Theyweremowingslowlyovertheuneven，low-lyingpartsofthemeadow，wheretherehadbeenanolddam。Levinrecognizedsomeofhisownmen。HerewasoldIermilinaverylongwhitesmock，bendingforwardtoswingascythe；therewasayoungfellow，Vaska，whohadbeenacoachmanofLevin’s，takingeveryswathwithawidesweep。Here，too，wasTit，Levin’spreceptorintheartofmowing，athinlittlepeasant。Hewentonahead，andcuthiswideswathwithoutbending，asthoughplayingwithhisscythe。
　　Levingotoffhismare，andfasteningherupbytheroadsidewenttomeetTit，whotookasecondscytheoutofabushandgaveithim。
　　`It’sready，sir；it’slikearazor-itcutsofitself，’saidTit，takingoffhiscapwithasmileandgivinghimthescythe。
　　Levintookthescythe，andbegantryingit。Astheyfinishedtheirswaths，themowers，hotandgood-humored，cameoutintotheroadoneafteranother，andsmirking，greetedthemaster。Theyallstaredathim，butnoonemadeanyremark，tillatalloldman，withawrinkled，beardlessface，wearingashortsheepskinjacket，cameoutintotheroadandaccostedhim。
　　`Look’eenow，master，oncetakeholdoftherope，there’snolettinggo！’hesaid，andLevinheardsmotheredlaughteramongthemowers。
　　`I’lltrynottoletitgo，’hesaid，takinghisstandbehindTit，andwaitingforthetimetobegin。
　　`Mind’ee，’repeatedtheoldman。
　　Titmaderoom，andLevinstartedbehindhim。Thegrasswasshortclosetotheroad，andLevin，whohadnotdoneanymowingforalongwhile，andwasdisconcertedbytheeyesfasteneduponhim，cutbadlyforthefirstmoments，thoughheswunghisscythevigorously。Behindhimheheardvoices:
　　`It’snotsetright；handle’stoohigh；seehowhehastostooptoit，’saidone。
　　`Pressmoreontheheelofthescythe，’saidanother。
　　`Nevermind，he’llgetonallright，’theoldmanresumed。`See，he’smadeastart……Youswingittoowide，you’lltireyourselfout……
　　Themaster，sure，doeshisbestforhimself！Butseethegrassmissedout！
　　Forsuchworkusfellowswouldcatchit！’
　　Thegrassbecamelusher，andLevin，listeningwithoutanswering，followedTit，tryingtodothebesthecould。Theymovedahundredpaces。
　　Titkeptmovingon，withoutstopping，norshowingtheslightestweariness，butLevinwasalreadybeginningtofearhewouldnotbeabletokeepitup-sotiredwashe。
　　Hefeltasheswunghisscythethathewasattheveryendofhisstrength，andwasmakinguphismindtoaskTittostop。ButatthatverymomentTitstoppedofhisownaccord，and，stoopingdown，pickedupsomegrass，rubbedhisscythe，andbeganwhettingit。Levinstraightenedhimself，anddrawingadeepbreathlookedround。Behindhimcameapeasant，andhetoowasevidentlytired，forhestoppedatoncewithoutwaitingtomowuptoLevin，andbeganwhettinghisscythe。TitsharpenedhisscytheandLevin’s，andtheywenton。
　　Thenexttimeitwasjustthesame。Titmovedonwithsweepaftersweepofhisscythe，withoutstoppingorshowingsignsofweariness。Levinfollowedhim，tryingnottogetleftbehind，andhefounditharderandharder:themomentcamewhenhefelthehadnostrengthleft，butatthatverymomentTitstoppedandwhettedthescythes。
　　Sotheymowedthefirstrow。AndthislongrowseemedparticularlyhardworktoLevin；butwhentheendwasreached，andTit，shoulderinghisscythe，beganwithdeliberatestridereturningonthetracksleftbyhisheelsinthecutgrass，andLevinwalkedbackinthesamewayoverthespacehehadcut，inspiteofthesweatthatraninstreamsoverhisfaceandfellindropsdownhisnose，anddrenchedhisbackasthoughhehadbeensoakedinwater，hefeltveryhappy。Whatdelightedhimparticularlywasthatnowheknewhewouldbeabletoholdout。
　　Hispleasurewasonlydisturbedbyhisswathnotbeingwellcut。
　　`Iwillswinglesswithmyarmandmorewithmywholebody，’hethought，comparingTit’sswath，whichlookedasifithadbeencutalongasurveyor’scord，withhisownscatteredandirregularlylyinggrass。
　　Thefirstswath，asLevinnoticed，Tithadmowedespeciallyquickly，probablywishingtoputhismastertothetest，andtheswathhappenedtobealongone。Thenextswathswereeasier，butstillLevinhadtostraineverynervenottodropbehindthepeasants。
　　Hethoughtofnothing，wishedfornothing，savenottobeleftbehindthepeasants，andtodohisworkaswellaspossible。Heheardnothingsavetheswishofscythes，andsawbeforehimTit’suprightfiguremowingaway，thecrescent-shapedcurveofthecutgrass，thegrassandflowersslowlyandrhythmicallyfallingbeforethebladeofhisscythe，andaheadofhimtheendoftheswath，wherewouldcometherest。
　　Suddenly，inthemidstofhistoil，withoutunderstandingwhatitwasorwhenceitcame，hefeltapleasantsensationofchillonhishot，moistshoulders。Heglancedattheskyintheintervalforwhettingthescythes。Aheavy，loweringstormcloudhadblownup，andbigraindropswerefalling。Someofthepeasantswenttotheircoatsandputthemon；
　　others-justlikeLevinhimself-merelyshruggedtheirshoulders，enjoyingthepleasantcoolnessofit。
　　Anotherswath，andyetanotherswathfollowed-longswathsandshortswaths，withgoodgrassandwithpoorgrass。Levinlostallsenseoftime，andcouldnothavetoldwhetheritwerelateorearlynow。Achangebegantocomeoverhiswork，whichgavehimimmensesatisfaction。Inthemidstofhistoilthereweremomentsduringwhichheforgotwhathewasdoing，anditallcameeasytohim，andatthosesamemomentshisswathwasalmostassmoothandwellcutasTit’s。Butassoonasherecollectedwhathewasdoing，andbegantryingtodobetter，hewasatonceconsciousofallthedifficultyofhistask，andtheswathwasbadlymown。
　　Onfinishingyetanotherswathhewouldhavegonebacktothetopofthemeadowagaintobeginthenext，butTitstopped，andgoinguptotheoldmansaidsomethinginalowvoicetohim。Theybothlookedatthesun。`Whataretheytalkingabout，andwhydoesn’thegoback？’thoughtLevin，withoutguessingthatthepeasantshadbeenmowingnolessthanfourhourswithoutstopping，andthatitwastimefortheirlunch。
　　`Lunch，sir，’saidtheoldman。
　　`Isitreallytime？Lunchitis，then。’
　　LevingavehisscythetoTit，and，togetherwiththepeasants，whowerecrossingthelongstretchofmowngrass，slightlysprinkledwithrain，togettheirbreadfromtheheapofcoats，hewenttowardhishorse。
　　Onlythendidhesuddenlyawaketothefactthathehadbeenwrongabouttheweatherandthattherainwasdrenchinghishay。
　　`Thehaywillbespoiled，’hesaid。
　　`Notabitofit，sir；mowintherain，andyou’llrakeinfineweather！’saidtheoldman。
　　Levinuntiedhishorseandrodehometohiscoffee。
　　SergeiIvanovichwasjustgettingup。Whenhehaddrunkhiscoffee，LevinrodebackagaintothemowingbeforeSergeiIvanovichhadhadtimetodressandcomedowntothediningroom。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter05[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter5AfterlunchLevinwasnotinthesameplaceinthestringofmowersasbefore，butstoodbetweentheoldmanwhohadaccostedhimjocosely，andnowinvitedhimtobehisneighbor，andayoungpeasant，whohadonlybeenmarriedintheautumn，andwhowasmowingthissummerforthefirsttime。
　　Theoldman，holdinghimselferect，movedinfront，withhisfeetturnedout，takinglong，regularstrides，andwithapreciseandregularactionwhichseemedtocosthimnomoreeffortthanswingingone’sarmsinwalking，asthoughitwereinplay，helaiddownthehigh，evenswathofgrass。Itwasasthoughitwerenothebutthesharpscytheofitselfswishingthroughthejuicygrass。
　　BehindLevincametheladMishka。Hiscomely，youthfulface，withatwistoffreshgrassboundroundhishair，wasallworkingwitheffort；
　　butwheneveranyonelookedathimhesmiled。Hewouldclearlyhavediedsoonerthanownitwashardworkforhim。
　　Levinkeptbetweenthem。Intheveryheatofthedaythemowingdidnotseemsuchhardworktohim。Theperspirationwithwhichhewasdrenchedcooledhim，whilethesun，thatburnedhisback，hishead，andhisarms，baretotheelbow，gaveavigoranddoggedenergytohislabor；
　　andmoreandmoreoftennowcamethosemomentsofunconsciousness，whenitwaspossiblenottothinkofwhatonewasdoing。Thescythecutofitself。
　　Thesewerehappymoments。Stillmoredelightfulwerethemomentswhentheyreachedthestreamwheretheswathsended，andtheoldmanrubbedhisscythewiththewet，thickgrass，rinseditsbladeinthefreshwaterofthestream，ladledoutalittleinawhetstonecase，andofferedLevinadrink。
　　`Whatdoyousaytomykvass，eh？Good，eh？’hewouldsay，winking。
　　AndtrulyLevinhadneverdrunkanyliquorasgoodasthiswarmwaterwithgreenbitsfloatinginit，andatasteofrustfromthetinwhetstonecase。Andimmediatelyafterthiscamethedelicious，slowsaunter，withhishandonthescythe，duringwhichhecouldwipeawaythestreamingsweat，takedeepbreathsofair，andlookaboutatthelongstringofmowers，andatwhatwashappeningaroundintheforestandthefield。
　　ThelongerLevinmowed，theoftenerhefeltthemomentsofunconsciousnessinwhichitseemedthatitwasnothishandswhichswungthescythe，butthatthescythewasmovingtogetherwithitselfabodyfulloflifeandconsciousnessofitsown；andasthoughbymagic，withoutthinkingofit，theworkturnedoutregularandwell-finishedofitself。Thesewerethemostblissfulmoments。
　　Itwasonlyhardworkwhenhehadtobreakoffthemotion，whichhadbecomeunconscious，andtothink；whenhehadtomowroundahummockoranunweededtuftofsorrel。Theoldmandidthiseasily。Whenahummockcamehechangedhisaction，andatonetimewiththeheel，andatanotherwiththetipofhisscythe，clippedthehummockroundbothsideswithshortstrokes。Andwhilehedidthishekeptlookingaboutandwatchingwhatcameintohisview:atonemomenthepickedawildberryandateitorofferedittoLevin，thenheflungawayatwigwiththebladeofthescythe，thenhelookedataquail’snest，fromwhichthebirdflewjustunderthescythe，orcaughtasnakethatcrossedhispath，andliftingitonthescytheasthoughonaforkshowedittoLevinandthrewitaway。
　　ForbothLevinandtheyoungpeasantbehindhim，suchchangesofpositionweredifficult。Bothofthem，repeatingoverandoveragainthesamestrainedmovement，wereinaperfectfrenzyoftoil，andwereincapableofshiftingtheirpositionandatthesametimewatchingwhatwasbeforethem。
　　Levindidnotnoticehowtimewaspassing。Ifhehadbeenaskedhowlonghehadbeenworkinghewouldhavesaidhalfanhour-yetitwasgettingontodinnertime。Astheywerewalkingbackoverthecutgrass，theoldmancalledLevin’sattentiontothelittlegirlsandboyswhowerecomingfromdifferentdirections，hardlyvisiblethroughthelonggrass，andalongtheroadtowardthemowers，carryingsacksofbreadthatstretchedtheirlittlearms，andluggingsmallpitchersofkvass，stoppedupwithrags。
　　`Look’eeatthelittledoodlebugscrawling！’hesaid，pointingtothem，andheshadedhiseyeswithhishandtolookatthesun。
　　Theymowedtwomoreswaths；theoldmanstopped。
　　`Come，master，dinnertime！’hesaiddecidedly。Andonreachingthestreamthemowersmovedoffacrosstheswathstowardtheirpileofcoats，wherethechildrenwhohadbroughttheirdinnersweresittingwaitingforthem。Thepeasantsgathered-thosewhocamefromafarundertheirtelegas，thosewholivednearunderawillowbush，coveredwithgrass。
　　Levinsatdownbythem；hefeltdisinclinedtogoaway。
　　Allconstraintwiththemasterhaddisappearedlongago。Thepeasantsgotreadyfordinner。Somewashed，theyoungladsbathedinthestream，othersmadeaplacecomfortableforarest，untiedtheirsacksofbread，anduncoveredthepitchersofkvass。Theoldmancrumbledupsomebreadinacup，stirreditwiththehandleofaspoon，pouredwateronitfromhiswhetstonecase，brokeupsomemorebread，andhavingseasoneditwithsalt，heturnedtotheeasttosayhisprayer。
　　`Come，master，tastemysop，’saidhe，kneelingdownbeforethecup。
　　ThesopwassogoodthatLevingaveuptheideaofgoinghomefordinner。Heatewiththeoldman，andtalkedtohimabouthisfamilyaffairs，takingthekeenestinterestinthem，andtoldhimabouthisownaffairsandallthecircumstancesthatcouldbeofinteresttotheoldman。Hefeltmuchnearertohimthantohisbrother，andcouldnothelpsmilingattheaffectionhefeltforthisman。Whentheoldmangotupagain，saidhisprayer，andlaydownunderabush，puttingsomegrassunderhisheadforapillow，Levindidthesame，and，inspiteoftheclingingfliesthatweresopersistentinthesunshine，andthemidgesthattickledhishotfaceandbody，hefellasleepatonceandonlywakedwhenthesunhadpassedtotheothersideofthebushandreachedhim。Theoldmanhadbeenawakealongwhile，andwassittingupwhettingthescythesoftheyoungerlads。
　　Levinlookedabouthimandhardlyrecognizedtheplace，everythingwassochanged。Theimmensestretchofmeadowhadbeenmownandwassparklingwithapeculiarfreshbrilliance，withitslinesofalreadysweet-smellinggrassintheslantingraysoftheeveningsun。Andthebushesabouttheriver，mowedaround，andtheriveritself，notvisiblebefore，nowgleaming，likesteelinitsbends，andthemoving，ascendingpeasants，andthesharpwallofgrassoftheunmownpartofthemeadow，andthehawkshoveringoverthestrippedmeadow-allwasperfectlynew。Raisinghimself，Levinbeganconsideringhowmuchhadbeencutandhowmuchmorecouldstillbedonethatday。
　　Theworkdonewasexceptionallygreatforforty-twomen。Theyhadcutthewholeofthebigmeadow，whichhad，intheyearsofcorvee，takenthirtyscythestwodaystomow。Onlythecornersremainedtodo，wheretheswathswereshort。ButLevinfeltalongingtogetasmuchmowingdonethatdayaspossible，andwasvexedwiththesunsinkingsoquicklyinthesky。Hefeltnoweariness；allhewantedwastogethisworkdonemoreandmorequickly，andasmuchofitaspossible。
　　`CouldwecuttheMashkinUplandtoo？-whatdoyouthink？’hesaidtotheoldman。
　　`AsGodwills-thesun’snothigh。Alittlevodkaforthelads？’
　　Attheafternoonrest，whentheyweresittingdownagain，andthosewhosmokedhadlightedtheirpipes，theoldmantoldthementhat`theMashkinUpland’stobecut-there’llbevodka。’
　　`Whynotcutit？Comeon，Tit！We’lllooksharp！Wecaneatatnight。Comeon！’voicescriedout，andeatinguptheirbread，themowerswentbacktowork。
　　`Come，lads，keepitup！’saidTit，andranonaheadalmostatatrot。
　　`Getalong，getalong！’saidtheoldman，hurryingafterhimandeasilyovertakinghim，`I’llmowtheedown，lookout！’
　　Andyoungandoldmowedaway，asthoughtheywereracingwithoneanother。Buthoweverfasttheyworked，theydidnotspoilthegrass，andtheswathswerelaidjustasneatlyandexactly。Thelittlepieceleftuncutinthecornerwasmowninfiveminutes。Thelastofthemowerswerejustendingtheirswathswhiletheforemostsnatcheduptheircoatsontotheirshoulders，andcrossedtheroadtowardtheMashkinUpland。
　　ThesunwasalreadysinkingamongthetreeswhentheywentwiththeirjinglingwhetstonecasesintothewoodedravineoftheMashkinUpland。
　　Thegrasswasuptotheirwaistsinthemiddleofthehollow，lush，tender，andfeathery，spottedhereandthereamongthetreeswithwildheartsease。
　　Afterabriefconsultation-whethertotaketheswathslengthwiseordiagonally-ProkhorIermilin，alsoadoughtymower，ahuge，black-hairedpeasant，wentonahead。Hewentuptothetop，turnedbackagainandstartedmowing，andtheyallproceededtoforminlinebehindhim，goingdownhillthroughthehollowanduphillrightuptotheedgeoftheforest。Thesunsankbehindtheforest。Thedewwasfallingbynow；themowerswereinthesunonlyonthehillside，butbelow，whereamistwasrising，andontheoppositeside，theymowedintothefresh，dewyshade。Theworkwentrapidly。
　　Thespicilyfragrantgrasscutwithasucculentsound，wasatoncelaidinhighswaths。Themowersfromallsides，broughtclosertogetherintheshortswath，kepturgingoneanotherontothesoundofjinglingwhetstonecases，andclangingscythes，andthehissofthewhetstonessharpeningthem，andgood-humoredshouts。
　　Levinstillkeptbetweentheyoungpeasantandtheoldman。Theoldman，whohadputonhisshortsheepskinjacket，wasjustasgood-humored，jocose，andfreeinhismovements。Amongthetreestheywerecontinuallycuttingwiththeirscythestheso-called`birchmushrooms，’swollenfatinthesucculentgrass。Buttheoldmanbentdowneverytimehecameacrossamushroom，pickeditupandputitinhisbosom。`Anotherpresentformyoldwoman，’hewouldsayashedidso。
　　Easyasitwastomowthewet，lushgrass，itwashardworkgoingupanddownthesteepsidesoftheravine。Butthisdidnottroubletheoldman。Swinginghisscythejustasever，andmovinghisfeetintheirbig，plaitedbastsandals，withfirmshortsteps，heclimbedslowlyupthesteepplace，andthoughhisbreecheshangingoutbelowhissmock，andhiswholeframe，trembledwitheffort，hedidnotmissonebladeofgrassoronemushroomonhisway，andkeptmakingjokeswiththepeasantsandLevin。Levinwalkedafterhimandoftenthoughthemustfall，asheclimbedwithascytheupasteephillock，whereitwouldhavebeenhardworktoclamberevenwithoutthescythe。Butheclimbedupanddidwhathehadtodo。Hefeltasthoughsomeexternalforceweremovinghim。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter06[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter6TheMashkinUplandwasmown，thelastswathsfinished，thepeasantshadputontheircoatsandweregailytrudginghome。Levingotonhishorse，and，partingregretfullyfromthepeasants，rodehomeward。Onthehillsidehelookedback；hecouldnotseetheminthemistthathadrisenfromthevalley；hecouldonlyheartheirrough，good-humoredvoices，theirlaughter，andthesoundofclankingscythes。
　　SergeiIvanovichhadlongagofinisheddinner，andwasdrinkingicedlemonadeinhisownroom，lookingthroughthereviewsandpaperswhichhehadjustreceivedbypost，whenLevinrushedintotheroom，talkingmerrily，withhiswetandmattedhairstickingtohisforehead，andhisbackandchestgrimedandmoist。
　　`Wemowedthewholemeadow！Oh，itisfine，wonderful！Andhowhaveyoubeengettingon？’saidLevin，completelyforgettingthedisagreeableconversationofthepreviousday。
　　`Dearme！Whatyoulooklike！’saidSergeiIvanovich，forthefirstmomentlookingroundwithsomedissatisfaction。`Andthedoor-doshutthedoor！’hecried。`Youmusthaveletinadozenatleast。’
　　SergeiIvanovichcouldnotendureflies，andinhisownroomheneveropenedthewindowexceptatnight，andcarefullykeptthedoorshut。
　　`Notone，onmyhonor。ButifIhave，I’llcatchthem。Youwouldn’tbelievewhatapleasuremowingis！Howhaveyouspenttheday？’
　　`Verywell。Buthaveyoureallybeenmowingthewholeday？Iexpectyou’reashungryasawolf。Kouzmahasgoteverythingreadyforyou。’
　　`No，Idon’tfeelhungryeven。Ihadsomethingtoeatthere。ButI’llgoandwash。’
　　`Yes，goalong，goalong，andI’llcometoyoudirectly，’saidSergeiIvanovich，shakinghisheadashelookedathisbrother。`Goalong，makehaste，’headdedsmiling，and，gatheringuphisbooks，hepreparedtogotoo。He，too，feltsuddenlygood-humoredanddisinclinedtoleavehisbrother’sside。`Butwhatdidyoudowhileitwasraining？’
　　`Rain？Why，therewasscarcelyadrop。I’llcomedirectly。Soyouhadagooddaytoo？That’sfirst-rate。’AndLevinwentofftochangehisclothes。
　　Fiveminuteslaterthebrothersmetinthediningroom。AlthoughitseemedtoLevinthathewasnothungry，andhesatdowntodinnersimplysoasnottohurtKouzma’sfeelings，yetwhenhebegantoeatthedinnerstruckhimasextraordinarilygood。SergeiIvanovichwatchedhimwithasmile。
　　`Oh，bytheway，there’saletterforyou，’saidhe。`Kouzma，bringitfrombelow，please。Andmindyoushutthedoors。’
　　TheletterwasfromOblonsky。Levinreaditaloud。OblonskywrotetohimfromPeterburg:`IhavehadaletterfromDolly；she’satErgushovo，andeverythingseemsgoingwrongthere。Dorideoverandseeher，please；
　　helpherwithadvice；youknowallaboutit。Shewillbesogladtoseeyou。She’squitealone，poorthing。Mymother-in-lawandallofthemarestillabroad。’
　　`That’scapital！Iwillcertainlyrideovertoher，’saidLevin。
　　`Orwe’llgotogether。She’ssuchagoodwoman，isn’tshe？’
　　`They’renotfarfromhere，then？’
　　`Thirtyverstas。Orperhapsforty。Butacapitalroad。Itwillbeacapitaldrive。’
　　`Ishallbedelighted，’saidSergeiIvanovich，stillsmiling。
　　Thesightofhisyoungerbrother’sappearancehadimmediatelyputhiminagoodhumor。
　　`Well，youhaveanappetite！’hesaid，lookingathisdark-red，sunburnedfaceandneckbentovertheplate。
　　`Splendid！Youcan’timaginewhataneffectiveremedyitisforeverysortoffoolishness。Iwanttoenrichmedicinewithanewword:Arbeitskur。’
　　`Well，butyoudon’tneedit，Ishouldfancy。’
　　`No-butforallsortsofnervousinvalids。’
　　`Yes，itoughttobetried。Ihadmeanttocometothemowingtolookatyou，butitwassounbearablyhotthatIgotnofurtherthantheforest。Isattherealittle，andwentonbytheforesttothevillage，metyouroldnurse，andsoundedherastothepeasant’sviewofyou。AsfarasIcanmakeout，theydon’tapproveofthis。Shesaid:``It’snotagentleman’swork。’Altogether，Ifancythatinthepeople’sideasthereareveryclearanddefinitenotionsofcertain，astheycallit，``gentlemanly’
　　linesofaction。Andtheydon’tsanctionthegentlefolk’smovingoutsideboundsclearlylaiddownintheirideas。’
　　`Maybeso；butanyway，it’sapleasuresuchasIhaveneverknowninmylife。Andthere’snoharminit，youknow。Isthere？’answeredLevin。
　　`Ican’thelpitiftheydon’tlikeit。ThoughIdobelieveit’sallright。
　　Eh？’
　　`Altogether，’pursuedSergeiIvanovich，`you’resatisfiedwithyourday？’
　　`Quitesatisfied。Wecutthewholemeadow。AndImadefriendswithsuchasplendidoldmanthere！Youcan’tfancyhowdelightfulhewas！’
　　`Well，soyou’resatisfiedwithyourday。AndsoamI。First，Isolvedtwochessproblems，andoneaveryprettyone-apawnopening。
　　I’llshowittoyou。Andthen-Ithoughtoverourconversationofyesterday。’
　　`Eh！Ourconversationofyesterday？’saidLevin，blissfullydroppinghiseyelidsanddrawingdeepbreathsafterfinishinghisdinner，andabsolutelyincapableofrecallingwhattheirconversationofyesterdayhadbeenabout。
　　`Ithinkyouarepartlyright。Ourdifferenceofopinionamountstothis:thatyoumakethemainspringself-interest，whileIcontendthatinterestinthecommonwealisboundtoexistineverymanofacertaindegreeofadvancement。Possiblyyouarerighttoo-thatactionfoundedonmaterialinterestwouldbemoredesirable。Youarealtogether，astheFrenchsay，tooprimesautiè；reanature；youmusthaveintense，energeticaction，ornothing。’
　　Levinlistenedtohisbrotheranddidnotunderstandasingleword，anddidnotwanttounderstand。Hewasonlyafraidhisbrothermightaskhimsomequestionwhichwouldmakeitevidenthehadnotheard。
　　`Sothat’swhatIthinkitis，mydearboy，’saidSergeiIvanovich，touchinghimontheshoulder。
　　`Yes，ofcourse。But，doyouknow？Iwon’tstandupformyview，’
　　answeredLevin，withaguilty，childlikesmile。`WhateverwasitIwasdisputingabout？’hewondered。`Ofcourse，I’mright，andhe’sright，andit’sallfirst-rate。OnlyImustgoroundtothecountinghouseandseetothings。’Hegotup，stretchingandsmiling。
　　SergeiIvanovichsmiledtoo。
　　`Ifyouwanttogoout，let’sgotogether，’hesaid，disinclinedtobepartedfromhisbrother，whoseemedpositivelybreathingoutfreshnessandenergy。`Come，we’llgotothecountinghouse，ifyouhavetogothere。’
　　`Oh，heavens！’shoutedLevin，soloudlythatSergeiIvanovichwasquitefrightened。
　　`What，whatisthematter？
　　`How’sAgathyaMikhailovna’shand？’saidLevin，slappinghimselfonthehead。`I’dpositivelyforgottenher。’
　　`It’smuchbetter。’
　　`Well，anyway，I’llrundowntoher。Beforeyou’vetimetogetyourhaton，I’llbeback。’
　　Andherandownstairs，clatteringwithhisheelslikeaspringrattle。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter07[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter7StepanArkadyevichhadgonetoPeterburgtoperformthemostnaturalandessentialofficialduty-sofamiliartoeveryoneinthegovernmentservice，thoughincomprehensibletooutsiders-thatdutybutforwhichonecouldhardlybeingovernmentservice:ofremindingtheministryofhisexistence；
　　andhaving，forthedueperformanceofthisrite，takenalltheavailablecashfromhome，wasgailyandagreeablyspendinghisdaysattheracesandinthesummervillas。MeanwhileDollyandthechildrenhadmovedintothecountry，tocutdownexpensesasmuchaspossible。ShehadgonetoErgushovo，theestatethathadbeenherdowry，andtheonewhereinspringtheforesthadbeensold。ItwasnearlyfiftyverstasfromLevin’sPokrovskoe。
　　ThebigoldhouseatErgushovohadbeenpulleddownlongago，andtheoldPrincehadhadthewingdoneupandaddedto。Twentyyearsbefore，whenDollywasachild，thewinghadbeenroomyandcomfortable，though，likeallwings，itstoodsidewaystotheentranceavenue，andtothesouth。Butbynowthiswingwasoldanddilapidated。WhenStepanArkadyevichhadgonedowninthespringtoselltheforest，Dollyhadbeggedhimtolookoverthehouseandorderwhatrepairsmightbeneeded。StepanArkadyevich，likeanunfaithfulhusbandsindeed，wasverysolicitousforhiswife’scomfort，andhehadhimselflookedoverthehouse，andgiveninstructionsabouteverythingthatheconsiderednecessary。Whatheconsiderednecessarywastocoverallthefurniturewithnewcretonne，toputupcurtains，toweedthegarden，tomakealittlebridgeonthepond，andtoplantflowers。
　　Butheforgotmanyotheressentialmatters，thewantofwhichgreatlydistressedDaryaAlexandrovnalateron。
　　InspiteofStepanArkadyevich’seffortstobeanattentivefatherandhusband，henevercouldkeepinhismindthathehadawifeandchildren。
　　Hehadbachelortastes，anditwasinaccordancewiththemthatheshapedhislife。OnhisreturntoMoscowheinformedhiswifewithpridethateverythingwasready，thatthehousewouldbeaprettytoy，andthathemostcertainlyadvisedhertogo。Hiswife’sstayingawayinthecountrywasveryagreeabletoStepanArkadyevichfromeverypointofview:itdidthechildrengood，itdecreasedexpenses，anditlefthimmoreatliberty。
　　DaryaAlexandrovnaregardedstayinginthecountryforthesummerasessentialforthechildren，especiallyforthelittlegirl，whohadnotsucceededinregainingherstrengthafterthescarlatina，andalsoasameansofescapingthepettyhumiliations，thelittlebillsowingtothewoodmerchant，thefishmonger，theshoemaker，whichmadehermiserable。Besidesthis，shewaspleasedtogoawaytothecountrybecauseshewasdreamingofgettinghersisterKittytostaywithherthere。Kittywastobebackfromabroadinthemiddleofthesummer，andbathinghadbeenprescribedforher。KittywrotethatnoprospectwassoalluringastospendthesummerwithDollyatErgushovo，fullofchildhoodassociationsforbothofthem。
　　ThefirstdaysofherexistenceinthecountrywereveryhardforDolly。Sheusedtostayinthecountryasachild，andtheimpressionshehadretainedofitwasthatthecountrywasarefugefromalltheunpleasantnessofthetown，thatlifethere，thoughnotluxurious-Dollycouldeasilymakeuphermindtothat-wascheapandcomfortable；thattherewasplentyofeverything，everythingwascheap，everythingcouldbegot，andchildrenwerehappy。Butnow，comingtothecountryastheheadofafamily，sheperceivedthatitwasallutterlyunlikewhatshehadfancied。
　　Thedayaftertheirarrivaltherewasaheavyfallofrainandinthenightthewatercamethroughinthecorridorandinthenursery，sothatthebedshadtobecarriedintothedrawingroom。Therewasnokitchenmaidtobefound；oftheninecows，itappearedfromthewordsofthecowherdwomanthatsomewereabouttocalve，othershadjustcalved，otherswereold，andothersagainhard-uddered；therewasneitherbutternormilkenoughevenforthechildren。Therewerenoeggs。Theycouldgetnofowls；old，purplish，stringyroosterswerealltheyhadforroastingandboiling。Impossibletogetwomentoscrubthefloors-allwerepotatohoeing。Drivingwasoutofthequestion，becauseoneofthehorseswasrestive，andboltedintheshafts。Therewasnoplacewheretheycouldbathe；thewholeoftheriverbankwastrampledbythecattleandopentotheroad；evenwalkswereimpossible，forthecattlestrayedintothegardenthroughagapinthehedge，andtherewasoneterriblebull，whobellowed，andthereforemightbeexpectedtogoresomebody。Therewerenopropercupboardsfortheirclothes；whatcupboardstherewereeitherwouldnotcloseatall，orflewopenwheneveranyonepassedbythem。Therewerenopotsandkettles；therewasnoboilerinthewashhouse，norevenanironingboardinthemaids’room。
　　Findinginsteadofpeaceandrestallthese，fromherpointofview，fearfulcalamities，DaryaAlexandrovnawasatfirstindespair。Sheexertedherselftotheutmost，feltthehopelessnessoftheposition，andwaseveryinstantsuppressingthetearsthatstartedintohereyes。Thebailiff，aretiredquartermaster，whomStepanArkadyevichhadtakenafancytoandhadappointedbailiffonaccountofhishandsomeandrespectfulappearanceasahallporter，showednosympathyforDaryaAlexandrovna’swoes。Hewouldsayrespectfully，`Nothingcanbedone，thepeasantsaresuchawretchedlot，’anddidnothingtohelpher。
　　Thepositionseemedhopeless。ButintheOblonskys’household，asinallfamiliesindeed，therewasoneinconspicuousbutmostvaluableandusefulperson-MatrionaPhilimonovna。Shesoothedhermistress，assuredherthateverythingwouldcomerounditwasherexpression，andMatveihadborroweditfromher，andwithoutfussorhurryproceededtosettoworkherself。
　　Shehadimmediatelymadefriendswiththebailiff’swife，andontheveryfirstdayshedrankteawithherandthebailiffundertheacacias，andreviewedallthecircumstancesoftheposition。VerysoonMatrionaPhilimonovnahadestablishedherclub，sotosay，undertheacacias，andthereitwas，inthisclub，consistingofthebailiff’swife，thevillageelder，andthecountinghouseclerk，thatthedifficultiesofexistenceweregraduallysmoothedaway，andinaweek’stimeeverythingactuallyhadcomeround。Theroofwasmended，akitchenmaidwasfound-acronyofthevillageelder’s-henswerebought，thecowsbegangivingmilk，thegardenhedgewasstoppedupwithstakes，thecarpentermadeamangle，hookswereputinthecupboards，andtheyceasedtoflyopenspontaneouslyandanironingboardcoveredwitharmyclothwasplacedacrossfromthearmofachairtothechestofdrawers，andtherewasasmellofflatironsinthemaids’room。
　　`Justsee，now，andyouwerequiteindespair，’saidMatrionaPhilimonovna，pointingtotheironingboard。
　　Theyevenriggedupabathingshedofstrawhurdles。Lilybegantobathe，andDaryaAlexandrovnabegantorealize，ifonlyinpart，herexpectations，ifnotofapeaceful，atleastofacomfortable，lifeinthecountry。PeacefulwithsixchildrenDaryaAlexandrovnacouldnotbe。
　　Onewouldfallill，anothermighteasilybecomeso，athirdwouldbewithoutsomethingnecessary，afourthwouldshowsymptomsofabaddisposition，andsoon。Rareindeedwerethebriefperiodsofpeace。ButthesecaresandanxietieswereforDaryaAlexandrovnathesolehappinesspossible。
　　Haditnotbeenforthem，shewouldhavebeenleftalonetobroodoverherhusbandwhodidnotloveher。Andbesides，hardthoughitwasforthemothertobearthedreadofillness，theillnessesthemselves，andthegriefofseeingsignsofevilpropensitiesinherchildren-thechildrenthemselveswereevennowrepayingherinsmalljoysforherpains。Thosejoysweresosmallthattheypassedunnoticed，likegoldinsand，andatbadmomentsshecouldseenothingbutthepain，nothingbutsand；butthereweregoodmomentstoowhenshesawnothingbutthejoy，nothingbutgold。
　　Now，inthesolitudeofthecountry，shebegantobemoreandmorefrequentlyawareofthosejoys。Often，lookingatthem，shewouldmakeeverypossibleefforttopersuadeherselfthatshewasmistaken，thatsheasamotherwaspartialtoherchildren。Allthesame，shecouldnothelpsayingtoherselfthatshehadcharmingchildren，allsixofthemindifferentways，butasetofchildrensuchasisnotoftentobemetwith-andshewashappyinthem，andproudofthem。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter08[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter8TowardtheendofMay，wheneverythinghadbeenmoreorlesssatisfactorilyarranged，shereceivedherhusband’sanswertohercomplaintsofthedisorganizedstateofthingsinthecountry。Hewrotebeggingherforgivenessfornothavingthoughtofeverythingbefore，andpromisedtocomedownatthefirstchance。Thischancedidnotpresentitself，andtillthebeginningofJuneDaryaAlexandrovnastayedaloneinthecountry。
　　OntheSundayinSt。Peter’sweekDaryaAlexandrovnadrovetomasstohaveallherchildrentakethesacrament。DaryaAlexandrovnainherintimate，philosophicaltalkswithhersister，hermother，andherfriendsveryoftenastonishedthembythefreedomofherviewsinregardtoreligion。Shehadastrangereligion，allherown，ofthetransmigrationofsouls，inwhichshehadfirmfaith，troublingherselflittleaboutthedogmasoftheChurch。ButinherfamilyshewasstrictincarryingoutallthatwasrequiredbytheChurch-andnotmerelyinordertosetanexample，butwithallherheart。Thefactthatthechildrenhadnotbeenatthesacramentfornearlyayearworriedherextremely，andwiththefullapprovalandsympathyofMatrionaPhilimonovnashedecidedthatthisshouldtakeplacenow，inthesummer。
　　ForseveraldaysbeforeDaryaAlexandrovnawasbusilydeliberatingonhowtodressallthechildren。Frocksweremade，oralteredandwashed，seamsandflounceswereletout，buttonsweresewnonandribbonsgotready。
　　Onedress，Tania’s，whichtheEnglishgovernesshadundertaken，costDaryaAlexandrovnamuchlossoftemper。TheEnglishgovernessinalteringithadmadetheseamsinthewrongplace，hadtakenupthesleevestoomuch，andaltogetherspoiledthedress。ItwassonarrowonTania’sshouldersthatitwasquitepainfultolookather。ButMatrionaPhilimonovnahadthehappythoughtofputtingingussets，andaddingalittleshoulder-cape。
　　Thedresswassetright，buttherewasnearlyaquarrelwiththeEnglishgoverness。Inthemorning，however，allwashappilyarranged，andaboutnineo’clock-thetimeatwhichtheyhadaskedthepriesttowaitforthemforthemass-thechildrenintheirnewdressesstoodwithbeamingfacesonthestepbeforethecarriage，waitingfortheirmother。
　　Inthecarriage，insteadoftherestiveRaven，theyhadharnessed，thankstotherepresentationsofMatrionaPhilimonovna，thebailiff’shorse，Brownie，andDaryaAlexandrovna，delayedbyanxietyoverherownattire，cameoutandgotin，dressedinawhitemuslingown。
　　DaryaAlexandrovnahaddoneherhair，anddressedwithcareandexcitement。Intheolddaysshehaddressedforherownsake，tolookprettyandbeadmired；lateron，asshegotolder，dressbecamemoreandmoredistastefultoher；shesawthatshewaslosinghergoodlooks。Butnowshebegantofeelpleasureandinterestindressagain。Nowshedidnotdressforherownsake，norforthesakeofherownbeauty，butsimplythat，asthemotherofthoseexquisitecreatures，shemightnotspoilthegeneraleffect。Andlookingatherselfforthelasttimeinthelookingglassshewassatisfiedwithherself。Shelookedwell。Notaswellasshewishedtolookintheolddays，ataball，butwellfortheobjectshenowhadinview。
　　Inthechurchtherewasnoonebutthepeasants，theservants，andtheirwomenfolk。ButDaryaAlexandrovnasaw，orfanciedshesaw，thesensationproducedbyherchildrenandherself。Thechildrenwerenotonlybeautifultolookatintheirsmartlittledresses，buttheywerecharminginthewaytheybehaved。Aliosha，itistrue，didnotstandquitecorrectly；
　　hekeptturninground，tryingtolookathislittlejacketfrombehind；
　　butallthesamehewaswonderfullysweet。Taniabehavedlikeagrown-upperson，andlookedafterthelittleones。Andthesmallest，Lily，wasbewitchinginhernaiveastonishmentateverything，anditwasdifficultnottosmilewhen，aftertakingthesacrament，shesaidinEnglish，`Please，somemore。’
　　Onthewayhomethechildrenfeltthatsomethingsolemnhadhappened，andwereverysedate。
　　Everythingwenthappilyathometoo；butatlunchGrishabeganwhistling，and，whatwasworse，wasdisobedienttotheEnglishgoverness，andwasforbiddentohaveanytart。DaryaAlexandrovnawouldnothaveletthingsgoasfarasthepunishmentonsuchadayhadshebeenpresent；
　　butshehadtosupporttheEnglishgoverness’sauthority，andsheupheldherdecisionthatGrishashouldhavenotart。Thisratherspoiledthegeneralgoodhumor。
　　Grishacried，declaringthatNikolinkahadwhistledtoo，yetwasnotpunished，andthathewasn’tcryingforthetart-hedidn’tcare-
　　butatbeingunjustlytreated。Thiswasreallytootragic，andDaryaAlexandrovnamadeuphermindtopersuadetheEnglishgovernesstoforgiveGrisha，andshewenttospeaktoher。Butonherway，asshepassedthedrawingroom，shebeheldascene，fillingherheartwithsuchpleasurethatthetearscameintohereyes，andsheforgavethedelinquentherself。
　　Theculpritwassittingatthewindowinthecornerofthedrawingroom；besidehimwasstandingTaniawithaplate。Onthepretextofwantingtogivesomedinnertoherdolls，shehadaskedthegoverness’spermissiontotakehershareoftarttothenursery，andhadtakenitinsteadtoherbrother。Whilestillweepingovertheinjusticeofhispunishment，hewaseatingthetart，andkeptsayingthroughhissobs，`Eatyourself；let’seatittogether……together。’
　　TaniahadatfirstbeenundertheinfluenceofherpityforGrisha，thenofasenseofhernobleaction，andtearswerestandinginhereyestoo；butshedidnotrefuse，andatehershare。
　　Oncatchingsightoftheirmothertheyweredismayed，but，lookingintoherface，theysawtheywerenotdoingwrong。Theyburstoutlaughing，and，withtheirmouthsfulloftart，theybeganwipingtheirsmilinglipswiththeirhands，andsmearingtheirradiantfacesalloverwithtearsandjam。
　　`Mercy！Yournewwhitefrock-Tania！Grisha！’saidtheirmother，tryingtosavethefrock，butwithtearsinhereyes，smilingablissful，rapturoussmile。
　　Thenewfrocksweretakenoff，andordersweregivenforthelittlegirlstohavetheirblousesputon，andtheboystheiroldjackets，andthewidedroshkytobeharnessed-withBrownie，tothebailiff’sannoyance，againintheshafts-todriveoutformushroompickingandbathing。A
　　roarofdelightedshrieksaroseinthenursery，andneverceasedtilltheyhadsetoffforthebathingplace。
　　Theygatheredawholebasketfulofmushrooms；evenLilyfoundabirchmushroom。IthadalwayshappenedbeforethatMissHoolefoundthemandpointedthemouttoher；butthistimeshefoundabigonequitebyherself，andtherewasageneralscreamofdelight；`Lilyhasfoundamushroom！’
　　Thentheyreachedtheriver，putthehorsesunderthebirchtrees，andwenttothebathingplace。Thecoachman，Terentii，hitchedthehorses，whokeptwhiskingawaythehorseflies，toatree，and，treadingdownthegrass，laydownintheshadeofabirchandsmokedhisshag，whilethenever-ceasingshrieksofdelightofthechildrenfloatedacrosstohimfromthebathingplace。
　　Thoughitwashardworktolookafterallthechildrenandrestraintheirpranks，thoughitwasdifficult，too，tokeepone’sheadandnotmixupallthestockings，littlebreeches，andshoesforthedifferentlegs，andtoundoandtodoupagainallthetapesandbuttons，DaryaAlexandrovna，whohadalwayslikedbathingherself，andbelievedittobeverygoodforthechildren，enjoyednothingsomuchasbathingwithallthechildren。
　　Togooverallthosefatlittlelegs，pullingontheirstockings，totakeinherarmsanddipthoselittlenakedbodies，andtoheartheirscreamsofdelightandalarm，toseethebreathlessfaceswithwide-open，scared，andhappyeyesofallhersplashingcherubs，wasagreatpleasuretoher。
　　Whenhalfthechildrenhadbeendressed，somepeasantwomeninholidaydress，outpickingherbs，cameuptothebathingshedandstoppedshyly。MatrionaPhilimonovnacalledoneofthemandhandedherasheetandashirtthathaddroppedintothewaterforhertodrythem，andDaryaAlexandrovnabegantotalktothewomen。Atfirsttheylaughedbehindtheirhandsanddidnotunderstandherquestions，butsoontheygrewbolderandbegantotalk，winningDaryaAlexandrovna’sheartatoncebythegenuineadmirationofthechildrenthattheyshowed。
　　`My，whatabeauty！Aswhiteassugar，’saidone，admiringTanechka，andshakingherhead，`butthin……’
　　`Yes，shehasbeenill。’
　　`Lookee，they’vebeenbathinghimtoo，’saidanother，pointingtothebreastbaby。
　　`No；he’sonlythreemonthsold，’answeredDaryaAlexandrovnawithpride。
　　`Yousee！’
　　`Andhaveyouanychildren？’
　　`I’vehadfour；I’vetwoliving-aboyandagirl。Iweanedherlastcarnival。’
　　`Howoldisshe？’
　　`Why，morethanoneyearold。’
　　`Whydidyounursehersolong？’
　　`It’sourcustom；forthreefasts……’
　　AndtheconversationbecamemostinterestingtoDaryaAlexandrovna。
　　Whatsortoftimedidshehave？Whatwasthematterwiththeboy？Wherewasherhusband？Diditoftenhappen？
　　DaryaAlexandrovnafeltdisinclinedtoleavethepeasantwomen，sointerestingtoherwastheirconversation，socompletelyidenticalwerealltheirinterests。Whatpleasedhermostofallwasthatshesawclearlywhatallthewomenadmiredmorethananythingwasherhavingsomanychildren，andsuchfineones。ThepeasantwomenevenmadeDaryaAlexandrovnalaugh，andoffendedtheEnglishgoverness，becauseshewasthecauseofthelaughtershedidnotunderstand。OneoftheyoungerwomenkeptstaringattheEnglishwoman，whowasdressingafteralltherest，andwhensheputonherthirdpetticoatshecouldnotrefrainfromtheremark，`My，shekeepsputtingonandputtingon，andshe’llneverhavedone！’shesaid，andtheyallwentoffintopealsoflaughter。
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　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter09[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter9Onthedrivehome，asDaryaAlexandrovna，withallherchildrenroundher，theirheadsstillwetfromtheirbaths，andakerchieftiedoverherownhead，wasgettingnearthehouse，thecoachmansaid:`There’ssomegentlemancoming:themasterofPokrovskoe，Idobelieve。’
　　DaryaAlexandrovnapeepedoutinfront，andwasdelightedwhensherecognizedinthegrayhatandgraycoatthefamiliarfigureofLevinwalkingtomeetthem。Shewasgladtoseehimatanytime，butatthismomentshewasspeciallygladheshouldseeherinallherglory。NoonewasbetterabletoappreciatehergrandeurthanLevin。
　　Seeingher，hefoundhimselffacetofacewithoneofthepicturesofhisdaydreamoffamilylife。
　　`You’relikeahenwithyourbrood，DaryaAlexandrovna。’
　　`Ah，howgladIamtoseeyou！’shesaid，holdingoutherhandtohim。
　　`Gladtoseeme-butyoudidn’tletmeknow。Mybrother’sstayingwithme。IgotanotefromStivathatyouwerehere。’
　　`FromStiva？’DaryaAlexandrovnaaskedwithsurprise。
　　`Yes；hewritesthatyouarehere，andthathethinksyoumightallowmetobeofusetoyou，’saidLevin，andashesaidithebecamesuddenlyembarrassed，and，stoppingabruptly，hewalkedoninsilencebythedroshky，snappingoffthebudsofthelimetreesandnibblingthem。
　　HewasembarrassedthroughasensethatDaryaAlexandrovnawouldbeannoyedbyreceivingfromanoutsiderhelpthatshouldbyrightshavecomefromherownhusband。DaryaAlexandrovnacertainlydidnotlikethislittlewayofStepanArkadyevich’soffoistinghisdomesticdutiesonothers。
　　AndshewasatonceawarethatLevinwasawareofthis。Itwasjustforthisfinenessofperception，forthisdelicacy，thatDaryaAlexandrovnalikedLevin。
　　`Iknow，ofcourse，’saidLevin，`thatthissimplymeansthatyouwouldliketoseeme，andI’mexceedinglyglad。ThoughIcanfancythat，usedtotownhousekeepingasyouare，youmustfeelyouareinthewildshere，andifthere’sanythingwanted，I’maltogetheratyourdisposal。’
　　`Oh，no！’saidDolly。`Atfirstthingswereratheruncomfortable，butnowwe’vesettledeverythingcapitally-thankstomyoldnurse，’shesaid，indicatingMatrionaPhilimonovna，who，seeingthattheywerespeakingofher，smiledbrightlyandcordiallytoLevin。Sheknewhim，andknewthathewouldbeagoodmatchforheryounglady，andwasverykeentoseethemattersettled。
　　`Won’tyougetin，sir，we’llmakeroomonthisside！’shesaidtohim。
　　`No，I’llwalk。Children，who’dliketoracethehorseswithme？’
　　ThechildrenknewLevinverylittle，andcouldnotrememberwhentheyhadseenhim，buttheyexperiencedinregardtohimnoneofthatstrangefeelingofshynessandhostilitywhichchildrensooftenexperiencetowardhypocritical，grown-uppeople，andforwhichtheyaresooftenandmiserablypunished。Hypocrisyinanythingwhatevermaydeceivethecleverestandmostpenetratingman，buttheleastwide-awakeofchildrenrecognizesit，andisrevoltedbyit，howeveringeniouslyitmaybedisguised。WhateverfaultsLevinhad，therewasnotatraceofhypocrisyinhim，andsothechildrenshowedhimthesamefriendlinessthattheysawintheirmother’sface。Onhisinvitation，thetwoelderonesatoncejumpedouttohimandranwithhimassimplyastheywouldhavedonewiththeirnurse，orMissHoole，ortheirmother。Lily，too，beganbeggingtogotohim，andhermotherhandedherovertohim；hesatheronhisshoulderandranalongwithher。
　　`Don’tbeafraid，don’tbeafraid，DaryaAlexandrovna！’hesaid，smilinggood-humoredlytothemother；`there’snochanceofmyhurtingordroppingher。’
　　And，lookingathisstrong，agile，assiduouslycarefulandextremelystrainedmovements，themotherfelthermindatrest，andsmiledgailyandapprovinglyasshewatchedhim。
　　Here，inthecountry，withchildren，andwithDaryaAlexandrovna，withwhomhewasinsympathy，Levinwasinamoodnotinfrequentwithhim，ofchildlikelightheartednessthatsheparticularlylikedinhim。Asheranwiththechildren，hetaughtthemgymnasticfeats，setMissHoolelaughingwithhisqueerEnglishaccent，andtalkedtoDaryaAlexandrovnaofhispursuitsinthecountry。
　　Afterdinner，DaryaAlexandrovna，sittingalonewithhimonthebalcony，begantospeakofKitty。
　　`Youknow，Kitty’scominghere，andisgoingtospendthesummerwithme。’
　　`Really，’hesaid，flushing；andatonce，tochangetheconversation，hesaid:`ThenI’llsendyoutwocows，shallI？Ifyouinsistonabillyoushallpaymefiveroublesamonth-ifyouaren’tashamed。’
　　`No，thankyou。Wecanmanageverywellnow。’
　　`Oh，well，then，I’llhavealookatyourcows，andifyou’llallowme，I’llgivedirectionsabouttheirfood。Everythingdependsontheirfood。’
　　AndLevin，toturntheconversation，explainedtoDaryaAlexandrovnathetheoryofcowkeeping，basedontheprinciplethatthecowissimplyamachineforthetransformationoffoodintomilk，andsoon。
　　Hetalkedofthis，andpassionatelylongedtohearmoreofKitty，and，atthesametime，wasafraidofhearingit。Hedreadedthebreakingupoftheinwardpeacehehadgainedwithsucheffort。
　　`Yes，butstillallthishastobelookedafter，andwhoistheretolookafterit？’DaryaAlexandrovnarespondedreluctantly。
　　Shehadbynowgotherhouseholdmatterssosatisfactorilyarranged，thankstoMatrionaPhilimonovna，thatshewasdisinclinedtomakeanychangeinthem；besides，shehadnofaithinLevin’sknowledgeoffarming。Generalprinciples，astothecowbeingamachinefortheproductionofmilk，shelookedonwithsuspicion。Itseemedtoherthatsuchprinciplescouldonlybeahindranceinfarmmanagement。Itallseemedtoherafarsimplermatter:
　　allthatwasneeded，asMatrionaPhilimonovnahadexplained，wastogiveBrindleandWhitebreastmorefoodanddrink，andnottoletthecookcarryallthekitchenslopstothelaundrymaid’scow。Thatwasclear。Butgeneralpropositionsastofeedingonmealandongrassweredoubtfulandobscure。
　　And，whatwasmostimportant，shewantedtotalkaboutKitty。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter10[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter10`Kittywritestomethatthere’snothingshelongsforsomuchasquietandsolitude，’Dollysaidafterthesilencethathadfollowed。
　　`Andhowisshe-better？’Levinaskedinagitation。
　　`ThankGod，she’squitewellagain。Ineverbelievedherlungswereaffected。’
　　`Oh，I’mveryglad！’saidLevin，andDollyfanciedshesawsomethingtouching，helpless，inhisfaceashesaidthisandlookedsilentlyintoherface。
　　`Letmeaskyou，KonstantinDmitrievich，’saidDaryaAlexandrovna，smilingherkindlyandrathermockingsmile，`whyareyouangrywithKitty？’
　　`I？I’mnotangrywithher，’saidLevin。
　　`Yes，youare。WhywasityoudidnotcometoseeusorthemwhenyouwereinMoscow？’
　　`DaryaAlexandrovna，’hesaid，blushinguptotherootsofhishair，`Iwonderreallythatwithyourkindheartyoudon’tfeelthis。Howitisyoufeelnopityforme，ifnothingelse，whenyouknow……’
　　`WhatdoIknow？’
　　`YouknowthatIproposedandwasrefused，’saidLevin，andallthetendernesshehadbeenfeelingforKittyaminutebeforewasreplacedbyafeelingofangerfortheslighthehadsuffered。
　　`WhatmakesyousupposeIknow？’
　　`Becauseeverybodyknowsit……’
　　`That’sjustwhereyouaremistaken；Ididnotknowit，thoughIhadguesseditwasso。’
　　`Well，nowyouknowit。’
　　`AllIknewwasthatsomethinghadhappenedthatmadeherdreadfullymiserable，andthatshebeggedmenevertospeakofit。Andifshewouldnottellme，shewouldcertainlynotspeakofittoanyoneelse。Butwhatdidpassbetweenyou？Tellme。’
　　`Ihavetoldyou。’
　　`Whenwasit？’
　　`WhenIwasattheirhousethelasttime。’
　　`Doyouknow，’saidDaryaAlexandrovna，`Iamawfully，awfullysorryforher。Yousufferonlyfrompride……’
　　`Perhapsso，’saidLevin，`but……’
　　Sheinterruptedhim。
　　`Butshe，poorgirl……Iamawfully，awfullysorryforher。NowIseeitall。’
　　`Well，DaryaAlexandrovna，youmustexcuseme，’hesaid，gettingup。`Good-by，DaryaAlexandrovna，tillwemeetagain。’
　　`No，waitaminute，’shesaid，clutchinghimbythesleeve。`Waitaminute，sitdown。’
　　`Please，please，don’tletustalkofthis，’hesaid，sittingdown，andatthesametimefeelingriseupandstirwithinhisheartahopehehadbelievedtobeburied。
　　`IfIdidnotlikeyou，’shesaid，andtearscameintohereyes；
　　`ifIdidnotknowyou，asIdoknowyou……’
　　Thefeelingthathadseemeddeadrevivedmoreandmore，roseupandtookpossessionofLevin’sheart。
　　`Yes，Iunderstanditallnow，’saidDaryaAlexandrovna。`Youcan’tunderstandit；foryoumen，whoarefreeandmakeyourownchoice，it’salwaysclearwhomyoulove。Butagirl’sinapositionofsuspense，withallawoman’sormaiden’smodesty，agirlwhoseesyoumenfromafar，whotakeseverythingontrust-agirlmayhave，andoftenhas，suchafeelingthatshecannottellwhattosay。’
　　`Yes，iftheheartdoesnotspeak……’
　　`No，theheartdoesspeak；butjustconsider:youmenhaveviewsaboutagirl，youcometothehouse，youmakefriends，youcriticize，youwaittoseeifyouhavefoundwhatyoulove，andthen，whenyouaresureyouloveher，youpropose……’
　　`Well，that’snotquiteit。’
　　`Anywayyoupropose，whenyourloveisripe，orwhenthebalancehascompletelyturnedbetweenthetwoyouarechoosingfrom。Butagirlisnotasked。Sheisexpectedtomakeherchoice，andyetshecannotchoose-shecanonlyanswer``yes’or``no。’’
　　`Yes，tochoosebetweenmeandVronsky，’thoughtLevin，andthedeadthingthathadcometolifewithinhimdiedagain，andonlyweighedonhisheartandsetitaching。
　　`DaryaAlexandrovna，’hesaid，`that’showonechoosesanewdress，orsomepurchaseorother-notlove。Thechoicehasbeenmade，andsomuchthebetter……Andtherecanbenorepetition。’
　　`Ah，pride，pride！’saidDaryaAlexandrovna，asthoughdespisinghimforthebasenessofthisfeelingincomparisonwiththatotherfeelingwhichonlywomenknow。`AtthetimewhenyouproposedtoKittyshewasjustinapositioninwhichshecouldnotanswer。Shewasindoubt。DoubtbetweenyouandVronsky。Himshewasseeingeveryday，andyoushehadnotseenforalongwhile。Supposingshehadbeenolder……I，forinstance，inherplace，couldhavefeltnodoubt。Ialwaysdislikedhim，andmydislikeprovedtobejustified。’
　　LevinrecalledKitty’sanswer。Shehadsaid:`No，thatcannotbe……’
　　`DaryaAlexandrovna，’hesaiddryly，`Iappreciateyourconfidenceinme；Ibelieveyouaremakingamistake。ButwhetherIamrightorwrong，thatprideyousodespisemakesanythoughtofKaterinaAlexandrovnaoutofthequestionforme；youunderstand-utterlyoutofthequestion。’
　　`Iwillonlysayonethingmore:youknowthatIamspeakingofmysister，whomIloveasIlovemyownchildren。Idon’tsayshecaredforyou；allImeanttosayisthatherrefusalatthatmomentprovesnothing。’
　　`Idon’tknow！’saidLevin，jumpingup。`youonlyknewhowyouarehurtingme。It’sjustasifachildofyoursweredead，andtheyweretosaytoyou:Hewouldhavebeenlikethisandlikethat，andhemighthavelived，andhowhappyyouwouldhavebeeninhim。Buthe’sdead，dead，dead！……’
　　`Howabsurdyouare！’saidDaryaAlexandrovna，lookingwithmournfultendernessatLevin’sexcitement。`Yes，Iseeitallmoreandmoreclearly，’
　　shewentonmusingly。`Soyouwon’tcometoseeus，then，whenKitty’shere？’
　　`No，Ishan’tcome。OfcourseIwon’tavoidmeetingKaterinaAlexandrovna；
　　but，asfarasIcan，Iwilltrytosavehertheannoyanceofmypresence。’
　　`Youarevery，veryabsurd，’repeatedDaryaAlexandrovna，lookingwithtendernessintohisface。`Verywellthen，letitbeasthoughwehadnotspokenofthis。Whathaveyoucomefor，Tania？’shesaidinFrenchtothelittlegirlwhohadcomein。
　　`Where’smyspade，mamma？’
　　`IspeakFrench，andyoumusttoo。’
　　ThelittlegirltriedtosayitinFrench，butcouldnotremembertheFrenchforspade；themotherpromptedher，andthentoldherinFrenchwheretolookforthespade。AndthismadeadisagreeableimpressiononLevin。
　　EverythinginDaryaAlexandrovna’shouseandchildrenstruckhimnowasbynomeanssocharmingasalittlewhilebefore。
　　`AndwhydoesshetalkFrenchwiththechildren？’hethought。
　　`Howunnaturalandfalseitis！Andthechildrenfeelitso:LearningFrenchandunlearningsincerity，’hethoughttohimself，unawarethatDaryaAlexandrovnahadthoughtallthatovertwentytimesalready，andyet，evenatthecostofsomelossofsincerity，believeditnecessarytoteachherchildrenFrenchinthatway。
　　`Butwhyareyougoing？Dostayalittle。’
　　Levinstayedtotea；buthisgoodhumorhadvanished，andhefeltillatease。
　　Afterteahewentoutintothehalltoorderhishorsestobeputin，and，whenhecameback，hefoundDaryaAlexandrovnagreatlydisturbed，withatroubledface，andtearsinhereyes。WhileLevinhadbeenoutside，anincidenthadoccurredwhichhadallatonceshatteredallthehappinessshehadbeenfeelingthatday，andherprideinherchildren。GrishaandTaniahadbeenfightingoveraball。DaryaAlexandrovna，hearingascreaminthenursery，raninandsawaterriblesight。TaniawaspullingGrisha’shair，whilehe，withafacehideouswithrage，wasbeatingherwithhisfistswhereverhecouldgetather。SomethingsnappedinDaryaAlexandrovna’sheartwhenshesawthis。Itwasasifdarknesshadswoopeddownuponherlife；shefeltthatthesechildrenofhers，thatshewassoproudof，werenotmerelymostordinary，butpositivelybad，ill-bredchildren，withcoarse，brutalpropensities-wickedchildren。
　　Shecouldnottalkorthinkofanythingelse，andshecouldnothelpspeakingtoLevinofhermisery。
　　Levinsawshewasunhappyandtriedtocomforther，sayingthatitshowednothingbad，thatallchildrenfight；but，evenashesaidit，hewasthinkinginhisheart:`No，Iwon’tbeartificialandtalkFrenchwithmychildren；butmychildrenwon’tbelikethat。Allonehastodoisnotspoilchildren，nottodistorttheirnature，andthey’llbedelightful。
　　No，mychildrenwon’tbelikethat。’
　　Hesaidgood-byanddroveaway，andshedidnottrytodetainhim。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]
　　TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter11[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter11InthemiddleofJulytheelderofthevillageonLevin’ssister’sestate，abouttwentyverstasfromPokrovskoe，cametoLevintoreportaboutthehay，andhowthingsweregoingthere。Thechiefsourceofincomeonhissister’sestatewasfromthewatermeadows。Informeryearsthehayhadbeenboughtbythepeasantsfortwentyroublesthedessiatina。WhenLevintookoverthemanagementoftheestate，hethoughtonexaminingthegrasslandsthattheywereworthmore，andhefixedthepriceattwenty-fiveroublesthedessiatina。Thepeasantswouldnotgivethatprice，and，asLevinsuspected，keptoffotherpurchasers。ThenLevinhaddrivenoverhimself，andarrangedtohavethegrasscut，partlybyhiredlabor，partlyatapaymentofacertainproportionofthecrop。Thepeasantsofthisvillageputeveryhindrancetheycouldinthewayofthisnewarrangement，butitwascarriedout，andthefirstyearthemeadowshadyieldedaprofitalmostdouble。
　　Twoyearsagoandthepreviousyearthepeasantshadmaintainedthesameoppositiontothearrangement，andthehayhadbeencutonthesamesystem。
　　Thisyearthepeasantsweredoingallthemowingforathirdofthehaycrop，andthevillageelderhadcomenowtoannouncethatthehayhadbeencut，andthat，fearingrain，hehadinvitedthecountinghouseclerkover，haddividedthecropinhispresence，andhadrakedtogetherelevenstacksastheowner’sshare。Fromthevagueanswerstohisquestionhowmuchhayhadbeencutontheprincipalmeadow，fromthehurryofthevillageelderwhohadmadethedivision，withoutaskingleave，fromthewholetoneofthepeasant，Levinperceivedthattherewassomethingwronginthedivisionofthehay，andmadeuphismindtodriveoverhimselftolookintothematter。
　　Arrivingbydinnertimeatthevillage，andleavinghishorseatthecottageofanoldfriendofhis，thehusbandofhisbrother’swetnurse，Levinwenttoseetheoldmaninhisbeehouse，wantingtofindoutfromhimthetruthaboutthehay。Parmenich，atalkative，comelyoldman，gaveLevinaverywarmwelcome，showedhimallhewasdoing，toldhimeverythingabouthisbeesandtheswarmsofthatyear；butgavevagueandunwillinganswerstoLevin’sinquiriesaboutthemowing。ThisconfirmedLevinstillmoreinhissuspicions。Hewenttothehayfieldsandexaminedthestacks。
　　Thehaystackscouldnotpossiblycontainfiftywagonloadseach，andtoconvictthepeasantsLevinorderedthewagonsthathadcarriedthehaytobebroughtupdirectly，toliftonestack，andcarryitintothebarn。
　　Thereturnedouttobeonlythirty-twoloadsinthestack。Inspiteofthevillageelder’sassertionsaboutthecompressibilityofhay，anditshavingsettleddowninthestacks，andhisswearingthateverythinghadbeendoneinfearofGod，Levinstucktohispointthatthehayhadbeendividedwithouthisorders，andthat，therefore，hewouldnotacceptthathayasfiftyloadstoastack。Afteraprolongeddisputethematterwasdecidedbythepeasantstaking，astheirshare，theseelevenstacks，reckoningthemasfiftyloadseach，andapportioningtheowner’sshareanew。Theargumentsandthedivisionofthehaycockslastedthewholeafternoon。
　　Whenthelastofthehayhadbeendivided，Levin，entrustingthesuperintendenceoftheresttothecountinghouseclerk，satdownonahaycockmarkedoffbyastakeofwillow，andlookedadmiringlyatthemeadowswarmingwithpeasants。
　　Infrontofhim，inthebendoftheriverbeyondthelittlemarsh，movedabright-coloredlineofpeasantwomen，merrilychatteringwiththeirringingvoices，andthescatteredhaywasbeingrapidlyformedintograywindingrowsoverthepalegreenaftermath。Afterthewomencamethemenwithpitchforks，andfromthegrayrowsthereweregrowingupbroad，high，softhaycocks。Tothelefttelegaswererumblingoverthemeadowthathadbeenalreadycleared，andoneafteranotherthehaycocksvanished，flungupinhugeforkfuls，andintheirplacetherewererisingheavycartloadsoffragranthayhangingoverthehorses’hindquarters。
　　`Whatweatherforhaying！Whathayit’llbe！’saidanoldman，squattingdownbesideLevin。`It’stea，nothayIt’slikescatteringgraintotheducks，thewaytheypickitup！’headded，pointingtothegrowinghaycocks。`Sincedinnertimethey’vecarriedagoodhalfofit。’
　　`Thelastload，eh？’heshoutedtoayoungpeasant，whodroveby，standinginthefrontofanemptytelegabox，shakingthereinsofhemp。
　　`Thelast，dad！’theladshoutedback，pullinginthehorse，and，smiling，helookedroundatabright，rosy-cheekedpeasantgirlwhosatinthetelegabox，smilingtoo，anddroveon。
　　`Who’sthat？Yourson？’askedLevin。
　　`Mydearyoungest，’saidtheoldmanwithatendersmile。
　　`Whatafinefellow！’
　　`Thelad’sallright。’
　　`Marriedalready？’
　　`Yes，it’stwoyearslastSt。Philip’sday。’
　　`Anychildren？’
　　`Children，indeed！Why，foroverayearhewasinnocentasababehimself，andbashfultoo，’answeredtheoldman。`Whathaythisis！It’steaindeed！’herepeated，wishingtochangethesubject。