。Andhisunclecouldgetnothingmoreoutofhim。
　　HisSlavictutorfoundhispupilonthestaircasehalfanhourlater，andforalongwhilehecouldnotmakeoutwhetherhewasill-temperedorcrying。
　　`Whatisit？Iexpectyouhurtyourselfwhenyoufelldown？’saidthetutor。`Itoldyouitwasadangerousgame。Andweshallhavetospeaktothedirector。’
　　`IfIhadhurtmyself，nobodyshouldhavefounditout，that’scertain。’
　　`Well，whatisit，then？’
　　`Leavemealone！IfIremember，orifIdon’tremember？……Whatbusinessisitofhis？WhyshouldIremember？Leavemeinpeace！’hesaid，addressingnothistutor，butthewholeworld。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter20[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter20StepanArkadyevich，asusual，didnotwastehistimeinPeterburg。InPeterburg，besidesbusiness，hissister’sdivorce，andhiscovetedappointment，hewanted，ashealwaysdid，tofreshenhimselfup，ashesaid，afterthemustinessofMoscow。
　　Inspiteofitscafé；schantantsanditsomnibuses，Moscowwasyetastagnantbog。StepanArkadyevichalwaysfeltit。AfterlivingforsometimeinMoscow，especiallyincloserelationswithhisfamily，hewasconsciousofadepressionofspirits。AfterbeingalongtimeinMoscowwithoutachange，hereachedapointwhenhepositivelybegantobeworryinghimselfoverhiswife’sill-humorandreproaches，overhischildren’shealthandeducation，andthepettydetailsofhisofficialwork；eventhefactofbeingindebtworriedhim。ButhehadonlytogoandstayalittlewhileinPeterburg，inthecircleinwhichhemovedthere，wherepeoplelived-reallylived-insteadofvegetatingasinMoscow，andallsuchideasvanishedandmeltedawayatonce，likewaxbeforethefire。
　　Awife？……OnlythatdayhehadbeentalkingtoPrinceChechensky。
　　PrinceChechenskyhadawifeandfamily，grown-upchildrenintheCorpsofPages……Andhehadanotherillegitimatefamilyofchildrenalso。Thoughthefirstfamilywasveryfinetoo，PrinceChechenskyfelthappierinhissecondfamily；andheusedtotakehiseldestsonwithhimtohissecondfamily，andtoldStepanArkadyevichthathethoughtitgoodforhisson，enlarginghisideas。WhatwouldhavebeensaidtothatinMoscow？
　　Children？……InPeterburgchildrendidnotpreventtheirparentsfromenjoyinglife。Thechildrenwerebroughtupinschools，andtherewasnotraceofthewildideathatprevailedinMoscow，inLvov’shousehold，forinstance，thatalltheluxuriesoflifewereforthechildren，whiletheparentshavenothingbutworkandanxiety。Herepeopleunderstoodthatamanisindutyboundtoliveforhimself，aseverymanofcultureshouldlive。
　　Officialduties？……Officialworkherewasnotthestiff，hopelessdrudgerythatitwasinMoscow。Heretherewassomeinterestinofficiallife。Achancemeeting，aservicerendered，ahappyphrase，aknackoffacetiousmimicry，andaman’scareermightbemadeinatrice。SoithadbeenwithBriantsev，whomStepanArkadyevichhadmetthepreviousday，andwhowasoneofthehighestfunctionariesingovernmentnow。Therewassomeinterestinofficialworklikethat。
　　ThePeterburgattitudeonpecuniarymattershadanespeciallysoothingeffectonStepanArkadyevich。Bartniansky，whomustspendatleastfiftythousandtojudgebythestylehelivedin，hadmadearemarkablecommentthedaybeforeonthatsubject。
　　Astheyweretalkingbeforedinner，StepanArkadyevichsaidtoBartniansky:
　　`You’refriendly，Ifancy，withMordvinsky；youmightdomeafavor:sayawordtohim，please，forme。There’sanappointmentIshouldliketoget-memberoftheagency……’
　　`Oh，Ishan’trememberallthat，ifyoutellittome……ButwhatpossessesyoutohavetodowithrailwaysandYids？……Takeitasyouwill，it’salowbusiness。’
　　StepanArkadyevichdidnotsaytoBartnianskythatitwasa`growingthing’-Bartnianskywouldnothaveunderstoodthat。
　　`Iwantthemoney-I’venothingtoliveon。’
　　`You’reliving，aren’tyou？’
　　`Yes，butindebt。’
　　`Areyou，though？Heavily？’saidBartnianskysympathetically。
　　`Veryheavily:twentythousand。’
　　Bartnianskybrokeintogood-humoredlaughter。
　　`Oh，luckyfellow！’saidhe。`Mydebtsmountuptoamillionandahalf，andI’venothing，andstillIcanlive，asyousee！’
　　AndStepanArkadyevichsawthecorrectnessofthisviewnotinwordsonlybutinactualfact。Zhivakhovowedthreehundredthousand，andhadn’tacoppertoblesshimselfwith，andhelived，andinstyletoo！
　　CountKrivtsovwasconsideredahopelesscasebyeveryone，andyethekepttwomistresses。Petrovskyhadrunthroughfivemillions，andstilllivedinjustthesamestyle，andwasevenamanagerinthefinancialdepartmentwithasalaryoftwentythousand。Butbesidesthis，PeterburghadphysicallyanagreeableeffectonStepanArkadyevich。Itmadehimyounger。InMoscowhesometimesfoundagrayhairinhishead，droppedasleepafterdinner，stretched，walkedslowlyupstairs，breathingheavily，wasboredbythesocietyofyoungwomen，anddidnotdanceatballs。InPeterburghealwaysfelttenyearsyounger。
　　HisexperienceinPeterburgwasexactlywhathadbeendescribedtohimonthepreviousdaybyPrincePiotrOblonsky，amanofsixty，whohadjustcomebackfromabroad:
　　`Wedon’tknowhowtolivehere，’saidPiotrOblonsky。`IspentthesummerinBaden，andyouwouldn’tbelieveit，Ifeltquiteayoungman。Ataglimpseofaprettywoman，mythoughts……Onedinesanddrinksaglassofwine，andfeelsstrongandreadyforanything。IcamehometoRussia-hadtoseemywife，and，what’smore，gotomycountryplace；
　　andthere，you’dhardlybelieveit，inafortnightI’dgotintoadressinggownandgivenupdressingfordinner。Needn’tsayIhadnothoughtsleftforprettywomen。Ibecamequiteanoldgentleman。Therewasnothingleftformebuttothinkofmyeternalsalvation。IwentofftoParis-Iwasatonceasrightascouldbe。’
　　StepanArkadyevichfeltexactlythedifferencethatPiotrOblonskydescribed。InMoscowhedegeneratedsomuchthatifhehadhadtobethereforlongtogether，hemightingoodearnesthavecometoconsideringhissalvation；inPeterburghefelthimselfamanoftheworldagain。
　　BetweenPrincessBetsyTverskaiaandStepanArkadyevichtherehadlongexistedrathercuriousrelations。StepanArkadyevichalwaysflirtedwithherinjest，andusedtosaytoher，alsoinjest，themostunseemlythings，knowingthatnothingdelightedhersomuch。ThedayafterhisconversationwithKarenin，StepanArkadyevichwenttoseeher，andfeltsoyouthfulthatinthisjestingflirtationandnonsenseherecklesslywentsofarthathedidnotknowhowtoextricatehimself，asunluckilyhewassofarfrombeingattractedbyherthathethoughtherpositivelydisagreeable。
　　Whatmadeithardtochangetheconversationwasthefactthathewasveryattractivetoher。SothathewasconsiderablyrelievedatthearrivalofPrincessMiaghkaia，whichcutshorttheirtê；te-à；-tê；yte。
　　`Ah，soyou’rehere！’saidshewhenshesawhim。`Well，andwhatnewsofyourpoorsister？Youneedn’tlookatmelikethat，’sheadded。
　　`Eversincethey’veallturnedagainsther，allthosewho’reathousandtimesworsethanshe，I’vethoughtshedidaveryfinething。Ican’tforgiveVronskyfornotlettingmeknowwhenshewasinPeterburg。I’dhavegonetoseeherandgoneaboutwithhereverywhere。Pleasegivehermylove。
　　Come，tellmeabouther。’
　　`Yes，herpositionisverydifficult；she……’beganStepanArkadyevich，inthesimplicityofhisheartacceptingassterlingcoinPrincessMiaghkaia’swords:`Tellmeabouther。’PrincessMiaghkaiainterruptedhimimmediately，asshealwaysdid，andbegantalkingherself。
　　`She’sdonewhattheyalldo，exceptme-onlytheothershideit。Butshewouldn’tbedeceitful，andshedidafinething。Andshedidbetterstillinthrowingupthatcrazybrother-in-lawofyours。Youmustexcuseme。Everybodyusedtosayhewassoclever，soveryclever；Iwastheonlyonethatsaidhewasafool。Nowthathe’ssothickwithLidiaIvanovnaandLandau，theyallsayhe’scrazy，andIshouldprefernottoagreewitheverybody，butthistimeIcan’thelpit。’
　　`Oh，dopleaseexplain，’saidStepanArkadyevich；`whatdoesitmean？YesterdayIwasseeinghimonmysister’sbehalf，andIaskedhimtogivemeafinalanswer。Hegavemenoanswer，andsaidhewouldthinkitover。Butthismorning，insteadofananswer，IreceivedaninvitationfromCountessLidiaIvanovnaforthisevening。’
　　`Ah，sothat’sit，that’sit！’saidPrincessMiaghkaiagleefully，`they’regoingtoaskLandauwhathe’stosay。’
　　`AskLandau？Whatfor？Whoorwhat’sLandau？’
　　`What！youdon’tknowJulesLandau，lefameuxJulesLandau，leclairvoyant？He’scrazytoo，butonhimyoursister’sfatedepends。
　　Seewhatcomesoflivingintheprovinces-youknownothingaboutanything。
　　Landau，doyousee，wasacommisinashopinParis，andhewenttoadoctor’s；andinthedoctor’swaitingroomhefellasleep，andinhissleephebegangivingadvicetoallthepatients。Andwonderfuladviceitwas！ThenthewifeofIuryMeledinsky-youknow，theinvalid？-heardofthisLandau，andhadhimtoseeherhusband。Andhecuresherhusband，thoughIcan’tsaythatIseehedidhimmuchgood，forhe’sjustasfeebleacreatureaseverhewas，buttheybelievedinhim，andtookhimalongwiththem，andbroughthimtoRussia。Herethere’sbeenageneralrushtohim，andhe’sbegundoctoringeveryone。HecuredCountessBezzubova，andshetooksuchafancytohimthatsheadoptedhim。’
　　`Adoptedhim？’
　　`Yes，asherson。He’snotLandauanymorenow，butCountBezzubov。
　　That’sneitherherenorthere，though；butLidia-I’mveryfondofher，butshehasascrewloosesomewhere-haslostherhearttothisLandaunow，andnothingissettlednowinherhouseorAlexeiAlexandrovich’swithouthim，andsoyoursister’sfateisnowinthehandsofLandau，aliasCountBezzubov。’
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter21[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter21AfteracapitaldinnerandagreatdealofcognacdrunkatBartniansky’s，StepanArkadyevich，onlyalittlelaterthantheappointedtime，wentintoCountessLidiaIvanovna’s。
　　`Whoelseiswiththecountess？AFrenchman？’StepanArkadyevichaskedthehallporter，asheglancedatthefamiliarovercoatofAlexeiAlexandrovichandaqueer，rathernaï；ve-lookingovercoatwithclasps。
　　`AlexeiAlexandrovichKareninandCountBezzubov，’theporteransweredausterely。
　　`PrincessMiaghkaiaguessedright，’thoughtStepanArkadyevich，ashewentupstairs。`Curious！Itwouldbequiteaswell，though，togetonfriendlytermswithher。Shehasimmenseinfluence。IfshewouldsayawordtoPomorsky，thethingwouldbeacertainty。’
　　Itwasstillquitelightout-of-doors，butinCountessLidiaIvanovna’slittledrawingroomtheblindsweredrawnandthelampslighted。
　　AtaroundtableunderalampsattheCountessandAlexeiAlexandrovich，talkingsoftly。Ashort，thinnishman，verypaleandhandsome，withfemininehipsandknock-kneedlegs，withfinebrillianteyesandlonghairlyingonthecollarofhiscoat，wasstandingattheotherendoftheroomgazingattheportraitsonthewall。AftergreetingtheladyofthehouseandAlexeiAlexandrovich，StepanArkadyevichcouldnotresistglancingoncemoreattheunknownman。
　　`MonsieurLandau！’theCountessaddressedhimwithasuavityandcircumspectionthatimpressedOblonsky。Andsheintroducedthem。
　　Landaulookedroundhurriedly，cameup，and，smiling，laidhismoist，lifelesshandinStepanArkadyevich’soutstretchedhandandimmediatelywalkedaway，andfelltogazingattheportraitsagain。TheCountessandAlexeiAlexandrovichlookedateachothersignificantly。
　　`Iamverygladtoseeyou，particularlytoday，’saidCountessLidiaIvanovna，pointingouttoStepanArkadyevichaseatbesideKarenin。
　　`IintroducedyoutohimasLandau，’shesaidinasoftvoice，glancingattheFrenchmanandagainimmediatelyafteratAlexeiAlexandrovich，`butheisreallyCountBezzubov，asyou’reprobablyaware。Onlyhedoesnotlikethetitle。’
　　`Yes，Iheardso，’answeredStepanArkadyevich；`theysayhecompletelycuredCountessBezzubova。’
　　`Shewasheretoday，poorthing！’theCountesssaid，turningtoAlexeiAlexandrovich。`Thisseparationisawfulforher。It’ssuchablowtoher！’
　　`Andhepositivelyisgoing？’queriedAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　`Yes，he’sgoingtoParis。Heheardavoiceyesterday，’saidCountessLidiaIvanovna，lookingatStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Ah，avoice！’repeatedOblonsky，feelingthathemustbeascircumspectashepossiblycouldinthissociety，wheresomethingpeculiarwashappening，orwasabouttohappen，towhichhehadnotthekey。
　　Amoment’ssilencefollowed，afterwhichCountessLidiaIvanovna，asthoughapproachingthemaintopicofconversation，saidwithafinesmiletoOblonsky:
　　`I’veknownyouforalongwhile，andamverygladtomakeacloseracquaintancewithyou。Lesamisdenosamissontnosamis。Buttobeatruefriend，onemustenterintothespiritualstateofone’sfriend，andIfearthatyouarenotdoingsointhecaseofAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　YouunderstandwhatImean？’shesaid，liftingherfinepensiveeyes。
　　`Inpart，Countess，IunderstandthepositionofAlexeiAlexandrovich……’
　　saidOblonsky。Havingnoclearideawhattheyweretalkingabout，hewantedtoconfinehimselftogeneralities。
　　`Thechangeisnotinhisexternalposition，’CountessLidiaIvanovnasaidsternly，followingwitheyesoflovethefigureofAlexeiAlexandrovichashegotupandcrossedovertoLandau；`hisheartischanged，anewhearthasbeenvouchsafedhim，andIfearyoudon’tfullyapprehendthechangethathastakenplaceinhim。’
　　`Oh，well，ingeneraloutlinesIcanconceivethechange。Wehavealwaysbeenfriendly，andnow……’saidStepanArkadyevich，respondingwithasympatheticglancetotheexpressionoftheCountess，andmentallybalancingthequestionwithwhichofthetwoministersshewasmoreintimate，soastoknowwhichtohaveherspeakto。
　　`Thechangethathastakenplaceinhimcannotlessenhisloveforhisneighbors；onthecontrary，thatchangecanonlyintensifyloveinhisheart。ButIamafraidyoudonotunderstandme。Won’tyouhavesometea？’shesaid，withhereyesindicatingthefootman，whowashandingroundteaonatray。
　　`Notquite，Countess。Ofcourse，hismisfortune……’
　　`Yes，amisfortunewhichhasprovedthehighesthappiness，whenhisheartwasmadenew，wasfilledtothefullwithit，’shesaid，gazingwitheyesfullofloveatStepanArkadyevich。
　　`IdobelieveImightaskhertospeaktobothofthem，’thoughtStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Oh，ofcourse，Countess，’hesaid；`butIimaginesuchchangesareamattersoprivatethatnoone，eventhemostintimatefriend，wouldcaretospeakofthem。’
　　`Onthecontrary！Weoughttospeakfreelyandhelponeanother。’
　　`Yes，undoubtedlyso，butthereissuchadifferenceofconvictions，andbesides……’saidOblonskywithasoftsmile。
　　`Therecanbenodifferencewhereitisaquestionofholytruth。’
　　`Oh，no，ofcourse；but……’andStepanArkadyevichpausedinconfusion。
　　Heunderstoodatlastthattheyweretalkingofreligion。
　　`Ifancyhewillgointoatranceimmediately，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovichinawhisperfullofmeaning，goinguptoLidiaIvanovna。
　　StepanArkadyevichlookedround。Landauwassittingatthewindow，leaningonhiselbowandthebackofhischair，hisheaddrooping。Noticingthatalleyeswereturnedonhim，heraisedhisheadandsmiledasmileofchildlikeartlessness。
　　`Don’ttakeanynotice，’saidLidiaIvanovna，andshelightlymovedachairupforAlexeiAlexandrovich。`Ihaveobserved……’shewasbeginning，whenafootmancameintotheroomwithaletter。LidiaIvanovnarapidlyranhereyesoverthenote，and，excusingherself，wroteananswerwithextraordinaryrapidity，handedittotheman，andcamebacktothetable。`Ihaveobserved，’shewenton，`thatMoscowpeople，especiallythemen，aremorethanallothersindifferenttoreligion。’
　　`Oh，no，Countess，IthoughtMoscowpeoplehadthereputationofbeingthefirmestinthefaith，’answeredStepanArkadyevich。
　　`ButasfarasIcanmakeout，youareunfortunatelyoneoftheindifferentones，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，turningtohimwithawearysmile。
　　`Howanyonecanbeindifferent！’saidLidiaIvanovna。
　　`IamnotsomuchindifferentonthatsubjectasIamwaitinginsuspense，’saidStepanArkadyevich，withhismostdeprecatingsmile。
　　`Ihardlythinkthatthetimeforsuchquestionshascomeyetforme。’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichandLidiaIvanovnalookedateachother。
　　`Wecannevertellwhetherthetimehascomeforusornot，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovichsternly。`Weoughtnottothinkwhetherwearereadyornotready。God’sgraceisnotguidedbyhumanconsiderations:sometimesitcomesnottothosewhostriveforit，andcomestothosewhoareunprepared，likeSaul。’
　　`No，Ibelieveitwon’tbejustyet，’saidLidiaIvanovna，whohadbeenmeanwhilewatchingthemovementsoftheFrenchman。Landaugotupandcametothem。
　　`Doyouallowmetolisten？’heasked。
　　`Oh，yes；Ididnotwanttodisturbyou，’saidLidiaIvanovna，gazingtenderlyathim；`sitherewithus。’
　　`Onehasonlynottocloseone’seyestoshutoutthelight，’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichwenton。
　　`Ah，ifyouknewthehappinessweknow，feelingHispresenceeverinourhearts！’saidCountessLidiaIvanovnawitharapturoussmile。
　　`Butamanmayfeelhimselfinaptsometimestorisetothatheight，’
　　saidStepanArkadyevich，consciousofhypocrisyinadmittingthisreligiousheight，butatthesametimeunabletobringhimselftoacknowledgehisfreethinkingviewsbeforeapersonwho，byasinglewordtoPomorsky，mightprocurehimthecovetedappointment。
　　`Thatis，youmeanthatsinkeepshimback？’saidLidiaIvanovna。
　　`Butthatisafalseidea。Thereisnosinforbelievers，theirsinhasbeenatonedfor。Pardon，’sheadded，lookingatthefootman，whocameinagainwithanotherletter。Shereaditandgaveaverbalanswer:`TomorrowattheGrandDuchess’s，say-Forthebelieversinisnot，’shewenton。
　　`Yes，butfaithwithoutworksisdead，’saidStepanArkadyevich，recallingthephrasefromthecatechism，andonlybyhissmileclingingtohisindependence。
　　`Thereyouhaveit-fromtheepistleofSt。James，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，addressingLidiaIvanovna，withacertainreproachfulnessinhistone。Itwasunmistakablyasubjecttheyhaddiscussedmorethanoncebefore。`Whatharmhasbeendonebythefalseinterpretationofthatpassage！Nothingholdsmenbackfrombelieflikethatmisinterpretation。
　　``Ihavenotworks，soIcannotbelieve，’thoughallthewhilethat’snotwhatissaid，buttheveryopposite。’
　　`StrivingforGod，savingthesoulbyfasting，’saidCountessLidiaIvanovna，withdisgustedcontempt，`thosearethecrudeideasofourmonks……Yetthatisnowheresaid。Itisfarsimplerandeasier，’
　　sheadded，lookingatOblonskywiththesameencouragingsmilewithwhichatCourtsheencouragedyouthfulmaidsofhonor，disconcertedbythenewsurroundingsoftheCourt。
　　`WearesavedbyChristwhosufferedforus。Wearesavedbyfaith，’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichchimedin，withaglanceofapprovalatherwords。
　　`Vouscomprenezl’anglais？’askedLidiaIvanovna，andreceivingareplyintheaffirmative，shegotupandbeganlookingthroughashelfofbooks。
　　`IwanttoreadhimSafeandHappy，orUndertheWing，’
　　shesaid，lookinginquiringlyatKarenin。Andfindingthebook，andsittingdownagaininherplace，sheopenedit。`It’sveryshort。Initisdescribedthewaybywhichfaithcanbereached，andthehappiness，aboveallearthlybliss，withwhichitfillsthesoul。Thebelievercannotbeunhappybecauseheisnotalone。Butyouwillsee。’Shewasjustsettlingherselftoreadwhenthefootmancameinagain。`MadameBorozdina？Tellhertomorrow，attwoo’clock。Yes，’shesaid，markingtheplaceinthebookbyinsertingafinger，andgazingbeforeherwithherfinepensiveeyes，`thatishowtruefaithacts。YouknowMarieSanina？Youknowabouthertrouble？Shelostheronlychild。Shewasindespair。Andwhathappened？Shefoundthiscomforter，andshethanksGodnowforthedeathofherchild。Suchisthehappinessfaithbrings！’
　　`Oh，yes，thatismost……’saidStepanArkadyevich，gladtheyweregoingtoread，andlethimhaveachancetocollecthisfaculties。
　　`No，IseeI’dbetternotaskheraboutanythingtoday，’hethought。`IfonlyIcangetoutofthiswithoutputtingmyfootinit！’
　　`Itwillbedullforyou，’saidCountessLidiaIvanovna，addressingLandau；`youdon’tknowEnglish-butit’sshort。’
　　`Oh，Ishallunderstand，’saidLandau，withthesamesmile，andheclosedhiseyes。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichandLidiaIvanovnaexchangedmeaningglances，andthereadingbegan。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter22[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter22StepanArkadyevichfeltcompletelynonplusedbythestrangetalkwhichhewashearingforthefirsttime。ThecomplexityofPeterburg，asarule，hadastimulatingeffectonhim，rousinghimoutofhisMoscowstagnation。
　　Buthelikedthesecomplications，andunderstoodthemonlyinthecirclesheknewandwasathomein。Intheseunfamiliarsurroundingshewaspuzzledanddisconcerted，andcouldnotgethisbearings。AshelistenedtoCountessLidiaIvanovna，awareofthebeautiful，naï；ve-orperhapsknavish，hecouldnotdecidewhich-eyesofLandaufixeduponhim，StepanArkadyevichbegantobeconsciousofapeculiarheavinessinhishead。
　　Themostincongruousideaswereinconfusioninhishead。`MarieSaninaisgladherchild’sdead……Howgoodasmokewouldbenow！……Tobesaved，oneneedonlybelieve，andthemonksdon’tknowhowthething’stobedone，butCountessLidiaIvanovnadoesknow……Andwhyismyheadsoheavy？Isitthecognac，orthefactofallthisbeingsoveryqueer？
　　Anyway，IfancyI’vedonenothingunseemlysofar。But，anyway，itwon’tdotoaskhernow。Theysaytheymakeonepray。Ionlyhopetheywon’tmakeme！That’llbetooimbecile。Andwhatstuffitisshe’sreading！Butshehasagoodaccent。Landau-Bezzubov-what’sheBezzubovfor？’AllatonceStepanArkadyevichbecameawarethathislowerjawwasuncontrollablyformingayawn。Hepulledhiswhiskerstocovertheyawn，andshookhimselftogether。Butsoonafterhebecameawarethathewasdroppingasleepandontheverypointofsnoring。HerecoveredhimselfattheverymomentwhenthevoiceofCountessLidiaIvanovnawassaying`he’sasleep。’
　　StepanArkadyevichstartedwithdismay，feelingguiltyandcaught。
　　Buthewasreassuredatoncebyseeingthatthewords`he’sasleep’asleepreferrednottohim，buttoLandau。TheFrenchmanhadfallenasleepaswellasStepanArkadyevich。ButStepanArkadyevich’sbeingasleepwouldhaveoffendedthem，ashethoughtthougheventhis，hethought，mightnotbeso，aseverythingseemedsoqueer，whileLandau’sbeingasleepdelightedthemextremely，especiallyCountessLidiaIvanovna。
　　`Monami，’saidLidiaIvanovna，carefullyholdingthefoldsofhersilkgownsoasnottorustle，andinherexcitementcallingKareninnotAlexeiAlexandrovich，butmonami，`donnez-luilamain。Vousvoyez？
　　Sh！’shehissedatthefootmanashecameinagain。`Notathome！’
　　TheFrenchmanwasasleep，orpretendingtobeasleep，withhisheadonthebackofhischair，andhismoisthand，asitlayonhisknee，madefaintmovements，asthoughtryingtocatchsomething。AlexeiAlexandrovichgotup，triedtomovecarefully，butstumbledagainstthetable，drewup，andlaidhishandintheFrenchman’shand。StepanArkadyevichgotuptoo，andopeninghiseyeswide，tryingtowakehimselfupifhewasasleep，helookedfirstatoneandthenattheother。Itwasallreal。StepanArkadyevichfeltthathisheadwasgettingworseandworse。
　　`Quelapersonnequiestarrivé；eladerniè；re，cellequidemande，qu’elle-sorte！Qu’ellesorte！’articulatedtheFrenchman，withoutopeninghiseyes。
　　`Vousm’excuserez，maisvousvoyez……Revenezversdixheures，encoremieuxdemain。’
　　`Qu’ellesorte！’repeatedtheFrenchmanimpatiently。
　　`C’estmoi，n’est-cepas？’Andreceivingananswerintheaffirmative，StepanArkadyevich，forgettingthefavorhehadmeanttoaskofLidiaIvanovna，andforgettinghissister’saffairs，caringfornothing，butfilledwiththesoledesiretoescapeassoonaspossible，wentoutontiptoeandranoutintothestreetasthoughfromaplague-strickenhouse。Foralongwhilehechattedandjokedwithhisdriver，tryingtorecoverhisspirits。
　　AttheFrenchtheaterwherehearrivedforthelastact，andafterwardattheTatarrestaurantafterhischampagne，StepanArkadyevichfeltalittlerefreshedintheatmospherehewasusedto。Butstillhefeltquiteunlikehimselfallthatevening。
　　OngettinghometoPiotrOblonsky’s，wherehewasstaying，StepanArkadyevichfoundanotefromBetsy。Shewrotetohimthatshewasveryanxioustofinishtheirinterruptedconversation，andbeggedhimtocomethenextday。Hehadscarcelyreadthisnote，andfrownedatitscontents，whenheheardbelowtheponderoustrampoftheservantscarryingsomethingheavy。
　　StepanArkadyevichwentouttolook。ItwastherejuvenatedPiotrOblonsky。Hewassodrunkthathecouldnotwalkupstairs；buthetoldthemtosethimonhislegswhenhesawStepanArkadyevich，and，clingingtohim，walkedwithhimintohisroom，andtherebegantellinghimhowhehadspenttheevening，andfellasleepdoingso。
　　StepanArkadyevichwasinverylowspirits，whichhappenedrarelywithhim，andforalongwhilehecouldnotgotosleep。Everythinghecouldrecalltohismind，everythingwasdisgusting；but，mostdisgustingofall，asifitweresomethingshameful，wasthememoryoftheeveninghehadspentatCountessLidiaIvanovna’s。
　　NextdayhereceivedfromAlexeiAlexandrovichafinalanswer，refusingtograntAnna’sdivorce，andheunderstoodthathisdecisionwasbasedonwhattheFrenchmanhadsaidinhisrealorpretendedtrance。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter23[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter23Inordertocarrythroughanyundertakinginfamilylife，theremustnecessarilybeeithercompletedissensionbetweenthehusbandandwife，orlovingagreement。
　　Whentherelationsofacouplearevacillatingandneitheronethingnortheother，nosortofenterprisecanbeundertaken。
　　Manyfamiliesremainforyearsinthesameplace，thoughbothhusbandandwifearesickofit，simplybecausethereisneithercompletedissensionnoragreementbetweenthem。
　　BothVronskyandAnnafeltlifeinMoscowinsupportableintheheatanddust，whenthespringsunshinewasfollowedbytheglareofsummer，andallthetreesintheboulevardshadlongsincebeeninfullleaf，andtheleaveswerecoveredwithdust。ButtheydidnotgobacktoVozdvizhenskoe，astheyhadarrangedtodolongbefore；theywentstayingoninMoscow，thoughtheybothloathedit，becauseoflatetherehadbeennoagreementbetweenthem。
　　Theirritabilitythatkeptthemaparthadnoexternalcause，andalleffortstocometoanunderstandingintensifiedit，insteadofremovingit。Itwasaninnerirritation，groundedinhermindontheconvictionthathislovehadgrownless；inhis，onregretthathehadputhimselfforhersakeinadifficultposition，whichshe，insteadoflightening，madestillmoredifficult。Neitherofthemgavefullutterancetohisorhersenseofgrievance，buttheyconsideredeachotherinthewrong，andtriedoneverypretexttoprovethistooneanother。
　　Inhereyesthewholeofhim，withallhishabits，ideas，desires，withallhisspiritualandphysicaltemperament，wasonething-loveforwomen，andthatlove，asshefelt，oughttobeentirelyconcentratedonheralone。Thatlovewasless；consequently，asshereasoned，hemusthavetransferredpartofhislovetootherwomenortoanotherwoman-andshewasjealous。Shewasjealousnotofanyparticularwomanbutofthedecreaseofhislove。Nothavingfoundanobjectforherjealousy，shewasonthelookoutforit。Attheslightesthintshetransferredherjealousyfromoneobjecttoanother。Atonetimeshewasjealousofthoselowwomenwithwhomhemightsoeasilyrenewhisoldbachelorties；thenshewasjealousofthesocietywomenhemightmeet；thenshewasjealousoftheimaginarygirlwhomhemightwanttomarry，forwhosesakehewouldbreakwithher。
　　Andthislastformofjealousytorturedhermostofall，especiallyashehadunwarilytoldher，inamomentoffrankness，thathismotherknewhimsolittlethatshehadhadaudacitytotrytopersuadehimtomarrytheyoungPrincessSorokina。
　　Andbeingjealousofhim，Annawasindignantagainsthimandfoundgroundsforindignationineverything。Foreverythingthatwasdifficultinherpositionsheblamedhim。TheagonizingconditionofsuspenseshehadpassedatMoscow，thetardinessandindecisionofAlexeiAlexandrovich，hersolitude-sheputitalldowntohim。Ifhehadlovedherhewouldhaveseenallthebitternessofherposition，andwouldhaverescuedherfromit。ForherbeinginMoscowandnotinthecountry，hewastoblametoo。Hecouldnotliveburiedinthecountryasshewouldhavelikedtodo。Hemusthavesociety，andhehadputherinthisawfulposition，thebitternessofwhichhewouldnotsee。Andagain，itwashisfaultthatshewasforeverseparatedfromherson。
　　Eventheraremomentsoftendernessthatcamefromtimetotimedidnotsootheher；inhistendernessnowshesawashadeofcomplacency，ofself-confidence，whichhadnotbeenofoldandwhichexasperatedher。
　　Itwasalreadydusk。Annawasalone，andwaitingforhimtocomebackfromabachelordinner。Shewalkedupanddowninhisstudytheroomwherethenoisefromthestreetwasleastheard，andthoughtovereverydetailoftheiryesterday’squarrel。Goingbackfromthewell-remembered，offensivewordsofthequarreltowhathadbeenthegroundofit，shearrivedatlastatitsorigin。Foralongwhileshecouldhardlybelievethattheirdissensionhadarisenfromaconversationsoinoffensive，ofsolittlemomenttoeither。Butsoitactuallyhadbeen。Itallarosefromhislaughingatthegirls’highschools，declaringtheywereuseless，whileshedefendedthem。Hehadspokenslightinglyofwomen’seducationingeneral，andhadsaidthatHannah，Anna’sEnglishprotegee，hadnottheslightestneedtoknowanythingofphysics。
　　ThishadirritatedAnna。Shesawinthisacontemptuousreferencetoheroccupations。Andshehadbethoughtherofaphrasetopayhimbackforthepainhehadinflicteduponher，andhadutteredit。
　　`Idon’texpectyoutounderstandme，myfeelings，asanyonewholovedmemight，butsimpledelicacyIdidexpect，’shehadsaid。
　　Andhehadactuallyflushedwithvexation，andhadsaidsomethingunpleasant。Shecouldnotrecallheranswer，butatthatpoint，withanunmistakabledesiretowoundhertoo，hehadsaid:
　　`Ifeelnointerestinyourinfatuationoverthisgirl，that’strue，becauseIseeit’sunnatural。’
　　Thecrueltywithwhichheshatteredtheworldshehadbuiltupforherselfsolaboriouslytoenablehertoendureherhardlife，theinjusticewithwhichhehadaccusedherofaffectation，ofartificiality，arousedher。
　　`Iamverysorrythatnothingbutthecoarseandmaterialiscomprehensibleandnaturaltoyou，’shehadsaid，andwalkedoutoftheroom。
　　Whenhehadcomeintoheryesterdayevening，theyhadnotreferredtothequarrel；bothfeltthatthequarrelhadbeensmoothedover，butwasnotatanend。
　　Todayhehadnotbeenathomeallday，andshefeltsolonelyandwretchedinbeingonbadtermswithhimthatshewantedtoforgetitall，toforgivehim，andbereconciledwithhim；shewantedtothrowtheblameonherselfandtojustifyhim。
　　`Iammyselftoblame。I’mirritable，I’minsanelyjealous。I
　　willmakeitupwithhim，andwe’llgoawaytothecountry；thereIshallbemoreatpeace，’shesaidtoherself。
　　`Unnatural！’Shesuddenlyrecalledthewordthathadstunghermostofall，notsomuchtheworditselfastheintenttowoundherwithwhichitwassaid。`Iknowwhathemeant；hemeant-unnatural，notlovingmyowndaughtertoloveanotherperson’schild。Whatdoesheknowofloveforchildren，ofmyloveforSeriozha，whomI’vesacrificedforhim？Butthatwishtowoundme！No，helovesanotherwoman，itcan’tbeotherwise。’
　　Andperceivingthat，whiletryingtoregainherpeaceofmind，shehadgoneroundthesamecirclethatshehadbeenroundsooftenbefore，andhadcomebacktoherformerstateofexasperation，shewashorrifiedatherself。`Canitbeimpossible？CanIreallytaketheblameonmyself？’
　　shesaidtoherself，andbeganagainfromthebeginning。`He’struthful，he’shonest，helovesme。Ilovehim，andinafewdaysthedivorcewillcome。WhatmoredoIwant？Iwantpeaceofmindandtrust，andIwilltaketheblameonmyself。Yes，nowwhenhecomesin，IwilltellhimIwaswrong，thoughIwasnotwrong，andwewillgoaway。’
　　Andtoescapethinkinganymore，andbeingovercomebyirritability，sherangandorderedtheboxestobebroughtupforpackingtheirthingsforthecountry。
　　Atteno’clockVronskycamein。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter24[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter24`Well，wasitamusing？’sheasked，comingouttomeethimwithapenitentandmeekexpression。
　　`Justasusual，’heanswered，seeingataglancethatshewasinoneofhergoodmoods。Hewasusedbynowtothesetransitions，andhewasparticularlygladtoseeittoday，ashewasinaspeciallygoodhumorhimself。
　　`WhatdoIsee？Come，that’sgood！’hesaid，pointingtotheboxesinthepassage。
　　`Yes，wemustgo。Iwentoutforadrive，anditwassofineI
　　longedtobeinthecountry。There’snothingtokeepyou，isthere？’
　　`It’stheonethingIdesire。I’llbebackdirectly，andwe’lltalkitover；Ionlywanttochangemycoat。Ordersometea。’
　　Andhewentintohisroom。
　　Therewassomethingmortifyinginthewayhehadsaid`Come，that’sgood，’asonesaystoachildwhenitleavesoffbeingnaughty，andstillmoremortifyingwasthecontrastbetweenherpenitentandhisself-confidenttone；andforoneinstantshefeltthelustofstriferisingupinheragain，butmakinganeffortsheconqueredit，andmetVronskyasgood-humoredlyasbefore。
　　Whenhecameinshetoldhim，partlyrepeatingphrasesshehadpreparedbeforehand，howshehadspenttheday，andherplansforgoingaway。
　　`Youknow，itcametomealmostlikeaninspiration，’shesaid。
　　`Whywaithereforthedivorce？Won’titbejustthesameinthecountry？
　　Ican’twaitanylonger！Idon’twanttogoonhoping，Idon’twanttohearanythingaboutthedivorce。Ihavemadeupmyminditshallnothaveanymoreinfluenceonmylife。Doyouagree？’
　　`Oh，yes！’hesaid，glancinguneasilyatherexcitedface。
　　`Whatdidyoudo？Whowasthere？’shesaid，afterapause。
　　Vronskymentionedthenamesoftheguests。`Thedinnerwasfirst-rate，andtheboatrace，anditwasallpleasantenough，butinMoscowtheycanneverdoanythingwithoutsomethingridicule。Aladyofasortappearedonthescene，teacherofswimmingtotheQueenofSweden，andgaveusanexhibitionofherskill。’
　　`How？Didsheswim？’askedAnna，frowning。
　　`Inanabsurdredcostumedenatation；shewasoldandhideoustoo。Sowhenshallwego？’
　　`Whatanabsurdfancy！Why，didsheswiminsomespecialway，then？’saidAnna，notanswering。
　　`Therewasabsolutelynothinginit。That’sjustwhatIsay-
　　itwasawfullystupid。Well，then，whendoyouthinkofgoing？’
　　Annashookherheadasthoughtryingtodriveawaysomeunpleasantidea。
　　`When？Why，thesoonerthebetter！Bytomorrowweshan’tbeready。
　　Thedayaftertomorrow。’
　　`Yes……Oh，no，waitaminute！Thedayaftertomorrow’sSunday-Ihavetobeatmaman’s，’saidVronsky，embarrassed，becauseassoonasheutteredhismother’snamehewasawareofherintent，suspiciouseyes。Hisembarrassmentconfirmedhersuspicion。Sheflushedhotlyanddrewawayfromhim。ItwasnownottheQueenofSweden’sswimmingmistresswhofilledAnna’simagination，buttheyoungPrincessSorokina。ShewasstayinginavillagenearMoscowwithCountessVronsky。
　　`Can’tyougotomorrow？’shesaid。
　　`Well，no！ThedeedsandthemoneyforthebusinessI’mgoingthereforIcan’tgetbytomorrow，’heanswered。
　　`Ifso，wewon’tgoatall。’
　　`Butwhyso？’
　　`Ishallnotgolater。Mondayornever！’
　　`Whatfor？’saidVronsky，asthoughinamazement。`Why，there’snomeaninginit！’
　　`There’snomeaninginittoyou，becauseyoucarenothingforme。Youdon’tcaretounderstandmylife。TheonethingthatIcaredforherewasHannah。Yousayit’saffectation。Why，yousaidyesterdaythatIdon’tlovemydaughter，thatIlovethisEnglishgirl，thatit’sunnatural。
　　Ishouldliketoknowwhatlifethereisformethatcouldbenatural！’