第7章

Levinledhisfriendtotheguestroom，whereStepanArkadyevich’sthingswerealsocarried-abag，aguninacase，asatchelforcigars。

Leavinghimtheretowashandchangehisclothes，Levinwentofftothecountinghousetospeakabouttheplowingandtheclover。AgathyaMikhailovna，alwaysveryanxiousforthecreditofthehouse，methiminthehallwithinquiriesaboutdinner。

`Dojustasyoulike，onlyletitbeassoonaspossible，’hesaid，andwenttothebailiff。

Whenhecameback，StepanArkadyevich，washedandcombed，cameoutofhisroomwithabeamingsmile，andtheywentupstairstogether。

`Well，IamgladImanagedtogetawaytoyou！NowIshallunderstandwhatthemysteriousbusinessisthatyouarealwaysabsorbedinhere。No，really，Ienvyyou。Whatahouse，howsplendiditallis！Sobright，socheerful！’saidStepanArkadyevich，forgettingthatitwasnotalwaysspringandfineweatherasonthisday。`Andyouroldnurseissimplycharming！

Aprettymaidinanapronmightbeevenmoreagreeable，perhaps；butforyourseveremonasticstyleitdoesverywell。’

StepanArkadyevichimpartedtohimmanyinterestingbitsofnews；

especiallyinterestingtoLevinwasthenewsthathisbrother，SergeiIvanovich，wasintendingtospendthesummerwithhiminthecountry。

NotoneworddidStepanArkadyevichsayinreferencetoKittyandtheShcherbatskys；hemerelygavehimgreetingsfromhiswife。Levinwasgratefultohimforhisdelicacy，andrejoicedexceedinglyoverhisguest。Asalwayshappenedwithhimduringhissolitude，amassofideasandfeelingshadbeenaccumulatingwithinhim，whichhecouldnotcommunicatetothoseabouthim。AndnowhepouredoutuponStepanArkadyevichhispoeticjoyoverthespring，andhisfailuresandplansfortheland，andhisthoughtsandcriticismsonthebookshehadbeenreading，andtheideaofhisownbook，thebasisofwhichreallywas，thoughhewasunawareofithimself，acriticismofalltheoldbooksonagriculture。StepanArkadyevich，alwayscharming，understandingeverythingattheslightestreference，wasparticularlycharmingonthisvisit，andLevinnoticedinhimaspecialtenderness，asitwere，andanewtoneofrespectthatflatteredhim。

TheeffortsofAgathyaMikhailovnaandthecooktohavethedinnerparticularlygood，onlyendedinthetwofamishedfriendsattackingthepreliminarycourse，eatingagreatdealofbreadandbutter，saltgooseandsaltedmushrooms，andinLevin’sfinallyorderingthesouptobeservedwithouttheaccompanimentoflittlepatties，withwhichthecookhadparticularlymeanttoimpresstheirvisitor。ButthoughStepanArkadyevichwasaccustomedtoverydifferentdinners，hethoughteverythingexcellent:theherbbrandy，andthebread，andthebutter，and，aboveall，thesaltgooseandthemushrooms，andthenettlesoup，andthechickeninwhitesauce，andthewhiteCrimeanwine-everythingwasexcellentandmarvelous。

`Splendid，splendid！’hesaid，lightingafatcigaraftertheroast。`Ifeelasif，comingtoyou，Ihadlandedonapeacefulshoreafterthenoiseandjoltingofasteamer。Andsoyoumaintainthatthelaborerhimselfisanelementtobestudied，andtoregulatethechoiceofmethodsinagriculture。Ofcourse，I’manignorantoutsider；butIshouldfancytheoryanditsapplicationwillhaveitsinfluenceonthelaborertoo。’

`Yes，butwaitabit。I’mnottalkingofpoliticaleconomy-I’mtalkingofthescienceofagriculture。Itoughttobelikethenaturalsciences，andtoobservegivenphenomenaandthelaborerinhiseconomic，ethnographical……’

AtthatinstantAgathyaMikhailovnacameinwithjam。

`Oh，AgathyaFiodorovna，’saidStepanArkadyevich，kissingthetipsofhisplumpfingers，`whatsaltgoose，whatherbbrandy！……Whatdoyouthink，isn’tittimetostart，Kostia？’headded。

Levinlookedoutofthewindowatthesunsinkingbehindthebaretreetopsoftheforest。

`Yes，it’stime，’hesaid。`Kouzma，getreadythewidedroshky，’

andherandownstairs。

StepanArkadyevich，goingdown，carefullytookthecanvascoveroffhisvarnishedguncasewithhisownhands，andopeningit，begantogetreadyhisexpensive，new-fashionedgun。Kouzma，whoalreadyscentedabigtip，neverleftStepanArkadyevich’sside，andputonhimbothhisstockingsandboots，ataskwhichStepanArkadyevichreadilylefttohim。

`Kostia，giveordersthatifthemerchantRiabinincomes-Itoldhimtocometoday-he’stobeshowninandaskedtowaitforme……’

`Why，doyoumeantosayyou’resellingtheforesttoRiabinin？’

`Yes。Doyouknowhim？’

`TobesureIdo。Ihavehadtodobusinesswithhim，``positivelyanddefinitively。’’

StepanArkadyevichlaughed。``Positivelyanddefinitively’’werethemerchant’sfavoritewords。

`Yes，it’swonderfullyfunnythewayhetalks。Sheknowswherehermaster’sgoing！’headded，pattingLaska，whohungaboutLevin，whiningandlickinghishands，hisboots，andhisgun。

Thedroshkywasalreadyatthestepswhentheywentout。

`Itoldthemtobringthedroshkyround，thoughit’snotfartogo；orwouldyouratherwalk？’

`No，we’dbetterdrive，’saidStepanArkadyevich，gettingintothedroshky。Hesatdown，tuckedthetiger-stripedrugroundhim，andlightedacigar。`Howisityoudon’tsmoke？Acigarisasortofthing，notexactlyapleasure，butthecrownandoutwardsignofpleasure。Come，thisislife！

Howsplendiditis！ThisishowIshouldliketolive！’

`Why，whopreventsyou？’saidLevin，smiling。

`No，you’realuckyman！You’vegoteverythingyoulike。Youlikehorses-andyouhavethem；dogs-youhavethem；shooting-youhaveit；

farming-youhaveit。’

`PerhapsbecauseIrejoiceinwhatIhave，anddon’tfretforwhatIhaven’t，’saidLevin，thinkingofKitty。

StepanArkadyevichcomprehended，lookedathim，butsaidnothing。

LevinwasgratefultoOblonsky，fornoticing，withhisnever-failingtact，thathedreadedconversationabouttheShcherbatskys，andsosayingnothingaboutthem。ButnowLevinwaslongingtofindoutaboutthatwhichwastormentinghimso，yethadnotthecouragetobegin。

`Come，tellmehowthingsaregoingwithyou，’saidLevin，bethinkinghimselfthatitwasnotgoodofhimtothinkonlyofhimself。

StepanArkadyevich’seyessparkledmerrily。

`Youdon’tadmit，Iknow，thatonecanbefondofnewrollswhenonehashadone’srationofbread-toyourmindit’sacrime；butIdon’tcountlifeaslifewithoutlove，’hesaid，takingLevin’squestioninhisownway。`WhatamItodo？I’mmadethatway。Andreally，onedoessolittleharmtoanyone，andgivesoneselfsomuchpleasure……’

`What！istheresomethingnew，then？’queriedLevin。

`Yes，myboy，thereis！There，doyousee，youknowthetypeofOssian’swomen……women，suchasoneseesindreams……Well，thesewomenaresometimestobemetwithinreality……Andthesewomenareterrible。

Woman，don’tyouknow，issuchasubjectthatnomatterhowmuchyoustudyit，it’salwaysperfectlynew。’

`Well，then，itwouldbebetternottostudyit。’

`No。Somemathematicianhassaidthatenjoymentliesinthesearchfortruth，notinthefindingofit。’

Levinlistenedinsilence，and，inspiteofalltheeffortshemade，hecouldnotintheleastenterintothefeelingsofhisfriendandunderstandhissentimentsandthecharmofstudyingsuchwomen。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter15[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter15Theplacefixedonforthestandshootingwasnotfaraboveastreaminalittleaspencopse。Onreachingthecopse，LevingotoutofthedroshkyandledOblonskytoacornerofamossy，swampyglade，alreadyquitefreefromsnow。Hewentbackhimselftoadoublebirchtreeontheotherside，and，leaninghisgunontheforkofadeadlowerbranch，hetookoffhisfullovercoat，fastenedhisbeltagain，andworkedhisarmstoseeiftheywerefree。

GrayoldLaska，whohadfollowedthem，satdownwarilyoppositehimandprickedupherears。Thesunwassettingbehindathickforest，andintheglowofsunsetthebirchtrees，dottedaboutintheaspencopse，stoodoutclearlywiththeirhangingtwigs，andtheirbudsswollenalmosttobursting。

Fromthethickestpartsofthecopse，wherethesnowstillremained，camethefaintsoundofnarrowwindingstreamletsofwaterrunningaway。

Tinybirdstwittered，andnowandthenflutteredfromtreetotree。

Inthepausesofcompletestillnesstherecametherustleoflastyear’sleaves，stirredbythethawingoftheearthandthegrowthofgrasses。

`Imagine！Onecanhearandseethegrassgrowing！’Levinsaidtohimself，noticingawet，slate-coloredaspenleafmovingbesideabladeofyounggrass。Hestood，listened，andgazedsometimesdownatthewetmossyground，sometimesatLaskalisteningallalert，sometimesattheseaofbaretreetopsthatstretchedontheslopebelowhim，sometimesatthedarkeningsky，coveredwithwhitestreaksofcloud。Ahawkflewhighoveraforestfarawaywithaslowsweepofitswings；anotherflewwithexactlythesamemotioninthesamedirectionandvanished。Thebirdstwitteredmoreandmoreloudlyandbusilyinthethicket。Anowlhootednotfaroff，andLaska，starting，steppedcautiouslyafewstepsforward，and，puttingherheadononeside，begantolistenintently。Beyondthestreamwasheardthecuckoo。Twicesheutteredherusualcall，andthenbecamehoarse，hurried，andbrokedown。

`Imagine！Thecuckooalready！’saidStepanArkadyevich，comingoutfrombehindabush。

`Yes，Ihearit，’answeredLevin，reluctantlybreakingthestillnesswithhisvoice，whichsoundeddisagreeabletohimself。`Nowit’scoming！’

StepanArkadyevich’sfigureagainwentbehindthebush，andLevinsawnothingbutthebrightflashofamatch，followedbytheredglowandbluesmokeofacigarette。

Tchk！Tchk！camethesnappingsoundofStepanArkadyevichcockinghisgun。

`What’sthatcry？’askedOblonsky，drawingLevin’sattentiontoaprolongedcry，asthoughacoltwerewhinnyinginahighvoice，inplay。

`Oh，don’tyouknowit？That’sabuckhare。Butenoughtalking！

Listen-hereitcomes！’almostshriekedLevin，cockinghisgun。

Theyheardashrillwhistleinthedistance，andintheexacttime，sowellknowntothesportsman，twosecondslater-another，athird，and，afterthethirdwhistle，thehoarse，gutturalcrycouldbeheard。

Levinlookedabouthimtorightandtoleft，andthere，justfacinghimagainsttheduskyblueskyabovetheconfusedmassoftendershootsoftheaspens，hesawtheflyingbird。Itwasflyingstraighttowardhim；

thegutturalcry，liketheeventearingofsomestrongstuff，soundedclosetohisear；thelongbeakandneckofthebirdcouldbeseen，andattheveryinstantwhenLevinwastakingaim，behindthebushwhereOblonskystood，therewasaflashofredlightning:thebirddroppedlikeanarrow，anddartedupwardagain。Againcametheredflashandthesoundofablow，and，flutteringitswingsasthoughtryingtokeepupintheair，thebirdpaused，stoppedstillaninstant，andfellwithaheavysplashtotheslushyground。

`CanIpossiblyhavemissedit？’shoutedStepanArkadyevich，whocouldnotseeforthesmoke。

`Hereitis！’saidLevin，pointingtoLaska，who，withoneearprickedup，waggingthetipofhershaggytail，wascomingslowlyback，asthoughshewouldprolongthepleasure，andseeminglysmiling，wasbringingthedeadbirdtohermaster。`Well，I’mgladyouweresuccessful，’saidLevin，who，atthesametime，hadasenseofenvythathehadnotsucceededinshootingthewoodcock。

`Itwasabadshotfromtherightbarrel，’respondedStepanArkadyevich，loadinghisgun。`Sh……Hereitcomes！’

Theshrillwhistlesrapidlyfollowingoneanotherwereheardagain。

Twowoodcocks，playingandchasingoneanother，andonlywhistling，notcrying，flewstraightattheveryheadsofthesportsmen。Therewasthereportoffourshots，andlikeswallows，thewoodcocksturnedswiftsomersaultsintheairandvanishedfromsight。

Thestandshootingwascapital。StepanArkadyevichshottwomorebirds，andLevintwo，ofwhichonewasnotfound。Itbegantogetdark。

Venus，brightandsilvery，shonewithhersoftlightlowdowninthewest，behindthebirchtrees，andhighupintheeasttwinkledtheredfiresofsomberArcturus。OverhisheadLevinmadeoutthestarsoftheGreatBearandlostthemagain。Thewoodcockshadceasedflying；butLevinresolvedtostayalittlelonger，tillVenus，whichhesawbelowabranchofbirch，shouldbeaboveit，andthestarsoftheGreatBearshouldbeperfectlyplain。Venushadrisenabovethebranch，andthechariotoftheGreatBearwithitsshaftwasnowallplainlyvisibleagainstthedarkbluesky，yetstillhewaited。

`Isn’tittimetogohome？’saidStepanArkadyevich。

Itwasquitestillnowinthecopse，andnotabirdwasstirring。

`Let’sstayalittlewhile，’answeredLevin。

`Asyoulike。’

Theywerestandingnowaboutfifteenpacesfromoneanother。

`Stiva！’saidLevinunexpectedly；`howisityoudon’ttellmewhetheryoursister-in-law’smarriedyet，orwhenshe’sgoingtobe？’

Levinfeltsoresoluteandserenethatnoanswerhefanciedcouldaffecthim。ButhehadneverdreamedoftheanswerwhichStepanArkadyevichmade。

`She’sneverthoughtofbeingmarried，andisn’tthinkingofit；

butshe’sveryill，andthedoctorshavesentherabroad。They’repositivelyafraidshemaynotlive。’

`What！’criedLevin。`Veryill？Whatiswrongwithher？Howisshe？……’

Whiletheywerespeaking，Laska，withearsprickedup，waslookingupwardatthesky，and，reproachfully，atthem。

`Whatatimetheyhavechosentogab，’shewasthinking。`Thereitcomes……Hereitis-yes，sureenough。They’llmissit……’thoughtLaska。

Butatthatveryinstantbothsuddenlyheardashrillwhistlewhich，asitwere，smoteontheirears，andbothsuddenlyseizedtheirgunsandtwoflashesgleamed，andtwobangssoundedattheverysameinstant。

Thewoodcockflyinghighaboveinstantlyfoldeditswingsandfellintoathicket，bendingdownthedelicateshoots。

`Splendid！Together！’criedLevin，andheranwithLaskaintothethickettolookforthewoodcock。

`Oh，yes，whatwasitthatwasunpleasant？’herecollected。`Yes，Kitty’sill……Well，itcan’tbehelped；I’mverysorry，’hethought。

`She’sfoundit！Isn’tsheaclevergirl？’hesaid，takingthewarmbirdfromLaska’smouthandpackingitintothealmostfullgamebag。

`I’vegotit，Stiva！’heshouted。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter16[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter16OnthewayhomeLevinaskedallthedetailsofKitty’sillnessandoftheShcherbatskys’plans，andthoughhewouldhavebeenashamedtoadmitit，hewaspleasedatwhatheheard。Hewaspleasedthattherewasstillhope，andstillmorepleasedthatshe，whohadmadehimsuffer，shouldbesufferingsomuch。ButwhenStepanArkadyevichbegantospeakofthecausesofKitty’sillness，andmentionedVronsky’sname，Levincuthimshort。

`Ihavenorightwhatevertoknowfamilymatters，and，totellthetruth，nointerestinthemeither。’

StepanArkadyevichsmiledabarelyperceptiblesmile，catchingtheinstantaneouschangeheknewsowellinLevin’sface，whichhadbecomeasgloomyasithadbeenbrightaminutebefore。

`HaveyouquitesettledabouttheforestwithRiabinin？’askedLevin。

`Yes，it’sallsettled。Thepriceismagnificent-thirty-eightthousand。Eightstraightaway，andtherestinsixyears。I’vebeenbotheringaboutitforeversolong。Noonewouldgivemore。’

`Thenyou’veasgoodasgivenawayyourforestfornothing，’saidLevingloomily。

`Howdoyoumean-fornothing？’saidStepanArkadyevichwithagood-humoredsmile，knowingthatnothingwouldberightinLevin’seyesnow。

`Becausetheforestisworthatleastfivehundredroublesthedessiatina，’answeredLevin。

`Oh，thesefarmers！’saidStepanArkadyevichplayfully。`Yourtoneofcontemptforuspoortownsfolk！……Butwhenitcomestobusiness，wearebetteratitthananyone。IassureyouIhavereckoneditallout，’

hesaid，`andtheforestisfetchingaverygoodprice-somuchsothatI’mafraidofthisfellow’scryingoff，infact。Youknowit’snot``timberforest，’’saidStepanArkadyevich，hopingbythisdistinctiontoconvinceLevincompletelyoftheunfairnessofhisdoubts，`butforthemostpartfirewood。Anditwon’truntomorethanthirtysazhenesofwoodperdessiatina，andhe’spayingmeattherateoftwohundredroublesthedessiatina。’

Levinsmiledcontemptuously。`Iknow，’hethought，`thatfashionnotonlyinhim，butinallcitypeople，who，afterbeingtwiceintenyearsinthecountry，pickuptwoorthreephrasesandusetheminseasonandoutofseason，firmlypersuadedthattheyknowallaboutit。``Timber，runtothirtysazhenesthedessiatina。’’Hesaysthosewordswithoutunderstandingthemhimself。’

`Iwouldn’tattempttoteachyouwhatyouwriteaboutinyouroffice，’saidhe，`andifneedarose，Ishouldcometoyoutoaskaboutit。Butyou’resopositiveyouknowalltheloreoftheforest。It’sdifficult。

Haveyoucountedthetrees？’

`Howcountthetrees？’saidStepanArkadyevich，laughing，stilltryingtodrawhisfriendoutofhisilltemper。`Countsandsofseas，andraysofstars，thoughcouldsomehigherpower……’

`Oh，well，thehigherpowerofRiabinincan。Notasinglemerchanteverbuysaforestwithoutcountingthetrees，unlesstheygetitgiventhemfornothing，asyou’redoingnow。Iknowyourforest。Igothereeveryyearshooting，andyourforest’sworthfivehundredadessiatinapaiddown，whilehe’sgivingyoutwohundredbyinstallments。Sothatinfactyou’remakinghimapresentofthirtythousand。’

`Come，don’tletyourimaginationrunawaywithyou，’saidStepanArkadyevichpiteously。`Whywasitnonewouldgiveit，then？’

`Why，becausehehasanunderstandingwiththemerchants；he’sboughtthemoff。I’vehadtodowithallofthem；Iknowthem。They’renotmerchants，youknow；they’respeculators。Hewouldn’tlookatabargainthatgavehimten，fifteenpercentprofit，butholdsbacktobuyarouble’sworthfortwentykopecks。’

`Well，enoughofit！You’reoutoftemper。’

`Notintheleast，’saidLevingloomily，astheydroveuptothehouse。

Atthestepstherestoodatraptightlycoveredwithironandleather，withasleekhorsetightlyharnessedwithbroadcollarstraps。

Inthetrapsatthechubby，tightlybeltedoverseerwhoservedRiabininascoachman。Riabininhimselfwasalreadyinthehouse，andmetthefriendsinthehall。Riabininwasatall，thinnish，middle-agedman，withmustacheandaprojectingclean-shavenchin，andprominentmuddy-lookingeyes。Hewasdressedinalong-skirtedbluecoat，withbuttonsbelowthewaistattheback，andworehighbootswrinkledovertheanklesandstraightoverthecalf，withbiggaloshesdrawnoverthem。Hemoppedhisfacewithhishandkerchief，and，wrappinghimselfinhiscoat，whichsatextremelywellasitwas，hegreetedthemwithasmile，holdingouthishandtoStepanArkadyevich，asthoughhewantedtocatchsomething。

`So，hereyouare，’saidStepanArkadyevich，givinghimhishand。

`That’scapital。’

`IdidnotventuretodisregardYourExcellency’scommands，thoughtheroadwasextremelybad。Ipositivelycoveredthewholewayatawalk，butIamhereontime。KonstantinDmitrich，myrespects"；heturnedtoLevin，tryingtoseizehishandtoo。ButLevin，scowling，madeasthoughhedidnotnoticehishand，andtookoutthewoodcocks。`Yourhonorshavebeendivertingyourselveswiththechase？Whatkindofbirdmayitbe，pray？’addedRiabinin，lookingcontemptuouslyatthewoodcocks:`agreatdelicacy，Isuppose。’Andheshookhisheaddisapprovingly，asthoughhehadgravedoubtswhetherthisgamewereworththecandle。

`Wouldyouliketogointomystudy？’LevinsaidinFrenchtoStepanArkadyevich，scowlingmorosely。`Gointomystudy；youcantalkthere。’

`Quiteso，whereveryouplease，’saidRiabininwithsuperciliousdignity，asthoughwishingtomakeitfeltthatothersmightbeindifficultiesastohowtobehave，butthathecouldneverbeinanydifficultyaboutanything。

OnenteringthestudyRiabininlookedabout，asitwasahabitofhis，asthoughseekingaholyimage，but，whenhehadfoundit，hedidnotcrosshimself。Hescannedthebookcasesandbookshelves，andwiththesamedubiousairwithwhichhehadregardedthewoodcocks，hesmiledsuperciliouslyandshookhisheaddisapprovingly，asthoughbynomeanswillingtoallowthatthisgame，either，wereworththecandle。

`Well，haveyoubroughtthemoney？’askedOblonsky。`Sitdown。’

`Oh，don’ttroubleaboutthemoney。I’vecometoseeyoutotalkitover。’

`Whatistheretotalkover？Butdositdown。’

`Idon’tmindifIdo，’saidRiabinin，sittingdownandleaninghiselbowsonthebackofhisarmchairinapositionoftheintensestdiscomforttohimself。`Youmustknockitdownabit，Prince。Itwouldbeasinotherwise。

Asforthemoney，itisreadydefinitively，tothelastkopeck。Asformoneydown，there’llbenohitchthere。’

Levin，whohadmeanwhilebeenputtinghisgunawayinthecupboard，wasjustgoingoutofthedoor，butcatchingthemerchant’swords，hestopped。

`Why，you’vegottheforestfornothingasitis，’hesaid。`Hecametometoolate，orI’dhavefixedthepriceforhim。’

Riabiningotup，andinsilence，withasmile，helookedupatLevin。

`KonstantinDmitrievichisveryclose，’hesaidwithasmile，turningtoStepanArkadyevich；`there’sdefinitivelynodealingwithhim。

Iwasbargainingforsomewheatofhim，andaprettypriceIofferedtoo。’

`WhyshouldIgiveyouwhat’sminefornothing？Ididn’tpickitupofftheground，nordidIstealit，either。’

`Mercyonus！Nowadaysthere’spositivelynochanceatallofstealing。Withthedefinitivelyopencourts，andeverythingdoneinstyle，nowadaysthere’snoquestionofstealing。Wearejusttalkingthingsoverlikegentlemen。HisExcellency’saskingtoomuchfortheforest。Ican’tmakebothendsmeetoverit。Imustaskforalittleconcession。’

`Butisthethingsettledbetweenyouorisn’tit？Ifit’ssettled，it’suselesshaggling；butifitisn’t，’saidLevin，`I’llbuytheforest。’

ThesmilevanishedatoncefromRiabinin’sface。Ahawklike，greedy，cruelexpressionwasleftuponit。Withrapid，bonyfingersheunbuttonedhiscoat，revealingalargeshirt，bronzewaistcoatbuttons，andawatchchain，andquicklypulledoutafatoldpocketbook。

`Hereyouare，theforestismine，’hesaid，crossinghimselfquickly，andholdingouthishand。`Takethemoney；it’smyforest。That’sRiabinin’swayofdoingbusiness；hedoesn’thaggleovereverycopper，’

headded，scowlingandwavingthepocketbook。

`Iwouldn’tbeinahurryifIwereyou，’saidLevin。

`Come，really，’saidOblonskyinsurprise，`I’vegivenmyword，youknow。’

Levinwentoutoftheroom，slammingthedoor。Riabininlookedtowardthedoorandshookhisheadwithasmile。

`It’sallyouthfulness-definitivelynothingbutchildishness。

Why，I’mbuyingit，uponmyhonor，simply，believeme，forthegloryofit，thatRiabinin，andnooneelse，shouldhaveboughtthecopseofOblonsky。

Andastotheprofits，why，ImustmakewhatGodgives。God’smywitness。

Ifyouwouldkindlysignthetitledeed……’

Withinanhourthemerchant，carefullystrokinghiswrapperdown，andhookinguphiscoat，withtheagreementinhispocket，seatedhimselfinhistightlycoveredtrap，anddrovehomeward。

`Ugh，thesegentlefolk！’hesaidtotheoverseer。`Theyareallmadealike！they’reafinelot！’

`That’sso，’respondedtheoverseer，handinghimthereinsandbuttoningtheleatherapron。`ButcanIcongratulateyouonthepurchase，MikhailIgnatich？’

`Well，well……’

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter17[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter17StepanArkadyevichwentupstairswithhispocketbulgingwithnoteswhichthemerchanthadpaidhimforthreemonthsinadvance。Thebusinessoftheforestwasover，themoneyinhispocket；theirshootinghadbeenexcellent，andStepanArkadyevichwasinthehappiestframeofmind，andthereforefeltespeciallyanxioustodissipatetheill-humorthathadcomeuponLevin。

Hewantedtofinishthedayatsupperaspleasantlyasithadbeenbegun。

Levincertainlywasoutofhumor，and，inspiteofallhisdesiretobeaffectionateandcordialtohischarmingguest，hecouldnotcontrolhismood。TheaftereffectsoftheintoxicationofthenewsthatKittywasnotmarriedhadgraduallybeguntoworkuponhim。

Kittywasnotmarried，andwasill，andillfromloveforamanwhohadslightedher。Thisoffense，asitwere，reboundeduponhim。Vronskyhadslightedher，andshehadslightedhim，Levin。ConsequentlyVronskyhadtherighttodespiseLevin，andthereforehewashisenemy。ButallthisLevindidnotthinkof。Hevaguelyfeltthattherewassomethinginitinsultingtohim，andhewasnotangrynowatwhathaddisturbedhim，buthefellfoulofeverythingthatpresenteditself。Thestupidsaleoftheforest，thefraudpractiseduponOblonskyandconcludedinhishouse，exasperatedhim。

`Well，finished？’hesaid，meetingStepanArkadyevichupstairs。

`Wouldyoulikesupper？’

`Well，Iwouldn’tsaynotoit。WhatanappetiteIgetinthecountry！Wonderful！Whydidn’tyouofferRiabininsomething？’

`Oh，damnhim！’

`Still，howyoudotreathim！’saidOblonsky。`Youdidn’tevenshakehandswithhim。Whynotshakehandswithhim？’

`BecauseIdon’tshakehandswithawaiter，andawaiter’sahundredtimesbetterthanheis。’

`Whatareactionistyouare，really！Whatabouttheamalgamationofclasses？’saidOblonsky。

`Anyonewholikesitiswelcometoit，butitsickensme。’

`You’readownrightreactionist，Isee。’

`Really。IhaveneverconsideredwhatIam。IamKonstantinLevin，andnothingelse。’

`AndKonstantinLevinverymuchoutoftemper，’saidStepanArkadyevich，smiling。

`Yes，Iamoutoftemper，anddoyouknowwhy？Because-excuseme-ofyourstupidsale……’

StepanArkadyevichfrownedgood-humoredly，likeonewhofeelshimselfteasedandattackedfornofaultofhisown。

`Come，enoughaboutthat！’hesaid。`Whendidanybodyeversellanythingwithoutbeingtoldimmediatelyafterthesale，``Itwasworthmuchmore’？Butwhenonewantstosell，noonewillgiveanything……No，Iseeyou’veagrudgeagainstthatunluckyRiabinin。’

`MaybeIhave。Anddoyouknowwhy？You’llsayagainthatI’mareactionist，orsomeotherterribleword；butallthesameitdoesannoyandangermetoseeonallsidestheimpoverishingofthenobilitytowhichIbelong，and，inspiteoftheamalgamationofclasses，I’mgladtobelong。

Andtheirimpoverishmentisnotduetolivinginluxury-thatwouldbenothing；livingingoodstyle-that’stheproperthingfornoblemen:it’sonlythenobleswhoknowhowtodoit。Now，thepeasantsaboutusbuyland，andIdon’tmindthat。Thegentlemandoesnothing，whilethepeasantworksandsupplantstheidleman。That’sasitshouldbe。AndIwelcomethepeasant。

ButIdomindseeingtheprocessofimpoverishmentfromasortof-Idon’tknowwhattocallit-innocence。HereaPolishlesseeboughtforhalfitsvalueamagnificentestatefromaladywholivesinNice。Andthereamerchantleasesland，worthtenroublesinrentthedessiatina，foronerouble。Here，fornokindofreason，you’vemadethatcheatapresentofthirtythousandroubles。’

`Well，whatshouldIhavedone？Countedeverytree？’

`Ofcourse，theymustbecounted。Youdidn’tcountthem，butRiabinindid。Riabinin’schildrenwillhavemeansoflivelihoodandeducation，whileyours，likeasnot，won’t！’

`Well，youmustexcuseme，butthere’ssomethingmeaninthiscounting。Wehaveourbusinessandtheyhavetheirs，andtheymustmaketheirprofit。Anyway，thething’sdone，andthere’sanendofit。Andherecomesomefriedeggs，myfavoritedish。AndAgathyaMikhailovnawillgiveusthatmarvelousherbbrandy……’

StepanArkadyevichsatdownatthetableandbeganjollyingAgathyaMikhailovna，assuringherthatitwaslongsincehehadtastedsuchadinnerandsuchasupper。

`Well，youpraiseit，atanyrate，’saidAgathyaMikhailovna，`butKonstantinDmitrievich，nomatterwhatyougivehim-evenacrustofbread-willjusteatitandwalkaway。’

ThoughLevintriedtocontrolhimself，hewasgloomyandsilent。

HewantedtoputonequestiontoStepanArkadyevich，buthecouldnotbringhimselftothepoint，andcouldnotfindthewordsorthemomentinwhichtoputit。StepanArkadyevichhadgonedowntohisroom，undressed，againwashed，and，attiredinanightshirtwithgofferedfrills，hadgotintobed，butLevinstilllingeredinhisroom，talkingofvarioustriflingmatters，andnotdaringtoaskwhathewantedtoknow。

`Howwonderfullytheymakethesoap，’hesaidgazingatapieceofsoaphewasunwrapping，whichAgathyaMikhailovnahadplacedinreadinessfortheguest，butabrandwhichOblonskydidnotuse。`Justlook-why，it’saworkofart。’

`Yes，everything’sbroughttosuchapitchofperfectionnowadays，’

saidStepanArkadyevich，withamoistandblissfulyawn。`Thetheater，forinstance，andtheentertainments……A-a-a！’heyawned。`Theelectriclighteverywhere……A-a-a！’

`Yes，theelectriclight，’saidLevin。`Yes。Oh，andwhere’sVronskynow？’heaskedsuddenly，layingdownthesoap。

`Vronsky？’saidStepanArkadyevich，checkinghisyawn；`he’sinPeterburg。Heleftsoonafteryoudid，andhasn’tbeenonceinMoscowsince。

And，doyouknow，Kostia，I’lltellyouthetruth，’hewenton，leaninghiselbowonthetable，and，withhishand，proppinguphishandsomeruddyface，inwhichhishumid，good-natured，sleepyeyesshonelikestars。`It’syourownfault。Youtookfrightatthesightofyourrival。But，asItoldyouatthetime，Icouldn’tsaywhichhadthebetterchance。Whydidn’tyoufightitout？Itoldyouatthetimethat……’Heyawnedinwardly，withoutopeninghismouth。

`Doesheknow，ordoesn’the，thatIdidpropose？’Levinwonderedgazingathim。`Yes，there’ssomethinghumbugging，somethingdiplomaticinhisface。’And，feelinghewasblushing，helookedStepanArkadyevichstraightinthefacewithoutspeaking。

`Iftherewasanythingonhersideatthattime，itwasnothingbutasuperficialattraction，’pursuedOblonsky。`Hisbeingsuchaperfectaristocrat，youknow，andhisfuturepositioninsociety，hadaninfluencenotwithher，butwithhermother。’

Levinscowled。Thehumiliationofhisrejectionstunghimtotheheart，asthoughitwereafreshwoundhehadonlyjustreceived。Buthewasathome，andthewallsofhomeareasupport。

`Wait，wait，’hebegan，interruptingOblonsky。`Youtalkofhisbeinganaristocrat。Butallowmetoaskwhatitconsistsof，thataristocracyofVronskyorofanybodyelse，besidewhichIcanbelookeddownupon？

YouconsiderVronskyanaristocrat，butIdon’t。Amanwhosefathercrawledupfromnothingatallbyintrigue，andwhosemother-Godknowswhomshewasn’tmixedupwith……No，excuseme，butIconsidermyselfaristocratic，andpeoplelikeme，whocanpointbackinthepasttothreeorfourhonorablegenerationsoftheirfamily，ofthehighestdegreeofbreeding(talentandintellect，ofcourse，areanothermatter)，andhavenevercurriedfavorwithanyone，neverdependedonanyoneforanything，likemyfatherandmygrandfather。AndIknowmanysuch。Youthinkitmeanofmetocountthetreesinmyforest，whileyoumakeRiabininapresentofthirtythousand；

butyougetfromthegovernmentyourliferent，andIdon’tknowwhat，whileIshallnot，andsoIprizewhat’scometomefrommyancestors，orhasbeenwonbyhardwork……Wearearistocrats，andnotthosewhocanonlyexistbyfavorofthepowerfulonesofthisearth，andwhocanbeboughtfortwentykopecks。’

`Well，butwhomareyouattacking？Iagreewithyou，’saidStepanArkadyevich，sincerelyandgenially；thoughhewasawarethatintheclassofthosewhocouldbeboughtfortwentykopecksLevinwasreckoninghimaswell。Levin’sanimationgavehimgenuinepleasure。`Whomareyouattacking？

AgooddealofwhatyousayisnottrueaboutVronsky，ofcourse，butI

won’ttalkaboutthat。Itellyoustraightout，ifIwereyou，IshouldgobackwithmetoMoscow，and……’

`No；Idon’tknowwhetheryouknowitornot，butIdon’tcare。

AndItellyou-Ididpropose，andwasrejected，andKaterinaAlexandrovnaisnothingnowtomebutapainfulandhumiliatingreminiscence。’

`Why？Whatnonsense！’

`Butwewon’ttalkaboutit。Pleaseforgiveme，ifI’vebeennasty，’

saidLevin。Nowthathehadopenedhisheart，hebecameashehadbeeninthemorning。`You’renotangrywithme，Stiva？Pleasedon’tbeangry，’

hesaid，and，smiling，hetookhishand。

`Ofcoursenot；notabit-noristhereanyreasontobe。I’mgladwe’vespokenopenly。And，doyouknow，standshootinginthemorningisusuallygood-whynotgo？Imightgo，withoutsleeping，straightfromshootingtothestation。’

`Capital。’

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter18[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter18AlthoughallVronsky’sinnerlifewasabsorbedinhispassion，hisexternallifeunalterablyandinevitablyfollowedalongtheoldaccustomedlinesofhissocialandregimentaltiesandinterests。TheinterestsofhisregimenttookanimportantplaceinVronsky’slife，bothbecausehewasfondoftheregiment，andstillmorebecausetheregimentwasfondofhim。TheywerenotonlyfondofVronskyinhisregiment，theyrespectedhimtoo，andwereproudofhim；proudthatthisman，withhisimmensewealth，hisbrillianteducationandabilities，andthepathopenbeforehimtoeverykindofsuccess，distinctionandambition，haddisregardedallthat，andofalltheinterestsoflifehadtheinterestsofhisregimentandhiscomradesnearesttohisheart。Vronskywasawareofhiscomrades’viewofhim，andinadditiontohislikingforthatsortoflife，hefeltboundtokeepupthatreputation。

Itneednotbesaidthathedidnotspeakofhislovetoanyofhiscomrades，nordidhebetrayhissecreteveninthewildestdrinkingbouts(thoughindeedhewasneversodrunkastoloseallcontrolofhimself)。

Andheclosedthemouthsofanyofhisthoughtlesscomradeswhoattemptedtoalludetohisliaison。But，inspiteofthat，hislovewasknowntoallthetown；everyoneguessedwithmoreorlesscertaintyathisrelationswithMadameKarenina。Themajorityoftheyoungermenenviedhimforjustwhatwasthemostirksomefactorinhislove-theexaltedpositionofKarenin，andtheconsequenttransparencytosociety，oftheirliaison。

Thegreaternumberoftheyoungwomen，whoenviedAnnaandhadlongbeenwearyofhavinghercalledrighteous，rejoicedatthefulfillmentoftheirpredictions，andwereonlywaitingforadecisiveturninpublicopiniontofalluponherwithalltheweightoftheirscorn。Theywerealreadymakingreadytheirhandfulsofmudtocastatherwhentherightmomentarrived。Thegreaternumberofthemiddle-agedpeopleandcertaingreatpersonagesweredispleasedattheprospectoftheimpendingscandalinsociety。

Vronsky’smother，onhearingofhisliaison，wasatfirstpleasedbyit，becausenothingtohermindgavesuchafinishingtouchtoabrilliantyoungmanasaliaisoninthehighestsociety；shewaspleased，too，thatMadameKarenina，whohadsotakenherfancy，andhadtalkedsomuchofherson，was，afterall，justlikealltheotherprettyanddecentwomen-accordingtotheCountessVronskaia’sideas。Butshehadheardoflatethathersonhadrefusedapositionofferedhimofgreatimportancetohiscareer，simplyinordertoremainintheregiment，wherecouldbeconstantlyseeingMadameKarenina；sheheardthatgreatpersonagesweredispleasedwithhimonthisaccount，andshechangedheropinion。Shewasvexed，too，thatfromallshecouldlearnofthisliaisonitwasnotthatbrilliant，graceful，worldlyliaisonwhichshewouldhavewelcomed，butasortofWerther’sdesperatepassion，soshewastold，whichmightwellleadhimintofollies。ShehadnotseenhimsincehisabruptdeparturefromMoscow，andshesenthereldersontobidhimtocometoher。

Thiselderbrother，too，wasdispleasedwithhisyoungerbrother。

Hedidnotdistinguishwhatsortoflovehismightbe，bigorlittle，passionateorpassionless，pureorimpure(hekeptaballetgirlhimself，thoughhewasthefatherofafamily，sohewasratherindulgent)，butheknewthatthislovedispleasedthosewhomitwasnecessarytoplease，andthereforehedidnotapproveofhisbrother’sconduct。

Besidestheserviceandsociety，Vronskyhadanothergreatinterest-horses；hewaspassionatelyfondofhorses。

Thatyearracesandasteeplechasehadbeenarrangedfortheofficers。

Vronskyhadputhisnamedown，boughtathoroughbredEnglishmare，andinspiteofhislove，hewaslookingforwardtotheraceswithintense，thoughreserved，excitement……

Thesetwopassionsdidnotinterferewithoneanother。Onthecontrary，heneededoccupationanddistractionquiteapartfromhislove，soastorecruitandresthimselffromtheviolentemotionsthatagitatedhim。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter19[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter19OnthedayoftheracesatKrasnoeSelo，Vronskyhadcomeearlierthanusualtoeatbeefsteakinthecommonmessroomoftheregiment。Hehadnoneedtobestrictwithhimself，ashisweightwasexactlytherequiredone；butstillhehadtoavoidgainingflesh，andsoheeschewedfarinaceousandsweetdishes。Hesatwithhiscoatunbuttonedoverawhitewaistcoat，restingbothelbowsonthetable，and，whilewaitingforthesteakhehadordered，waslookingoveraFrenchnovelthatlayopenonhisplate。Hewasonlylookingatthebooktoavoidconversationwiththeofficerscominginandout；hewasthinking。

HewasthinkingofAnna’spromisetoseehimtodayaftertheraces。

Buthehadnotseenherforthreedays，andasherhusbandhadjustreturnedfromabroad，hedidnotknowwhethershewouldbeabletomeethimtodayornot，andhedidnotknowhowtofindout。HehadhadhislastinterviewwithherathiscousinBetsy’ssummervilla。HevisitedthesummervillaoftheKareninsasrarelyaspossible。Nowhewantedtogothere，andheponderedthequestionofhowtodoit。

`OfcourseIshallsayBetsyhassentmetoaskwhethershe’scomingtotheraces。Ofcourse，I’llgo，’hedecided，liftinghisheadfromthebook。Andashevividlypicturedthehappinessofseeingher，hisfacelightedup。

`Sendtomyhouse，andtellthemtohaveoutthecarriageandthreehorsesasquicklyastheycan，’hesaidtotheservant，whohandedhimthesteakonahotsilverdish，andmovingthedishuptowardhim，hebeganeating。

Fromtheadjoiningbilliardroomcamethesoundofballsclicking，oftalkandlaughter。Twoofficersappearedattheentrancedoor:one，ayoungfellowwithaweak，delicateface，whohadlatelyjoinedtheregimentfromtheCorpsofPages；theother，aplump，elderlyofficer，withabraceletonhiswrist，andlittleeyes，lostinfat。

Vronskyglancedatthem，frowned，andlookingdownathisbookasthoughhehadnotnoticedthem，heproceededtoeatandreadatthesametime。

`What？Fortifyingyourselfforyourwork？’saidtheplumpofficer，sittingdownbesidehim。

`Asyousee，’respondedVronsky，knittinghisbrows，wipinghismouth，andwithoutlookingattheofficer。

`Soyou’renotafraidofgettingfat？saidthelatter，turningachairroundfortheyoungofficer。

`What？’saidVronskyangrily，makingawryfaceofdisgustandshowinghisheavyteeth。

`You’renotafraidofgettingfat？’

`Waiter，sherry！’saidVronsky，withoutreplying，andmovingthebooktotheothersideofhim，hewentonreading。

Theplumpofficertookupthelistofwinesandturnedtotheyoungofficer。

`Youchoosewhatwe’retodrink，’hesaid，handinghimthecard，andlookingathim。

`Rhinewine，please，’saidtheyoungofficer，stealingatimidglanceatVronsky，andtryingtopullhisscarcelyvisiblemustache。SeeingthatVronskydidnotturnround，theyoungofficergotup。

`Let’sgointothebilliardroom，’hesaid。

Theplumpofficerrosesubmissively，andtheymovedtowardthedoor。

Atthatmomenttherewalkedintotheroomthetanandwell-builtCaptainIashvin。Noddingwithanairofloftycontempttothetwoofficers，hewentuptoVronsky。

`Ah！Hereheis！’hecried，bringinghisbighanddownheavilyonhisepaulet。Vronskylookedroundangrily，buthisfacelightedupimmediatelywithhischaracteristicexpressionofcalmandfirmfriendliness。

`That’sit，Aliosha，’saidthecaptain，inhisloudbaritone。

`Haveabiteanddrinkonetinyglass。’

`Oh，I’mnotveryhungry。’

`Theregotheinseparables，’Iashvindropped，glancingsarcasticallyatthetwoofficerswhowereatthatinstantleavingtheroom。Andhebenthislonglegs，swathedintightridingbreeches，andsatdowninthechair，toolowforhim，sothathiskneeswerecrampedupinasharpangle。`Whydidn’tyouturnupatTheateratKrasnoeSeloyesterday？Numerovawasn’tatallbad。Wherewereyou？’

`IwaslateattheTverskys’，’saidVronsky。

`Ah！’respondedIashvin。

Iashvin，agamblerandarake，amannotmerelywithoutanyprinciples，butofimmoralprinciples-IashvinwasVronsky’sgreatestfriendintheregiment。Vronskylikedhimbothforhisexceptionalphysicalstrength，whichheshowedforthemostpartbybeingabletodrinklikeafishandtodowithoutsleepwithoutbeingintheslightestdegreeaffectedbyit；

andforhisgreatstrengthofcharacter，whichheshowedinhisrelationswithhiscomradesandsuperiorofficers，commandingbothfearandrespect，andalsoatcards，whenhewouldplayfortensofthousandsand，howevermuchhemighthavedrunk，alwayswithsuchskillanddecisionthathewasreckonedthebestplayerintheEnglishClub。VronskyrespectedandlikedIashvinparticularlybecausehefeltIashvinlikedhim，notforhisnameandhismoney，butforhimself。AndofallmenhewastheonlyonewithwhomVronskywouldhavelikedtospeakofhislove。HefeltthatIashvin，inspiteofhisapparentcontemptforeverysortoffeeling，wastheonlymanwhocould，sohefancied，comprehendtheintensepassionwhichnowfilledhiswholelife。Moreover，hefeltcertainthatIashvin，asitwas，tooknodelightingossipandscandal，andinterpretedhisfeelingrightly-thatistosay，knewandbelievedthatthispassionwasnotajoke，notapastime，butsomethingmoreseriousandimportant。

Vronskyhadneverspokentohimofhispassion，buthewasawarethatheknewallaboutit，andthatheputtherightinterpretationonit，andhewasgladtoseethisinhiseyes。

`Ah！yes，’hesaid，totheannouncementthatVronskyhadbeenattheTverskys’；and，hisblackeyesshining，hepluckedathisleftmustache，andbegantwistingitintohismouth-abadhabithehad。

`Well，andwhatdidyoudoyesterday？Winanything？’askedVronsky。

`Eightthousand。Butthreedon’tcount；thechapwillhardlypayup。’

`Oh，thenyoucanaffordtoloseoverme，’saidVronsky，laughing。

(IashvinhadbettedheavilyonVronskyintheraces。)

`Nochanceofmylosing。Makhotin’stheonlyonewho’sadangerousentrant。’

Andtheconversationpassedtoforecastsofthecomingrace，theonlythingVronskycouldthinkofjustnow。

`Comealong，I’vefinished，’saidVronsky，andgettinguphewenttothedoor。Iashvingotuptoo，stretchinghislonglegsandhislongback。

`It’stooearlyformetodine，butImusthaveadrink。I’llcomealongdirectly。Hi，wine！’heshouted，inhisrichvoice，thatwassofamousatdrill，andsetthewindowsshaking。`No，Idon’tneedit！’

heshoutedagain，immediatelyafter。`You’regoinghome，soI’llgowithyou。’

AndhewalkedoutwithVronsky。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter20[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter20Vronskywasstayinginaroomy，clean，Finnishhut，dividedintotwobyapartition。Petritskylivedwithhimincamptoo。PetritskywasasleepwhenVronskyandIashvincameintothehut。

`Getup，don’tgoonsleeping，’saidIashvin，goingbehindthepartitionandgivingPetritsky，whowaslyingwithruffledhairandwithhisnoseinthepillow，aprodontheshoulder。

Petritskyjumpedupsuddenlyontohiskneesandlookedaround。

`Yourbrother’sbeenhere，’hesaidtoVronsky。`Hewakedmeup，thedeviltakehim，andsaidhe’dlookinagain。’Andpullinguptherugheflunghimselfbackonthepillow。`Ohdoquitthat，Iashvin！’hesaid，gettingfuriouswithIashvin，whowaspullingtherugoffhim。`Quitthat！’

Heturnedoverandopenedhiseyes。`You’dbettertellmewhattodrink；

I’vesuchanastytasteinmymouththat……’

`Vodka’sbetterthananything，’boomedIashvin。`Tereshchenko！

Vodkaforyourmasterandcucumbers，’heshouted，obviouslytakingpleasureinthesoundofhisownvoice。

`Vodka，doyouthink？Eh？’queriedPetritsky，blinkingandrubbinghiseyes。`Andyou’lldrinksomething？Allrightthen，we’llhaveadrinktogether！Vronsky，haveadrink？’saidPetritsky，gettingupandwrappingthetiger-stripedbedcoverroundhim。Hewenttothedoorofthepartitionwall，raisedhishands，andhummedinFrench:``therewasakinginThu-u-le。’’

Vronsky，willyouhaveadrink？’

`Goalong，’saidVronsky，puttingonthecoathisvalethandedhim。

`Whereareyouoffto？’askedIashvin。`Oh，hereisyourtroika，’

headded，seeingthecarriagedriveup。

`Tothestables，andI’vegottoseeBriansky，too，aboutthehorses，’saidVronsky。

VronskyhadasafactpromisedtocallatBriansky’s，sometenverstasfromPeterhof，andtobringhimmoneyowingforsomehorses；andhehopedtohavetimetogetthatintoo。Buthiscomradeswereatonceawarethatthatwasnottheonlyplacehewasgoing。

Petritsky，stillhumming，winkedandmadeapoutwithhislips，asthoughhewouldsay:`Oh，yes，weknowyourBriansky！’

`Mindyou’renotlate！’wasIashvin’sonlycomment；and，tochangetheconversation:`How’smyroan？Ishedoingallright？’heinquired，lookingoutofthewindowattheshafthorse，whichhehadsoldtoVronsky。

`Stop！’criedPetritskytoVronsky，justashewasgoingout。

`Yourbrotherleftaletterandanoteforyou。Waitabit；wherearethey？’

Vronskystopped。