第8章

`Well，wherearethey？’

`Wherearethey？That’sjustthequestion！’saidPetritskysolemnly，slidinghisforefingerupwardalonghisnose。

`Come，tellme；thisissilly！’saidVronskysmiling。

`Ihaven’tlightedthefire。Theymustbeheresomewhere。’

`Come，enoughfooling！Whereistheletter？’

`No，I’veforgotten，really。Orwasitadream？Waitabit，waitabit！Butwhat’stheuseofgettinginarage？Ifyou’ddrunkfourbottlespermanyesterdayasIdid，you’dforgetwhereyouwereat。Waitabit，I’llremember！’

Petritskywentbehindthepartitionandlaydownonhisbed。

`Waitabit！ThiswashowIwaslying，andthiswashowhewasstanding。Yes-yes-yes……Hereitis！’-andPetritskypulledaletteroutfromunderthemattress，wherehehadhiddenit。

Vronskytooktheletterandhisbrother’snote。Itwastheletterhewasexpecting-fromhismother，reproachinghimfornothavingbeentoseeher-andthenotewasfromhisbrothertosaythathemusthavealittletalkwithhim。Vronskyknewthatitwasallaboutthesamething。

`Whatbusinessisitoftheirs！’thoughtVronsky，andcrumplingupthelettershethrustthembetweenthebuttonsofhiscoatsoastoreadthemcarefullyontheroad。Intheporchofthehuthewasmetbytwoofficers；

oneofhisregimentandoneofanother。

Vronsky’squarterswerealwaysameetingplaceforalltheofficers。

`Whereareyouoffto？’

`ImustgotoPeterhof。’

`HasthemarecomefromTsarskoe？’

`Yes，butI’venotseenheryet。’

`TheysayMakhotin’sGladiator’slame。’

`Nonsense！However，areyougoingtoraceinthismud？’saidtheother。

`Herearemysaviors！’criedPetritsky，seeingthemcomein。Beforehimstoodthebatmanwithvodkaandpickledcucumbersonatray。`Here’sIashvin，orderingmetodrinkapick-me-up。’

`Well，youdidmakeithotforusyesterday，’saidoneofthosewhohadcomein；`youdidn’tletusgetawinkofsleepallnight。’

`Oh，didn’twemakeaprettyfinish！’saidPetritsky。`Volkovclimbedontotheroofandbegantellingushowsadhewas。Isaid:``Let’shavemusic，thefuneralmarch！’’Hefairlydroppedasleepontheroofoverthefuneralmarch。’

`Drinkitup；youpositivelymustdrinkthevodka，andthenSeltzerwater，andalotoflemon，’saidIashvin，standingoverPetritskylikeamothermakingachildtakemedicine，`andthenalittlechampagne-justaweebottle。’

`Come，there’ssomesenseinthat。Stopabit，Vronsky。We’llallhaveadrink。’

`No；good-by，allofyou。I’mnotgoingtodrinktoday。’

`Why，areyougainingweight？Allright，thenwemusthaveitalone。GiveustheSeltzerwaterandlemon。’

`Vronsky！’shoutedsomeonewhenhewasalreadyoutside。

`Well？’

`You’dbettergetyourhaircut，it’llweighyoudown-especiallyatthebaldplace。’

Vronskywasinfactbeginning，prematurely，togetalittlebald。

Helaughedgaily，showinghisheavyteeth，andpullinghiscapoverthethinplace，wentoutandgotintohiscarriage。

`Tothestables！’hesaid，andwasjustpullingouttheletterstoreadthemthrough，butthoughtbetterofit，andputoffreadingthemsoasnottodistracthisattentionbeforelookingatthemare。`Lateron！……’

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter21[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter21Thetemporarystable，awoodenbooth，hadbeenputupclosetotheracecourse，andtherehismarewastohavebeentakenthepreviousday。Hehadnotyetseenherthere。Duringthelastfewdayshehadnotriddenheroutforexercisehimself，buthadputherinthechargeofthetrainer，andsonowheabsolutelydidnotknowinwhatconditionhismarehadarrivedyesterdayorwasintoday。Hehadscarcelygotoutofhiscarriagewhenhisstableboy(groom)，recognizingthecarriagesomewayoff，calledthetrainer。Adry-lookingEnglishman，inhighbootsandashortjacket，clean-shaven，exceptforatuftbelowhischin，cametomeethimwalkingwiththeuncouthgaitofajockey，turninghiselbowsoutandswayingfromsidetoside。

`Well，how’sFrou-Frou？’VronskyaskedinEnglish。

`Allright，sir，’theEnglishman’svoicerespondedsomewherefardowninhisthroat。`Betternotgoin，’headded，touchinghishat。`I’veputamuzzleonher，andthemare’sfidgety。Betternotgoin，it’llexcitethemare。’

`No，I’mgoingin。Iwanttolookather。’

`Comealong，then，’saidtheEnglishman，frowning，andspeakingwithhismouthshut，and，withswingingelbows，hewentoninfrontwithhisdisjointedgait。

Theywentintothelittleyardinfrontoftheshed。Thestableboyonduty，spruceandsmartinhisholidayattire，metthemwithabroominhishand，andfollowedthem。Intheshedtherewerefivehorsesintheirseparatestalls，andVronskyknewthathischiefrival，Makhotin’sGladiator，averytallchestnuthorse，hadbeenbroughtthere，andmustbestandingamongthem。Evenmorethanhismare，VronskylongedtoseeGladiator，whomhehadneverseen，butVronskyknewthatbytheetiquetteoftheracecourseitwasnotmerelyimpossibleforhimtoseethehorse，butimpropereventoaskquestionsabouthim。justashewaspassingalongthepassage，theboyopenedthedoorintothesecondhorseboxontheleft，andVronskycaughtaglimpseofabigchestnuthorsewithwhitelegs。HeknewthatthiswasGladiator，but，withthefeelingofamanturningawayfromthesightofanotherman’sopenletter，heturnedroundandwentintoFrou-Frou’sstall。

`ThestallbelongingtoMa-k……Mak……Inevercansaythename-ishere，’saidtheEnglishmanoverhisshoulder，pointinghisdirty-nailedthumbtowardGladiator’sstall。

`Makhotin？Yes，he’smymostseriousrival，’saidVronsky。

`Ifyouwereridinghim，’saidtheEnglishman，`I’dbetonyou。

`Frou-Frou’smorenervous，whiletheotherismorepowerful，’

saidVronsky，smilingatthecomplimenttohisriding。

`Inasteeplechaseitalldependsonridingandonpluck，’saidtheEnglishman。

Ofpluck-thatis，energyandcourage-Vronskydidnotmerelyfeelthathehadenough；whatwasoffarmoreimportance，hewasfirmlyconvincedthatnooneintheworldcouldhavemoreofthispluckthanhehad。

`Don’tyouthinkIwantmoresweatingdown？’

`Oh，no，’answeredtheEnglishman。`Please，don’tspeakloud。

Themare’sfidgety，’headded，noddingtowardthehorsebox，beforewhichtheywerestanding，andfromwhichcamethesoundofrestlessstampinginthestraw。

Heopenedthedoor，andVronskywentintothehorsebox，dimlylightedbyonelittlewindow。Inthehorseboxstoodadarkbaymare，withamuzzleon，shiftingherfeetonthefreshstraw。Lookingroundhiminthetwilightofthehorsebox，Vronskyunconsciouslytookinoncemoreinacomprehensiveglanceallthepointsofhisfavoritemare。Frou-Frouwasananimalofmediumsize，notaltogetherfreefromreproach，fromabreeder’spointofview。Shewassmall-bonedallover；thoughherchestwasextremelyprominentinfront，itwasnarrow。Herhindquarterswerealittledrooping，andinherforelegs，andstillmoreinherhindlegs，therewasanoticeablecurvature。Themusclesofbothhindlegsandforelegswerenotverythick；butacrosshershouldersthemarewasexceptionallybroad，apeculiarityspeciallystrikingnowthatshewasleanfromtraining。

Thebonesofherlegsbelowthekneeslookednothickerthanafingerfrominfront，butwereextraordinarilythickseenfromtheside。Shelookedaltogether，exceptacrosstheshoulders，apparentlypinchedinatthesidesandpressedoutindepth。Butshehadinthehighestdegreethequalitythatmakesalldefectsforgotten:thatqualitywasblood，thebloodthattells，astheEnglishexpressionhasit。Themusclesstoodupsharplyunderthenetworkofsinews，coveredwiththedelicate，mobileskin，softassatin，andtheywerehardasbone。Herclean-cuthead，withprominent，bright，spiritedeyes，broadenedoutattheopennostrils，thatshowedtheredbloodinthecartilagewithin。Aboutallherfigure，andespeciallyherhead，therewasacertainexpressionofenergy，and，atthesametime，ofsoftness。Shewasoneofthosecreatureswhichseemdevoidofspeechonlybecausethemechanismoftheirmouthsdoesnotallowofit。

ToVronsky，atanyrate，itseemedthatsheunderstoodallhefeltatthatmomentashelookedather。

DirectlyVronskywenttowardher，shedrewinadeepbreath，and，turningbackherprominenteyetinthewhitelookedbloodshot，shestartedattheapproachingfiguresfromtheoppositeside，shakinghermuzzle，andshiftinglightlyfromonelegtotheother。

`There，youseehowfidgetysheis，’saidtheEnglishman。

`Whoa，darling！Whoa！’saidVronsky，goinguptothemareandspeakingsoothinglytoher。

Butthenearerhecame，themoreexcitedshegrew。Onlywhenhestoodbyherheadshewassuddenlyquieter，whilethemusclesquiveredunderhersoft，delicatecoat。Vronskypattedherstrongneck，straightenedoverhersharpwithersastraylockofhermanethathadfallenontheotherside，andmovedhisfacenearherdilatednostrils，transparentasabat’swing。Shedrewaloudbreathandsnortedoutthroughhertensenostrils，started，prickeduphersharpear，andputoutherstrong，blackliptowardVronsky，asthoughshewouldnipholdofhissleeve。Butrememberingthemuzzle，sheshookitandagainbeganrestlesslystampinghershapelylegsoneaftertheother。

`Calmdown，darling，calmdown！’hesaid，pattingheragainoverherhindquarters；and，withagladsensethathismarewasinthebestpossiblecondition，hewentoutofthehorsebox。

Themare’sexcitementhadinfectedVronsky。Hefeltthathisheartwasthrobbing，andthathe，too，likethemare，longedtomove，tobite；

itwasbothfearfulanddelicious。

`Well，Irelyonyou，then，’hesaidtotheEnglishman，`half-pastsixontheground。’

`Allright，’saidtheEnglishman。`Oh，whereareyougoing，mylord？’heaskedsuddenly，usingthetitlemylord，whichhescarcelyeverused。

Vronskyinamazementraisedhishead，andstared，asheknewhowtostare，notintotheEnglishman’seyes，butathisforehead，astoundedattheimpertinenceofhisquestion。ButrealizingthatinaskingthistheEnglishmanhadbeenlookingathimnotasanemployer，butasajockey，heanswered:

`I’vegottogotoBriansky’s；Ishallbehomewithinanhour。’

`HowoftenI’maskedthatquestiontoday！’hesaidtohimself，andheblushed，athingwhichrarelyhappenedtohim。TheEnglishmanlookedgravelyathim；and，asthoughhe，too，knewwhereVronskywasgoing，headded:

`Thegreatthingistokeepquietbeforearace，’saidhe；`don’tgetoutoftemper，orupsetaboutanything。’

`Allright，’answeredVronsky，smiling；and，jumpingintohiscarriage，hetoldthemantodrivetoPeterhof。

Beforehehaddrivenmanypacesaway，thedarkcloudsthathadbeenthreateningrainalldaybroke，andtherewasaheavydownpourofrain。

`Whatapity！’thoughtVronsky，puttinguptheroofofthecarriage。

`Itwasmuddybefore，nowitwillbeaperfectswamp。’Ashesatinsolitudeintheclosedcarriage，hetookouthismother’sletterandhisbrother’snote，andreadthemthrough。

Yes，itwasthesamethingoverandoveragain。Everyone-hismother，hisbrother-everyonethoughtfittointerfereintheaffairsofhisheart。Thisinterferencearousedinhimafeelingofangryhatred-afeelinghehadrarelyknownbefore。`Whatbusinessisitoftheirs？

Whydoeseverybodyfeelcalledupontoconcernhimselfaboutme？Andwhydotheyworrymeso？Justbecausetheyseethatthisissomethingtheycan’tunderstand。Ifitwereacommon，vulgar，worldlyintrigue，theywouldhaveleftmealone。Theyfeelthatthisissomethingdifferent，thatthisisnotamerepastime，thatthiswomanisdearertomethanlife。Andthisisincomprehensible，andthat’swhyitannoysthem。Whateverourdestinyisormaybe，wehavemadeitourselves，andwedonotcomplainofit，’

hesaid，inthewordwelinkinghimselfwithAnna。`No，theymustneedsteachushowtolive。Theyhaven’tanideaofwhathappinessis；theydon’tknowthatwithoutourlovethereisforusneitherhappinessnorunhappiness-nolifeatall，’hethought。

Hewasangrywithallofthemfortheirinterferencejustbecausehefeltinhissoulthatthey，allthesepeople，wereright。HefeltthatthelovethatboundhimtoAnnawasnotamomentaryimpulse，whichwouldpass，asworldlyintriguesdopass，leavingnoothertracesinthelifeofeithersavepleasantorunpleasantmemories。Hefeltallthetortureofhisownpositionandhers，allthedifficultyinstoreforthem，conspicuousastheywereintheeyeofalltheworld-inconcealingtheirlove，inlyinganddeceiving；andinlying，deceiving，feigningandcontinuallythinkingofothers，whenthepassionthatunitedthemwassointensethattheywerebothobliviousofeverythingelsesavetheirlove。

Hevividlyrecalledalltheconstantlyrecurringinstancesofinevitablenecessityforlyinganddeceit，whichweresoagainsthisnaturalbent。Herecalledparticularlyvividlytheshamehehadmorethanoncedetectedinheratthisnecessityforlyinganddeceit。AndheexperiencedthestrangefeelingthathadsometimescomeuponhimsincehisrelationswithAnna。Thiswasafeelingofloathingforsomething-whetherforAlexeiAlexandrovich，orforhimself，orforthewholeworld，hecouldnothavesaid。Buthealwaysdroveawaythisstrangefeeling。Now，too，heshookitoffandcontinuedthethreadofhisthoughts。

`Yes，shewasunhappybefore，butproudandatpeace；andnowshecannotbeatpeaceandfeelsecureinherdignity，thoughshedoesnotshowit。Yes，wemustputanendtoit，’hedecided。

Andforthefirsttimetheideaclearlypresenteditselfthatitwasessentialtoputanendtothisfalseposition，andthesoonerthebetter。`Abandoneverythingmustwe-sheandI-andhideourselvessomewherealonewithourlove，’hesaidtohimself。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter22[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter22Theshowerdidnotlastlong，andbythetimeVronskyarrived，hisshafthorsetrottingatfullspeed，anddraggingtheoffhorsesgallopingthroughthemudwiththeirreinshangingloose，thesunhadpeepedoutagain，theroofsofthesummervillasandtheoldlimetreesinthegardensonbothsidesofthehighstreetsparkledwithwetbrilliance，andfromthetwigscameapleasantdrip，and，fromtheroofs，rushingstreamsofwater。Hethoughtnomoreofshowerspoilingtheracecourse，butwasnowrejoicingbecause-thankstotherain-hewouldbesuretofindherathomeandalone，asheknewthatAlexeiAlexandrovich，whohadlatelyreturnedfromawateringplace，hadnotmovedfromPeterburg。

Hopingtofindheralone，Vronskyalighted，ashealwaysdid，toavoidattractingattention，beforecrossingthebridge，andwalkedtothehouse。Hedidnotgoupthestepstothestreetdoor，butwentintothecourt。

`Hasyourmastercome？’heaskedagardener。

`No，sir。Themistressisathome。Butwillyoupleasegotothefrontdoor；thereareservantsthere，’thegardeneranswered。`They’llopenthedoor。’

`No，I’llgoinfromthegarden。’

Andfeelingsatisfiedthatshewasalone，andwantingtotakeherbysurprise，sincehehadnotpromisedtobetheretoday，andshewouldcertainlynotexpecthimtocomebeforetheraces，hewalked，holdinghisswordandsteppingcautiouslyoverthesandypath，borderedwithflowers，totheterracethatlookedoutuponthegarden。Vronskyforgotnowallthathehadthoughtonthewayofthehardshipsanddifficultiesofhisposition。Hethoughtofnothingbutthathewouldseeherdirectly，notinimagination，butliving，allofher，asshewasinreality。Hewasjustgoingin，steppingonhiswholefootsoasnottomakeanoise，upthewornstepsoftheterrace，whenhesuddenlyrememberedwhathealwaysforgot，andwhatcausedthemosttorturingsideofhisrelationswithher:herson，withhisquestioning，and，ashefancied，hostileeyes。

Thisboywasmoreoftenthananyoneelseacheckupontheirfreedom。

Whenhewaspresent，bothVronskyandAnnadidnotmerelyavoidspeakingofanythingthattheycouldnothaverepeatedbeforeeveryone；theydidnotevenallowthemselvestoreferbyhintstoanythingtheboydidnotunderstand。Theyhadmadenoagreementaboutthis，ithadbeensettledofitself。Theywouldhavefeltitaswoundingthemselvestodeceivethechild。Inhispresencetheytalkedlikeacquaintances。But，inspiteofthiscaution，Vronskyoftensawthechild’sintent，bewilderedglancefixeduponhim，andastrangeshyness，uncertainty-atonetimetherewasfriendliness，atanothercoldnessandreserve，intheboy’smannertohim，asthoughthechildfeltthatbetweenthismanandhismotherthereexistedsomeimportantbond，thesignificanceofwhichhecouldnotunderstand。

Asamatteroffacttheboydidfeelthathecouldnotunderstandthisrelation，andhetriedpainfully，yetwasunable，tomakecleartohimselfwhatfeelingheoughttohaveforthisman。Withachild’skeeninstinctforeverymanifestationoffeelinghesawdistinctlythathisfather，hisgoverness，hisnurse-allnotmerelydislikedVronsky，butlookedonhimwithhorrorandaversion，thoughtheyneversaidanythingabouthim；whilehismotherlookedonhimashergreatestfriend。

`Whatdoesitmean？Whoishe？HowoughtItolovehim？IfIdon’tknow，it’smyfault；eitherI’mstupidoranaughtyboy，’thoughtthechild。

Andthiswaswhatcausedhisdubious，inquiring，sometimeshostileexpression，andtheshynessanduncertaintywhichVronskyfoundsoirksome。Thischild’spresencealwaysandinfalliblycalledupinVronskythatstrangefeelingofinexplicableloathingwhichhehadexperiencedoflate。Thischild’spresencecalledupbothinVronskyandinAnnaafeelingakintothefeelingofasailorwhoseesbythecompassthatthedirectioninwhichheisswiftlymovingisfarfromtherightone，butthattoarresthismotionisnotinhispower，thateveryinstantiscarryinghimfartherandfartheraway，andthattoadmittohimselfhisdeviationfromtherightdirectionistantamounttoadmittinghiscertainruin。

Thischild，withhisinnocentoutlookuponlife，wasthecompassthatshowedthemthepointatwhichtheyhaddepartedfromwhattheyknew，yetdidnotwanttoknow。

ThistimeSeriozhawasnotathome，andshewascompletelyalone。

Shewassittingontheterracewaitingforthereturnofherson，whohadgoneoutforastrollandhadbeencaughtintherain。Shehadsentoutamanservantandamaidtolookforhim，andwassittingherewaitingforthem。Dressedinawhitegown，deeplyembroidered，shewassittinginacorneroftheterracebehindsomeflowers，anddidnothearhim。Bendinghercurlydarkhead，shepressedherforeheadagainstacoolwateringpotthatstoodontheparapet，andbothherlovelyhands，withtheringsheknewsowell，claspedthepot。Thebeautyofherwholefigure，herhead，herneck，herhands，struckVronskyeverytimeassomethingnewandunexpected。

Hestoodstill，gazingatherinecstasy。But，directlyhewouldhavemadeasteptocomenearertoher，shewasawareofhispresence，pushedawaythewateringpot，andturnedherflushedfacetowardhim。

`What’sthematter？Areyouunwell，’hesaidtoherinFrench，goinguptoher。Hewouldhaveruntoher，butrememberingthattheremightbeoutsiders，helookedroundtowardthebalconydoor，andreddened，ashealwaysreddened，feelingthathehadtobeafraidandbeonhisguard。

`No，I’mquitewell，’shesaid，gettingupandsqueezinghisoutstretchedhandtightly。`Ididnotexpect……thee。’

`MyGod！whatcoldhands！’hesaid。

`Youstartledme，’shesaid。`I’malone，andexpectingSeriozha；

he’soutforawalk；they’llcomefromthisdirection。’

But，inspiteofhereffortstobecalm，herlipswerequivering。

`Forgivemeforcoming，butIcouldn’tpassthedaywithoutseeingyou，’hewenton，speakingFrench，ashealwaysdid，toavoidusingthestiffRussianpluralform，soimpossiblyfrigidbetweenthem，andthedangerouslyintimatesingular。

`Forgive-forwhatI’msoglad！’

`Butyou’reillorworried，’hewenton，withoutlettinggoherhandsandbendingoverher。`Whatwereyouthinkingof？’

`Alwaysofthesamething。’shesaid，withasmile。

Shespokethetruth。Ifeveratanymomentshehadbeenaskedwhatshewasthinkingof，shecouldhaveansweredtruly:Ofthesamething，ofherhappinessandherunhappiness。Shewasthinking，justwhenhecameuponher，ofthis:Whywasit，shewondered，thattoothers，toBetsyforinstance(sheknewofhersecretconnectionwithTushkevich)，allthiswassoeasy，whiletoheritwassuchtorture？Todaythisthoughtgainedspecialpoignancyfromcertainotherconsiderations。Sheaskedhimabouttheraces。Heansweredherquestions，and，seeingthatshewasagitated，tryingtocalmher，hebegantellingherinthesimplesttonethedetailsofhispreparationsfortheraces。

`ShallItellhim，ornot？’shethought，lookingintohiscalm，affableeyes。`Heissohappy，soabsorbedinhisracesthathewon’tunderstandasheshould；hewon’tunderstandallthesignificanceofthiseventtous。’

`Butyouhaven’ttoldmewhatyouwerethinkingofwhenIcamein，’hesaid，interruptinghisnarrative；`pray，tellme！’

Shedidnotanswer，and，bendingherheadalittle，shelookedinquiringlyathimfromunderherbrows，hereyesshiningundertheirlonglashes。Herhandshookasitplayedwithaleafshehadpicked。Hesawit，andhisfaceexpressedthatuttersubjection，thatslavishdevotion，whichhaddonesomuchtowinher。

`Iseesomethinghashappened。DoyousupposeIcanbeatpeace，knowingyouhaveatroubleIamnotsharing？Tellme，forGod’ssake！’

herepeatedimploringly。

`Yes，Ishan’tbeabletoforgivehimifhedoesnotrealizeallthesignificanceofit。Betternottell；whyputhimtotheproof？’shethought，stillstaringathiminthesameway，andfeelingthatherhandthatheldtheleafwastremblingmoreandmore。

`ForGod’ssake！’herepeated，takingherhand。

`ShallItellyou？’

`Yes，yes，yes……’

`Iampregnant，’shesaid，softlyandslowly。

Theleafinherhandshookmoreviolently，butshedidnottakehereyesoffhim，watchinghowhewouldtakeit。Heturnedpale，wouldhavesaidsomething，butstopped；hedroppedherhand，andhisheadsankonhisbreast。`Yes，herealizesallthesignificanceofthefact，’shethought，andgratefullyshepressedhishand。

Butshewasmistakeninthinkingherealizedthesignificanceofthenewsasshe，awoman，realizedit。Onhearingit，hefeltcomeuponhimwithtenfoldintensitythatstrangefeelingofloathingofsomeone。

But，atthesametime，herealizedthattheturningpointhehadbeenlongingforhadcomenow；thatitwasimpossibletogoonconcealingthingsfromherhusband，anditwasinevitableinonewayoranotherthattheyshouldsoonputanendtotheirunnaturalposition。But，besidesthat，heremotionphysicallyaffectedhiminthesameway。Helookedatherwithalookofsubmissivetenderness，kissedherhand，gotup，and，insilence，pacedupanddowntheterrace。

`Yes，’hesaid，goinguptoherresolutely。`NeitheryounorI

havelookedonourrelationsasapassingamusement，andnowourfateissealed。Itisabsolutelynecessarytoputanend’-helookedroundashespoke-`tothedeceptioninwhichweareliving。’

`Putanend？Putanendhow，Alexei？’shesaidsoftly。

Shewascalmernow，andherfacelightedupwithatendersmile。

`Leaveyourhusbandandmakeourlifeone。’

`Itisoneasitis，’sheanswered，scarcelyaudibly。

`Yes，butcompletely，completely。’

`Buthow，Alexei-tellmehow？’shesaidinmelancholymockeryatthehopelessnessofherownsituation。`Isthereanywayoutofsuchasituation？AmInotthewifeofmyhusband？’

`Thereisawayoutofeverysituation。Wemusttakeourstand，’

hesaid。`Anything’sbetterthanthesituationinwhichyou’reliving。

Ofcourse，Iseehowyoutortureyourselfovereverything-theworld，andyourson，andyourhusband。’

`Oh，notovermyhusband，’shesaid，withaplainsmile。`Idon’tknowhim，Idon’tthinkofhim。Hedoesn’texist。’

`You’renotspeakingsincerely。Iknowyou。Youworryabouthimtoo。’

`Oh，hedoesn’tevenknow，’shesaid，andsuddenlyahotflushcameoverherface；hercheeks，herbrow，herneckcrimsoned，andtearsofshamecameintohereyes。`Butletusnoteventalkofhim。’

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter23[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter23Vronskyhadseveraltimesalready，thoughnotsoresolutelyasnow，triedtobringhertoconsiderherposition，andeverytimehehadbeenconfrontedbythesamesuperficialityandfrivolitywithwhichshemethisappealnow。Itwasasthoughthereweresomethinginthiswhichshecouldnotorwouldnotface，asthoughdirectlyshebegantospeakofthis，she，therealAnna，retreatedsomehowintoherself，andanotherstrangeandunaccountablewomancameout，whomhedidnotloveandwhomhefeared，andwhowasinoppositiontohim。Buttodayhewasresolvedtohaveitout。

`Whetherheknowsornot，’saidVronsky，inhisusualcalmandfirmtone，`whetherheknowsornot，hasnothingtodowithus。Wecannot……

Youcannotstaylikethis，especiallynow。’

`What’stobedone，accordingtoyou？’sheaskedwiththesamefrivolousirony。Shewhohadsofearedhewouldtakeherconditiontoofrivolously，wasnowvexedwithhimfordeducingfromitthenecessityoftakingsomestep。

`Tellhimeverything，andleavehim。’

`Verywell，letussupposeIdothat，’shesaid。`Doyouknowwhattheresultofthatwouldbe？Icantellyouitallbeforehand，’andawickedlightgleamedinhereyes，thathadbeensotenderaminutebefore。

```Eh，youloveanotherman，andhaveenteredintoacriminalliaisonwithhim？’’(Mimickingherhusband，shethrewanemphasisontheword`criminal，’

asAlexeiAlexandrovichdid。)```Iwarnedyouoftheresultsinthereligious，thecivil，andthedomesticaspects。Youhavenotlistenedtome。NowI

cannotletyoudisgracemyname’’-`andmyson，’shehadmeanttosay，butabouthersonshecouldnotjest-``disgracemyname，and’’-andmoreinthesamestyle，’sheadded。`Ingeneralterms，he’llsayinhisofficialmanner，andwithalldistinctnessandprecision，thathecannotletmego，butwilltakeallmeasuresinhispowertopreventscandal。

Andhewillcalmlyandpunctiliouslyactinaccordancewithhiswords。

That’swhatwillhappen。He’snotaman，butamachine-andaspitefulmachinewhenhe’sangry，’sheadded，recallingAlexeiAlexandrovichasshespoke，withallthepeculiaritiesofhisfigureandmannerofspeaking，andreckoningagainsthimeverydefectshecouldfindinhim，forgivinghimnothingforthegreatwrongsheherselfwasdoinghim。

`But，Anna，’saidVronsky，inasoftandpersuasivevoice，tryingtosootheher，`weabsolutelymusttellhim，atanyrate，andthenbeguidedbythelinehetakes。’

`What-runaway？’

`Andwhynotrunaway？Idon’tseehowwecankeeponlikethis。

Andnotformysake-Iseethatyousuffer。’

`Yes，runaway，andbecomeyourmistress，’shesaidangrily。

`Anna，’hesaid，withreproachfultenderness。

`Yes，’shewenton，`becomeyourmistress，andcompletetheruinof……’

Againshewouldhavesaid`myson，’butshecouldnotutterthatword。

Vronskycouldnotunderstandhowshe，withherstrongandtruthfulnature，couldendurethisstateofdeceit，andnotlongtogetoutofit。

Buthedidnotsuspectthatthechiefcauseofitwasthewordson，whichshecouldnotutter。Whenshethoughtofherson，andhisfutureattitudetohismother，whohadabandonedhisfather，shefeltsuchterroratwhatshehaddonethatshenolongerreasoned，but，beingawoman，couldonlytrytocomfortherselfwithlyingassurancesandwordssothateverythingshouldremainasitalwayshadbeen，andthatitwaspossibletoforgetthefearfulquestionofhowitwouldbewithherson。

`Ibegyou，Ientreatyou，’shesaidsuddenly，takinghishand，andspeakinginquiteadifferenttone，sincereandtender，`neverspeaktomeofthat！’

`But，Anna……’

`Never。Leaveittome。Iknowallthebaseness，allthehorrorofmyposition；butit’snotsoeasytodecideasyouthink。Thereforeleaveittome，anddowhatIsay。Neverspeaktomeofit。Doyoupromiseme？……No，no，promise！……’

`Ipromiseeverything，butIcan’tbeatpeace，especiallyafterwhatyouhavetoldmeIcan’tbeatpeace，whenyoucan’tbeatpeace……’

`I？’sherepeated。`Yes，Iamworriedsometimes；butthatwillpass，ifyouwillnevertalkaboutthis。Whenyoutalkaboutit-it’sonlythenitworriesme。’

`Idon’tunderstand，’hesaid。

`Iknow，’sheinterruptedhim，`howharditisforyourtruthfulnaturetolie，andIgrieveforyou。Ioftenthink，howcouldyouruinyourwholelifeforme。’

`Iwasjustthinkingtheverysamething，’hesaid；`howcouldyousacrificeeverythingformysake？Ican’tforgivemyselfbecauseyou’reunhappy。’

`Iunhappy？’shesaid，comingclosertohim，andlookingathimwithanecstaticsmileoflove。`Iamlikeahungrymanwhohasbeengivenfood。Hemaybecold，anddressedinrags，andashamed，butheisnotunhappy。

Iunhappy？No，thisismyhappiness……’

Shecouldhearthesoundofherson’svoicecomingtowardthem，and，glancingswiftlyroundtheterrace，shegotupimpulsively。Hereyesglowedwiththefireheknewsowell；witharapidmovementsheraisedherlovelyhands，coveredwithrings，tookhishead，lookedintohisfacewithaprotractedgaze，and，puttingupherfacewithsmiling，partedlips，swiftlykissedhismouthandbotheyes，andthrusthimaway。Shewouldhavegone，butheheldherback。

`When？’hemurmuredinawhisper，gazinginecstasyather。

`Tonight，atoneo’clock，’shewhispered，and，withaheavysigh，shewalkedwithherlight，swiftsteptomeetherson。

Seriozhahadbeencaughtbytheraininthebiggarden，andheandhisnursehadtakenshelterinabower。

`Well，aurevoir，’shesaidtoVronsky。`Imustsoonbegettingreadyfortheraces。Betsypromisedtofetchme。’

Vronsky，lookingathiswatch，hurriedlydroveoff。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter24[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter24WhenVronskyhadlookedathiswatchontheKarenins’balcony，hehadbeensogreatlyagitatedandlostinhisthoughtsthat，althoughhesawthehandsonthefaceofhiswatch，hecouldnottakeinwhattimeitwas。

Hecameoutontothehighroadandwalked，pickinghiswaycarefullythroughthemud，tohiscarriage。HewassocompletelyabsorbedinhisfeelingforAnna，thathedidnoteventhinkwhato’clockitwas，andwhetherhehadtimetogotoBriansky’s。Hepreserved，asoftenhappens，onlytheexternalfacultyofmemory，thatpointsouteachsteponehastotake，oneaftertheother。Hewentuptohiscoachman，whowasdozingontheboxintheshadow，alreadylengthening，ofathicklimetree；headmiredtheshiftingcloudsofmidgescirclingoverthehothorses，and，wakingthecoachman，hejumpedintothecarriage，andtoldhimtodrivetoBriansky’s。

Itwasonlyafterdrivingnearlysevenverstasthathehadsufficientlyrecoveredhimselftolookathiswatch，andrealizethatitwashalfpastfive，andthathewaslate。

Therewereseveralracessetforthatday:theBodyGuards’race，thentheofficers’two-verstarace，thenthefour-verstarace，andthentheraceforwhichhewasentered。Hecouldstillbeinrighttimeforhisrace，butifhewenttoBriansky’shecouldbeonlyinfulltime，andhewouldarrivewhenthewholeCourtwouldbeintheirplaces。Thatwouldbeapity。ButhehadpromisedBrianskytocome，andsohedecidedtodriveon，tellingthecoachmannottosparethehorses。

HereachedBriansky’s，spentfiveminutesthere，andgallopedback。Thisrapiddrivecalmedhim。AllthatwaspainfulinhisrelationswithAnna，allthefeelingofindefinitenessleftbytheirconversation，hadslippedoutofhismind。Hewasthinkingnowwithpleasureandexcitementoftherace，ofhisbeingintimeafterall，andnowandthenthethoughtofthehappinessofthisnight’sassignationflashedacrosshisimaginationlikeadazzlinglight。

Theexcitementoftheapproachingracegaineduponhimmoreandmoreashedrovefartherandfartherintotheatmosphereoftheraces，overtakingcarriagesdrivingupfromthesummervillasoroutofPeterburg。

Therewasnolongeranyoneathomeathisquarters；allwereattheraces，andhisvaletwaslookingoutforhimatthegate。Whilehewaschanginghisclothes，hisvalettoldhimthatthesecondracehadbegunalready，thatalotofgentlemenhadbeentoaskforhim，andaboyhadtwicerunupfromthestables。

Dressingwithouthurry(heneverhurriedhimself，andneverlosthisself-possession)，Vronskydrovetothesheds。Fromtheshedshecouldseeaperfectseaofcarriages，andpeopleonfoot，soldierssurroundingtheracecourse，andpavilionsswarmingwithpeople。Thesecondracewasapparentlygoingon，forjustashewentintotheshedsheheardabellringing。Goingtowardthestable，hemetthewhite-leggedchestnut，Makhotin’sGladiator，beingledtotheracecourseinablueandorangehorsecloth，withwhatlookedlikehugeearsedgedwithblue。

`Where’sCord？’heaskedthestableboy。

`Inthestable，puttingonthesaddle。’

IntheopenhorseboxstoodFrou-Frou，saddledready。Theywerejustgoingtoleadherout。

`I’mnottoolate？’

`Allright！Allright！’saidtheEnglishman；`don’tupsetyourself！’

Vronskyoncemoretookinatoneglancethebeautifullinesofhisfavoritemare，whowasquiveringallover，andwithanefforthetorehimselffromthesightofher，andwentoutofthestable。Hewenttowardthepavilionsatthemostfavorablemomentforescapingattention。Thetwo-verstaracewasjustfinishing，andalleyeswerefixedonthecavalryguardinfrontandthelighthussarbehind，urgingtheirhorsesonwithalasteffortclosetothewinningpost。Fromthecenterandoutsideoftheringallwerecrowdingtothewinningpost，andagroupofsoldiersandofficersofthecavalryguardswereshoutingloudlytheirdelightattheexpectedtriumphoftheirofficerandcomrade。Vronskymovedintothemiddleofthecrowdunnoticed，almostattheverymomentwhenthebellrangatthefinishoftherace，andthetall，mud-spatteredcavalryguardwhocameinfirst，leaningoverthesaddle，letgothereinsofhispantinggraystallionthatlookeddarkwithsweat。

Thestallion，stiffeningouthislegs，withaneffortstoppedhisrapidcourse，andtheofficerofthecavalryguardslookedroundhimlikeamanwakingupfromaheavysleep，andjustmanagedtosmile。Acrowdoffriendsandoutsiderspressedroundhim。

Vronskyintentionallyavoidedthatselectcrowdofupperworld，whichwasmovingandtalkingwithdiscreetfreedombeforethepavilions。

HeknewthatMadameKareninawasthere，andBetsy，andhisbrother’swife，andhepurposelydidnotgonearthemforfearofsomethingdistractinghisattention。Buthewascontinuallymetandstoppedbyacquaintances，whotoldhimaboutthepreviousraces，andkeptaskinghimwhyhewassolate。

Atthetimewhentheracershadtogotothepaviliontoreceivetheprizes，andallattentionwasdirectedtothatpoint，Vronsky’selderbrother，Alexandre，acolonelwiththeshoulderknot，cameuptohim。Hewasnottall，thoughasbroadlybuiltasAlexei，andhandsomerandrosierthanhe；hehadarednose，andanopen，tipsyface。

`Didyougetmynote？’hesaid。`There’sneveranyfindingyou。’

AlexandreVronsky，inspiteofhisdissolutelife，andparticularlyhisdrunkenhabits，forwhichhewasnotorious，wasquiteoneoftheCourtcircle。

Now，ashetalkedtohisbrotherofamatterboundtobeexceedinglydisagreeabletohim，knowingthattheeyesofmanypeoplemightbefixeduponhim，hekeptasmilingcountenance，asthoughhewerejestingwithhisbrotheraboutsomethingoflittlemoment。

`Igotit，andIreallycan’tmakeoutwhatyouareworryingyourselfabout，’saidAlexei。

`I’mworryingmyselfbecausetheremarkhasjustbeenmadetomethatyouweren’there，andthatyouwereseeninPeterhofonMonday。’

`Therearematterswhichonlyconcernthosedirectlyinterestedinthem，andthematteryouaresoworriedaboutisofthatnature……’

`Yes，butifso，onedoesnotbelongintheservice，onedoesnot……’

`Ibegyounottomeddle，andthatisall。’

AlexeiVronsky’sfrowningfaceturnedpale，andhisprominentlowerjawquivered，whichhappenedrarelywithhim。Beingamanofverywarmheart，hewasseldomangry；butwhenhewasangry，andwhenhischinquivered，then，asAlexandreVronskyknew，hewasdangerous。AlexandreVronskysmiledgaily。

`Ionlywantedtogiveyoumother’sletter。Answeritanddon’tworryaboutanythingjustbeforetherace。Bonnechance，’headded，smiling，andhemovedawayfromhim。ButafterhimanotherfriendlygreetingbroughtVronskytoastandstill。

`Soyouwon’trecognizeyourfriends！Howareyou，moncher？’

saidStepanArkadyevich，asconspicuouslybrilliantinthemidstofallthePeterburgbrillianceashewasinMoscow，hisfacerosy，andhiswhiskerssleekandglossy。`Icameupyesterday，andI’mdelightedbecauseIshallseeyourtriumph。Whenshallwemeet？’

`Cometomorrowtothemessroom，’saidVronsky，andsqueezinghimbythesleeveofhisgreatcoat，withapologies，hemovedawaytothecenteroftheracecourse，wherethehorseswerebeingledforthegreatsteeplechase。

Thehorseswhohadruninthelastracewerebeingledhome，steamingandexhausted，bythestableboys，andoneafteranotherthefreshhorsesforthecomingracemadetheirappearance，forthemostpartEnglishracers，wearinghorseclothsandlookingwiththeirdrawn-upbellieslikestrange，hugebirds。OntherightFrou-Frouwasledin，leanandbeautiful，liftingupherelastic，ratherlongpasterns，asthoughmovedbysprings。Notfarfromhertheyweretakingthecaparisonoffthelop-caredGladiator。Thestrong，exquisite，perfectlycorrectlinesofthestallion，withhissuperbhindquartersandexcessivelyshortpasternsalmostoverhishoofs，attractedVronsky’sattentioninspiteofhimself。Hewouldhavegoneuptohismare，buthewasagaindetainedbyanacquaintance。

`Oh，there’sKarenin！’saidtheacquaintancewithwhomhewaschatting。`He’slookingforhiswife，andshe’sinthemiddleofthepavilion。

Didn’tyouseeher？’

`No，Ididn’t，’answeredVronsky，andwithoutevenglancingroundtowardthepavilionwherehisfriendwaspointingoutMadameKarenina，hewentuptohismare。

Vronskyhadnothadtimetolookatthesaddle，aboutwhichhehadtogivesomedirection，whentheentrantsweresummonedtothepaviliontoreceivetheirnumbersandplacesintherowatstarting。Seventeenofficers，lookingseriousandsevere，manywithpalefaces，mettogetherinthepavilionanddrewthenumbers。Vronskydrewnumber7。Thecrywasheard:`Mount！’

Feelingthat，withtheothersridingintherace，hewasthecenteruponwhichalleyeswerefastened，Vronskywalkeduptohismareinthatstateofnervoustensioninwhichheusuallybecamedilatoryandcalminhismovements。Cord，inhonoroftheraces，hadputonhisbestclothes，ablackcoatbuttonedup，astifflystarchedcollar，whichproppeduphischeeks，ablackbowlerandHessianboots。Hewascalmanddignifiedasever，andwaswithhisownhandsholdingFrou-Froubybothreins，standingstraightinfrontofher。Frou-Frouwasstilltremblingasthoughinafever。Hereye，fulloffire，glancedsidewaysatVronsky。Vronskyslippedhisfingerunderthesaddlegirth。Themareglancedaslantathim，drewupherlip，andtwitchedherear。TheEnglishmanpuckereduphislips，intendingtoindicateasmilethatanyoneshouldverifyhissaddling。

`Getup；youwon’tfeelsoexcited。’

Vronskylookedroundforthelasttimeathisrivals。Heknewthathewouldnotseethemduringtherace。Twowerealreadyridingforwardtothepointfromwhichtheyweretostart。Galtsin，afriendofVronsky’sandoneofhismoreformidablerivals，wasmovingroundabayhorsethatwouldnotlethimmount。Alittlehussarofthelifeguardsintightridingbreechesrodeoffatagallop，croucheduplikeacatovertheporridge，inimitationofEnglishjockeys。PrinceKuzovlevsatwithawhitefaceonhisthoroughbredmarefromtheGrabovskystud，whileanEnglishgroomledherbythebridle。VronskyandallhiscomradesknewKuzovlevandhispeculiarityof`weaknerves’andterriblevanity。Theyknewthathewasafraidofeverything-afraidofridingalinehorse。Butnow，justbecauseitwasterrible，becausepeoplebroketheirnecks，andtherewasadoctorstandingateachobstacle，andanambulancewithacrossonit，andasisterofmercy，hehadmadeuphismindtotakepartintherace。Theireyesmet，andVronskygavehimafriendlyandencouragingnod。Onlyonehedidnotsee，hischiefrival，MakhotinonGladiator。

`Don’tbeinahurry，’saidCordtoVronsky，`andrememberonething:don’tholdherinatthefences，anddon’turgeheron；lethergoasshelikes。’

`Allright，allright，’saidVronsky，takingthereins。

`Ifyoucan，leadtherace；butdon’tlosehearttillthelastminute，evenifyou’rebehind。’

Beforethemarehadtimetomove，Vronskysteppedwithanagile，vigorousmovementintothesteel-toothedstirrup，andlightlyandfirmlyplacedhiscompactedbodyonthecreakingleatherofthesaddle。Gettinghisrightfootinthestirrup，hewithhabitualmovingsmoothedthedoublereinsbetweenhisfingers，andCordletgo。Asthoughshedidnotknowwhichfoottoputfirst，Frou-Froustarted，draggingatthereinswithherlongneck，andasthoughshewereonsprings，shakingherriderfromsidetoside。Cordquickenedhisstep，followinghim。Theexcitedmare，tryingtodeceiveherrider，pulledatthereins，firstononesideandthentheother，andVronskytriedinvainwithvoiceandhandtosootheher。

Theywerejustreachingthedammed-upstreamontheirwaytothestartingpoint。Severaloftheriderswereinfrontandseveralbehind，whensuddenlyVronskyheardthesoundofahorsegallopinginthebehindhim，andhewasovertakenbyMakhotinonhiswhite-legged，lop-earedGladiator。

Makhotinsmiled，showinghislongteeth，butVronskylookedathimangrily。

Hedidnotlikehim，andregardedhimnowashismostformidablerival。

Hewasangrywithhimforgallopingpastandexcitinghismare。Frou-Froustartedintoagallop，herleftfootforward，madetwobounds，andfrettingatthetightenedreins，passedintoajoltingtrot，bumpingherriderupanddown。Cord，too，scowled，andfollowedVronskyalmostambling。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter25[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter25Therewereseventeenofficersinallridinginthisrace。Theracecoursewasalargefour-verstaringintheformofanellipseinfrontofthepavilion。Onthiscoursenineobstacleshadbeenarranged:thestream，abigandsolidbarriertwoarsheeneshigh，justbeforethepavilion，adryditch，aditchfullofwater，aprecipitousslope，anIrishbarricade(oneofthemostdifficultobstacles，consistingofamoundfencedwithbrushwood，beyondwhichwasaditchoutofsightforthehorses，sothatthehorsehadtoclearbothobstaclesorpossiblybekilled)；thentwomoreditchesfilledwithwater，andonedryone；andtheendoftheracewasjustfacingthepavilion。Buttheracebegannotinthering，butahundredarsheenesawayfromit，andinthatpartofthecoursewasthefirstobstacle，adammed-upstream，threearsheenesinbreadth，whichtheracerscouldleaporwadethroughastheypreferred。

Threetimestheywererangedreadytostart，buteachtimesomehorsethrustitselfoutofline，andtheyhadtobeginagain。Thestarter，ColonelSestrin，wasbeginningtolosehistemper，whenatlast，forthefourthtime，heshouted`Away！’andtheridersstarted。

Everyeye，everyoperaglass，wasturnedonthebrightlycoloredgroupofridersatthemomenttheywereinlinetostart。

`They’reoff！They’restarting！’washeardonallsidesafterthehushofexpectation。

Andlittlegroupsandsolitaryfiguresamongthepublicbeganrunningfromplacetoplacetogetabetterview。Intheveryfirstminutetheclosegroupofhorsemenspreadout，anditcouldbeseenthattheywereapproachingthestreamintwosandthreesandonebehindanother。

Tothespectatorsitseemedasthoughtheyhadallstartedsimultaneously，buttotheracersthereweresecondsofdifferencethathadgreatvaluetothem。

Frou-Frou，excitedandovernervous，hadlostthefirstmoment，andseveralhorseshadstartedbeforeher，butbeforereachingthestream，Vronsky，whowasholdinginthemarewithallhisforceasshetuggedatthebridle，easilyovertookthree，andtherewereleftinfrontofhimMakhotin’schestnutGladiator，whosehindquartersweremovinglightlyandrhythmicallyupanddownexactlyinfrontofVronsky，and，infrontofall，thedaintymareDianabearingthemoredeadthanaliveKuzovlev。

ForthefirstinstantVronskywasnotmastereitherofhimselforhismare。Uptothefirstobstacle，thestream，hecouldnotguidethemotionsofhismare。

GladiatorandDianacameuptoittogetherandalmostatthesameinstant；atastroketheyroseabovethestreamandflewacrosstotheotherside；Frou-Froudartedafterthemeasily，asifflying；butattheverymomentwhenVronskyfelthimselfintheair，hesuddenlysawalmostunderhismare’shoofsKuzovlev，whowasflounderingwithDianaonthefurthersideofthestream。(Kuzovlevhadletgothereinsashetooktheleap，andthemarehadfallentogetherwithhimoverherhead。)ThosedetailsVronskylearnedlater；atthemomentallhesawwasthatjustunderhim，whereFrou-Froumustalight，Diana’slegsorheadmightbeintheway。

ButFrou-Froudrewupherlegsandbackintheveryactofleaping，likeafallingcat，and，clearingtheothermare，alightedbeyondher。

`Oh，youdarling！’flashedthroughVronsky’shead。

AftercrossingthestreamVronskyhadcompletecontrolofhismare，andbeganholdingherin，intendingtocrossthegreatbarrierbehindMakhotin，andtotrytoovertakehiminthecleargroundofabouttwohundredsazhenesthatfollowedit。

ThegreatbarrierstoodjustinfrontoftheImperialPavilion。

TheCzarandthewholeCourt，andcrowdsofpeople，wereallgazingatthem-athim，andatMakhotin，alengthaheadofhim，astheydrewnearthe`devil，’asthesolidbarrierwascalled。Vronskywasawareofthoseeyesfasteneduponhimfromallsides，buthesawnothingexcepttheearsandneckofhisownmare，thegroundracingtomeethim，andthebackandwhitelegsofGladiatorbeatingtimeswiftlybeforehim，andkeepingalwaysthesamedistanceahead。Gladiatorrose，withnosoundofknockingagainstanything。WithawaveofhisshorttailhedisappearedfromVronsky’ssight。

`Bravo！’criedavoice。