第9章

Atthesameinstant，underVronsky’seyes，rightbeforehimflashedthepalingsofthebarrier。Withouttheslightestchangeinheractionhismareflewoverit；thepalingsvanished，andheheardonlyacrashbehindhim。Themare，excitedbyGladiator’skeepingahead，hadrisentoosoonbeforethebarrier，andgrazeditwithoneofherhindhoofs。Butherpaceneverchanged，andVronsky，feelingaspatterofmudinhisface，realizedthathewasoncemorethesamedistancefromGladiator。Oncemoreheperceivedinfrontofhimthesamebackandshorttail，andagainthesameswiftlymovingwhitelegsthatgotnofurtheraway。

AttheverymomentwhenVronskythoughtthatnowwasthetimetoovertakeMakhotin，Frou-Frouherself，understandinghisthoughts，withoutanyincitementonhispart，gainedconsiderably，andbegangettingalongsideofMakhotinonthemostfavorableside，closetotheinnerrope。Makhotinwouldnotletherpassthatside。Vronskyhadhardlyformedthethoughtthathecouldperhapspassontheouterside，whenFrou-Froushiftedherpaceandbeganovertakinghimontheotherside。Frou-Frou’sshoulder，beginningbynowtobedarkwithsweat，wasevenwithGladiator’sback。

Forafewboundstheymovedevenly。Butbeforetheobstacletheywereapproaching，Vronskybeganworkingatthereins，anxioustoavoidhavingtotaketheoutercircle，andswiftlypassedMakhotinjustuponthedeclivity。Hecaughtaglimpseofhismud-stainedfaceasheflashedby。Heevenfanciedthathesmiled。VronskypassedMakhotin，buthewasimmediatelyawareofhimcloseuponhim，andheneverceasedhearingjustbehindhimtheeven-thuddinghoofsandtherapidandstillquitefreshbreathingofGladiator。

Thenexttwoobstacles，thewatercourseandthebarrier，wereeasilycrossed，butVronskybegantohearthesnortingandthudofGladiatorcloseruponhim。Heurgedonhismare，andtohisdelightfeltthatsheeasilyquickenedherpace，andthethudofGladiator’shoofswasagainheardatthesamedistanceaway。

Vronskywasattheheadoftherace，justashewantedtobeandasCordhadadvised，andnowhefeltsureofbeingthewinner。Hisexcitement，hisdelight，andhistendernessforFrou-Frougrewkeenerandkeener。Helongedtolookround，buthedidnotdaredothis，andtriedtobecoolandnottourgeonhismare，soastokeepthesamereserveofforceinherashefeltthatGladiatorstillkept。Thereremainedonlyoneobstacle，themostdifficult；ifhecouldcrossitaheadoftheothers，hewouldcomeinfirst。HewasflyingtowardtheIrishbarricade；Frou-Frouandhebothtogethersawthebarricadeinthedistance，andboththemanandthemarehadamoment’shesitation。Hesawtheuncertaintyinthemare’searsandliftedthewhip，butatthesametimefeltthathisfearsweregroundless；themareknewwhatwaswanted。Shequickenedherpaceandroserhythmically，justashehadfanciedshewould，andassheleftthegroundgaveherselfuptotheforceofherrush，whichcarriedherfarbeyondtheditch；andwiththesamerhythm，withouteffort，withthesamelegforward，Frou-Froufellbackintoherpaceagain。

`Bravo，Vronsky！’heheardshoutsfromaknotofmen-heknewtheywerehisfriendsandhisregimentcomrades-whowerestandingattheobstacle。HecouldnotfailtorecognizeIashvin’svoice，thoughhedidnotseehim。

`Omysweet！’hesaidinwardlytoFrou-Frou，ashelistenedforwhatwashappeningbehind。`He’sclearedit！’hethought，catchingthethudofGladiator’shoofsbehindhim。Thereremainedonlythelastditch，filledwithwaterandtwoarsheeneswide。Vronskydidnotevenlookatit，butanxioustocomeinalongwayaheadbegansawingawayatthereins，liftingthemare’sheadandlettingitgointimewithherpaces。Hefeltthatthemarewasatherverylastreserveofstrength；notherneckandshouldersmerelywerewet，butthesweatwasstandingindropsonhermane，herhead，hersharpears，andherbreathcameinshort，sharpgasps。Butheknewthatshehadstrengthleftmorethanenoughfortheremainingtwohundredsazhenes。ItwasonlyfromfeelinghimselfnearerthegroundandfromthepeculiarsmoothnessofhismotionthatVronskyknewhowgreatlythemarehadquickenedherpace。Sheflewovertheditchasthoughnotnoticingit。Sheflewoveritlikeabird；butatthesameinstantVronsky，tohishorror，feltthatfailingtokeepupwiththemare’space，hehad，hedidnotknowhow，madeanabominable，unpardonablemoveinrecoveringhisseatinthesaddle。Allatoncehispositionhadshiftedandheknewthatsomethingawfulhadhappened。Hecouldnotyetmakeoutwhathadhappened，whenthewhitelegsofachestnuthorseflashedbyclosetohim，andMakhotinpassedataswiftgallop。Vronskywastouchingthegroundwithonefoot，andhismarewassinkingonthatfoot。Hejusthadtimetofreehislegwhenshefellononeside，gaspingpainfully，and，makingvaineffortstorisewithherdelicate，soakingneck，sheflutteredonthegroundathisfeetlikeashotbird。TheclumsymovementmadebyVronskyhadbrokenherback。Butthatheonlyknewmuchlater。AtthatmomentheknewonlythatMakhotinhadflownswiftlyby，whilehestoodstaggeringaloneonthemuddy，motionlessground，andFrou-Froulaygaspingbeforehim，bendingherheadbackandgazingathimwithherexquisiteeye。Stillunabletorealizewhathadhappened，Vronskytuggedathismare’sreins。Againshestruggledalloverlikeafish，and，hershouldersmakingthewingsofthesaddlecrackle，sheroseonherfrontlegs；butunabletoliftherback，shequiveredalloverandagainfellonherside。Withhisfacehideouswithpassion，pale，hislowerjawtrembling，Vronskykickedherwithhisheelinthestomachandagainfelltotuggingattherein。Shedidnotstir，butthrustinghernoseintotheground，shesimplygazedathermasterwithherspeakingeyes。

`A-a-a！’groanedVronsky，clutchingathishead。`Ah！whathaveIdone！’hecried。`Theracelost！Andmyfault！shameful，unpardonable！

Andthepoordarling，ruinedmare！Ah，whathaveIdone！’

Acrowdofmen，adoctorandhisassistant，theofficersofhisregiment，ranuptohim。Tohismiseryhefeltthathewaswholeandunhurt。

Themarehadbrokenherback，anditwasdecidedtoshoother。Vronskycouldnotanswerquestions，couldnotspeaktoanyone。Heturned，andwithoutpickinguphisfallencap，walkedawayfromtheracecourse，unconsciousofwherehewasgoing。Hefeltutterlywretched。Forthefirsttimeinhislifeheknewthebitterestsortofmisfortune，misfortunebeyondremedy，andcausedbyhisownfault。

Iashvinovertookhimwithhiscap，andledhimhome，andhalfanhourlaterVronskyhadregainedhisself-possession。Butthememoryofthatraceremainedforlonginhisheart，thecruelestandbitterestmemoryofhislife。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter26[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter26TheexternalrelationsofAlexeiAlexandrovichandhiswifehadremainedunchanged。Thesoledifferencelayinthefactthathewasmorebusilyoccupiedthanever。Asinformeryears，atthebeginningofthespringhehadgonetoaforeignwateringplaceforthesakeofhishealth，beingderangedeveryyearwithhisstrenuouswinterwork。AndjustasalwayshereturnedinJulyandatoncefelltohisusualworkwithincreasedenergy。

Justasalways，too，hiswifehadmovedforthesummertoavillaoutoftown，whileheremainedinPeterburg。

FromthedateoftheirconversationafterthepartyatPrincessTverskaia’shehadneverspokenagaintoAnnaofhissuspicionsandhisjealousies，andthathabitualtoneofhisofbanteringmimicrywasthemostconvenienttonepossibleforhispresentattitudetohiswife。Hewasalittlecoldertohiswife。Hesimplyseemedtobeslightlydispleasedwithherforthatfirstmidnightconversation，whichshehadrepelled。

Inhisattitudetohertherewasashadeofvexation，butnothingmore。

`Youwouldnotbeopenwithme，’heseemedtosay，mentallyaddressingher；`somuchtheworseforyou。Nowyoumaybegasyouplease，butIwon’tbeopenwithyou。Somuchtheworseforyou！’hesaidmentally，likeamanwho，aftervainlyattemptingtoextinguishafire，shouldflyinaragewithhisvaineffortsandsay，`Oh，verywellthen！Youshallburnforthis！’

Thisman，sosubtleandastuteinofficiallife，didnotrealizealltheinsanityofsuchanattitudetohiswife。Hedidnotrealizeit，becauseitwastooterribletohimtorealizehisactualposition，andheshutdownandlockedandsealedupinhisheartthatsecretplacewherelayhidhisfeelingstowardhisfamily-thatis，hiswifeandson。Hewhohadbeensuchaconsideratefather，hadfromtheendofthatwinterbecomepeculiarlyfrigidtohisson，andadoptedtohimjustthesamebanteringtoneasheusedwithhiswife。`Aha，youngman！’wasthegreetingwithwhichhemethim。

AlexeiAlexandrovichasserted，andbelieved，thathehadneverinanypreviousyearhadsomuchofficialbusinessasthatyear。Buthewasnotawarethathesoughtworkforhimselfthatyear，thatthiswasoneofthemeansforkeepingshutthatsecretplacewherelayhidhisfeelingstowardhiswifeandson，andhisthoughtsaboutthem，whichbecamemoreterriblethelongertheylaythere。IfanyonehadhadtherighttoaskAlexeiAlexandrovichwhathethoughtofhiswife’sbehavior，themildandpeaceableAlexeiAlexandrovichwouldhavemadenoanswer，buthewouldhavebeengreatlyangeredwithanymanwhoshouldquestionhimonthatsubject。ItwaspreciselyforthisreasonthattherecameintoAlexeiAlexandrovich’sfacealookofhaughtinessandseveritywheneveranyoneinquiredafterhiswife’shealth。AlexeiAlexandrovichdidnotwanttothinkatallabouthiswife’sbehaviorandfeelings，andheactuallysucceededinnotthinkingaboutthematall。

AlexeiAlexandrovich’spermanentsummervillawasinPeterhof，andtheCountessLidiaIvanovnausedtospendthesummerthere，closetoAnna，andconstantlyseeingher。ThatyearCountessLidiaIvanovnadeclinedtosettleinPeterhof，didnotcallonceatAnnaArkadyevna’s，andhadhintedtoAlexeiAlexandrovichabouttheunsuitabilityofAnna’scloseintimacywithBetsyandVronsky。AlexeiAlexandrovichhadsternlycuthershort，roundlydeclaringhiswifetobeabovesuspicion，andfromthattimebegantoavoidCountessLidiaIvanovna。Hedidnotwanttosee，anddidnotsee，thatmanypeopleinsocietycastdubiousglancesonhiswife；

hedidnotwanttounderstand，anddidnotunderstand，whyhiswifehadsoparticularlyinsistedonstayingatTsarskoe，whereBetsywasstaying，andnotfarfromthecampofVronsky’sregiment。Hedidnotallowhimselftothinkaboutit，andhedidnotthinkaboutit；but，allthesame，thoughheneveradmittedittohimself，andhadnoproofs，norevensuspiciousevidence，atthebottomofhisheartheknewbeyondalldoubtthathewasadeceivedhusband，andhewasprofoundlymiserableaboutit。

HowoftenduringthoseeightyearsofhappylifewithhiswifehadAlexeiAlexandrovichlookedatothermen’sfaithlesswivesandotherdeceivedhusbandsandaskedhimself:`Howcanpeopledescendtothat？Howisittheydon’tputanendtosuchahideoussituation？’Butnow，whenthemisfortunehadcomeuponhimself，hewassofarfromthinkingofputtinganendtothesituationthathewouldnotrecognizeitatall-wouldnotrecognizeitjustbecauseitwastooawful，toounnatural。

SincehisreturnfromabroadAlexeiAlexandrovichhadbeentwiceattheircountryvilla。Oncehedinedthere，anothertimehespenttheeveningtherewithapartyoffriends，buthehadnotoncestayedthenightthere，asithadbeenhishabittodoinpreviousyears。

ThedayoftheraceshadbeenaverybusydayforAlexeiAlexandrovich；

butwhensketchingoutthedayinthemorninghemadeuphismindtogoimmediatelyafterhisearlydinner，totheirsummervillatoseehiswifeandfromtheretotheraces，whichalltheCourtweretowitness，andatwhichhewasboundtobepresent。Hewasgoingtoseehiswife，becausehehaddeterminedtoseeheronceaweektokeepupappearances。Andbesides，onthatday，asitwasthefifteenth，hehadtogivehiswifesomemoneyforherexpenses，accordingtotheirusualarrangement。

Withhishabitualcontroloverhisthoughts，thoughhethoughtallthisabouthiswife，hedidnotlethisthoughtsstrayfurtherinregardtoher。

ThatmorningwasaveryfulloneforAlexeiAlexandrovich。Theeveningbefore，CountessLidiaIvanovnahadsenthimapamphletbyacelebratedtravelerinChina，whowasstayinginPeterburg，andwithitsheenclosedanotebegginghimtoseethetravelerhimself，ashewasanextremelyinterestingpersonfromvariouspointsofview，andlikelytobeuseful。

AlexeiAlexandrovichhadnothadtimetoreadthepamphletthroughintheevening，andfinisheditinthemorning。Thenpeoplebeganarrivingwithpetitions，andthencamethereports，interviews，appointments，dismissals，apportionmentofrewards，pensions，payments，papers-theworkdayround，asAlexeiAlexandrovichcalledit，thatalwaystookupsomuchtime。Thentherewasaprivatebusinessofhisown，avisitfromthedoctor，andfromthestewardwhomanagedhisproperty。Thestewarddidnottakeupmuchtime。HesimplygaveAlexeiAlexandrovichthemoneyheneeded，togetherwithabriefstatementofthepositionofhisaffairs，whichwasnotaltogethersatisfactory，asduringthatyear，owingtoincreasedexpenses，morehadbeenpaidoutthanusual，andtherewasadeficit。Butthedoctor，acelebratedPeterburgdoctor，whowasanintimateacquaintanceofAlexeiAlexandrovich，hadtakenupagreatdealoftime。AlexeiAlexandrovichhadnotexpectedhimthatday，andwassurprisedathisvisit，andstillmoresowhenthedoctorquestionedhimverycarefullyabouthishealth，listenedtohisbreathing，andtappedathisliver。AlexeiAlexandrovichdidnotknowthathisfriendLidiaIvanovna，noticingthathewasnotaswellasusualthatyear，hadbeggedthedoctortogoandexaminehim。`Dothisformysake，’

theCountessLidiaIvanovnahadsaidtohim。

`IwilldoitforthesakeofRussia，Countess，’repliedthedoctor。

`Apricelessman！’saidtheCountessLidiaIvanovna。

ThedoctorwasextremelydissatisfiedwithAlexeiAlexandrovich。

Hefoundtheliverconsiderablyenlarged，andthedigestivepowersweakened，whilethecourseofmineralwatershadbeenquitewithouteffect。Heprescribedmorephysicalexerciseasfaraspossible，andasfaraspossiblelessmentalstrain，andaboveallnoworry-inotherwords，justwhatwasasmuchoutofAlexeiAlexandrovich’spowerasabstainingfrombreathing。

Thenhewithdrew，leavinginAlexeiAlexandrovichanunpleasantsensethatsomethingwaswrongwithhim，andthattherewasnochanceofcuringit。

Ashewascomingaway，thedoctorchancedtomeetonthestepsanacquaintanceofhis，Sludin，whowasheadclerkinAlexeiAlexandrovich’soffice。Theyhadbeencomradesattheuniversity，and，thoughtheyrarelymet，theythoughthighlyofeachotherandwereexcellentfriends，andhencetherewasnoonetowhomthedoctorwouldhavegivenhisopinionofapatientsofreelyastoSludin。

`HowgladIamyou’vebeenseeinghim！’saidSludin。`He’snotwell，andIfancy……Well，whatdoyouthinkofhim？’

`I’lltellyou，’saidthedoctor，beckoningoverSludin’sheadtohiscoachmantobringthecarriageround。`It’sjustthis，’saidthedoctor，takingafingerofhiskidgloveinhiswhitehandsandpullingit，`ifyoudon’tstrainthestrings，andthentrytobreakthem，you’llfinditadifficultjob；butstrainastringtoitsveryutmost，andthemereweightofonefingeronthestrainedstringwillsnapit。Andwithhiscloseassiduity，hisconscientiousdevotiontohiswork，he’sstrainedtotheutmost；andthere’ssomeoutsideburdenweighingonhim，andthatnotalightone，’concludedthedoctor，raisinghiseyebrowssignificantly。

`Willyoubeattheraces？’headded，ashecamedowntohiscarriage。

`Yes，yes，tobesure；itdoeswastealotoftime，’thedoctorrespondedvaguelytosomereplyofSludin’shehadnotcaught。

Directlyafterthedoctor，whohadtakenupsomuchtime，camethecelebratedtraveler，andAlexeiAlexandrovich，bymeansofthepamphlethehadonlyjustfinishedreading，andhispreviousacquaintancewiththesubject，impressedthetravelerbythedepthofhisknowledgeofthesubjectandthebreadthandenlightenmentofhisviewofit。

AtthesametimewiththetravelertherewasannouncedaprovincialmarshalofnobilityonavisittoPeterburg，withwhomAlexeiAlexandrovichhadtohavesomeconversation。Afterhisdeparture，hehadtofinishthedailyroutineofbusinesswithhisheadclerk，andthenhestillhadtodriveroundtocallonacertainpersonageonamatterofgraveandseriousimport。AlexeiAlexandrovichhardlymanagedtobebackbyfiveo’clock，hisdinnerhour，and，afterdiningwithhisheadclerk，heinvitedhimtodrivewithhimtohissummervillaandtotheraces。

Thoughhedidnotacknowledgeittohimself，AlexeiAlexandrovichalwaystriednowadaystosecurethepresenceofathirdpersoninhisinterviewswithhiswife。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter27[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter27Annawasupstairs，standingbeforethelookingglass，and，withAnnushka’sassistance，pinningthelastribbononhergownwhensheheardcarriagewheelscrunchingthegravelattheentrance。

`It’stooearlyforBetsy，’shethought，and，glancingoutofthewindow，shecaughtsightofthecarriageand，protrudedfromit，theblackhatofAlexeiAlexandrovich，andtheearsthatsheknewsowell。

`Howunlucky！Canhebegoingtostaythenight？’shewondered，andthethoughtofallthatmightcomeofsuchachancestruckherassoawfulandterriblethat，withoutdwellingonitforamoment，shewentdowntomeethimwithabrightandradiantface；andconsciousofthepresenceofthatspiritoffalsehoodanddeceitinherselfthatshehadcometoknowoflate，sheabandonedherselftothatspiritandbegantalking，hardlyknowingwhatshewassaying。

`Ah，howlovelyofyou！’shesaid，givingherhusbandherhand，andwithasmilegreetingSludin，whowaslikeoneofthefamily。`You’restayingthenight，Ihope？’wasthefirstwordthespiritoffalsehoodpromptedhertoutter。`Andnowwe’llgotogether。Onlyit’sapityI’vepromisedBetsy。She’scomingforme。’

AlexeiAlexandrovichknithisbrowsatBetsy’sname。

`Oh，I’mnotgoingtoseparatetheinseparables，’hesaidinhisusualbanteringtone。`I’mgoingwithMikhailVassilyevich。Eventhedoctorsordermetowalk。I’llwalk，andfancymyselfatthespringsagain。’

`There’snohurry，’saidAnna。`Wouldyouliketea？’

Sherang。

`Bringintea，andtellSeriozhathatAlexeiAlexandrovichishere。Well，tellme，howhaveyoubeen？MikhailVassilyevich，you’venotbeentoseemebefore。Lookhowlovelyitisoutontheterrace，’shesaid，turningfirsttooneandthentotheother。

Shespokeverysimplyandnaturally，buttoomuchandtoofast。

ShewasthemoreawareofthisfromnoticingintheinquisitivelookwhichMikhailVassilyevichturnedonherthathewas，asitwere，keepingwatchonher。

MikhailVassilyevichpromptlywentoutontheterrace。

Shesatdownbesideherhusband。

`Youdon’tlookquitewell，’shesaid。

`Yes，’hesaid；`thedoctor’sbeenwithmetodayandwastedanhourofmytime。Ifeelthatsomeoneofourfriendsmusthavesenthim:

myhealth’ssoprecious……’

`Come:whatdidhesay？’

Shequestionedhimabouthishealth，andwhathehadbeendoing，andtriedtopersuadehimtotakearestandcomeouttoher。

Allthisshesaidbrightly，rapidly，andwithapeculiarbrillianceinhereyes。ButAlexeiAlexandrovichdidnotnowattachanyspecialsignificancetothistoneofhers。Heheardonlyherwordsandgavethemonlythedirectsensetheybore。Andheansweredsimply，thoughjestingly。Therewasnothingremarkableinallthisconversation，butneveraftercouldAnnarecallthisbriefscenewithoutanagonizingpangofshame。

Seriozhacamein，precededbyhisgoverness。IfAlexeiAlexandrovichhadallowedhimselftoobservehewouldhavenoticedthetimidandbewilderedeyeswithwhichSeriozhaglancedfirstathisfatherandthenathismother。

Buthewouldnotseeanything，andhedidnotseeit。

`Ah，theyoungman！He’sgrown。Really，he’sgettingquiteaman。

Howareyou，youngman？’

Andhegavehishandtothescaredchild。

Seriozhahadbeenshyofhisfatherbefore，andnow，eversinceAlexeiAlexandrovichhadtakentocallinghim`youngman，’andsincethatinsolvablequestionhadoccurredtohimastowhetherVronskywerefriendorfoe，heavoidedhisfather。Helookedroundtowardhismother，asthoughseekingrefuge。Itwasonlywithhismotherthathewasatease。Meanwhile，AlexeiAlexandrovichwasholdinghissonbytheshoulder，whilehewasspeakingtothegoverness，andSeriozhawassomiserablyuncomfortablethatAnnasawhewasonthepointoftears。

Anna，whohadflushedalittletheinstanthersonhadcomein，noticingthatSeriozhawasuncomfortable，gotuphurriedly，tookAlexeiAlexandrovich’shandfromherson’sshoulder，and，kissingtheboy，ledhimoutontotheterrace，andquicklycameback。

`It’stimetostart，though，’saidshe，glancingatherwatch。

`HowisitBetsydoesn’tcome？……’

`Yes，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，and，gettingup，hefoldedhishandsandcrackedhisfingers。`I’vecometobringyousomemoney，too-fornightingales，weknow，can’tliveonfairytales，’hesaid。`Youwantit，Iexpect？’

`No，Idon’t……Yes，Ido，’shesaid，withoutlookingathim，andcrimsoningtotherootsofherhair。`Butyou’llcomebackhereaftertheraces，Isuppose？’

`Oh，yes！’answeredAlexeiAlexandrovich。`Andhere’sthegloryofPeterhof-PrincessTverskaia，’headded，lookingoutofthewindowattheEnglishharnessedcarriage，withthetinyseatsplacedextremelyhigh。`Whatelegance！Charming！Well，letusbestartingtoo，then。’

PrincessTverskaiadidnotgetoutofhercarriage，butherliveryman，inspatterdashes，acapeandblackhighhat，jumpedoffattheentrance。

`I’mgoing；good-by！’saidAnna，and，kissingherson，shewentuptoAlexeiAlexandrovichandheldoutherhandtohim。`Itwaseversolovelyofyoutocome。’

AlexeiAlexandrovichkissedherhand。

`Well，aurevoir，then！You’llcomebackforsometea-that’llbedelightful！’shesaid，andwentout，radiantandgay。Butassoonashewasoutofsight，shebecameawareofthespotonherhandthathislipshadtouched，andsheshudderedwithrepulsion。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter28[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter28WhenAlexeiAlexandrovichreachedtheracecourseAnnawasalreadysittinginthepavilionbesideBetsy，inthatpavilionwherethehighestsocietyhadgathered。Shecaughtsightofherhusbandinthedistance。Twomen，herhusbandandherlover，werethetwocentersofherexistence，and，unaidedbyherexternalsenses，shewasawareoftheirproximity。Shewasawareofherhusbandapproachingalongwayoff，andshecouldnothelpfollowinghiminthesurgingcrowdinthemidstofwhichhewasmoving。

Shewatchedhisprogresstowardthepavilion，sawhimnowrespondingcondescendinglytoaningratiatingbow，nowexchangingfriendly，nonchalantgreetingswithhisequals，nowassiduouslytryingtocatchtheeyeofsomegreatoneofthisworld，andtakingoffhisbigroundhatthatpresseddownthetipsofhisears。Allthesewaysofhissheknew，andallwerehatefultoher。

`Nothingbutambition，nothingbutdesiretogeton-that’sallthereisinhissoul，’shethought；`asforhisloftyideals，loveofculture，religion，theyareonlysomanytoolsforgettingon。’

Fromhisglancestowardtheladies’pavilion(hewasstaringstraightather，butdidnotdistinguishhiswifeintheseaofmuslin，ribbons，feathers，parasolsandflowers)shesawthathewaslookingforher，butshepurposelyavoidednoticinghim。

`AlexeiAlexandrovich！’PrincessBetsycalledtohim；`I’msureyoudon’tseeyourwife:heresheis。’

Hesmiledhischillysmile。

`There’ssomuchsplendorherethatone’seyesaredazzled，’hesaid，andhewentintothepavilion。Hesmiledtohiswifeasamanshouldsmileonmeetinghiswifeafteronlyjustpartingfromher，andgreetedtheprincessandotheracquaintances，givingtoeachwhatwasdue-thatistosay，jestingwiththeladiesanddealingoutfriendlygreetingsamongthemen。Below，nearthepavilion，wasstandinganadjutantgeneralofwhomAlexeiAlexandrovichhadahighopinion，notedforhisintelligenceandculture。AlexeiAlexandrovichenteredintoconversationwithhim。

Therewasanintervalbetweentheraces，andsonothinghinderedconversation。Theadjutantgeneralexpressedhisdisapprovalofraces。

AlexeiAlexandrovichreplieddefendingthem。Annaheardhishigh，measuredtones，withoutlosingoneword，andeverywordstruckherasfalse，andstabbedherearswithpain。

Whenthefour-verstasteeplechasewasbeginning，shebentforwardandgazedwithfixedeyesatVronskyashewentuptohishorseandmounted，andatthesametimesheheardthatloathsome，never-ceasingvoiceofherhusband。ShewasinanagonyofterrorforVronsky，butastillgreateragonywasthenever-ceasing，asitseemedtoher，streamofherhusband’sshrillvoicewithitsfamiliarintonations。

`I’mawickedwoman，alostwoman，’shethought；`butIdon’tlikelying，Ican’tendurefalsehood，whileasforhim[herhusband]，falsehoodisthebreathoflifetohim。Heknowsallaboutit，heseesitall；whatdoeshecareifhecantalksocalmly？Ifheweretokillme，ifheweretokillVronsky，Imightrespecthim。No，allhewantsisfalsehoodandpropriety，’Annasaidtoherself，notconsideringexactlywhatitwasshewantedofherhusband，andhowshewouldhavelikedtoseehimbehave。

ShedidnotunderstandeitherthatAlexeiAlexandrovich’speculiarloquacitythatday，soexasperatingtoher，wasmerelytheexpressionofhisinwarddistressanduneasiness。Asachildthathasbeenhurthopsabout，puttingallhismusclesintomovementtodrownthepain，inthesamewayAlexeiAlexandrovichneededmentalexercisetodrownthethoughtsofhiswife，thatinherpresenceandinVronsky’s，andwiththecontinualiterationofhisname，wouldforcethemselvesonhisattention。Anditisasnaturalforachildtohopabout，asitwasnaturalforhimtotalkwellandcleverly。

Hewassaying:

`Dangerintheracestoofficers，tocavalrymen，isanessentialelementintherace。IfEnglandcanpointtothemostbrilliantfeatsofcavalryinmilitaryhistory，itissimplyowingtothefactthatshehashistoricallydevelopedthisforcebothinbeastsandinmen。Sporthas，inmyopinion，agreatvalue，and，asisalwaysthecase，weseenothingbutwhatismostsuperficial。’

`It’snotsuperficial，’saidPrincessTverskaia。`Oneoftheofficers，theysay，hasbrokentworibs。’

AlexeiAlexandrovichsmiledhissmile，whichuncoveredhisteeth，butrevealednothingmore。

`We’lladmit，Princess，thatthat’snotsuperficial，’hesaid，`butinternal。Butthat’snotthepoint，’andheturnedagaintothegeneralwithwhomhetalkedseriously；`wemustn’tforgetthatthosewhoaretakingpartintheracearemilitarymen，whohavechosenthatcareer，andonemustallowthateverycallinghasitsdisagreeableside。Itformsanintegralpartofthedutiesofanofficer。Lowsports，suchasprizefightingorSpanishbullfights，areasignofbarbarity。Butspecializedtrialsofskillareasignofdevelopment。’

`No，Ishan’tcomeanothertime；it’stooupsetting，’saidPrincessBetsy。`Isn’tit，Anna？’

`Itisupsetting，butonecan’ttearoneselfaway，’saidanotherlady。`IfI’dbeenaRomanwomanIshouldneverhavemissedasinglecircus。’

Annasaidnothing，and，keepingheroperaglassup，gazedalwaysatthesamespot。

Atthatmomentatallgeneralwalkedthroughthepavilion。Breakingoffwhathewassaying，AlexeiAlexandrovichgotuphurriedly，thoughwithdignity，andbowedlowtothegeneral。

`You’renotracing？’theofficerasked，chaffinghim。

`Myraceisaharderone，’AlexeiAlexandrovichrespondeddeferentially。

Andthoughtheanswermeantnothing，thegenerallookedasthoughhehadheardawittyremarkfromawittyman，andfullyrelishedlapointedelasauce。

`Therearetwoaspects，’AlexeiAlexandrovichresumed:`thosewhotakepartandthosewholookon；andloveforsuchspectaclesisanunmistakableproofofalowdegreeofdevelopmentinthespectator，Iadmit，but……’

`Anybets，Princess？’soundedStepanArkadyevich’svoicefrombelow，addressingBetsy。`Who’syourfavorite？’

`AnnaandIareforKuzovlev，’repliedBetsy。

`I’mforVronsky。Apairofgloves？’

`Done！’

`Butitisaprettysight，isn’tit？’

AlexeiAlexandrovichpausedwhiletheothersweretalkingnearhim，buthebeganagaindirectly。

`Iadmitthatmanlysportsdonot……’hemadeanattempttocontinue。

Butatthatmomenttheracersstarted，andallconversationceased。

AlexeiAlexandrovichalsofellsilent，andeveryonestoodupandturnedtowardthestream。AlexeiAlexandrovichtooknointerestintherace，andsohedidnotwatchtheracers，butfelllistlesslytoscanningthespectatorswithhiswearyeyes。HiseyesresteduponAnna。

Herfacewaswhiteandstern。Shewasobviouslyseeingnothingandnoonebutoneman。Herhandhadconvulsivelyclutchedherfan，andsheheldherbreath。Helookedatherandhastilyturnedaway，scrutinizingotherfaces。

`Buthere’sthisladytoo，andothersverymuchmovedaswell；

it’sverynatural，’AlexeiAlexandrovichtoldhimselfHetriednottolookather，butunconsciouslyhiseyesweredrawntoher。Heexaminedthatfaceagain，tryingnottoreadwhatwassoplainlywrittenonit，andagainsthisownwill，withhorror，readinitwhathedidnotwanttoknow。

Thefirstfall-Kuzovlev’s，atthestream-agitatedeveryone，butAlexeiAlexandrovichsawdistinctlyonAnna’spale，triumphantfacethatthemanshewaswatchinghadnotfallen。When，afterMakhotinandVronskyhadclearedtheworstbarrier，thenextofficerhadbeenthrownstraightonhisheadatitandfatallyinjured，andashudderofhorrorpassedoverthewholepublic，AlexeiAlexandrovichsawthatAnnadidnotevennoticeit，andhadsomedifficultyinrealizingwhattheyweresayingaroundher。Butmoreandmoreoften，andwithgreaterpersistence，hewatchedher。Anna，whollyengrossedasshewaswiththesightofVronskyracing，becameawareofherhusband’scoldeyesfixeduponherfromaside。

Sheglancedroundforaninstant，lookedinquiringlyathim，andwithaslightfrownturnedawayagain。

`Ah，Idon’tcare！’sheseemedtosaytohim，andshedidnotonceglanceathimagain。

Theracewasanunluckyone，andoftheseventeenofficerswhorodeinitmorethanhalfhadbeenthrownandhurt。Towardtheendoftheraceeveryonewasinastateofagitation，whichwasintensifiedbythefactthattheCzarwasdispleased。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter29[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter29Everyonewasloudlyexpressingdisapprobation，everyonewasrepeatingaphrasesomeonehaduttered:`Thelionsandgladiatorswillbethenextthing，’andeveryonewasfeelinghorrified；sothatwhenVronskyfelltotheground，andAnnamoanedaloud，therewasnothingverymuchoutofthewayinit。ButafterwardachangecameoverAnna’sfacewhichreallywentbeyonddecorum。Sheutterlylostherhead。Shebeganflutteringlikeacagedbird，atonemomentwantingtogetupandmoveaway，andatthenextturningtoBetsy。

`Letusgo，letusgo！’shesaid。

ButBetsydidnothearher。Shewasbendingdown，talkingtoageneralwhohadcomeuptoher。

AlexeiAlexandrovichwentuptoAnnaandcourteouslyofferedherhisarm。

`Letusgo，ifyoulike，’hesaidinFrench，butAnnawaslisteningtothegeneralanddidnotnoticeherhusband。

`He’sbrokenhislegtoo，sotheysay，’thegeneralwassaying。

`Thissurpasseseverything。’

Withoutansweringherhusband，AnnaliftedheroperaglassandgazedtowardtheplacewhereVronskyhadfallen；butitwassofaroff，andtherewassuchacrowdofpeopleaboutit，thatshecouldmakeoutnothing。Sheputdowntheoperaglass，andwouldhavemovedaway，butatthatmomentanofficergallopedupandmadesomeannouncementtotheCzar。

Annacranedforward，listening。

`Stiva！Stiva！’shecriedtoherbrother。

Butherbrotherdidnothearher。Againshewouldhavemovedaway。

`OncemoreIofferyoumyarmifyouwanttobegoing，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，reachingforherhand。

Shedrewbackfromhimwithaversion，andwithoutlookingathisfaceanswered:

`No，no，leavemealone-I’llstay。’

ShesawnowthatfromtheplaceofVronsky’saccidentanofficerwasrunningacrossthecoursetowardthepavilion。Betsywavedherhandkerchieftohim。Theofficerbroughtthenewsthattheriderwasnotkilled，butthatthebackofthehorsehadbeenbroken。

OnhearingthisAnnasatdownhurriedly，andhidherfaceinherfan。AlexeiAlexandrovichsawthatshewasweeping，andcouldnotcontrolhertears，noreventhesobsthatwereshakingherbosom。AlexeiAlexandrovichstoodsoastoscreenher，givinghertimetorecoverherself。

`ForthethirdtimeIofferyoumyarm，’hesaidtoherafterashortinterval，turningtoher。Annagazedathimanddidnotknowwhattosay。PrincessBetsycametoherrescue。

`No，AlexeiAlexandrovich；IbroughtAnnaandIpromisedtotakeherhome，’putinBetsy。

`Excuseme，Princess，’hesaidsmilingcourteously，butlookingherveryfirmlyintheface，`butIseethatAnna’snotverywell，andIwishhertocomehomewithme。’

Annalookedaboutherinafrightenedway，gotupsubmissively，andlaidherhandonherhusband’sarm。

`I’llsendtohimandfindout，andletyouknow，’Betsywhisperedtoher。

Astheyleftthepavilion，AlexeiAlexandrovich，asalways，talkedtothosehemet，andAnnahad，asalways，totalkandanswer；butshewasutterlybesideherself，andmovedhangingonherhusband’sarm，asthoughinadream。

`Ishekilledornot？Isittrue？Willhecomeornot？ShallI

seehimtoday？’shewasthinking。

Shetookherseatinherhusband’scarriageinsilence，andinsilencedroveoutofthepressofcarriages。Inspiteofallhehadseen，AlexeiAlexandrovichstilldidnotallowhimselftoconsiderhiswife’srealcondition。Hemerelysawtheoutwardsymptoms。Hesawthatshewasbehavingunbecomingly，andconsideredithisdutytotellherso。Butitwasverydifficultforhimnottosaymore，totellhernothingbutthat。

Heopenedhismouthtotellhershehadbehavedunbecomingly，buthecouldnothelpsayingsomethingutterlydifferent。

`Whataninclinationweallhave，though，forthesecruelspectacles！

hesaid。`Iobserve……’

`Eh？Idon’tunderstand，’saidAnnacontemptuously。

Hewasoffended，andatoncebegantosaywhathehadmeanttosay。

`Iamobligedtotellyou……’hebegan。

`Sonowwearetohaveitout，’shethought，andshefeltfrightened。

`Iamobligedtotellyouthatyourbehaviorhasbeenunbecomingtoday，’hesaidtoher，inFrench。

`Inwhatwayhasmybehaviorbeenunbecoming？’shesaidaloud，turningherheadswiftlyandlookinghimstraightintheface，notwiththebrightexpressionthatseemedcoveringsomething，butwithalookofdetermination，underwhichsheconcealedwithdifficultythedismayshewasfeeling。

`Becareful，’hesaid，pointingtotheopenwindowoppositethecoachman。

Hegotupandpulledupthewindow。

`Whatdidyouconsiderunbecoming？’sherepeated。

`Thedespairyouwereunabletoconcealattheaccidenttooneoftheriders。’

Hewaitedforhertoretort，butshewassilent，lookingstraightbeforeher。

`Ihavealreadybeggedyousotoconductyourselfinsocietythatevenmalicioustonguescanfindnothingtosayagainstyou。TherewasatimewhenIspokeofyourinwardattitude，butIamnotspeakingofthatnow。NowIspeakonlyofyourexternalattitude。Youhavebehavedimproperly，andIwouldwishitnottooccuragain。’

Shedidnothearhalfofwhathewassaying；shefeltpanic-strickenbeforehim，andwasthinkingwhetheritwastruethatVronskywasnotkilled。

Wasitofhimtheywerespeakingwhentheysaidtheriderwasunhurt，butthatthebackofthehorsehadbeenbroken？Shemerelysmiledwithaforcedsmilewhenhefinished，andmadenoreply，becauseshehadnotheardwhathesaid。AlexeiAlexandrovichhadbeguntospeakboldly，butasherealizedplainlywhathewasspeakingof，thedismayshewasfeelinginfectedhimtoo。Hesawthesmile，andastrangemisapprehensioncameoverhim。

`Sheissmilingatmysuspicions。Yes，shewilltellmedirectlywhatshetoldmebefore；thatthereisnofoundationformysuspicions，thatthewholethingisabsurd。’

Atthatmoment，whentherevelationofeverythingwashangingoverhim，therewasnothingheexpectedsomuchasthatshewouldanswermockingly，asbefore，thathissuspicionswereabsurdandutterlygroundless。

Soterribletohimwaswhatheknewthatnowhewasreadytobelieveanything。

Buttheexpressionofherface，scaredandgloomy，didnotnowpromiseevendeception。

`PossiblyIwasmistaken，’saidhe。`Ifso，Ibegyourpardon。’

`No，youwerenotmistaken，’shesaidslowly，lookingdesperatelyintohisfrigidface。`Youwerenotmistaken。Iwasindespair，norcouldIhelpbeingindespair。Iamlisteningtoyou，butIamthinkingofhim。

Ilovehim，Iamhismistress；Ican’tbearyou；I’mafraidofyou，andIhateyou……Youcandowhatyouliketome。’

Anddroppingbackintothecornerofthecarriage，shebrokeintosobs，hidingherfaceinherhands。AlexeiAlexandrovichdidnotstir，andkeptlookingstraightbeforehim。Buthiswholefacesuddenlyborethesolemnrigidityofthedead，andhisexpressiondidnotchangeduringthewholetimeofthedrivehome。Onreachingthehouseheturnedhisheadtoher，stillwiththesameexpression。

`Verywell！ButIexpectastrictobservanceoftheexternalformsofproprietytillsuchtime’-hisvoiceshook-`asImaytakemeasurestosecuremyhonor，andcommunicatethemtoyou。’

Hegotoutfirstandhelpedhertogetout。Beforetheservantshepressedherhand，tookhisseatinthecarriage，anddrovebacktoPeterburg。

ImmediatelyafterwardafootmancamefromPrincessBetsyandbroughtAnnaanote。

`IsenttoAlexeitofindouthowheis，andhewritesmeheisquitewellandunhurt，butindespair。’

`Sohewillbehere，’shethought。`WhatagoodthingItoldhimall。’

Sheglancedatherwatch。Shehadstillthreehourstowait，andthememoriesoftheirlastmeetingsetherbloodinflame。

`MyGod，howlightitis！It’sdreadful，butIdolovetoseehisface，andIdolovethisfantasticlight……Myhusband！Oh！yes……

Well，thankGod！everything’satanendwithhim。’

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter30[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter30InthelittleGermanwateringplacetowhichtheShcherbatskyshadbetakenthemselves，asinallplacesindeedwherepeoplearegatheredtogether，theusualprocess，asitwere，ofthecrystallizationofsocietywenton，assigningtoeachmemberofthatsocietyadefiniteandunalterableplace。

Justastheparticleofwaterinfrost，definitelyandunalterably，takesthespecialformofthecrystalofsnow，soeachnewpersonthatarrivedatthespringswasatonceplacedinhisorherpeculiarplace。

Fü；rstShcherbatsky，samtGemahlinundTochter，bytheapartmentstheytook，andfromtheirnameandfromthefriendstheymade，wereimmediatelycrystallizedintoadefiniteplacemarkedoutforthem。

TherewasvisitingthewateringplacethatyeararealGermanFü；rstin，inconsequenceofwhichthecrystallizingprocesswentonmorevigorouslythanever。PrincessShcherbatskywished，aboveeverything，topresentherdaughtertothisGermanPrincess，andthedayaftertheirarrivalshedulyperformedthisrite。Kittymadealowandgracefulcurtsyinthe`verysimple，’thatistosay，veryelegantfrockthathadbeenorderedforherfromParis。TheGermanPrincesssaid，`Ihopetheroseswillsooncomebacktothisprettylittleface，’andfortheShcherbatskygcertaindefinitelinesofexistencewereatoncelaiddown，fromwhichtherewasnodeparting。TheShcherbatskysmadetheacquaintancetooofthefamilyofanEnglishlady，andofaGermanCountessandherson，woundedinthelastwar，andofalearnedSwede，andofM。Canutandhissister。

YetinevitablytheShcherbatskyswerethrownmostintothesocietyofaMoscowlady，MaryaEugenyevnaRtishchevaandherdaughter，whomKittydisliked，becauseshehadfallenill，likeherself，overaloveaffair；andaMoscowcolonel，whomKittyhadknownfromchildhood，andhadalwaysseeninuniformandepaulets，andwhonow，withhislittleeyesandhisopenneckandfloweredcravat，wasuncommonlyridiculousandtedious，becausetherewasnogettingridofhim。Whenallthiswassofirmlyestablished，Kittybegantobeverymuchbored，especiallyasthePrincewentofftoCarlsbadandshewasleftalonewithhermother。Shetooknointerestinthepeoplesheknew，feelingthatnothingfreshwouldcomeofthem。Herchiefmentalinterestinthewateringplaceconsistedinwatchingandmakingtheoriesaboutthepeopleshedidnotknow。ItwascharacteristicofKittythatshealwaysimaginedeverythinginpeopleinthemostfavorablelightpossible，especiallysointhoseshedidnotknow。Andnow，asshemadesurmisesastowhopeoplewere，whatweretheirrelationstooneanother，andwhattheywerelike，Kittyendowedthemwiththemostmarvelousandnoblecharacters，andfoundconfirmationinherobservations。

OfthesepeopletheonethatattractedhermostwasaRussiangirlwhohadcometothewateringplacewithaninvalidRussianlady，MadameStahl，aseveryonecalledher。MadameStahlbelongedtothehighestsociety，butshewassoillthatshecouldnotwalk，andonlyonexceptionallyfinedaysmadeherappearanceatthespringsinaninvalidcarriage。Butitwasnotsomuchfromill-healthasfrompride-soPrincessShcherbatskaiainterpretedit-thatMadameStahlhadnotmadetheacquaintanceofanyoneamongtheRussiansthere。TheRussiangirllookedafterMadameStahl，andbesidesthat，shewas，asKittyobserved，onfriendlytermswithalltheinvalidswhowereseriouslyill-andthereweremanyofthematthesprings-andwassolicitousovertheminthemostnaturalway。ThisRussiangirlwasnot，asKittygathered，relatedtoMadameStahl，norwassheapaidattendant。MadameStahlcalledherVarenka，andotherpeoplecalledher`MademoiselleVarenka。’ApartfromtheinterestKittytookinthisgirl’srelationswithMadameStahlandwithotherunknownpersons，Kitty，asoftenhappened，feltaninexplicableattractiontoMademoiselleVarenka，andwasawarewhentheireyesmetthatshetoolikedher。

OfMademoiselleVarenkaonewouldnotsaythatshehadpassedherfirstyouth，butshewas，asitwere，acreaturewithoutyouth；shemighthavebeentakenfornineteenorforthirty。Ifherfeatureswerecriticizedseparately，shewashandsomeratherthatplain，inspiteofthesicklyhueofherface。Herswouldhavebeenagoodfigure，too，ifithadnotbeenforherextremethinnessandthesizeofherhead，whichwastoolargeforhermediumheight。Butshewasnotlikelytobeattractivetomen。Shewaslikeafineflower，alreadypastitsbloomandwithoutfragrance，thoughthepetalswerestillunwithered。Moreover，shewouldhavebeenunattractivetomenalsofromthelackofjustwhatKittyhadtoomuchof-ofthesuppressedfireofvitality，andtheconsciousnessofherownattractiveness。

Shealwaysseemedabsorbedinwork，beyondadoubt，andsoitseemedasifshecouldtakenointerestinanythingoutsideit。ItwasjustthiscontrastwithherownpositionthatwasforKittythegreatattractionofMademoiselleVarenka。Kittyfeltthatinher，inhermanneroflife，shewouldfindanexampleofwhatshewasnowsopainfullyseeking:interestinlife，adignityinlife-apartfromtheworldlyrelationsofgirlswithmen，whichsorevoltedKitty，andappearedtohernowasashamefulexhibitionofgoodsinsearchofapurchaser。ThemoreattentivelyKittywatchedherunknownfriend，themoreconvincedshewasthatthisgirlwastheperfectcreatureshefanciedher，andthemoreeagerlyshewishedtomakeheracquaintance。

Thetwogirlsusedtomeetseveraltimesaday，andeverytimetheymetKitty’seyessaid:`Whoareyou？Whatareyou？AreyoureallytheexquisitecreatureIimagineyoutobe？Butforgoodness’sakedon’tsuppose，’hereyesadded，`thatIwouldforcemyacquaintanceonyou-

Isimplyadmireyouandlikeyou。’`Ilikeyoutoo，andyou’revery，verysweet。AndIshouldlikeyoubetterstill，ifIhadtime，’answeredtheeyesoftheunknowngirl。Kittysaw，indeed，thatshewasalwaysbusy。

EithershewastakingthechildrenofaRussianfamilyhomefromthesprings，orfetchingashawlforasicklady，andwrappingherupinit，ortryingtointerestanirritableinvalid，orselectingandbuyingteacakesforsomeone。

SoonafterthearrivaloftheShcherbatskysthereappearedinthemorningcrowdatthespringstwopersonswhoattracteduniversalandunfavorableattention。Thesewereatallmanwithastoopingfigureandhugehands，inanoldcoattooshortforhim，withblack，simple，andyetterribleeyes，andapock-marked，kind-lookingwoman，verybadlyandtastelesslydressed。RecognizingthesepersonsasRussians，Kittyhadalreadyinherimaginationbegunconstructingadelightfulandtouchingromanceaboutthem。ButthePrincess，havingascertainedfromtheKurlistethatthiswasNikolaiLevinandMaryaNikolaevna，explainedtoKittywhatabadmanthisLevinwas，andallherfanciesaboutthesetwopeoplevanished。Notsomuchfromwhathermothertoldher，asfromthefactthatitwasKonstantin’sbrother，thispairsuddenlyseemedtoKittyinthehighestdegreeunpleasant。

ThisLevin，withhiscontinualtwitchingofhishead，arousedinhernowanirrepressiblefeelingofdisgust。

Itseemedtoherthathisbig，terribleeyes，whichpersistentlypursuedher，expressedafeelingofhatredandcontempt，andshetriedtoavoidmeetinghim。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter31[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter31Itwasafoulday；ithadbeenrainingallthemorning，andtheinvalids，withtheirparasols，hadflockedintothearcades。

KittywaswalkingtherewithhermotherandtheMoscowcolonel，smartandjauntyinhisEuropeancoat，boughtready-madeatFrankfort。

Theywerewalkingononesideofthearcade，tryingtoavoidLevin，whowaswalkingontheotherside。Varenka，inherdarkdress，inablackhatwithaturndownbrim，waswalkingupanddownthewholelengthofthearcadewithablindFrenchwoman，and，everytimeshemetKitty，theyexchangedfriendlyglances。

`Mamma，couldn’tIspeaktoher？’saidKitty，watchingherunknownfriend，andnoticingthatshewasgoinguptothespring，andthattheymightcometheretogether。

`Oh，ifyouwanttosomuch，I’llfindoutaboutherfirstandmakeheracquaintancemyself，’answeredhermother。`Whatdoyouseeinheroutoftheway？Acompanion，mostprobably。Ifyoulike，I’llmakeacquaintancewithMadameStahl；Iusedtoknowherbelle-soeur，’addedthePrincess，liftingherheadhaughtily。

KittyknewthatthePrincesswasoffendedbecauseMadameStahlhadapparentlyavoidedmakingheracquaintance。Kittydidnotinsist。

`Howwonderfullysweetsheis！’shesaid，gazingatVarenkajustasshehandedaglasstotheFrenchwoman。`Lookhownaturalandsweetitallis。’

`It’ssofunnytoseeyourengouements，’saidthePrincess。`No，we’dbettergoback，’sheadded，noticingLevincomingtowardthemwithhiscompanionandaGermandoctor，towhomhewastalkingverynoisilyandangrily。

Theyturnedtogoback，whensuddenlytheyheard，notmerelynoisytalk，butactualshouting。Levin，stoppingshort，wasshoutingatthedoctor，andthedoctor，too，wasexcited。Acrowdgatheredaboutthem。ThePrincessandKittybeatahastyretreat，whilethecoloneljoinedthecrowdtofindoutwhatwasup。

Afewminuteslaterthecolonelovertookthem。

`Whatwasit？’inquiredthePrincess。

`Scandalousanddisgraceful！’answeredthecolonel。`TheonethingtobedreadedismeetingRussiansabroad。Thattallgentlemanwasabusingthedoctor，flingingallsortsofinsultsathimbecausehewasn’ttreatinghimquiteasheliked，andhebeganwavinghisstickathim。It’ssimplyscandalous！’

`Oh，howunpleasant！’saidthePrincess。`Well，andhowdiditend？’

`Luckilyatthatpointthatmiss……theoneinthemushroomhat……

intervened。SheisaRussianlady，Ithink，’saidthecolonel。

`MademoiselleVarenka？’Kittyaskedjoyously。

`Yes，yes。Shecametotherescuebeforeanyoneelse；shetookthemanbythearmandledhimaway。’

`There，mamma，’saidKitty，`yetyouwonderwhyI’menthusiasticabouther。’

Thenextday，asshewatchedherunknownfriend，KittynoticedthatMademoiselleVarenkawasalreadyonthesametermswithLevinandhiscompanionaswithherotherproteges。Shewentuptothem，enteredintoconversationwiththem，andservedasinterpreterforthewoman，whocouldnotspeakanyforeignlanguage。

KittybegantoentreathermotherstillmoreurgentlytolethermakeacquaintancewithVarenka。And，disagreeableasitwastothePrincesstoseemtotakethefirststepinwishingtomaketheacquaintanceofMadameStahl，whothoughtfittogiveherselfairs，shemadeinquiriesaboutVarenka，and，havingascertainedparticularsabouthertendingtoprovethattherecouldhenoharm，eveniflittlegoodintheacquaintance，sheherselfapproachedVarenkaandmadeacquaintancewithher。

Choosingatimewhenherdaughterhadgonetothespring，whileVarenkahadstoppedoutsidethebaker’s，thePrincessapproachedher。

`Allowmetomakeyouracquaintance，’shesaid，withherdignifiedsmile。`Mydaughterhaslostherhearttoyou，’shesaid。`Possiblyyoudonotknowme。Iam……’

`Thatfeelingismorethanreciprocal，Princess，’Varenkaansweredhurriedly。

`Whatagooddeedyoudidyesterdaytoourpoorcompatriot！’saidthePrincess。

Varenkaflushedalittle。

`Idon’tremember。Idon’tthinkIdidanything，’shesaid。

`Why，yousavedthatLevinfromdisagreeableconsequences。’

`Yes，sacompagnecalledme，andItriedtopacifyhim；he’sveryill，andwasdissatisfiedwiththedoctor。I’musedtolookingaftersuchinvalids。’

`Yes，I’veheardyouliveatMentonewithyouraunt-Ithink-MadameStahl:Iusedtoknowherbelle-soeur。’

`No，she’snotmyaunt。Icallhermaman，butIamnotrelatedtoher；Iwasbroughtupbyher，’answeredVarenka，flushingalittleagain。

Thiswassosimplysaid，andsosweetwasthetruthfulandcandidexpressionofherface，thatthePrincesssawwhyKittyhadtakensuchafancytoVarenka。

`Well，andwhat’sthisLevingoingtodo？’askedthePrincess。

`He’sgoingaway，’answeredVarenka。

AtthatinstantKittycameupfromthespringbeamingwithdelightbecausehermotherhadbecomeacquaintedwithherunknownfriend。

`See，Kitty，yourintensedesiretomakefriendswithMademoiselle……’

`Varenka，’Varenkaputinsmiling，`that’swhateveryonecallsme。’

Kittyblushedwithpleasure，andslowly，withoutspeaking，squeezedhernewfriend’shand，whichdidnotrespondtoherpressure，butlaymotionlessinherhand。Thehanddidnotrespondtoherpressure，butthefaceofMademoiselleVarenkaglowedwithasoft，glad，thoughrathermournful，smile，thatshowedlargebuthandsometeeth。

`Ihavelongwishedforthistoo，’shesaid。

`But`Butyouaresobusy……’

`Oh，noI’mnotatallbusy，’answeredVarenka，butatthatmomentshehadtoleavehernewfriendsbecausetwolittleRussiangirls，childrenofaninvalid，ranuptoher。

`Varenka，mamma’scalling！’theycried。

AndVarenkawentafterthem。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter32[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter32TheparticularswhichthePrincesshadlearnedinregardtoVarenka’spastandherrelationswithMadameStahlwereasfollows:

MadameStahl，ofwhomsomepeoplesaidthatshehadworriedherhusbandoutofhislife，whileotherssaiditwashewhohadmadeherwretchedbyhisimmoralbehavior，hadalwaysbeenawomanofweakhealthandenthusiastictemperament。When，afterherseparationfromherhusband，shegavebirthtoheronlychild，thechildhaddiedalmostimmediately，andthefamilyofMadameStahl，knowinghersensibilityandfearingthenewswouldkillher，hadsubstitutedanotherchild，ababybornthesamenightandinthesamehouseinPeterburg，thedaughterofthechiefcookoftheImperialHousehold。ThiswasVarenka。MadameStahllearnedlateronthatVarenkawasnotherownchild，butshewentonbringingherup，especiallyasverysoonafterwardVarenkahadnotarelationofherownliving。

MadameStahlhadnowbeenlivingwithoutabreak，morethantenyearsabroad，inthesouth，neverleavinghercouch。AndsomepeoplesaidthatMadameStahlhadmadehersocialpositionasaphilanthropic，highlyreligiouswoman；otherpeoplesaidshereallywasatheartthehighlyethicalbeing，livingfornothingbutthegoodofherfellowcreatures，whichsherepresentedherselftobe。Nooneknewwhatherfaithwas-Catholic，Protestant，orOrthodox。Butonefactwasindubitable-shewasinamicablerelationswiththehighestdignitariesofallthechurchesandsects。

Varenkalivedwithherallthewhileabroad，andeveryonewhoknewMadameStahlknewandlikedMademoiselleVarenka，aseveryonecalledher。

Havinglearnedallthesefacts，thePrincessfoundnothingtoobjecttoinherdaughter’sintimacywithVarenka，moreespeciallyasVarenka’sbreedingandeducationwereofthebest-shespokeFrenchandEnglishextremelywell-and，whatwasofthemostweight，broughtamessagefromMadameStahlexpressingherregretthatshehadbeenpreventedbyherill-healthfrommakingtheacquaintanceofthePrincess。

AftergettingtoknowVarenka，Kittybecamemoreandmorefascinatedbyherfriend，andeverydayshediscoverednewvirtuesinher。

ThePrincess，hearingthatVarenkahadagoodvoice，askedhertocomeandsingtothemintheevening。

`Kittyplays，andwehaveapiano；notagoodone，it’strue，butyouwillgiveussomuchpleasure，’saidthePrincesswithheraffectedsmile，whichKittydislikedparticularlyjustthen，becauseshenoticedthatVarenkahadnoinclinationtosing。Varenkacame，however，intheevening，andbroughtarollofmusicwithher。ThePrincesshadinvitedMaryaEugenyevnaandherdaughter，andthecolonel。

Varenkaseemedquiteunaffectedbythepresenceofpersonswhomshedidnotknow，andshewentdirectlytothepiano。Shecouldnotaccompanyherself，butshecouldsingmusicatsightverywell。Kitty，whoplayedwell，accompaniedher。

`Youhaveanextraordinarytalent，’thePrincesssaidtoherafterVarenkahadsungthefirstsongexcellently。

MaryaEugenyevnaandherdaughterexpressedtheirthanksandadmiration。

`Look，’saidthecolonel，lookingoutofthewindow，`whatanaudiencehascollectedtolistentoyou。’

Thereactuallywasaconsiderablecrowdunderthewindows。

`Iamverygladitgivesyoupleasure，’Varenkaansweredsimply。

Kittylookedwithprideatherfriend。Shewasenchantedbyhertalent，andhervoice，andherface，butmostofallbyhermanner，byVarenka’sobviouslythinkingnothingofhersingingandbeingquiteunmovedbytheirpraise。Sheseemedonlytobeasking:`AmItosingagain，oristhatenough？’

`IfithadbeenI，’thoughtKitty，`howproudIshouldhavebeen！

HowdelightedIshouldhavebeentoseethatcrowdunderthewindows！Butshe’sutterlyunmovedbyit。Heronlymotiveistoavoidrefusingandtopleasemaman。Whatisthereabouther？Whatisitgivesherthepowertolookdownoneverything，tobecalmindependentlyofeverything？HowI

shouldliketoknowit，andtolearnitfromher！’thoughtKitty，gazingintohersereneface。ThePrincessaskedVarenkatosingagain，andVarenkasanganothersong，alsosmoothly，distinctly，andwell，standingerectatthepianoandbeatingtimeonitwithherthin，dark-skinnedhand。

ThenextsonginthebookwasanItalianone。Kittyplayedtheopeningbars，andlookedroundatVarenka。

`Let’sskipthat，’saidVarenka，flushingalittle。

KittylethereyesrestonVarenka’sface，withalookofdismayandinquiry。

`Verywell，thenextone，’shesaidhurriedly，turningoverthepages，andatoncefeelingthattherewassomethingconnectedwiththesong。

`No，’answeredVarenkawithasmile，layingherhandonthemusic，`no，let’shavethatone。’Andshesangitjustasquietly，ascoolly，andaswellastheothers。

Whenshehadfinished，theyallthankedheragain，andwentofftotea。KittyandVarenkawentoutintothelittlegardenthatadjoinedthehouse。

`AmIright，thatyouhavesomereminiscencesconnectedwiththatsong？’saidKitty。`Don’ttellme，’sheaddedhastily，`onlysayifI’mright。’

`No，whynot？I’lltellyou，’saidVarenkasimply，and，withoutwaitingforareply，shewenton:`Yes，itbringsupmemories，oncepainfulones。Icaredforsomeoneonce，andIusedtosinghimthatsong。’

Kittywithbig，wide-openeyesgazedsilently，sympatheticallyatVarenka。

`Icaredforhim，andhecaredforme；buthismotherwasopposed，andhemarriedanothergirl。He’slivingnownotfarfromus，andIseehimsometimes。Youdidn’tthinkIhadalovestory，too，’shesaid，andtherewasafaintgleaminherhandsomefaceofthatfirewhichKittyfeltmustoncehaveglowedalloverher。

`Ididn’tthinkso？Why，ifIwereaman，Icouldnevercareforanyoneelseafterknowingyou。OnlyIcan’tunderstandhowhecould，topleasehismother，forgetyouandmakeyouunhappy；hehadnoheart。’

`Oh，no，he’saverygoodman，andI’mnotunhappy；quitethecontrary-I’mveryhappy。Well，weshan’tbesinginganymorenow，’sheadded，turningtowardthehouse。

`Howgoodyouare！Howgoodyouare！’criedKitty，andstoppingher，shekissedher。`IfIcouldonlybeevenalittlelikeyou！’

`Whyshouldyoubelikeanyone？You’relovelyasyouare，’saidVarenka，smilinghergentle，wearysmile。

`No，I’mnotlovelyatall。Come，tellme……Stopaminute，let’ssitdown，’saidKitty，makinghersitdownagainbesideher。`Tellme，isn’tithumiliatingtothinkthatamanhasdisdainedyourlove，thathehasn’tcaredforit？……’

`Buthedidn’tdisdainit；Ibelievehecaredforme，buthewasadutifulson……’

`Yes，butifithadn’tbeenonaccountofhismother，ifithadbeenhisowndoing？……’saidKitty，feelingshewasgivingawayhersecret，andthatherface，burningwiththeflushofshame，hadbetrayedheralready。

`Inthatcasehewouldhavedonewrong，andIshouldnothaveregrettedhim，’answeredVarenka，evidentlyrealizingthattheywerenowtalkingnotofher，butofKitty。

`Butthehumiliation，’saidKitty，`thehumiliationonecanneverforget-never！’shesaid，rememberingherlookatthelastballduringthepauseinthemusic。

`Whereisthehumiliation？Why，youdidnothingwrong？’

`Worsethanwrong-shameful。’

VarenkashookherheadandlaidherhandonKitty’s。

`Why，what’sshamefulaboutit？’shesaid。`Youdidn’ttellamanwhodidn’tcareforyou，thatyoulovedhim，didyou？’

`Ofcoursenot；Ineversaidaword，butheknewit。No，no，therearelooks，thereareways；Ican’tforgetit，ifIliveahundredyears。’

`Whyso？Idon’tunderstand。Thewholepointiswhetheryoulovehimnowornot，’saidVarenka，whocalledeverythingbyitsname。

`Ihatehim；Ican’tforgivemyself。’

`Why，whatfor？’

`Theshame，thehumiliation！’

`Oh！ifeveryonewereassensitiveasyouare！’saidVarenka。

`Thereisn’tagirlwhohasn’tbeenthroughthesame。Andit’sallsounimportant。’

`Why，whatisimportant？’saidKitty，lookingintoherfacewithinquisitivewonder。

`Oh，there’ssomuchthat’simportant，’saidVarenka，smiling。

`Why，what？’

`Oh，somuchthat’smoreimportant，’answeredVarenka，notknowingwhattosay。ButatthatinstanttheyheardthePrincess’svoicefromthewindow。`Kitty，it’scold！Eithergetashawl，orcomeindoors。’

`Itreallyistimetogoin！’saidVarenka，gettingup。`IhavetogoontoMadameBerthe’s；sheaskedmeto。’

Kittyheldherbythehand，andwithpassionatecuriosityandentreatyhereyesaskedher:`Whatisit，whatisthisofsuchimportance，thatgivesyousuchtranquility？Youknow，tellme！’ButVarenkadidnotevenknowwhatKitty’seyeswereaskingher。ShemerelythoughtthatshehadtogotoseeMadameBerthetoothatevening，andtomakehastehomeintimeformaman’steaattwelveo’clock。Shewentindoors，collectedhermusic，andsayinggood-bytoeveryone，wasabouttogo。

`Allowmetoseeyouhome，’saidthecolonel。

`Yes，howcanyougoaloneatnightlikethis？’chimedinthePrincess。`Anyway，I’llsendParasha。’

KittysawthatVarenkacouldhardlyrestrainasmileattheideathatsheneededanescort。

`No，Ialwaysgoaboutaloneandnothingeverhappenstome，’

shesaid，takingherhat。AndkissingKittyoncemore，withoutsayingwhatwasimportant，shesteppedoutcourageouslywiththemusicunderherarmandvanishedintothetwilightofthesummernight，bearingawaywithherhersecretofwhatwasimportant，andwhatgaveherthatcalmanddignitysomuchtobeenvied。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter33[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter33KittymadetheacquaintanceofMadameStahltoo，andthisacquaintance，togetherwithherfriendshipwithVarenka，didnotmerelyexerciseagreatinfluenceonher-italsocomfortedherinhermentaldistress。Shefoundthiscomfortthroughacompletelynewworldbeingopenedtoherbymeansofthisacquaintance，aworldhavingnothingincommonwithherpast；anexalted，nobleworld，fromtheheightofwhichshecouldcontemplateherpastcalmly。ItwasrevealedtoherthatbesidestheinstinctivelifetowhichKittyhadgivenherselfuphithertotherewasaspirituallife。Thislifewasdisclosedinreligion，butareligionhavingnothingincommonwiththatonewhichKittyhadknownfromchildhood，andwhichfoundexpressioninmassesandeveningservicesattheWidow’sHome，whereonemightmeetone’sfriends；andinlearningbyheartSlavonictextswiththepriest。

Thiswasalofty，mysteriousreligionconnectedwithawholeseriesofnoblethoughtsandfeelings，whichonecouldnotmerelybelievebecauseonewastoldtobelieve，butwhichonecouldlove。