OnreachingtheFrenchtheater，Vronskyretiredtothefoyerwiththecolonel，andreportedtohimhissuccess-orlackofit。Thecolonel，thinkingitallover，decidednottogoonwiththematter；butthen，forhisowndelectation，proceededtoquestionVronskyaboutthedetailsofhisinterviewandforalongwhilecouldnotrestrainhislaughterashelistenedtoVronsky’sstoryofhowthegovernmentclerk，aftersubsidingforawhile，wouldsuddenlyflareupagain，asherecalledthedetails，andhowVronsky，atthelasthalf-wordofconciliation，hadskillfullymaneuveredaretreat，shovingPetritskyoutbeforehim。
　　`It’sadisgracefulscrape，butakillingone。Kedrovreallycan’tfightthisgentleman！Sohewasawfullywroughtup？’heaskedagain，laughing。
　　`ButwhatdoyouthinkofClairetoday？She’sawonder！’hewenton，speakingofanewFrenchactress。`Nomatterhowoftenyouseeher，she’sdifferenteachtime。It’sonlytheFrenchwhocandothat。’
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter06[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter6PrincessBetsydrovehomefromthetheaterwithoutwaitingfortheendofthelastact。Shehadjusttimeenoughtogointoherdressingroom，sprinkleherlong，palefacewithpowder，rubitoff，setherdresstorights，andorderteainthebigdrawingroom，whenoneafteranothercarriagesdroveuptoherhugehouseontheBolshaiaMorskaia。Herguestsdismountedatthewideentrance，andthestoutporter，whousedtoreadnewspapersmorningsbehindtheglassdoor，totheedificationofthepassers-by，noiselesslyopenedtheimmensedoor，lettingthevisitorspassbyhimintothehouse。
　　Almostatthesameinstantthatthehostess，withfreshlyarrangedcoiffureandfreshenedface，enteredatonedoor，herguestsenteredattheother，intothedrawingroom，alargeroomwithdarkwalls，downyrugsandabrightlylightedtable，gleamingwiththelightofcandles，thewhitenessofnapery，thesilverofthesamovarandtheteaserviceoftransparentporcelain。
　　Thehostesssatdownatthesamovarandtookoffhergloves。Chairsweresetwiththeaidoffootmen，movingalmostimperceptiblyabouttheroom；thepartysettleditself，dividedintotwogroups:oneroundthesamovarnearthehostess，theotherattheoppositeendofthedrawingroom，roundthehandsomewifeofanambassador，inblackvelvet，withsharplydefinedblackeyebrows。Inbothgroupsconversationwavered，asitalwaysdoes，forthefirstfewminutes，brokenupbymeetings，salutations，offersoftea，and，asitwere，seekingforsomepointincommon。
　　`She’sexceptionallyfineasanactress；onecanseeshe’sstudiedKaulbach，’saidadiplomatistinthecircleoftheambassador’swife。`Didyounoticehowshefelldown？……’
　　`Oh，please，don’tletustalkaboutNilsson！Noonecanpossiblysayanythingnewabouther，’saidafat，red-faced，flaxen-headedlady，withouteyebrowsandwithoutchignon，wearinganoldsilkdress。ThiswasPrincessMiaghkaia，notedforhersimplicityandtheroughnessofhermanners，andnicknamedenfantterrible。PrincessMiaghkaiawasseatedhalfwaybetweenthetwogroups，and，listeningtoboth，tookpartintheconversationfirstofoneandthenoftheother。`ThreepeoplehaveusedthatveryphraseaboutKaulbachtometoday，justasthoughtheyhadconspired。AndIdon’tknowwhythatphraseshouldbesomuchtotheirliking。’
　　Theconversationwascutshortbythisobservation，andagainanewsubjecthadtobethoughtof。
　　`Dotellussomethingamusing，yetnotspiteful，’saidtheambassador’swife，agreatproficientintheartofthatelegantconversationcalledbytheEnglishsmalltalk。Sheaddressedthediplomatist，whowasnowatalossjustwhattobeginupon。
　　`Thatissaidtobeadifficulttask-onlythatwhichisspitefulissupposedtobeamusing，’hebeganwithasmile。`However，I’llmaketheattempt。Givemeatheme。it’sallamatterofthetheme。Ifthethemebebutgiven，it’seasyenoughtoembroiderit。Ioftenthinkthatthecelebratedconversationalistsofthelastcenturywouldfinditdifficulttotalkcleverlynow。Everythingcleverhasbecomesuchabore……’
　　`Thathasbeensaidlongago，’theambassador’swifeinterruptedhim，laughing。
　　Theconversationhadbegunamiably，butjustbecauseitwastooamiable，itcametoastopagain。Theyhadtohaverecoursetothesure，never-failingremedy-maliciousgossip。
　　`Don’tyouthinkthere’ssomethingLouisQuinzeaboutTushkevich？’
　　hesaid，glancingtowardahandsome，fair-hairedyoungman，standingatthetable。
　　`Oh，yes！He’sinthesamestyleasthedrawingroom，andthat’swhyitishe’ssooftenhere。’
　　Thisconversationwaskeptup，sinceitdependedonallusionstowhatcouldnotbetalkedofinthatroom-thatistosay，oftherelationsofTushkevichwiththeirhostess。
　　Roundthesamovarandthehostesstheconversationhaving，inthemeanwhile，vacillatedinpreciselythesamewaybetweenthethreeinevitabletopics-thelatestpieceofpublicnews，thetheater，andcensuringthefellowcreature-hadfinallycometorestonthelasttopic-thatis，maliciousgossip。
　　`HaveyouheardthateventheMaltishcheva-themother，notthedaughter-hasorderedacostumeindiablerosecolor？’
　　`Impossible！No，that’sjustcharming！’
　　`Iwonderthatwithhersense-forafterallshe’snofool-
　　shedoesn’tseehowfunnysheis。’
　　EveryonehadsomethingtosayincensureorridiculeofthehaplessMaltishcheva，andtheconversationcrackledmerrily，likeablazingbonfire。
　　ThehusbandofPrincessBetsy，agood-naturedcorpulentman，anardentcollectorofengravings，hearingthathiswifehadvisitors，hadcomeintothedrawingroombeforeleavingforhisclub。Steppingnoiselesslyoverthethickrugs，heapproachedPrincessMiaghkaia。
　　`HowdidyoulikeNilsson？’heasked。
　　`Oh，howcanyoustealuponanyonelikethat！Howyoustartledme！’sheresponded。`Pleasedon’ttalktomeabouttheopera；youknownothingaboutmusic。I’drathercomedowntoyourownlevel，anddiscusswithyouyourmajolicaandengravings。Come，now，whattreasurehaveyoubeenbuyinglatelyattheragfair？’
　　`Wouldyoulikemetoshowyou？Butyoudon’tunderstandsuchthings。’
　　`Yes，showme。I’vebeenlearningaboutthematthose-what’stheirnames？……thosebankers……Theyhavesomesplendidengravings。Theyshowedthemtous。’
　　`Why，haveyoubeenattheSchutzburgs？’askedthehostessfrombehindthesamovar。
　　`Yes，machè；re。Theyaskedmyhusbandandmyselftodinner，andIwastoldthatthesauceatthatdinnercostathousandroubles，’PrincessMiaghkaiasaid，speakingloudly，consciousthatallwerelistening；`andverynastysauceitwas-somegreenmess。Wehadtoaskthem，andImadeasauceforeighty-fivekopecks，andeverybodywasverymuchpleasedwithit。Ican’taffordthousand-roublesauces。’
　　`She’sunique！’saidtheladyofthehouse。
　　`Amazing！’somebodyelseadded。
　　TheeffectproducedbyPrincessMiaghkaia’sspeecheswasalwaysthesame，andthesecretoftheeffectsheproducedlayinthefactthatthoughshespokenotalwaysappropriately，asnow，shesaidhomelytruths，notdevoidofsense。Inthesocietyinwhichshelivedsuchutteranceshadthesameresultasthemostpungentwit。PrincessMiaghkaiacouldneverseewhyithadthatresult，butsheknewithad，andtookadvantageofit。
　　SinceeveryonehadbeenlisteningwhilePrincessMiaghkaiaspoke，andtheconversationaroundtheambassador’swifehaddropped，PrincessBetsytriedtobringthewholepartytogether，andsheaddressedtheambassador’swife。
　　`Reallywon’tyouhavetea？Docomeandjoinus。’
　　`No，we’reverycomfortablehere，’theambassador’swiferespondedwithasmile，andwentonwiththeinterruptedconversation。
　　Itwasamostagreeableconversation。TheywerecensuringtheKarenins，husbandandwife。
　　`AnnaisquitechangedsinceherstayinMoscow。There’ssomethingstrangeabouther，’saidoneofherfemininefriends。
　　`ThegreatchangeisthatshehasbroughtbackwithhertheshadowofAlexeiVronsky，’saidtheambassador’swife。
　　`Well，whatofit？There’safableofGrimm’saboutamanwithoutashadow-amandeprivedofhisshadow。Asapunishmentforsomethingorother。Inevercouldunderstandjusthowthiswasapunishment。Yetawomanmustprobablyfeeluncomfortablewithoutashadow。’
　　`Yes，butwomenfollowedbyashadowusuallycometoabadend，’
　　saidAnna’sfriend。
　　`Biteyourtongue！’saidPrincessMiaghkaiasuddenly。`Kareninaisasplendidwoman。Idon’tlikeherhusband-butherIlikeverymuch。’
　　`Whydon’tyoulikeherhusband？He’ssucharemarkableman，’
　　saidtheambassador’swife。`MyhusbandsaystherearefewstatesmenlikehiminEurope。’
　　`Andmyhusbandtellsmejustthesame，butIdon’tbelieveit，’
　　saidPrincessMiaghkaia。`Ifourhusbandsdidn’ttalktous，weshouldseethefactsastheyare。AlexeiAlexandrovich，tomythinking，issimplyafool。Isayitinawhisper……Butdoesn’titreallymakeeverythingclear？Before，whenIwastoldtoconsiderhimclever，Ikeptlookingforhisability，andthoughtmyselfafoolfornotseeingit；butdirectlyIsaid，he’safool，thoughonlyinawhisper，everythingbecameclear-isn’tthatso？’
　　`Howspitefulyouaretoday！’
　　`Notabit。I’dnootherwayoutofit。Oneofustwohadtobethefool。And，asyouknow，onecouldneversaythatofoneself。’
　　`Nooneissatisfiedwithhisfortune，andeveryoneissatisfiedwithhiswit，’thediplomatistrepeatedtheFrenchsaying。
　　`That’sit-that’sjustit，’PrincessMiaghkaiaturnedtohimpromptly。`ButthepointisthatIwon’tabandonAnnatoyourmercies。
　　She’ssuchadear，socharming。Howcanshehelpitifthey’reallinlovewithher，andfollowheraboutlikeshadows？’
　　`Oh，Ihadnoideaofcensuringher，’Anna’sfriendsaidinself-defense。
　　`Ifwehavenoshadowsfollowingus，itdoesnotprovethatwe’veanyrighttoblameher。’
　　And，havingdulydisposedofAnna’sfriend，thePrincessMiaghkaiagotup，and，togetherwiththeambassador’swife，joinedthegroupatthetable，wherethegeneralconversationhadtodowiththekingofPrussia。
　　`Whatwereyougossipingsomaliciouslyabout？’askedBetsy。
　　`AbouttheKarenins。ThePrincessgaveusacharactersketchofAlexeiAlexandrovich，’saidtheambassador’swifewithasmile，asshesatdownatthetable。
　　`Pitywedidn’thearit！’saidPrincessBetsy，glancingtowardthedoor。`Ah，hereyouareatlast！’shesaid，turningwithasmiletoVronskywhowasentering。
　　Vronskywasnotmerelyacquaintedwithallthepersonswhomhewasmeetinghere；hesawthemalleveryday；andsohecameinwiththequietmannerwithwhichoneentersaroomfullofpeoplewhomonehadleftonlyashortwhileago。
　　`WheredoIcomefrom？’herepeatedthequestionoftheambassador’swife。`Well，there’snohelpforit-Imustconfess。Fromtheoperabouffe。
　　IdobelieveI’veseenitahundredtimes，andalwayswithfreshenjoyment。
　　It’sexquisite！Iknowit’sdisgraceful，butIgotosleepattheopera，yetIsitouttheoperabouffetothelastminute，andenjoyit。Thisevening……’
　　HementionedaFrenchactress，andwasabouttotellsomethingabouther；buttheambassador’swife，withplayfultrepidation，cuthimshort。
　　`Please，don’ttellusaboutthathorror。’
　　`Verywell，Iwon’t-especiallyaseveryoneknowsthosehorrors。’
　　`Andweshouldallgotoseethemifitwereacceptedasthecorrectthing，liketheopera，’chimedinPrincessMiaghkaia。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter07[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter7Stepswereheardatthedoor，andPrincessBetsy，knowingitwasMadameKarenina，glancedatVronsky。Hewaslookingtowardthedoor，andhisfaceworeastrangenewexpression。Joyfully，intently，andatthesametimetimidly，hegazedattheapproachingfigure，andslowlyherosetohisfeet。Annawalkedintothedrawingroom。Holdingherselfextremelyerect，asalways，lookingstraightbeforeher，andmovingwithherswift，resoluteandlightstep，thatdistinguishedherwalkfromthatofothersocietywomen，shecrossedthefewpacesthatseparatedherfromherhostess，shookhandswithher，smiled，andwiththesamesmilelookedaroundatVronsky。
　　Vronskybowedlowandpushedachairupforher。
　　Sheacknowledgedthisonlybyaslightnod，flushed，andfrowned。
　　Butimmediately，whilerapidlygreetingheracquaintances，andshakingthehandsprofferedtoher，sheaddressedPrincessBetsy:
　　`IhavebeenatCountessLidia’s，andmeanttohavecomehereearlier，butIstayedon。SirJohnwasthere。Amostinterestingman。’
　　`Oh，that’sthismissionary？’
　　`Yes；hetoldusaboutlifeinIndia，mostinterestingly。’
　　Theconversation，interruptedbyhercomingin，flickeredupagainlikethelightofalampbeingblownout。
　　`SirJohn！Yes，SirJohn。I’veseenhim。Hespeakswell。Vlassievaisaltogetherinlovewithhim。’
　　`AndisittruethattheyoungerVlassievaistomarryTopov？’
　　`Yes-theysayit’squitesettled。’
　　`Iwonderattheparents！Theysayit’samarriageofpassion。’
　　`Ofpassion？Whatantediluviannotionsyouhave！Whoevertalksofpassionnowadays？’saidtheambassador’swife。
　　`Whatwouldyoudo？Thissillyoldfashionisstillfarfromdead，’
　　saidVronsky。
　　`Somuchtheworseforthosewhokeepupthefashion。TheonlyhappymarriagesIknowaremarriagesofprudence。’
　　`Yes，-butthen，howoftenthehappinessoftheseprudentmarriagesisscatteredlikedust，preciselybecausethatpassiontowhichrecognitionhasbeendeniedappearsonthescene，’saidVronsky。
　　`Butbymarriagesofprudencewemeanthoseinwhichbothpartieshavesowntheirwildoatsalready。That’slikescarlatina-onehastogothroughwithitandgetitoverwith。’
　　`Inthatcasewemustlearnhowtovaccinateforlove，likesmall-pox。’
　　`Iwasinloveinmyyoungdays-withachurchclerk，’saidthePrincessMiaghkaia。`Idon’tknowthatitdidmeanygood。’
　　`No；Ithink-alljokesaside-thattoknowlove，onemustfirstmakeafault，andthenmendit，’saidPrincessBetsy。
　　`Evenaftermarriage？’saidtheambassador’swifeplayfully。
　　`It’snevertoolatetomend，’thediplomatistrepeatedtheEnglishproverb。
　　`Justso，’Betsyagreed；`onemustmakeamistakeandrectifyit。Whatdoyouthinkaboutit？’SheturnedtoAnna，who，withabarelyperceptibleresolutesmileonherlips，waslisteningtotheconversation。
　　`Ithink’saidAnna，playingwiththegloveshehadtakenoff，`Ithink……ifthereareasmanymindsasthereareheads，thensurelytheremustbeasmanykindsofloveastherearehearts。’
　　VronskywasgazingatAnna，andwithaheartsinkingwaswaitingforwhatshewouldsay。Hesighedasafteradangerescapedwhenshehadutteredthesewords。
　　Annasuddenlyturnedtohim。
　　`Oh，IhavehadaletterfromMoscow。TheywritemethatKittyShcherbatskaia’sveryill。’
　　`Really？’saidVronsky，knittinghisbrows。
　　Annalookedsternlyathim。
　　`Thatdoesn’tinterestyou？’
　　`Onthecontrary，itdoes-verymuch。Whatisit，exactly，thattheywriteyou，ifmayknow？’heasked。
　　AnnagotupandwenttoBetsy。
　　`Givemeacupoftea，’shesaid，pausingbehindherchair。
　　WhileBetsywaspouringoutthetea，VronskywalkeduptoAnna。
　　`Whatisittheywriteyou？’herepeated。
　　`Ioftenthinkmenhavenounderstandingofwhatisdishonorable，thoughthey’reforevertalkingofit，’saidAnna，withoutansweringhim。
　　`I’vewantedtotellyousomethingforalongwhile，’sheadded，and，movingafewstepsaway，shesatdownatacornertablewhichheldalbums。
　　`Idon’tquiteunderstandthesignificanceofyourwords，’hesaid，handingherthecup。
　　Sheglancedtowardsthesofabesideher，andheinstantlysatdown。
　　`Yes，I’vewantedtotellyou，’shesaid，withoutlookingathim。
　　`Youractionwaswrong-wrong，verywrong。’
　　`DoyousupposeIdon’tknowthatI’veactedwrongly？Butwhowasthecauseofmydoingso？’
　　`Whydoyousaythattome？’shesaidlookingathimsternly。
　　`Youknowwhy，’heanswered，boldlyandjoyously，meetingherglanceandwithoutdroppinghiseyes。
　　Itwasnothe，butshe，whobecameconfused。
　　`Thatmerelyprovesyouhavenoheart，’shesaid。Buthereyessaidthatsheknewhehadaheart，andthatwaswhyshewasafraidofhim。
　　`Whatyouspokeofjustnowwasamistake，andnotlove。’
　　`RememberthatIhaveforbiddenyoutoutterthatword，thatdetestableword，’saidAnna，withashudder。Butatonceshefeltthatbythatveryword`forbidden’shehadshownthatsheacknowledgedcertainrightsoverhim，andbythatveryfactwasencouraginghimtospeakoflove。`Ihavelongmeanttotellyouthis，’shewenton，lookingresolutelyintohiseyes，andallaflamefromtheburningflushonhercheeks。`I’vecomeherepurposelythisevening，knowingIshouldmeetyou。Ihavecometotellyouthatthismustend。Ihaveneverblushedbeforeanyone，andyouforcemetofeelguiltyofsomething。’
　　Helookedatherandwasstruckbyanewspiritualbeautyinherface。
　　`Whatdoyouwishofme？’hesaid，simplyandgravely。
　　`IwantyoutogotoMoscowandaskforKitty’sforgiveness，’
　　shesaid。
　　`Thatisnotyourwish，’hesaid。
　　Hesawshewassayingwhatshewasforcingherselftosay，notwhatshewantedtosay。
　　`Ifyouloveme，asyousay，’shewhispered，`youwilldothis，sothatImaybeatpeace。’
　　Hisfacegrewradiant。
　　`Don’tyouknowthatyou’reallmylifetome？ButIknownopeace，andIcan’tgiveittoyou；allofmyself，andlove-yes。Ican’tthinkofyouandmyselfapart。YouandIareonetome。AndIseenopossibilitybeforeusofpeace-eitherformeorforyou。Iseeapossibilityofdespair，ofwretchedness……OrelseIseeapossibilityofhappiness-andwhatahappiness！……Canitbeimpossible？’headded，hislipsbarelymoving-yetsheheard。
　　Shestrainedeveryeffortofhermindtosaywhatoughttobesaid。Butinsteadofthatshelethereyesrestonhim，fulloflove，andmadenoanswer。
　　`It’scome！’hethoughtinecstasy。`WhenIwasbeginningtodespair，anditseemedtherewouldbenoend-it’scome！Shelovesme！Sheownsit！’
　　`Thendothisforme:neversaysuchthingstome，andletusbefriends，’shesaidinwords；buthereyesspokequitedifferently。
　　`Friendsweshallneverbe-thatyouknowyourself。Whetherweshallbethehappiestorthemostwretchedofpeople-thatlieswithinyourpower。’
　　Shewouldhavesaidsomething，butheinterruptedher。
　　`ForIaskbutonething:Iaskfortherighttohope，tosuffer-evenasIamdoingnow。Butifeventhatcannotbe，commandmetodisappear，andIdisappear。Youshallnotseemeifmypresenceispainfultoyou。’
　　`Idon’twanttodriveyouaway。’
　　`Onlydon’tchangeanything-leaveeverythingasitis，’saidhe，inashakyvoice。`Here’syourhusband。’
　　AtthatinstantAlexeiAlexandrovichdidinfactwalkintotheroomwithhiscalm，ungainlygait。
　　GlancingathiswifeandVronsky，hewentuptotheladyofthehouse，and，sittingdownforacupoftea，begantalkinginhisunhasty，alwaysaudiblevoice，inhishabitualtoneofbanter，asifhewereteasingsomeone。
　　`YourRambouilletisinfullconclave，’hesaidlookingroundatalltheparty；`thegracesandthemuses。’
　　ButPrincessBetsycouldnotendurethattoneofhis-sneering，asshecalledit，usingtheEnglishword，andlikeacleverhostesssheatoncebroughthimaroundtoaseriousconversationonthesubjectofuniversalconscription。AlexeiAlexandrovichwasimmediatelycarriedawaybythesubject，andbeganseriouslydefendingthenewimperialdecreebeforePrincessBetsy，whohadattackedit。
　　VronskyandAnnastillsatatthelittletable。
　　`Thisisgettingindecorous，’whisperedonelady，withanexpressiveglanceatMadameKarenina，herhusbandandVronsky。
　　`WhatdidItellyou？’saidAnna’sfriend。
　　Butitwasnotonlytheseladieswhowatchedthem-almosteveryoneintheroom，eventhePrincessMiaghkaiaandBetsyherself，lookedseveraltimesinthedirectionofthetwowhohadwithdrawnfromthegeneralcircle，asthoughtheyfounditahindrance。AlexeiAlexandrovichwastheonlypersonwhodidnotoncelookintheirdirection，andwasnotdivertedfromtheinterestingdiscussionhehadenteredupon。
　　Noticingthedisagreeableimpressionthatwasbeingmadeoneveryone，PrincessBetsyslippedsomeoneelseintoherplacetolistentoAlexeiAlexandrovich，andwalkedovertoAnna。
　　`I’malwaysamazedattheclearnessandprecisionofyourhusband’slanguage，’shesaid。`Themosttranscendentideasseemtobewithinmygraspwhenhe’sspeaking。’
　　`Oh，yes！’saidAnna，radiantwithasmileofhappiness，andnotunderstandingawordofwhatBetsyhadsaid。Shecrossedovertothebigtableandtookpartinthegeneralconversation。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovich，afterstayinghalfanhour，walkeduptohiswifeandsuggestedthattheygohometogether。Butsheanswered，withoutlookingathim，thatshewasstayingtosupper。AlexeiAlexandrovichbowedhimselfout。
　　ThefatoldTatar，MadameKarenina’scoachman，inaglisteningleathercoat，waswithdifficultybridlingtheleftofherpairofgrays，chilledwiththecoldandrearingattheentrance。Afootmanstoodbythecarriagedoorhehadopened。Thehallporterstoodholdingopenthegreatdoorofthehouse。AnnaArkadyevna，withherquicklittlehand，wasunfasteningthelaceofhersleeve，caughtinthehookofherfurcloak，andwithbentheadwaslisteningrapturouslytothewordsVronskymurmuredashesawherdowntohercarriage。
　　`You’vesaidnothing，ofcourse，andIasknothing，’hewassaying；
　　`butyouknowthatfriendshipisnotwhatIwant:thatthere’sonlyonehappinessinlifeforme-thatwordyoudislikeso……yes，love！……’
　　`Love……’sherepeatedslowly，inaninnervoice，andsuddenly，attheveryinstantsheunhookedthelace，sheadded，`Idon’tlikethewordpreciselybecauseitmeanstoomuchtome，farmorethanyoucanunderstand，’
　　andsheglancedintohisface。`Good-by。’
　　Shegavehimherhand，andwithherrapid，springystepshepassedbytheporterandvanishedintothecarriage。
　　Herglance，thetouchofherhand，hadsearedhim。Hekissedthepalmofhishandwhereshehadtouchedit，andwenthome，happyintherealizationthathehadgotnearertotheattainmentofhisaimsthateveningthanduringthetwolastmonths。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter08[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter8AlexeiAlexandrovichhadseennothingstrikingorimproperinthefactthathiswifewassittingwithVronskyatatableapart，ineagerconversationwithhimaboutsomething。Buthenoticedthattotherestofthepartythisappearedassomethingstrikingandimproper，andforthatreasonitseemedtohim，too，tobeimproper。Hemadeuphismindthathemustspeakofittohiswife。
　　OnreachinghomeAlexeiAlexandrovichwenttohisstudy，asheusuallydid，seatedhimselfinhislowchair，openedabookonthePapacyattheplacehehadmarkedbyinsertingthepaperknife，readtilloneo’clock，justasheusuallydid。Butfromtimetotimehewouldrubhishighforeheadandshakehishead，asthoughtodriveawaysomething。Athisusualtimehegotupandmadehistoiletforthenight。AnnaArkadyevnahadnotyetcomein。Withabookunderhisarmhewentupstairs。Butthisevening，insteadofhisusualthoughtsandmeditationsuponofficialdetails，histhoughtswereabsorbedbyhiswifeandsomethingdisagreeableconnectedwithher。Contrarytohisusualhabit，hedidnotgetintobed，butfelltowalkingupanddowntheroomswithhishandsclaspedbehindhisback。
　　Hecouldnotgotobed，feelingthatitwasabsolutelyneedfulforhimfirsttothinkthoroughlyoverthesituationthathadjustarisen。
　　WhenAlexeiAlexandrovichhadmadeuphismindthathemusthaveatalkwithhiswife，ithadseemedaveryeasyandsimplematter。Butnow，whenhebegantothinkoverthequestionthathadjustpresenteditself，itseemedtohimverycomplicatedanddifficult。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichwasnotjealous。Jealousy，accordingtohisnotions，wasaninsulttoone’swife，andoneoughttohaveconfidenceinone’swife。Whyoneoughttohavethatconfidence-thatistosay，acompleteconvictionthathisyoungwifewouldalwayslovehim-hedidnotaskhimself。Buthehadneverexperiencedsuchalackofconfidence，becausehehadconfidenceinher，andtoldhimselfthatheoughttohaveit。Now，thoughhisconvictionthatjealousywasashamefulfeeling，andthatoneoughttofeelconfidence，hadnotbrokendown，hestillfeltthathewasstandingfacetofacewithsomethingillogicalandfatuous，anddidnotknowwhatoughttobedone。AlexeiAlexandrovichwasstandingfacetofacewithlife，withthepossibilityofhiswife’slovingsomeoneotherthanhimself，andthisseemedtohimveryfatuousandincomprehensible，becauseitwasoftheverystuffoflife。AllhislifeAlexeiAlexandrovichhadlivedandworkedinofficialspheres，havingtodomerelywiththereflectionsoflife。Andeverytimehehadstumbledagainstlifeitselfhehadshrunkawayfromit。Nowheexperiencedafeelingakintothatofamanwho，whilecalmlycrossingaprecipicebyabridge，shouldsuddenlydiscoverthatthebridgeisbroken，andthatthereisachasmbelow。Thatchasmwaslifeitself-thebridge，thatartificiallifeinwhichAlexeiAlexandrovichhadlived。Forthefirsttimethequestionpresenteditselftohimofthepossibilityofhiswife’slovingsomeoneelse，andhewashorrifiedatit。
　　Hedidnotundress，butwalkedupanddownwithhisregulartreadovertheresoundingparquetofthediningroom，whereonelampwasburning；
　　overthecarpetofthedarkdrawingroom，inwhichthelightwasreflectedmerelyonthebignewportraitofhimselfhangingoverthesofa；andacrossherboudoir，wheretwocandlesburned，lightinguptheportraitsofherparentsandfemininefriends，andtheprettyknickknacksofherwritingtable，everyoneofwhichheknewsowell。Hewalkedacrossherboudoirtothebedroomdoorandturnedbackagain。
　　Ateachturninhiswalk，especiallyontheparquetofthewell-litdiningroom，hehaltedandsaidtohimself，`Yes，thisImustdecideandputastopto；Imustexpressmyviewofitandmydecision。’Andheturnedbackagain。`ButjustwhatshallIexpress？Andwhatdecision？’hewouldsaytohimselfinthedrawingroom-andfoundnoanswer。`But，afterall，’
　　heaskedhimselfbeforeturningintotheboudoir，’whathasoccurred？Nothing。
　　Shewastalkingalongwhilewithhim。Butwhatofthat？Surelywomeninsocietycantalktowhomtheyplease。Andthen，jealousymeansdebasingbothherandmyself，’hesoliloquizedasheenteredherboudoir；butthisdictum，whichhadalwayshadsuchweightwithhimbefore，hadnownoweightandnomeaningwhatsoever。Andfromthebedroomdoorheturnedbackagain；
　　butasheenteredthedarkdrawingroomsomeinnervoicetoldhimthatitwasnotso，andthatifothershadnoticed，itmeantthattherewassomething。Andhesaidtohimselfagaininthediningroom:`Yes，Imustdecideandputastoptoit，andexpressmyviews……’Andagainattheturninthedrawingroomheaskedhimself:`Decidehow？’Andagainheaskedinwardly:`Whathasoccurred？’Andanswered:`Nothing，’andrecollectedthatjealousywasafeelinginsultingtohiswife；butagaininthedrawingroomhewasconvincedthatsomethinghadhappened。Histhoughts，likehisbody，weredescribingacompletecircle，withoutalightinguponanythingnew。Henoticedthis，rubbedhisforehead，andsatdowninherboudoir。
　　There，lookingathertable，withthemalachiteblottingcaselyingatthetop，andanunfinishedletter，histhoughtssuddenlychanged。
　　Hebegantothinkofher，ofwhatherthoughtsandemotionsmustbe。Forthefirsttimehepicturedvividlytohimselfherpersonallife，herideas，herdesires，andthethoughtthatshecouldandmusthaveaseparatelifeofherownseemedtohimsoappallingthathemadehastetodriveitaway。
　　Itwasthechasmwhichhewasafraidtopeepinto。Toputhimselfinthoughtandfeelinginanotherperson’splacewasaspiritualactionforeigntoAlexeiAlexandrovich。Helookedonthisspiritualactionasaharmfulanddangerousabuseofthefancy。
　　`Andtheworstofitall，’thoughthe，`isthatjustnow，attheverymomentwhenmygreatworkisapproachingcompletion’hewasthinkingoftheprojecthewasbringingforwardatthetime，`whenIstandinneedofallmymentalpeaceandallmyenergies-justnowthisstupidworryhastocomefallingaboutmyears。Butwhat’stobedone？I’mnotoneofthosemenwhosubmittouneasinessandworrywithouthavingtheforceofcharactertofacethem。’
　　`Imustthinkthisover，cometoadecision，andputitoutofmymind，’hesaidaloud。
　　`Thequestionofherfeelings，ofwhathaspassedandmaybepassinginhersoul-that’snotmyaffair；that’stheaffairofherconscience，andfallsundertheheadofreligion，’hesaidtohimself，feelingconsolationinthesensethathehadfoundtowhichdivisionofregulatingprinciplesthisnewcircumstancecouldbeproperlyreferred。
　　`Andso，’AlexeiAlexandrovichsaidtohimself，`questionsastoherfeelings，andsoon，arequestionsforherconscience，withwhichIcanhavenothingtodo。Mydutyisclearlydefined。Astheheadofthefamily，Iamapersonboundindutytoguideher，and，consequently，inpartthepersonresponsible；IamboundtopointoutthedangerIperceive，towarnher，eventousemyauthority。Ioughttospeakplainlytoher。’
　　AndeverythingthathewouldsaytonighttohiswifetookclearshapeinAlexeiAlexandrovich’shead。Thinkingoverwhathewouldsay，hesomewhatregrettedthatheshouldhavetousehistimeandmentalpowersfordomesticconsumption，withsolittletoshowforit，but，inspiteofthat，theformandconsistencyofthespeechbeforehimshapeditselfasclearlyanddistinctlyinhisheadasaministerialreport。`Imustspeakon，andexpressfully，thefollowingpoints:first，anexplanationofthevaluetobeattachedtopublicopinionandtodecorum；secondly，anexplanationofthereligioussignificanceofmarriage；thirdly，ifneedbe，areferencetothecalamitypossiblyensuingtoourson；fourthly，areferencetotheunhappinesslikelytoresulttoherself。’And，interlacinghisfingers，thepalmsdownward，AlexeiAlexandrovichstretchedhishands，andthejointsofthefingerscracked。
　　Thisgesture，thisbadhabit-thejoiningofhishandscrackinghisfingers，alwayssoothedhim，andgaveprecisiontohisthoughts，soneedfultohimnow。Therewasthesoundofacarriagedrivinguptothefrontdoor。AlexeiAlexandrovichhaltedinthemiddleoftheroom。
　　Awoman’sstepwasheardmountingthestairs。AlexeiAlexandrovich，readyforhisspeech，stoodsqueezinghiscrossedfingers，waitingfortheircracktocomeagain。Onejointcracked。
　　Already，fromthesoundoflightstepsonthestairs，hewasawarethatshewasclose，andthoughhewassatisfiedwithhisspeech，hefeltfrightenedbecauseoftheexplanationconfrontinghim。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter09[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter9Annacameinwithherheadbent，playingwiththetasselsofherhood。
　　Herfacewasglowingwithavividglow；butthisglowwasnotoneofjoyousness-itrecalledthefearfulglowofaconflagrationinthemidstofadarknight。Onseeingherhusband，Annaraisedherheadandsmiled，asthoughshehadjustwakedup。
　　`You’renotinbed？Whatamiracle！’shesaidthrowingoffherhoodand，withoutstopping，shewentonintothedressingroom。`It’slate，AlexeiAlexandrovich，’shesaid，frombehindthedoor。
　　`Anna，Imusthaveatalkwithyou。’
　　`Withme？’shesaid，wonderingly。Shecameoutfromthedoor，andlookedathim。`Why，whatisit？Whatabout？’sheasked，sittingdown。
　　`Well，let’stalk，ifit’ssonecessary。Butitwouldbebettertogotosleep。’
　　Annawassayingwhatevercametohertongue，andmarveled，hearingherself，atherowncapacityforlying。Howsimpleandnaturalwereherwords，andhowlikelythatshewassimplysleepyShefeltherselfcladinanimpenetrablearmoroffalsehood。Shefeltthatsomeunseenforcehadcometoheraidandwassupportingher。
　　`Anna，Imustwarnyou，’hebegan。
　　`Warnme？shesaid。`Ofwhat？
　　Shelookedathimsosimply，sobrightly，thatanyonewhodidnotknowherasherhusbandknewhercouldnothavenoticedanythingunnatural，eitherinthesoundorthesenseofherwords。Buttohim，knowingher，knowingthatwheneverhewenttobedfiveminuteslaterthanusual，shenoticedit，andaskedhimthereason-tohim，knowingthateveryjoy，everypleasureandpainthatshefeltshecommunicatedtohimatonce-
　　tohimitmeantagreatdealtoseenowthatshedidnotcaretonoticehisstateofmind，thatshedidnotcaretosayawordaboutherself。Hesawthattheinmostrecessesofhersoul，thathadalwayshithertolainopenbeforehim，werenowclosedagainsthim。Morethanthat，hesawfromhertonethatshewasnotevenperturbedatthat，butseemedtobesayingstraightforwardlytohim:`Yes，itisclosednow，whichisasitshouldbe，andwillbesoinfuture。’Nowheexperiencedafeelingsuchasamanmighthavewho，returninghome，findshisownhouselockedup。`Butperhapsthekeymayyetbefound，’thoughtAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　`Iwanttowarnyou，’hesaidinalowvoice，`thatthroughthoughtlessnessandlackofcautionyoumaycauseyourselftobetalkedaboutinsociety。
　　YourtooanimatedconversationthiseveningwithCountVronsky’heenunciatedthenamefirmlyandwithquietintervals`attractedattention。’
　　Hetalkedandlookedatherlaughingeyes，whichfrightenedhimnowwiththeirimpenetrablelook，and，ashetalked，hefeltalltheuselessnessandfutilityofhiswords。
　　`You’realwayslikethat，’sheansweredasthoughcompletelymisapprehendinghim，andofallhehadsaidonlytakinginthelastphrase。`Onetimeyoudon’tlikemybeingdull，andanothertimeyoudon’tlikemybeinglively。
　　Iwasn’tdull。Doesthatoffendyou？’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichshivered，andbenthishandstomakethejointscrack。
　　`Oh，please，don’tdothat-Idislikeitso，’shesaid。
　　`Anna，isthisyou？’saidAlexeiAlexandrovichquietly，makinganeffortoverhimself，andrestrainingthemotionofhishands。
　　`Butwhatisitallabout？’shesaid，withsuchgenuineanddrollwonder。`Whatdoyouwantofme？’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichpaused，andrubbedhisforeheadandhiseyes。
　　Hesawthatinsteadofdoingashehadintended-thatistosay，warninghiswifeagainstamistakeintheeyesoftheworld-hehadunconsciouslybecomeagitatedoverwhatwastheaffairofherconscience，andwasstrugglingagainstsomeimaginarybarrier。
　　`ThisiswhatImeanttosaytoyou，’hewentoncoldlyandcomposedly，`andIbegyoutohearmetotheend。Iconsiderjealousy，asyouknow，ahumiliatinganddegradingfeeling，andIshallneverallowmyselftobeguidedbyit；buttherearecertainrulesofdecencywhichcannotbedisregardedwithimpunity。ThiseveningitwasnotIwhoobservedit-
　　but，judgingbytheimpressionmadeonthecompany，everyoneobservedthatyourconductanddeportmentwerenotaltogetherwhatonewoulddesire。’
　　`Ipositivelydon’tunderstand，’saidAnna，shrugginghershoulders。
　　`Hedoesn’tcare，’shethought。`Butotherpeoplenoticeditandthat’swhatupsetshim。’-`You’renotwell，AlexeiAlexandrovich，’sheadded，and，gettingup，wasabouttopassthroughthedoor；buthemovedforwardasthoughhewouldstopher。
　　Hisfacewasgloomyandforbidding，asAnnahadneverseenitbefore。Shestopped，andbendingherheadbackandtooneside，begantakingoutherhairpinswithherquick-dartinghand。
　　`Well，I’mlistening-whatdoesfollow？’shesaid，calmlyandironically；`and，indeed，Iamlisteningevenwithinterest，forIshouldliketounderstandwhatitisallabout。’
　　Shespoke，andmarveledattheconfident，calmandnaturaltoneinwhichshespoke，andatthechoiceofthewordssheused。
　　`ToenterintoallthedetailsofyourfeelingsIhavenoright，and，besides，Iregardthatasuselessandevenharmful，’beganAlexeiAlexandrovich。`Rummaginginoursouls，weoftenbringupsomethingthatmighthaveotherwiselainthereunnoticed。Yourfeelingsareanaffairofyourownconscience；butIamindutyboundtoyou，tomyselfandtoGod，topointouttoyouyourduties。Ourlifehasbeenjoined，notbyman，butbyGod。Thatunioncanonlybeseveredbyacrime，andacrimeofthatnaturebringsitsownchastisement。’
　　`Idon’tunderstandaword。And，ohdear！howsleepyIam，unluckily，’
　　shesaid，rapidlypassingherhandthroughherhair，feelingfortheremaininghairpins。
　　`Anna，forGod’ssakedon’tspeaklikethat！’hesaidgently。
　　`PerhapsIammistaken，butbelieveme，thatwhichIamsayingIsayasmuchformyselfasforyou。Iamyourhusband，andIloveyou。’
　　Foraninstantherfacefell，andthemockinggleaminhereyesdiedaway；butthephrase`Ilove’threwherintorevoltagain。Shethought:
　　`Love？Canhelove？Ifhehadn’theardtherewassuchathingaslove，hewouldneverhaveusedtheword。Hedoesn’tevenknowwhatloveis。’
　　`AlexeiAlexandrovich，Ireallydonotunderstand，’shesaid。
　　`Definewhatitisyouconsider……’
　　`Pardon，letmesayallIhavetosay。Iloveyou。ButIamnotspeakingofmyself；themostimportantpersonsinthismatterareoursonandyourself。Itmayverywellbe，Irepeat，thatmywordsseemtoyouutterlyunnecessaryandoutofplace；itmaybethattheyarecalledforthbymymistakenimpression。Inthatcase，Ibegyoutoforgiveme。Butifyouareconsciousyourselfofeventhesmallestfoundationforthem，thenIbegyoutothinkalittle，andifyourheartpromptsyou，tospeakouttome……’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichwasunconsciouslysayingsomethingutterlyunlikewhathehadprepared。
　　`Ihavenothingtosay。Andbesidesshesaidsuddenly，withdifficultyrepressingasmile，`it’sreallytimetobeinbed。’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichsighed，and，withoutsayingmore，wentintothebedroom。
　　Whenshecameintothebedroom，hewasalreadyinbed。Hislipsweresternlycompressed，andhiseyeslookedawayfromher。Annagotintoherbed，andlayexpectingeveryminutethathewouldbegintospeaktoheragain。Shebothfearedhisspeakingandwishedforit。Buthewassilent。
　　Shewaitedforalongwhilewithoutmoving，andforgotabouthim。Shethoughtofthatother；shepicturedhim，andfelthowherheartwasfloodedwithemotionandguiltydelightatthethoughtofhim。Suddenlysheheardaneven，tranquilsnore。ForthefirstinstantAlexeiAlexandrovichseemed，asitwere，appalledathisownsnoring，andceased；butafterapauseofoneortwobreaths，thesnoresoundedagain，withanewtranquilrhythm。
　　`It’slate，it’slate，’shewhisperedwithasmile。Alongwhileshelay，withoutmoving，andwithopeneyes，whosebrillianceshealmostfanciedshecouldherselfseeinthedarkness。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter10[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter10FromthattimeanewlifebeganforAlexeiAlexandrovichandforhiswife。
　　Nothingspecialhappened。Annawentoutintosociety，asshehadalwaysdone，wasparticularlyoftenatPrincessBetsy’s，andmetVronskyeverywhere。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichsawthis，butwaspowerlesstodoanything。Allhiseffortstodrawherintoopendiscussionsheconfrontedwithabarrierwhichhecouldnotpenetrate，madeupofasortofamusedperplexity。Outwardlyeverythingwasthesame，buttheirinnerrelationswerecompletelychanged。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovich，amanofgreatpowerintheworldofpolitics，felthimselfhelplessinthismatter。Likeanoxwithheadbentsubmissively，hewaitedthefallofthepoleaxwhichhefeltwasliftedoverhim。Everytimehebegantothinkaboutit，hefeltthathemusttryoncemore；thatbykindness，tendernessandpersuasiontherewasstillhopeofsavingher，ofbringingherbacktoherself，andeverydayhewasonthevergeoftalkingtoher。Buteverytimehebeganhefeltthatthespiritofevilanddeceit，whichhadtakenpossessionofher，hadpossessionofhimtoo，andhetalkedtoherinatonequiteunlikethatwhichhehadmeanttouse。Involuntarilyhetalkedtoherinhishabitualtoneofbanteringatanyonewhoshouldsaywhathewassaying。Andinthattoneitwasimpossibletosaytoherwhattheoccasiondemanded。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter11[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter11ThatwhichtoVronskyhadbeenforalmostawholeyeartheoneabsorbingdesireofhislife，replacingallhisolddesires；thatwhichtoAnnahadbeenanimpossible，terrible，and，forthatveryreason，amoreentrancingdreamofhappiness-thatdesirehadbeenfulfilled。Hestoodbeforeher，pale，hislowerjawquivering，andbesoughthertobecalm，withouthimselfknowinghoworwhy。
　　`Anna！Anna！’hesaidwithaquiveringvoice，`Anna，forGod’ssake！……’
　　Butthelouderhespoke，thelowershecastdownheronceproudandgay，butnowshame-strickenhead，andsheboweddownandsankfromthesofawhereshewassitting-downonthefloor，athisfeet；shewouldhavefallenonthecarpetifhehadnotheldher。
　　`MyGod！’Forgiveme！’shesaid，sobbing，pressinghishandstoherbosom。
　　Shefeltsosinful，soguilty，thatnothingwasleftherbuttohumiliateherselfandbegforgiveness，andasnowtherewasnooneinherlifebuthim，tohim，too，sheaddressedherprayerforforgiveness。Lookingathim，shehadaphysicalsenseofherhumiliation，andshecouldsaynothingmore。Andhefeltasamurderermustfeelwhenhebeholdsthebodyhehasrobbedoflife。Thatbody，robbedbyhimoflife，wastheirlove，thefirststageoftheirlove。Therewassomethingawfulandrevoltinginthememoryofwhathadbeenboughtatthisfearfulpriceofshame。Shameatherspiritualnakednesscrushedherandinfectedhim。Butinspiteofallthemurderer’shorrorbeforethebodyofhisvictim，hemusthackittopieces，hidethebody，mustusewhatthemurdererhadgainedbyhismurder。
　　Andasthemurderer，withfury，and，asitwere，withpassion，fallsonthebody，anddragsit，andhacksatit-sohecoveredherfaceandshoulderswithkisses。Sheheldhishand，anddidnotstir。Yes，thesekisses-thatiswhathasbeenboughtbythisshame。Yes，andthisonehand，whichwillalwaysbemine-thehandofmyaccomplice。Sheliftedupthathandandkissedit。Hesankonhiskneesandtriedtoseeherface；
　　butshehidit，andsaidnothing。Atlast，asthoughmakinganeffortoverherself，shegotupandpushedhimaway。Herfacewasstillasbeautiful，butitwasonlythemorepitifulforthat。
　　`Allisover，’shesaid；`Ihavenothingbutyou。Rememberthat。’
　　`Icanneverforgetwhatismywholelife。Foroneinstantofthishappiness……’
　　`Happiness！’shesaidwithhorrorandloathingandherhorrorunconsciouslyinfectedhim。`ForGod’ssake，notaword，notawordmore。’
　　Sherosequicklyandmovedawayfromhim。
　　`Notawordmore，’sherepeated，andwithalookofchilldespair，incomprehensibletohim，shepartedfromhim。Shefeltthatatthatmomentshecouldnotputintowordsthesenseofshame，ofrapture，andofhorroratthissteppingintoanewlife，andshedidnotwanttospeakofit，tovulgarizethisfeelingbyinappropriatewords。Butlatertoo，andthenextday，andthedayafter，shestillfoundnowordsinwhichshecouldexpressthecomplexityofthosefeelings；indeed，shecouldnotevenfindthoughtsinwhichshecouldclearlythinkoutallthatwasinhersoul。
　　Shesaidtoherself。`No，justnowIcan’tthinkofit-lateron，whenIamcalmer。’Butthiscalmforthoughtsnevercame；everytimethethoughtroseofwhatshehaddoneandwhatwouldhappentoher，andwhatsheoughttodo，ahorrorcameoverherandshedrovethosethoughtsaway。
　　`Later，later，’shesaid，`whenIamcalmer。’
　　Butinherdreams，whenshehadnocontroloverherthoughts，herpositionpresenteditselftoherinallitshideousnakedness。Onedreamhauntedheralmosteverynight。Shedreamedthatbothwerehusbandsatonce，thatbothwerelavishingcaressesonher。AlexeiAlexandrovichwasweeping，kissingherhands，andsaying，`Howhappywearenow！’AndAlexeiVronskywastheretoo，andhe，too，washerhusband。Andshewasmarvelingthatithadonceseemedimpossibletoher，wasexplainingtothem，laughing，thatthiswaseversomuchsimpler，andthatnowbothofthemwerehappyandcontented。Butthisdreamweighedonherlikeanightmare，andshewouldawakefromitinterror。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter12[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter12Intheearlydays，afterhisreturnfromMoscow，wheneverLevinshudderedandgrewred，rememberingthedisgraceofhisrejection，hewouldsaytohimself:`ThiswasjusthowIusedtoshudderandblush，thinkingeverythingutterlylost，whenIwasflunkedinphysicsanddidnotgetpromoted；andthisisalsohowIthoughtmyselfutterlyruinedafterIhadmismanagedthataffairofmysister’swithwhichIhadbeenentrusted。Andyet，nowthattheyearshavepassed，Irecallitandwonderthatitcoulddistressmesomuch。Itwillbethesamethingwiththistroubleaswell。Timewillgoby，andIshallnotmindthiseither。’
　　Butthreemonthshadpassedandhehadnotleftoffmindingaboutit；anditwasaspainfulforhimtothinkofitnowasithadbeenduringthosefirstdays。Hecouldnotbeatpeacebecause，afterdreamingsolongoffamilylife，andfeelinghimselfsoripeforit，hewasstillnotmarried，andwasfartherthaneverfrommarriage。Hewaspainfullyconscioushimself，aswereallabouthim，thatathisyearsitisnotgoodthatmanshouldbealone。HerememberedhowbeforestartingforMoscowhehadoncesaidtohiscowherdNicolai，asimpleheartedpeasant，towhomhelikedtotalk:
　　`Well，Nicolai！Imeantogetmarried，’andhowNicolaihadpromptlyanswered，asofamatteronwhichtherecouldbenopossibledoubt:`Andhightimetoo，KonstantinDmitrich。’Butmarriagehadnowbecomefartheroffthanever。Theplacewastaken，andwheneverhetriedtoimagineanyofthegirlsheknewinthatplace，hefeltthatitwasutterlyimpossible。Moreover，therecollectionoftherejectionandtheparthehadplayedintheaffairtorturedhimwithshame。Howeveroftenhetoldhimselfthathewasinnowisetoblameinit，thatrecollection，likeothersimilarlyhumiliatingrecollections，madehimwinceandblush。Therehadbeeninhispast，asineveryman’s，actions，recognizedbyhimasbad，forwhichhisconscienceoughttohavetormentedhim；buttherecollectionoftheseevilactionswasfarfromcausinghimasmuchsufferingasthesetrivialbuthumiliatingrecollections。Thesewoundsneverhealed。Andwiththeserecollectionswasnowrangedhisrejectionandthesorryplightinwhichhemusthaveappearedtoothersthatevening。Yettimeandlaborweredoingtheirwork。
　　Bitterrecollectionsweremoreandmorebeingcoveredupbytheincidents-inconspicuousones，butimportant-ofhiscountrylife。EveryweekhethoughtlessoftenofKitty。Hewasimpatientlylookingforwardtothenewsthatshewasmarried，orjustgoingtobemarried，hopingthatsuchnewswould，likehavingatoothout，completelycurehim。
　　Meanwhilespringcameon，beautifulandkindly，withoutthedelaysandtreacheriesincidenttospring-oneofthoserarespringsinwhichplants，beastsandmanrejoicealike。ThislovelyspringrousedLevinstillmore，andstrengthenedhiminhisresolutionofrenouncingallhispastandbuildinguphislonelylifefirmlyandindependently。Thoughmanyoftheplanswithwhichhehadreturnedtothecountryhadnotbeencarriedout，hismostimportantresolution-thatofpurityoflife-hadneverthelessbeenkeptbyhim。Hewasfreefromthatshamewhichhadusuallyharassedhimafterafall；andhecouldlookeveryonestraightintheface。InFebruaryhehadreceivedaletterfromMaryaNikolaevnatellinghimthathisbrotherNikolai’shealthwasgettingworse，butthathewouldnottakeadvice，andinconsequenceofthisletterLevinwenttoMoscowtohisbrother’s，andsucceededinpersuadinghimtoseeadoctorandtogotoawateringplaceabroad。Hesucceededsowellinpersuadinghisbrother，andinlendinghimmoneyforthejourneywithoutirritatinghim，thathewassatisfiedwithhimselfonthatscore。Inadditiontohisfarming，whichcalledforspecialattentioninspring，inadditiontoreadingLevinhadbegunthatwinteraworkonagriculture，theplanofwhichturnedontakingintoaccountthecharacterofthelaboreronthelandasoneoftheunalterabledataofthequestion，liketheclimateandthesoil，andconsequentlydeducingalltheprinciplesofscientificculture，notsimplyfromthedataofsoilandclimate，butfromthedataofsoil，climateandacertainunalterablecharacterofthelaborer。Thus，inspiteofhissolitude，orinconsequenceofhissolitude，lifewasexceedinglyfull，savethat，onrareoccasions，hesufferedfromanunsatisfieddesiretocommunicatehisstrayideastosomeonebesidesAgathyaMikhailovna。Withherindeedhenotinfrequentlyfellintodiscussionsuponphysics，thetheoryofagriculture，and，especially，philosophy:philosophywasAgathyaMikhailovna’sfavoritesubject。
　　Springwasslowinunfolding。ForthelastfewweeksofLentithadbeensteadilyfineandfrostyweather。Inthedaytimetherewasathawinthesun，butatnighttherewereasmanyassevendegreesoffrost。
　　Thesnowwassopackedandfrozenthatloadscouldbecarriedalonganywhere，regardlessofroads。Eastercameinsnow。Thenallofasudden，onEasterMonday，awarmwindsprangup，stormcloudsswoopeddown，andforthreedaysandthreenightsthewarm，tempestuousrainfellintorrents。OnThursdaythewinddropped，andathickgrayfogbroodedovertheland，asthoughscreeningthemysteriesofthetransformationsthatwerebeingwroughtinnature。Behindthefogtherewastheflowingofwater，thecrackingandfloatingofice，theswiftrushofturbid，foamingtorrents；andonthefollowingMonday，intheevening，thefogparted，thestormcloudssplitupintolittlecurlingcrestsofcloud，theskycleared，andtherealspringhadcome。Inthemorningthesunarosebrilliantandquicklyworeawaythethinlayeroficethatcoveredthewater，andallthewarmairwasquiveringwiththesteamthatroseupfromthequickenedearth。
　　Theoldgrasslookedgreener，andtheyounggrassthrustupitstinyblades；
　　thebudsoftheguelder-roseandofthecurrant，andthestickybirchbudswereswollenwithsap，andanexploringbeewashummingaboutthegoldenblossomsthatstuddedthewillow。Larkstrilledunseenabovethevelvetygreenfieldsandtheice-coveredstubbleland；pewitswailedoverthelowlandsandmarshes，floodedbythepools；cranesandwildgeeseflewhighacrosstheskyutteringtheirspringcalls。Thecattle，baldinpatcheswherethenewhairhadnotgrownyet，lowedinthepastures；bowleggedlambsfriskedroundtheirbleatingdams，whoweresheddingtheirfleece；nimble-footedchildrenranalongthedryingpaths，coveredwiththeprintsofbarefeet；
　　therewasamerrychatterofpeasantwomenovertheirlinenatthepond，andtheringofaxesintheyard，wherethepeasantswererepairingplowsandharrows。Therealspringhadcome。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter13[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter13Levinputonhisbigboots，and，forthefirsttime，aclothovercoatinsteadofhisfurcloak，andwentouttolookafterhisfarm，steppingoverstreamsofwaterthatflashedinthesunshineanddazzledhiseyes，andsteppingoneminuteoniceandthenextintostickymud。
　　Springisthetimeofplansandprojects。And，ashecameoutintothefarmyard，Levin，likeatreeinspringthatknowsnotwhatformwillbetakenbytheyoungshootsandtwigsimprisonedinitsswellingbuds，hardlyknewwhatundertakingshewasgoingtolaunchuponnowinthefarmworkthatwassodeartohim。Buthefeltthathewasfullofthemostsplendidplansandprojects。Firstofallhewenttothecattle。Thecowshadbeenletoutintotheirpaddock，andtheirsmoothsideswerealreadyglossywiththeirnew，sleek，springcoats；theybaskedinthesunshineandlowedtogotothemeadow。Levingazedadmiringlyatthecowsheknewsointimatelytotheminutestdetailoftheircondition，andgaveordersforthemtobedrivenoutintothemeadow，andthecalvestobeletintothepaddock。Theherdsmanrangailytogetreadyforthemeadow。Thecowherdgirls，pickinguptheirpetticoats，ransplashingthroughthemudwithbarelegs，stillwhite，notyetbrownfromthesun，wavingbrushwoodintheirhands，chasingthecalvesthatfrolickedinthemirthofspring。
　　Afteradmiringtheincreaseofthatyear，whichwereparticularlyfine-theearlycalveswerethesizeofapeasant’scow，andPava’sdaughter，atthreemonthsold，wasasbigasayearling-Levingaveordersforatroughtobebroughtoutandhaytobeputintheracks。Butitappearedthat，sincethepaddockhadnotbeenusedduringthewinter，theracksmadeintheautumnwerebroken。Hesentforthecarpenter，who，accordingtohisorders，oughttohavebeenatworkatthethreshingmachine。Butitappearedthatthecarpenterwasrepairingtheharrows，whichoughttohavebeenrepairedbeforeLent。ThiswasveryannoyingtoLevin。Itwasannoyingtocomeuponthateverlastingslovenlinessinthefarmworkagainstwhichhehadbeenstrivingwithallhismightforsomanyyears。Theracks，asheascertained，beingnotwantedinwinter，hadbeencarriedtothecarthorses’stable，andtherebroken，astheywereoflightconstruction，onlymeantforfodderingcalves。Moreover，itwasapparentalsothattheharrowsandalltheagriculturalimplements，whichhehaddirectedtobelookedoverandrepairedinthewinter，forwhichverypurposehehadhiredthreecarpenters，hadnotbeenputintorepair，andtheharrowswerebeingrepairedwhentheyoughttohavebeenharrowingthefield。Levinsentforhisbailiff，butimmediatelywentoffhimselftolookforhim。Thebailiff，beamingallover，likeeverythingthatday，inasheepskinborderedwithastrakhan，cameoutofthebarn，twistingabitofstrawinhishands。
　　`Whyisn’tthecarpenteratthethreshingmachine？’
　　`Oh，Imeanttotellyouyesterday，theharrowswantrepairing。
　　Hereit’stimetheygottoworkinthefields。’
　　`Butwhatweretheydoinginthewinter，then？’
　　`Butwhatdidyouwantthecarpenterfor？’
　　`Wherearetheracksforthecalves’paddock？’
　　`Iorderedthemtobegotready。Whatwouldyouhavewiththosepeople！’saidthebailiff，withawaveofhishand。
　　`It’snotthosepeoplebutthisbailiff！’saidLevin，gettingangry。`Why，whatdoIkeepyoufor？’hecried。But，bethinkinghimselfthatthiswouldnothelpmatters，hestoppedshortinthemiddleofasentence，andmerelysighed。`Well，whatdoyousay？Cansowingbegin？’heasked，afterapause。
　　`BehindTurkino，tomorrowornextday，theymightbegin。’
　　`Andtheclover？’
　　`I’vesentVassiliiandMishka；they’resowingit。OnlyIdon’tknowifthey’llmanagetogetthrough；it’ssoslushy。’
　　`Howmanydessiatinas？
　　`Six。’
　　`Whynotsowall？’criedLevin。
　　Thattheywereonlysowingthecloveronsixdessiatinas，notinallthetwenty，wasstillmoreannoyingtohim。Clover，asheknew，bothfrombooksandfromhisownexperience，neverdidwellexceptwhenitwassownasearlyaspossible，almostinthesnow。AndyetLevincouldnevergetthisdone。
　　`There’snoonetosend。Whatwouldyoudowithsuchpeople？Threehaven’tturnedup。Andthere’sSemion……’
　　`Well，youshouldhavetakensomemenfromthechaffcutter。’
　　`AndsoIhave，asitis。’
　　`Wherearethepeasants，then？’
　　`Fivearemakingcompote’whichmeantcompost，`andfourareshiftingtheoatsforfearofbeingtouched，KonstantinDmitrich。’
　　Levinknewverywellthat`touching’meantthathisEnglishseedoatswerealreadyspoiled。Againtheyhadnotdoneashehadordered。
　　`Why，butItoldyouduringLenttoputinpipes，’hecried。
　　`Don’tbeputout；weshallgetitalldoneintime。’
　　Levinmadeanangrygesture，andwentintothegranarytoglanceattheoats，andthentothestable。Theoatswerenotyetspoiled。Butthelaborerswerecarryingtheoatsinspadeswhentheymightsimplyletthemslidedownintothelowergranary；andarrangingforthistobedone，andtakingtwolaborersfromthereforsowingclover，Levingotoverthevexationhisbailiffhadcausedhim。Indeed，itwassuchalovelydaythatonecouldnotbeangry。
　　`Ignat！’hecalledtothecoachman，who，withhissleevestuckedup，waswashingthecarriagewheels，`saddle……’
　　`Which，sir？’
　　`Well，letitbeKolpik。’
　　`Yes，sir。’
　　Whiletheyweresaddlinghishorse，Levinagaincalledthebailiff，whowashangingaboutinsight，tomakeitupwithhim，andbegantalkingtohimaboutthespringoperationsbeforethem，andhisplansforthefarming。
　　Thewagonsweretobegincartingmanureearlier，soastogetalldonebeforetheearlymowing。Andtheplowingoftheoutlyinglandwastogoonwithoutabreak，soastoletitlieblackfallowandfurrowed。
　　Andthemovingtobealldonebyhiredlabor，notonhalf-profits。
　　Thebailifflistenedattentively，andobviouslymadeanefforttoapproveofhisemployer’sprojects。ButstillhehadthatlookLevinknewsowellthatalwaysirritatedhim，alookofhopelessnessanddespondency。
　　Thatlooksaid:`That’sallverywell，butasGodwills。’
　　NothingmortifiedLevinsomuchasthattone。Butitwasthetonecommontoallthebailiffshehadeverhad。Theyhadalltakenthatattitudetohisplans，andsonowhewasnotangeredbyit，butmortified，andfeltallthemorerousedtostruggleagainstthisapparentlyelementalforcecontinuallyrangedagainsthim，forwhichhecouldfindnoothernamethan`asGodwills。’
　　`Ifwecanmanageit，KonstantinDmitrich，’saidthebailiff。
　　`Whyshouldn’tyoumanageit？’
　　`Wepositivelymusthavefifteenlaborersmore。Andtheydon’tturnup。Thereweresomeheretodayaskingseventyroublesforthesummer。’
　　Levinwassilent。Againhewasbroughtfacetofacewiththatopposingforce。Heknewthathowevermuchtheytried，theycouldnothiremorethanforty-thirty-sevenperhapsorthirty-eight-laborersforareasonablesum；somefortyhadbeentakenon，andtherewerenomore。Butstillhecouldnothelpstrugglingagainstit。
　　`SendtoSury，toChefirovka，iftheydon’tcome。Wemustlookforthem。’
　　`I’llsend，tobesure，’saidVassiliiFiodorovichdespondently。
　　`Butthentherearethehorses-they’renotgoodformuch。’
　　`We’llgetsomemore。Iknow，ofcourse，’Levinaddedlaughing，`youalwayswanttodowithaslittleandaspooraqualityaspossible；
　　butthisyearI’mnotgoingtoletyouhavethingsyourownway。I’llseetoeverythingmyself。’
　　`Why，Idon’tthinkyoutakemuchrestasitis。Itcheersusuptoworkunderthemaster’seye……’
　　`Sothey’resowingcloverbehindtheBirchDale？I’llgoandhavealookatthem，’hesaid，mountingthelittlebaycob，Kolpik，whowasledupbythecoachman。
　　`Youcan’tgetacrossthestream，KonstantinDmitrich，’thecoachmanshouted。
　　`Allright，I’llgobytheforest。’
　　AndLevinrodethroughtheslushofthefarmyardtothegateandoutintotheopencountry，hisgoodlittlehorse，afterhislonginactivity，amblingeasily，snortingoverthepools，andasking，asitwere，forguidance。
　　IfLevinhadfelthappybeforeinthecattlepensandfarmyard，hefelthappieryetintheopencountry。Swayingrhythmicallywiththeamblingpacesofhisgoodlittlecob，drinkinginthewarmyetfreshscentofthesnowandtheair，asherodethroughhisforestoverthecrumbling，wastedsnow，stillleftinparts，andcoveredwithdissolvingtracks，herejoicedovereverytree，withthemossrevivingonitsbarkandthebudsswellingonitsshoots。Whenhecameoutoftheforest，intheimmenseplainbeforehim，hiswinterfieldsstretchedinanunbrokencarpetofgreen，withoutonebareplaceorswamp，onlyspottedhereandthereinthehollowswithpatchesofmeltingsnow。Hewasnotputoutoftemperevenbythesightofthepeasants’horseandcolttramplingdownhisyounggrasshetoldapeasanthemettodrivethemout，norbythesarcasticandstupidreplyofthepeasantIpat，whomhemetontheway，andasked，`Well，Ipat，shallwesoonbesowing？’`Wemustgettheplowingdonefirst，KonstantinDmitrich，’answeredIpat。Thefartherherode，thehappierhebecame，andplansforthelandrosetohismindeachbetterthanthelast:
　　toplantallhisfieldswithhedgesalongthesouthernborders，sothatthesnowshouldnotlieunderthem；todividethemupintosixfieldsoftillageandthreeforpastureandhay；tobuildacattleyardatthefurtherendoftheestate，andtodigapondandtoconstructmovablepensforthecattleasameansofmanuringtheland。Andthenthreehundreddessiatinasofwheat，onehundredofpotatoes，andonehundredandfiftyofclover，andnotadessiatinaexhausted。
　　Absorbedinsuchdreams，carefullykeepinghishorsebythehedgessoasnottotramplehisyoungwinterfields，herodeuptothelaborerswhohadbeensenttosowclover。Atelegawiththeseedinitwasstanding，notattheedge，butinthemiddleofthetillage，andthewintercornhadbeentornupbythewheelsandtrampledbythehorse。Boththelaborersweresittinginthehedge，probablysmokingapipe，turnandturnabout。
　　Theearthinthetelega，withwhichtheseedwasmixed，wasnotcrushedtopowder，butcrustedtogetheroradheringinclods。Seeingthemaster，thelaborer，Vassilii，wenttowardthetelega，whileMishkasettoworksowing。Thiswasnotasitshouldbe，butwiththelaborersLevinseldomlosthistemper。WhenVassiliicameup，Levintoldhimtoleadthehorsetothehedge。
　　`Nevermind，sir，it’llspringupagain，’respondedVassilii。
　　`Pleasedon’targue，’saidLevin，`butdoasyou’retold。’
　　`Yes，sir，’answeredVassilii，andhetookthehorse’shead。`Whatasowing，KonstantinDmitrich！’hesaidingratiatingly。`First-rate。Onlyit’saworktogetabout！Afellowdragsthirtypoundsofearthateverystep。’
　　`Whyisityouhaveearththat’snotsifted？’saidLevin。
　　`Well，wecrumbleitup，’answeredVassilii，takingupsomeseedandrollingtheearthinhispalms。
　　Vassiliiwasnottoblamefortheirhavingfireduphistelegawithunsiftedearth，butstillitwasannoying。
　　Levinhadalready，morethanonce，triedawayheknewforstiflinghisanger，andturningallthatseemeddarkrightagain，andhetriedthatwaynow。HewatchedhowMishkastrodealong，swingingthehugeclodsofearththatclungtoeachfoot；and，gettingoffhishorse，hetookthesievefromVassiliiandstartedsowinghimself。
　　`Wheredidyoustop？’
　　Vassiliipointedtothemarkwithhisfoot，andLevinwentforwardasbesthecould，scatteringtheseedontheland。Walkingwasasdifficultasonabog，andbythetimeLevinhadendedtherowhewasinagreatheat，and，stopping，gavethesieveovertoVassilii。
　　`Wellmaster，whensummer’shere，mindyoudon’tscoldmeforthisrow，’saidVassilii。
　　`Eh？’saidLevincheerily，alreadyfeelingtheeffectofhismethod。
　　`Why，you’llseeinthesummertime。It’lllookdifferent。LookyouwhereIsowedlastspring。HowIdidworkatitIdomybest，KonstantinDmitrich，d’yesee，asIwouldformyownfather。Idon’tlikebotchworkmyself，norwouldIletanothermandoit。What’sgoodforthemasterisgoodforustoo。Itdoesone’sheartgood，’saidVassilii，pointing，`tolookoveryonder。’
　　`It’salovelyspring，Vassilii。’
　　`Why，it’saspringsuchaseventheoldmendon’trememberthelikeof。Iwasuphome；myfathertherehassownwheattoo，threeosminasofit。Hewassayingyoucouldn’ttellitfromrye。’
　　`Haveyoubeensowingwheatlong？’
　　`Why，sir，itwasyoutaughtus，theyearbeforelast。Yougavemetwomeasures。Wesoldaboutonechetvertandsowedthreeosminas。’
　　`Well，mindyoucrumbleuptheclods，’saidLevin，goingtowardhishorse，`andkeepaneyeonMishka。Andifthere’sagoodcropyoushallhavehalfaroubleforeverydessiatina。’
　　`Thankyou，kindly。Weareverywellcontent，sir，withyourtreatment，asitis。’
　　Levingotonhishorseandrodetowardthefieldwherelastyear’scloverwas，andtheonewhichwasplowedreadyforthespringcorn。
　　Thecropofclovercomingupinthestubblewasmagnificent。Ithadrevivedalready，andstoodupvividlygreenthroughthebrokenstalksoflastyear’swheat。Thehorsesankinuptothepasterns，andhedreweachhoofwithasuckingsoundoutofthehalf-thawedground。Overtheplowlandtheridingwasutterlyimpossible；thehorsecouldonlykeepafootholdwheretherewasice，andinthethawingfurrowshesankindeepateachstep。Theplowlandwasinsplendidcondition；inacoupleofdaysitwouldbefitforharrowingandsowing。Everythingwascapital，everythingwascheering。Levinrodebackacrossthestreams，hopingthewaterwouldhavegonedown。Andhedidinfactgetacross，andstartledtwoducks。
　　`Theremustbewoodcockheretoo，’hethought，andjustashereachedtheturninghomewardshemettheforestkeeper，whoconfirmedhistheoryaboutthewoodcock。
　　Levinwenthomeatatrot，soastohavetimetoeathisdinnerandgethisgunreadyfortheevening。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter14[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter14Asherodeuptothehouseinthehappiestframeofmind，Levinheardthebellringatthesideoftheprincipalentranceofthehouse。
　　`Yes，that’ssomeonefromtherailwaystation，’hethought，`justthetimetobeherefromtheMoscowtrain……Whocoulditbe？Whatifit’sbrotherNikolai？Hedidsay:``Imaygotothewaters，orImaycomedowntoyou。’’HefeltdismayedandvexedforthefirstminutethathisbrotherNikolai’spresenceshouldcometohishappymoodofspring。Buthefeltashamedofthefeeling，andatonceheopened，asitwere，thearmsofhissoul，andwithasoftenedfeelingofjoyandexpectation，henowhopedwithallhisheartthatitwashisbrother。Hespurredonhishorse，andasherodeoutfrombehindtheacacias，hesawahiredtroikafromtherailwaystation，andagentlemaninafurcoat。Itwasnothisbrother。`Oh，ifitwereonlysomepleasantpersononecouldtalktoalittle！’hethought。
　　`Ah，’criedLevinjoyfully，flingingupbothhishands。`Here’sadelightfulvisitor！Ah，howgladIamtoseeyou！’heshouted，recognizingStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Ishallfindoutforcertainwhethershe’smarried，orwhenshe’sgoingtobemarried，’hethought。
　　Andonthatdeliciousspringdayhefeltthatthethoughtofherdidnothurthimatall。
　　`Didn’texpectme，didyou？’saidStepanArkadyevich，gettingoutofthesleigh，splashedwithmudonthebridgeofhisnose，onhischeek，andonhiseyebrows，butradiantwithhealthandgoodspirits。`I’vecomeprimarilytoseeyou，’hesaid，embracingandkissinghim，`secondly，tohavesomestandshooting，andthirdly，toselltheforestatErgushovo。’
　　`Delightful！Whataspringwe’rehaving！Howeverdidyougetalonginasleigh？’
　　`Inawagonitwouldhavebeenworsestill，KonstantinDmitrievich，’
　　answeredthedriver，whoknewhim。
　　`Well，I’mvery，verygladtoseeyou，’saidLevin，withagenuinesmileofchildlikedelight。