第10章

Kittyfoundallthisoutnotfromwords。MadameStahltalkedtoKittyastoacharmingchildthatoneregardswithpleasure，asoneregardsthememoryofone’syouth，andonlyonceshesaidinpassingthatinallhumansorrowsnothinggivescomfortbutloveandfaith，andthatinthesightofChrist’scompassionforusnosorrowistrifling-andimmediatelytalkedofotherthings。ButineverygestureofMadameStahl，ineveryword，ineveryheavenly-asKittycalledit-look；and，aboveall，inthewholestoryofherlife，whichsheheardfromVarenka，Kittyrecognizedthatsomething`thatwasimportant，’ofwhich，tillthen，shehadknownnothing。

Yet，elevatedasMadameStahl’scharacterwas，touchingaswasherstory，andexaltedandmovingaswasherspeech，Kittycouldnothelpdetectinginhersometraitswhichperplexedher。Shenoticedthat，whenquestioningheraboutherfamily，MadameStahlhadsmiledcontemptuously，whichwasnotinaccordwithChristianmeekness。Kittynoticed，too，thatwhenshehadfoundaCatholicpriestwithher，MadameStahlhadstudiouslykeptherfaceintheshadowofthelampshadeandhadsmiledinapeculiarway。Trivialasthesetwoobservationswere，theyperplexedher，andshehadherdoubtsastoMadameStahl。ButontheotherhandVarenka，aloneintheworld，withoutfriendsorrelations，withamelancholydisappointmentinthepast，desiringnothing，regrettingnothing，wasjustthatperfectionofwhichKittydaredhardlydream。InVarenkasherealizedthatonehasbuttoforgetoneselfandloveothers，andonewillbecalm，happyandgood。AndthatwaswhatKittylongedtobe。Seeingnowclearlywhatwasmostimportant，Kittywasnotsatisfiedwithbeingenthusiasticoverit；

sheatoncegaveherselfupwithherwholesoultothenewlifethatwasopeningtoher。FromVarenka’saccountsofthedoingsofMadameStahlandotherpeoplewhomshementioned，Kittyhadalreadyconstructedtheplanofherownfuturelife。Shewould，likeMadameStahl’sniece，Aline，ofwhomVarenkahadtalkedtoheragreatdeal，seekoutthosewhowereintrouble，wherevershemightbeliving，helpthemasfarasshecould，givingthemtheGospel；shewouldreadtheGospeltothesick，tothecriminals，tothedying。TheideaofreadingtheGospeltocriminals，asAlinedid，particularlyfascinatedKitty。Butalltheseweresecretdreams，ofwhichKittydidnottalkeithertohermotherortoVarenka。

Whileawaitingthetimeforcarryingoutherplansonalargescale，however，Kitty，eventhenatthesprings，wherethereweresomanypeopleillandunhappy，readilyfoundachanceforpracticinghernewprinciplesinimitationofVarenka。

AtfirstthePrincessnoticednothingbutthatKittywasmuchundertheinfluenceofherengouement，asshecalledit，forMadameStahl，andstillmoreforVarenka。ShesawthatKittydidnotmerelyimitateVarenkainherconduct，butunconsciouslyimitatedherinhermannerofwalking，oftalking，ofblinkinghereyes。ButlateronthePrincessnoticedthat，apartfromthisadoration，somekindofseriousspiritualchangewastakingplaceinherdaughter。

ThePrincesssawthatintheeveningsKittyreadaFrenchTestamentthatMadameStahlhadgivenher-athingshehadneverdonebefore；thatsheavoidedsocietyacquaintancesandassociatedwiththesickpeoplewhowereunderVarenka’sprotection，andespeciallyonepoorfamily，thatofasickpainter，Petrov。Kittywasunmistakablyproudofplayingthepartofasisterofmercyinthatfamily。Allthiswaswellenough，andthePrincesshadnothingtosayagainstit，especiallyasPetrov’swifewasaperfectlyrespectablewoman，andthattheGermanPrincess，noticingKitty’sdevotion，praisedher，callingheranangelofconsolation。Allthiswouldhavebeenverywell，iftherehadbeennoexaggeration。ButthePrincesssawthatherdaughterwasrushingintoextremes，andsoindeedshetoldher。

`Ilnefautjamaisrienoutrer，’shesaidtoher。

Herdaughtermadehernoreply，butinherheartshethoughtthatonecouldnottalkaboutexaggerationwhereChristianitywasconcerned。

Whatexaggerationcouldtherebeinthepracticeofadoctrinewhereinonewasbiddentoturntheothercheekwhenonewassmitten，andgiveone’sshirtifone’scoatweretaken？ButthePrincessdislikedthisexaggeration，anddislikedevenmorethefactthatshefeltherdaughterdidnotcaretoshowherallherheart。Kittydidinfactconcealhernewviewsandfeelingsfromhermother。Sheconcealedthemnotbecauseshedidnotrespectordidnotlovehermother，butsimplybecauseshewashermother。Shewouldhaverevealedthemtoanyonesoonerthantohermother。

`HowisitAnnaPavlovna’snotbeentoseeusforsolong？’thePrincesssaidoneday，referringtoMadamePetrov。`I’veaskedher，butsheseemsputoutaboutsomething。’

`No，I’venotnoticedit，maman，’saidKitty，flushinghotly。

`Isitlongsinceyou’vebeentoseethem？’

`Weintendmakinganexcursiontothemountainstomorrow，’answeredKitty。

`Well，youmaygo，’answeredthePrincess，gazingatherdaughter’sembarrassedfaceandtryingtoguessthecauseofherembarrassment。

ThatdayVarenkacametodinnerandtoldthemthatAnnaPavlovnahadchangedhermindandgivenuptheexcursionforthemorrow。AndthePrincessnoticedagainthatKittyreddened。

`Kitty，haven’tyouhadsomemisunderstandingwiththePetrovs？’

saidthePrincess，whentheywereleftalone。`Whyhasshegivenupsendingthechildrenandcomingtoseeus？’

Kittyansweredthatnothinghadhappenedbetweenthem，andthatshecouldnottellwhyAnnaPavlovnaseemeddispleasedwithher。Kittyansweredperfectlytruthfully。ShedidnotknowthereasonAnnaPavlovnahadchangedtowardher，butsheguessedit。Sheguessedatsomethingwhichshecouldnottellhermother，whichshedidnotputintowordstoherselfItwasoneofthosethingswhichoneknowsbutwhichonecanneverspeakofeventooneself，soterribleandshamefulwoulditbetobemistaken。

Againandagainshewentoverinhermemoryallherrelationswiththefamily。Sherememberedthesimpledelightexpressedontheround，good-naturedfaceofAnnaPavlovnaattheirmeetings；sherememberedtheirsecretconfabulationsabouttheinvalid，theirplotstodrawhimawayfromtheworkwhichwasforbiddenhim，andtogethimoutofdoors；thedevotionoftheyoungestboy，whousedtocallher`myKitty，’andwouldnotgotobedwithouther。Howlovelyitallwas！`Thensherecalledthethin，terriblythinfigureofPetrov，withhislongneck，inhisbrowncoat，hisscant，curlyhair，hisquestioningblueeyesthatweresoterribletoKittyatfirst，andhispainfulattemptstoseemheartyandlivelyinherpresence。Sherecalledtheeffortsshehadmadeatfirsttoovercometherepugnanceshefeltforhim，asforallconsumptivepeople，andthepainsithadcosthertothinkofthingstosaytohim。Sherecalledthetimid，softenedlookwithwhichhegazedather，andthestrangefeelingofcompassionandawkwardness，andlaterofasenseofherowngoodness，whichshehadfeltatit。Howlovelyitallwas！Butallthatwasatfirst。

Now，afewdaysago，everythingwassuddenlyspoiled。AnnaPavlovnahadmetKittywithaffectedcordiality，andhadkeptcontinualwatchonherandonherhusband。

CouldthattouchingpleasureheshowedwhenshecamenearbethecauseofAnnaPavlovna’scoolness？

`Yes，’shemused，`therewassomethingunnaturalaboutAnnaPavlovna，andutterlyunlikehergoodnature，whenshesaidangrilythedaybeforeyesterday:``There，hewillkeepwaitingforyou；hewouldn’tdrinkhiscoffeewithoutyou，thoughhe’sgrownsodreadfullyweak。’’

`Yes，perhaps，too，shedidn’tlikeitwhenIgavehimtherug。

Itwasallsosimple，buthetookitsoawkwardly，andwassolongthankingme，thatIfeltawkwardtoo。Andthenthatportraitofmehedidsowell。

Andmostofallthatlookofconfusionandtenderness！Yes，yes，that’sit！’Kittyrepeatedtoherselfwithhorror。`No，itcan’tbe，itoughtn’ttobe！He’ssomuchtobepitied！’shesaidtoherselfdirectlyafter。

Thisdoubtpoisonedthecharmofhernewlife。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter34[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter34Beforetheendofthewatercure，PrinceShcherbatsky，whohadgoneonfromCarlsbadtoBadenandKissingentoRussianfriends-togetabreathofRussianatmosphere，ashesaid-camebacktohiswifeanddaughter。

TheviewsofthePrinceandofthePrincessonlifeabroadwerecompletelyopposed。ThePrincessthoughteverythingdelightful，andinspiteofherestablishedpositioninRussiansociety，shetriedabroadtobelikeaEuropeanfashionablelady，whichshewasnotforthesimplereasonthatshewasatypicalRussiangentlewoman；andsoshewasaffected，whichdidnotaltogethersuither。ThePrince，onthecontrary，thoughteverythingforeigndetestable，gotsickofEuropeanlife，kepttohisRussianhabits，andpurposelytriedtoshowhimselfabroadlessEuropeanthanhewasinreality。

ThePrincereturnedthinner，withtheskinhanginginloosebagsonhischeeks，butinthemostcheerfulframeofmind。HisgoodhumorwasevengreaterwhenhesawKittycompletelyrecovered。ThenewsofKitty’sfriendshipwithMadameStahlandVarenka，andthereportsthePrincessgavehimofsomekindofchangeshehadnoticedinKitty，troubledthePrinceandarousedhishabitualfeelingofjealousyofeverythingthatdrewhisdaughterawayfromhim，andadreadthathisdaughtermighthavegotoutofthereachofhisinfluenceintoregionsinaccessibletohim。

Butthisunpleasantnewswasalldrownedintheseaofkindlinessandgoodhumorwhichwasalwayswithinhim，andmoresothaneversincehiscourseofCarlsbadwaters。

ThedayafterhisarrivalthePrince，inhislongovercoat，withhisRussianwrinklesandbaggycheeksproppedupbyastarchedcollar，setoffwithhisdaughtertothespringinthegreatestgoodhumor。

Itwasalovelymorning:thetidy，cheerfulhouseswiththeirlittlegardens，thesightofthered-faced，red-armed，beer-drinkingGermanwaitresses，workingawaymerrily，andbrightsundidone’sheartgood。

Butthenearertheygottothespringstheoftenertheymetsickpeople；

andtheirappearanceseemedmorepitiablethaneveramongtheeverydayconditionsofprosperousGermanlife。Kittywasnolongerstruckbythiscontrast。Thebrightsun，thebrilliantgreenofthefoliage，thestrainsofthemusicwereforherthenaturalsettingofallthesefamiliarfaces，withtheirchangestogreateremaciationortoconvalescence，forwhichshewatched。ButtothePrincethebrightnessandgaietyoftheJunemorning，andthesoundoftheorchestraplayingagaywaltztheninfashion，andaboveall，theappearanceoftherobustwaitresses，seemedsomethingunseemlyandmonstrous，inconjunctionwiththeseslowlymovingcadaversgatheredtogetherfromallpartsofEurope。

Inspiteofhisfeelingofprideand，asitwere，ofthereturnofyouth，whenhewalkedwithhisfavoritedaughteronhisarm，hefeltawkward，andalmostashamedofhisvigorousstepandhissturdy，stoutandfatlimbs。Hefeltalmostlikeamannotdressedinacrowd。

`Present，presentmetoyournewfriends，’hesaidtohisdaughter，squeezingherhandwithhiselbow。`IlikeevenyourhorridSodenformakingyousowellagain。Onlyit’smelancholy，verymelancholyhere。Who’sthat？’

Kittymentionedthenamesofallthepeopletheymet，ofsomewithwhomshewasacquainted，andsomewithwhomshewasnot。Attheveryentranceofthegardentheymettheblindlady，MadameBerthe，withherguide，andthePrincewasdelightedtoseetheoldFrenchwoman’sfacelightupwhensheheardKitty’svoice。SheatoncebegantalkingtohimwiththeexaggeratedpolitenessoftheFrench，applaudinghimforhavingsuchadelightfuldaughter，extollingKittytotheskiesbeforeherface，andcallingheratreasure，apearlandaconsolingangel。

`Well，she’sthesecondangel，then，’saidthePrince，smiling。

`ShecallsMademoiselleVarenkaangelnumberone。’

`Oh！MademoiselleVarenka-she’sarealangel，allez，’

MadameBertheassented。

InthearcadetheymetVarenkaherself。Shewaswalkingrapidlytowardthem，carryinganelegantredbag。

`Hereispapacome，’Kittysaidtoher。

Varenkamade-simplyandnaturallyasshedideverything-amovementbetweenabowandcurtsy，andimmediatelybegantalkingtothePrince，withoutshyness，naturally，asshetalkedtoeveryone。

`OfcourseIknowyou；Iknowyouverywell，’thePrincesaidtoherwithasmile，inwhichKittydetectedwithjoythatherfatherlikedherfriend。`Whereareyouofftoinsuchhaste？’

`Maman’shere，’shesaid，turningtoKitty。`Shehasnotsleptallnight，andthedoctoradvisedhertogoout。I’mtakingherherwork。’

`Sothat’sangelnumberone？’saidthePrincewhenVarenkahadgoneon。

KittysawthatherfatherhadmeanttomakefunofVarenka，butthathecouldnotdoitbecausehelikedher。

`Come，soweshallseeallyourfriends，’hewenton，`evenMadameStahl，ifshedeignstorecognizeme。’

`Why，didyouknowher，papa？’Kittyaskedapprehensively，catchingthegleamofironythatkindledinthePrince’seyesatthementionofMadameStahl。

`Iusedtoknowherhusband，andhertooalittle，beforeshe’djoinedthePietists。’

`WhatisaPietist，papa？’askedKitty，dismayedtofindthatwhatsheprizedsohighlyinMadameStahlhadaname。

`Idon’tquiteknowmyself。IonlyknowthatshethanksGodforeverything，foreverymisfortune，andthanksGodtoothatherhusbanddied。

Andthat’sratherdroll，astheydidn’tgetontogether。Who’sthat？Whatapiteousface！’heasked，noticingasickmanofmediumheightsittingonabench，wearingabrownovercoatandwhitetrousersthatfellinstrangefoldsabouthislong，fleshlesslegs。Thismanliftedhisstrawhat，showedhisscantycurlyhairandhighforehead，painfullyreddenedbythepressureofthehat。

`That’sPetrov，anartist，’answeredKittyblushing。`Andthat’shiswife，’sheadded，indicatingAnnaPavlovna，who，asthoughonpurpose，attheveryinstanttheyapproached，walkedawayafterachildthathadrunoffalongapath。

`Poorfellow！Andwhatafinefacehehas！’saidthePrince。`Whydon’tyougouptohim？Hewantedtospeaktoyou。’

`Well，letusgo，then，’saidKitty，turningroundresolutely。

`Howareyoufeelingtoday？’sheaskedPetrov。

Petrovgotup，leaningonhisstick，andlookedshylyatthePrince。

`Thisismydaughter，’saidthePrince。`Letmeintroducemyself。’

Thepainterbowedandsmiled，showinghisstrangelydazzlingwhiteteeth。

`Weexpectedyouyesterday，Princess，’hesaidtoKitty。

Hestaggeredashesaidthis，andthenrepeatedthemotion，tryingtomakeitseemasifithadbeenintentional。

`Imeanttocome，butVarenkasaidthatAnnaPavlovnasentwordyouwerenotgoing。’

`Notgoing！’saidPetrov，blushing，andimmediatelybeginningtocough，andhiseyessoughthiswife。`Aneta！Aneta！’hesaidloudly，andtheswollenveinsstoodoutlikecordsonhisthinwhiteneck。

AnnaPavlovnacameup。

`SoyousentwordtothePrincessthatweweren’tgoing！’hewhisperedtoherangrily，losinghisvoice。

`Goodmorning，Princess，’saidAnnaPavlovna，withanassumedsmileutterlyunlikeherformermanner。`Verygladtomakeyouracquaintance，’

shesaidtothePrince。`You’velongbeenexpected，Prince。’

`WhydidyousendwordtothePrincessthatweweren’tgoing？’

theartistwhisperedhoarselyagain，stillmoreangrily，obviouslyexasperatedthathisvoicefailedhimsothathecouldnotgivehiswordstheexpressionhewouldhavelikedto。

`Oh，mercyonus！Ithoughtweweren’tgoing，’hiswifeansweredcrossly。

`What，when……’Hecoughedandwavedhishand。

ThePrincetookoffhishatandmovedawaywithhisdaughter。

`Ah！ah！’hesigheddeeply。`Oh，poorthings！’

`Yes，papa，’answeredKitty。`Andyoumustknowthey’vethreechildren，noservant，andscarcelyanymeans。HegetssomethingfromtheAcademy，’shewentonbriskly，tryingtodrownthedistressthatqueerchangeinAnnaPavlovna’smannertowardherhadarousedinher。`Oh，here’sMadameStahl，’saidKitty，indicatinganinvalidcarriage，where，proppedonpillows，somethingingrayandbluewaslyingunderasunshade。ThiswasMadameStahl。Behindherstoodthegloomy，robustGermanworkmanwhopushedthecarriage。Closebywasstandingaflaxen-headedSwedishCount，whomKittyknewbyname。Severalinvalidswerelingeringnearthelowcarriage，staringattheladyasthoughsheweresomecuriosity。

ThePrincewalkeduptoher，andKittydetectedthatdisconcertinggleamofironyinhiseyes。HewalkeduptoMadameStahl，andaddressedherwithextremecourtesyandcharminthatexcellentFrenchwhichsofewspeaknowadays。

`Idon’tknowifyourememberme，butImustrecallmyselftothankyouforyourkindnesstomydaughter，’hesaidtakingoffhishatandnotputtingitonagain。

`PrinceAlexandreShcherbatsky，’saidMadameStahl，liftinguponhimherheavenlyeyes，inwhichKittydiscernedalookofannoyance。`Delighted！

Ihavetakenagreatfancytoyourdaughter。’

`Youarestillinweakhealth？’

`Yes；I’musedtoit，’saidMadameStahl，andsheintroducedthePrincetotheSwedishCount。

`Youarescarcelychangedatall，’thePrincesaidtoher。`It’stenorelevenyearssinceIhadthehonorofseeingyou。’

`Yes；Godsendsthecrossandsendsthestrengthtobearit。Oftenonewonderswhatisthegoalofthislife？……Theotherside！’shesaidangrilytoVarenka，whohadrearrangedtherugoverherfeetnottohersatisfaction。

`Todogood，probably，’saidthePrincewithatwinkleinhiseye。

`Thatisnotforustojudge，’saidMadameStahl，perceivingtheshadeofexpressiononthePrince’sface。`Soyouwillsendmethatbook，dearCount？I’mverygratefultoyou，’shesaidtotheyoungSwede。

`Ah！’criedthePrince，catchingsightoftheMoscowcolonelstandingnear，andwithabowtoMadameStahlhewalkedawaywithhisdaughterandtheMoscowcolonel，whojoinedthem。

`That’souraristocracy，Prince！’theMoscowcolonelsaidwithironicalintention。HecherishedagrudgeagainstMadameStahlfornotmakinghisacquaintance。

`She’sthesameasever，’repliedthePrince。

`Didyouknowherbeforeherillness，Prince-that’stosay，beforeshetooktoherbed？’

`Yes。Shetooktoherbedbeforemyeyes，’saidthePrince。

`Theysayit’stenyearssinceshehasstoodonherfeet。’

`Shedoesn’tstandupbecauseherlegsaretooshort。Shehasaverybadfigure。’

`Papa，it’snotpossible！’criedKitty。

`That’swhatwickedtonguessay，mydarling。AndyourVarenkaistoendurestill，’headded。`Oh，theseinvalidladies！’

`Oh，no，papa！’Kittyobjectedwarmly。`Varenkaworshipsher。

Andthenshedoessomuchgood！Askanyone！EveryoneknowsherandAlineStahl。’

`Perhapsso，’saidthePrince，squeezingherhandwithhiselbow；

`butit’sbetterwhenonedoesgoodsothatyoumayaskeveryoneandnooneknows。’

Kittydidnotanswer，notbecauseshehadnothingtosay，butbecauseshedidnotcaretorevealhersecretthoughtseventoherfather。

But，strangetosay，althoughshehadmadeuphermindsofirmlynottobeinfluencedbyherfather’sviews，nottolethimintoherinmostsanctuary，shefeltthattheheavenlyimageofMadameStahl，whichshehadcarriedforawholemonthinherheart，hadvanished，nevertoreturn，justasthefantasticfiguremadeupofsomeclothesthrowndownatrandomvanisheswhenoneseesthatitisonlysomefallengarment。Allthatwasleftwasawomanwithshortlegs，wholaydownbecauseshehadabadfigure，andworriedpatientVarenkafornotarrangingherrugtoherliking。AndbynoeffortofherimaginationcouldKittybringbacktheformerMadameStahl。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter35[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter35ThePrincecommunicatedhisgoodhumortohisownfamilyandhisfriends，andeventotheGermanlandlordinwhoseroomstheShcherbatskyswerestaying。

OncomingbackwithKittyfromthesprings，thePrince，whohadaskedthecolonel，andMaryaEugenyevna，andVarenkaalltocomeandhavecoffeewiththem，gaveordersforatableandchairstobetakenintothetinygardenunderthechestnuttree，andlunchtobelaidthere。Thelandlordandtheservants，too，grewbriskerundertheinfluenceofhisgoodspirits。

Theyknewhisopenhandedness；andhalfanhourlatertheinvaliddoctorfromHamburg，wholivedonthetopfloor，lookedenviouslyoutofhiswindowatthemerrypartyofhealthyRussiansassembledunderthechestnuttree。

Inthetremblingcirclesofshadowcastbytheleaves，atatablecoveredwithawhitecloth，andsetwithcoffeepot，bread，butter，cheese，andcoldgame，satthePrincessinahighcapwithlilacribbons，distributingcupsandsandwiches。AttheotherendsatthePrince，eatingheartily，andtalkingloudlyandmerrily。ThePrincehadspreadoutnearhimhispurchases-carvedboxes，andknickknacks，andpaperknivesofallsorts，ofwhichhehadboughtaheapateverywateringplace，andbestowedthemuponeveryone，includingLieschen，theservantgirl，andthelandlord，withwhomhejestedinhiscomicallybadGerman，assuringhimthatitwasnotthewaterhadcuredKitty，buthissplendidcookery-especiallyhisplumsoup。ThePrincesslaughedatherhusbandforhisRussianways，butshewasmorelivelyandgood-humoredthanshehadbeenallthewhileshehadbeenatthewaters。Thecolonelsmiled，ashealwaysdid，atthePrince’sjokes，butasfarasregardsEurope，ofwhichhebelievedhimselftobemakingacarefulstudy，hetookthePrincess’sside。ThegoodheartedMaryaEugenyevnasimplyroaredwithlaughterateverythingabsurdthePrincesaid，andhisjokesmadeVarenkahelplesswithfeeblebutinfectiouslaughter，whichwassomethingKittyhadneverseenbefore。

Kittywasgladofallthis，butshecouldnotbelighthearted。

Shecouldnotsolvetheproblemherfatherhadunconsciouslysetherbyhisgood-humoredviewofherfriends，andofthelifethathadsoattractedher。TothisdoubttherewasjoinedthechangeinherrelationswiththePetrovs，whichhadbeensoconspicuouslyandunpleasantlymarkedthatmorning。

Everyonewasgood-humored，butKittycouldnotfeelgood-humored，andthisincreasedherdistress。Shefeltafeelingsuchasshehadknowninchildhood，whenshehadbeenshutinherroomasapunishment，andhadheardhersisters’

merrylaughteroutside。

`Well，butwhatdidyoubuythismassofthingsfor？saidthePrincess，smiling，andhandingherhusbandacupofcoffee。

`Onegoesforawalk，onelooksinashop，andtheyaskyoutobuy。``Erlaucht，Excellenz，Durchlaucht？’’Directlytheysay``Durchlaucht，’’

Ican’tholdout-andtenthalersaregone。’

`It’ssimplyfromboredom，’saidthePrincess。

`Ofcourseitis。Suchboredom，mydear，thatonedoesn’tknowwhattodowithoneself。’

`Howcanyoubebored，Prince？There’ssomuchthat’sinterestingnowinGermany，’saidMaryaEugenyevna。

`ButIknoweverythingthat’sinteresting:theplumsoupIknowandthepeasausagesIknow。Iknoweverything。’

`No，youmaysaywhatyoulike，Prince-there’stheinterestoftheirinstitutions，’saidthecolonel。

`Butwhatisthereinteresting？They’reallasbeamingwithjoyasbrasshalfpence；they’veconqueredeverybody。AndwhyamItobepleasedatthat？Ihaven’tconqueredanyone；onlyIhavemyselftotakeoffmyownboots，and，besides，toexposethembeforethedoor；inthemorning，getupanddressatonce，andgotothecoffeeroomtodrinkbadtea！Howdifferentitisathome！Yougetupinnohaste，yougetcross，grumblealittleandcomeroundagain。You’vetimetothinkthingsover，andnohurry。’

`Buttime’smoney，youforgetthat，’saidthecolonel。

`Time，indeed！Why，therearetimesonewouldgiveamonthofforhalfarouble，andtimesyouwouldn’tgivehalfanhourofforanymoney。Isn’tthatso，Katenka？Whatisit？Whyareyousodepressed？’

`I’mnotdepressed。’

`Whereareyouoffto？Stayalittlelonger，’hesaidtoVarenka。

`Imustbegoinghome，’saidVarenka，gettingup，andagainshebrokeoutlaughing。Whenshehadrecovered，shesaidgood-by，andwentintothehousetogetherhat。

Kittyfollowedher。EvenVarenkastruckherasdifferent。Shewasnotinferior，butdifferentfromwhatshehadfanciedherbefore。

`Oh，dear！It’salongwhilesinceI’velaughedsomuch！’saidVarenka，gatheringupherparasolandherhandbag。`Whatadearyourfatheris！’

Kittydidnotspeak。

`WhenshallIseeyouagain？’askedVarenka。

`MamanmeanttogoandseethePetrovs。Won’tyoubethere？’saidKitty，totryVarenka。

`Yes，’answeredVarenka。`They’regettingreadytogoaway，soIpromisedtohelpthempack。’

`Well，I’llcometoo，then。’

`No，whyshouldyou？’

`Whynot？Whynot？Whynot？’saidKitty，openinghereyeswide，andclutchingatVarenka’sparasol，soasnottolethergo。`No，waitaminute-whynot？’

`Oh，nothing；yourfatherhascome，and，besides，theywillfeelawkwardatyourhelping。’

`No，tellmewhyyoudon’twantmetobeoftenatthePetrovs？

Youdon’twantmeto-whynot？’

`Ididn’tsaythat，’saidVarenkaquietly。

`No，pleasetellme！’

`Tellyoueverything？’askedVarenka。

`Everything，everything！’Kittyassented。

`Well，there’sreallynothingofanyconsequence；onlythatMikhailAlexeievich’(thatwastheartist’sname)`hadmeanttoleaveearlier，andnowhedoesn’twanttogoaway，’saidVarenka，smiling。

`Goon，goon！’Kittyurgedimpatiently，lookingsomberlyatVarenka。

`Well，andforsomereasonAnnaPavlovnatoldhimthathedidn’twanttogobecauseyouarehere。Ofcourse，thatwasnonsense；buttherewasadisputeoverit-overyou。Youknowhowirritablethesesickpeopleare。’

Kitty，scowlingmorethanever，keptsilent，andVarenkawentonspeakingalone，tryingtosoftenorsootheher，andseeingastormcoming-shedidnotknowwhetheroftearsorofwords。

`Soyou’dbetternotgo……Youunderstand；youwon’tbeoffended？……’

`Anditservesmeright！Anditservesmeright！’Kittycriedquickly，snatchingtheparasoloutofVarenka’shand，andavoidinglookingatherfriend’sface。

Varenkafeltinclinedtosmile，lookingatherfriend’schildishfury，butshewasafraidofwoundingher。

`Howdoesitserveyouright？Idon’tunderstand，’shesaid。

`Itservesmeright，becauseitwasallsham；becauseitwasalldoneonpurpose，andnotfromtheheart。WhatbusinesshadItointerferewithoutsiders？Andsoit’scomeaboutthatI’mthecauseofaquarrel，andthatI’vedonewhatnobodyaskedmetodo。Becauseitwasallasham！

Asham！Asham！……’

`Asham？Withwhatobject？’saidVarenkagently。

`Oh，it’ssoidiotic！Sohateful！Therewasnoneedwhateverforme……Nothingbutsham！’shesaid，openingandshuttingtheparasol。

`Butwithwhatobject？’

`Toseembettertopeople，tomyself，toGod；todeceiveeveryone。

No！NowIwon’tdescendtothat。Onecouldbebad；butanywaynotaliar，notacheat。’

`Butwhoisacheat？’saidVarenkareproachfully。`Youspeakasif……’

ButKittywasinoneofhergustsoffury，andshewouldnotletherfinish。

`Idon’ttalkaboutyou-notaboutyouatall。You’reperfection。

Yes，yes，Iknowyou’reallperfection；butwhatamItodoifI’mbad？

ThiswouldneverhavebeenifIweren’tbad。SoletmebewhatIam，butnottobeasham。WhathaveItodowithAnnaPavlovna？Letthemgotheirway，andmegomine。Ican’tbedifferent……Andyetit’snotthat，it’snotthat。’

`Whatisit？’askedVarenkainbewilderment。

`Everything。Ican’tactexceptfromtheheart，andyouactfromprinciple。Isimplylikedyou，butyoumostlikelyonlywantedtosaveme，toimproveme。’

`Youareunjust，’saidVarenka。

`ButI’mnotspeakingofotherpeople，I’mspeakingofmyself。’

`Kitty，’theyheardhermother’svoice，`comehere，showpapayournecklace。’

Kitty，withahaughtyair，withoutmakingpeacewithherfriend，tookthenecklaceinalittleboxfromthetableandwenttohermother。

`What’sthematter？Whyareyousored？’hermotherandfathersaidtoherwithonevoice。

`Nothing，’sheanswered。`I’llbebackdirectly，’andsheranback。

`She’sstillhere，’shethought。`WhatamItosaytoher？Oh，dear！WhathaveIdone，whathaveIsaid？WhywasIrudetoher？WhatamItodo？WhatamItosaytoher？’thoughtKitty，andshestoppedinthedoorway。

VarenkainherhatandwiththeparasolinherhandswassittingatatableexaminingtheparasolspringwhichKittyhadbroken。Sheliftedherhead。

`Varenka，forgiveme，doforgiveme，’whisperedKitty，goinguptoher。`Idon’trememberwhatIsaid。I……’

`Ireallydidn’tmeantohurtyou，’saidVarenka，smiling。

Peacewasmade。Butwithherfather’scomingalltheworldinwhichshehadbeenlivingwastransformedforKitty。Shedidnotgiveupeverythingshehadlearned，butshebecameawarethatshehaddeceivedherselfinsupposingshecouldbewhatshewantedtobe。Hereyeswere，itseemed，opened；shefeltallthedifficultyofmaintainingherselfwithouthypocrisyandself-conceitonthepinnacletowhichshehadwishedtomount。

Moreover，shebecameawareofallthedrearinessoftheworldofsorrow，ofsickanddyingpeople，inwhichshehadbeenliving。Theeffortsshehadmadetolikeitseemedtoherintolerable，andshefeltalongingtogetbackquicklyintothefreshair，toRussia，toErgushovo，where，assheknewfromletters，hersisterDollyhadalreadygonewithherchildren。

ButheraffectionforVarenkadidnotwane。PartingKittybeggedhertocometotheminRussia。

`I’llcomewhenyougetmarried，’saidVarenka。

`Ishallnevermarry。’

`Well，then，Ishallnevercome。’

`Well，then，Ishallbemarriedsimplyforthat。Mindnow，rememberyourpromise，’saidKitty。

Thedoctor’spredictionwasfulfilled。Kittyreturnedhome，toRussia，cured。Shewasnotasgayandthoughtlessasbefore，butshewasserene。HerMoscowtroubleshadbecomeamemorytoher。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter01[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]PARTTHREEChapter1SergeiIvanovichKoznishevwantedarestfrommentalwork，andinsteadofgoingabroadasheusuallydid，hecametowardtheendofMaytostayinthecountrywithhisbrother。Inhisjudgmentthebestsortoflifewasacountrylife。Hehadcomenowtoenjoysuchalifeathisbrother’s。

KonstantinLevinwasverygladtohavehim，especiallyashedidnotexpecthisbrotherNikolaithatsummer。ButinspiteofhisaffectionandrespectforSergeiIvanovich，KonstantinLevinwasuncomfortablewithhisbrotherinthecountry。Itmadehimuncomfortable，anditevenannoyedhim，toseehisbrother’sattitudetothecountry。ToKonstantinLevinthecountrywasthebackgroundoflife-thatisofpleasures，endeavors，labor；toSergeiIvanovichthecountrymeantononehandrestfromwork，ontheotheravaluableantidotetolaxness-anantidotewhichhetookwithsatisfactionandasenseofitssalutariness。ToKonstantinLevinthecountrywasgoodbecauseitaffordedafieldforlabor，oftheusefulnessofwhichtherecouldbenodoubt；toSergeiIvanovichthecountrywasparticularlygood，becausethereitwaspossibleandfittingtodonothing。Moreover，SergeiIvanovich’sattitudetoward`thepeople’ratherpiquedKonstantin。SergeiIvanovichusedtosaythatheknewandliked`thepeople，’andheoftentalkedtothepeasants，whichheknewhowtodowithoutaffectationorcondescension，andfromeverysuchconversationhewoulddeducegeneralconclusionsinfavorof`thepeople’andinconfirmationofhisknowingthem。KonstantinLevindidnotlikesuchanattitudetoward`thepeople。’

ToKonstantin`thepeople’wassimplythechiefpartnerinthecommonlabor，andinspiteofalltherespectandthelove，almostlikethatofkinship，hehadforthepeasant(suckedinprobably，ashesaidhimself，withthemilkofhispeasantnurse)，Konstantinasafellowworkerwiththem，whilesometimesenthusiasticoverthevigor，gentleness，andjusticeofthesemen，wasveryoften，whentheircommonlaborscalledforotherqualities，exasperatedwiththepeasantforhiscarelessness，slovenliness，drunkennessandlying。Ifhehadbeenaskedwhetherhelikedordidn’tlike`thepeople，’

KonstantinLevinwouldhavebeenabsolutelyatalosswhattoreply。Helikedanddidnotlike`thepeople，’justashelikedanddidnotlikemeningeneral。Ofcourse，beingagoodheartedman，helikedmenmorethanhedislikedthem，andsotoowith`thepeople。’Butlikeordislike`thepeople’assomethingpeculiarhecouldnot，notonlybecausehelivedwith`thepeople，’andallhisinterestswereboundupwiththeirs，butalsobecauseheregardedhimselfasapartof`thepeople，’didnotseeanypeculiarqualitiesorfailingsdistinguishinghimselffrom`thepeople，’

andcouldnotcontrasthimselfwiththem。Moreover，althoughhehadlivedsolongintheclosestrelationswiththepeasants，asfarmerandarbitrator，andwhatwasmore，asadviser(thepeasantstrustedhim，andforfortyverstasroundtheywouldcometoaskhisadvice)，hehadnodefiniteviewsof`thepeople，’andwouldhavebeenasmuchatalosstoanswerthequestionwhetherheknew`thepeople’asthequestionwhetherhelikedthem。Forhimtosayheknew`thepeople’wouldhavebeenthesameastosayheknewmen。Hewascontinuallywatchingandgettingtoknowpeopleofallsorts，andamongthempeasants，whomheregardedasgoodandinterestingpeople，andhewascontinuallyobservingnewpointsinthem，alteringhisformerviewsofthemandformingnewones。

WithSergeiIvanovichitwasquitethecontrary。Justashelikedandpraisedacountrylifeincomparisonwiththelifehedidnotlike，sotooheliked`thepeople’incontradistinctiontotheclassofmenhedidnotlike，andsotooheknew`thepeople’assomethingdistinctfrom，andopposedto，meningeneral。Inhismethodicalbrainthereweredistinctlyformulatedcertainaspectsofpeasantlife，deducedpartlyfromthatlifeitself，butchieflyfromcontrastwithothermodesoflife。Heneverchangedhisopinionof`thepeople’andhissympatheticattitudetowardthem。

Inthediscussionsthatarosebetweenthebrothersontheirviewsof`thepeople，’SergeiIvanovichalwaysgotthebetterofhisbrother，preciselybecauseSergeiIvanovichhaddefiniteideasaboutthepeasant-hischaracter，hisqualities，andhistastes；KonstantinLevinhadnodefiniteandunalterableideaonthesubject，andsointheirargumentsKonstantinwasreadilyconvictedofcontradictinghimself。

InSergeiIvanovich’seyeshisyoungerbrotherwasacapitalfellow，withhisheartintherightplace(asheexpresseditinFrench)，butwithamindwhich，thoughfairlyquick，wastoomuchinfluencedbytheimpressionsofthemoment，andconsequentlyfilledwithcontradictions。Withallthecondescensionofanelderbrotherhesometimesexplainedtohimthetrueimportofthings，buthederivedlittlesatisfactionfromarguingwithhimbecausehegotthebetterofhimtooeasily。

KonstantinLevinregardedhisbrotherasamanofimmenseintellectandculture，asgenerousinthehighestsenseoftheword，andpossessedofaspecialfacultyforworkingforthepublicgood。Butinthedepthsofhisheart，theolderhebecame，andthemoreintimatelyheknewhisbrother，themoreandmorefrequentlythethoughtstruckhimthatthisfacultyofworkingforthepublicgood，ofwhichhefelthimselfutterlydevoid，waspossiblynotsomuchaqualityasalackofsomething-notalackofgood，honest，nobledesiresandtastes，butalackofvitalforce，ofwhatiscalledheart，ofthatimpulsewhichdrivesamantochoosesomeoneoutoftheinnumerablepathsoflife，andtocareonlyforthatone。

Thebetterheknewhisbrother，themorehenoticedthatSergeiIvanovich，andmanyotherpeoplewhoworkedforthepublicwelfare，werenotledbyanyimpulseofthehearttocareforthepublicgood，butreasonedfromintellectualconsiderationsthatitwasarightthingtotakeaninterestinpublicaffairs，andconsequentlytookaninterestinthem。Levinwasconfirmedinthisconjecturebyobservingthathisbrotherdidnottakequestionsaffectingthepublicwelfareorthequestionoftheimmortalityofthesoulabitmoretoheartthanhedidchessproblems，ortheingeniousconstructionofanewmachine。

Besidesthis，KonstantinLevinwasnotathiseasewithhisbrother，becauseinthecountry，especiallyinsummertime，Levinwascontinuallybusywithworkontheland，andthelongsummerdaywasnotlongenoughforhimtogetthroughallhehadtodo，whileSergeiIvanovichwasmerelytakingaholiday。Butthoughhewastakingaholidaynow-thatistosay，hewasdoingnowriting-hewassousedtointellectualactivitythathelikedtoputintoconciseandeloquentshapetheideasthatoccurredtohim，andlikedtohavesomeonelistentohim。Hismostusualandnaturallistenerwashisbrother。Andso，inspiteofthefriendlinessanddirectnessoftheirrelations，Konstantinfeltanawkwardnessinleavinghimalone。

SergeiIvanovichlikedtostretchhimselfonthegrassinthesun，andtolieso，baskingandchattinglazily。

`Youwouldn’tbelieve，’hewouldsaytohisbrother，`whatapleasurethisrurallazinessistome。Notanideainone’sbrain-asemptyasadrum！’

ButKonstantinLevinfounditdullsittingandlisteningtohim，especiallywhenheknewthatwhilehewasawaymanurewouldbecartedintofieldsnotplowedreadyforit，andheapedupGodknowshow；andthesharesintheplowswouldnotbescrewedin，sothattheywouldcomeoff，andthenhismenwouldsaythenewplowswereasillyinvention，andtherewasnothingliketheoldwoodenplow，andsoon。

`Come，you’vedoneenoughtrudgingaboutintheheat，’SergeiIvanovichwouldsaytohim。

`No，Imustjustrunroundtothecountinghouseforaminute，’

Levinwouldanswer，andwouldrunofftothefields。

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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter02[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter2EarlyinJuneAgathyaMikhailovna，theoldnurseandhousekeeper，incarryingtothecellarajarofmushroomsshehadjustpickled，happenedtoslip，fallandsprainherwrist。Thedistrictdoctor，atalkativeyoungmedicowhohadjustfinishedhisstudies，cametoseeher。Heexaminedthewrist，saiditwasnotluxated，bandagedit，andbeingaskedtodinnerevidentlywasdelightedatachanceoftalkingtothecelebratedSergeiIvanovichKoznishev，andtoshowhisadvancedviewsofthingstoldhimallthescandalofthedistrict，complainingofthepoorstateintowhichtheZemstvoaffairshadfallen。SergeiIvanovichlistenedattentively，askedhimquestions，and，rousedbyanewlistener，hetalkedfluently，utteredafewkeenandweightyobservations，respectfullyappreciatedbytheyoungdoctor，andwassooninthatanimatedframeofmindhisbrotherknewsowell，whichalways，withhim，followedabrilliantandanimatedconversation。Afterthedepartureofthedoctor，hewantedtogowithafishingrodtotheriver。SergeiIvanovichwasfondofangling，andwas，itseemed，proudofbeingabletocareforsuchastupidoccupation。

KonstantinLevin，whosepresencewasneededintheplowlandandthemeadows，hadcometotakehisbrotherinthecabriolet。

Itwasthattimeoftheyear，theturningpointofsummer，whenthecropsofthepresentyearareacertainty，whenonebeginstothinkofthesowingfornextyear，andthemowingisathand；whentheryeisallinear，thoughitsearsarestilllight，notyetfull，anditwavesingray-greenbillowsinthewind；whenthegreenoats，withtuftsofyellowgrassscatteredhereandthereamongit，droopirregularlyoverthelate-sownfields；whentheearlybuckwheatisalreadyoutandhidingtheground；

whenthefallowlands，troddenhardasstonebythecattle，arehalf-plowedover，withpathsleftuntouchedbytheplow；whentheodorfromthedrymanureheapscartedintothefieldsminglesatsunsetwiththesmellofmeadowsweet，andonthelow-lyinglandsthepreservedmeadowsareathickseaofgrasswaitingforthemowing，withblackenedheapsofsorrelstalksamongit。

Itwasthetimewhentherecomesabriefpauseinthetoilofthefieldsbeforethebeginningofthelaborsofharvest-everyyearrecurring，everyyearclaimingallthepeasant’sthews。Thecropwasasplendidone，andbright，hotsummerdayshadsetinwithshort，dewynights。

Thebrothershadtodrivethroughthewoodstoreachthemeadows。

SergeiIvanovichwasallthewhileadmiringthebeautyofthewoods，whichwereatangledmassofleaves，pointingouttohisbrothernowanoldlimetreeonthepointofflowering，darkontheshadyside，andbrightlyspottedwithyellowstipules，nowtheyoungshootsofthisyear’ssaplingsbrilliantwithemerald。KonstantinLevindidnotliketalkingandhearingaboutthebeautyofnature。Wordsforhimtookawaythebeautyofwhathesaw。Heassentedtowhathisbrothersaid，butcouldnothelpthinkingofotherthings。Whentheycameoutofthewoods，allhisattentionwasengrossedbytheviewofthefallowlandontheupland，inpartsyellowwithgrass，inpartstrampledandcheckeredwithfurrows，inpartsdottedwithridgesofmanure，andinpartsevenplowed。Astringoftelegaswasmovingacrossit。Levincountedthetelegas，andwaspleasedthatallthatwerewantedhadbeenbrought，andatthesightofthemeadowshisthoughtspassedtothemowing。Healwaysfeltsomethingpeculiarmovinghimtothequickathaymaking。OnreachingthemeadowLevinstoppedthehorse。

Themorningdewwasstilllyingonthethickundergrowthofthegrass，and，thathemightnotgethisfeetwet，SergeiIvanovichaskedhisbrothertodrivehiminthecabrioletuptothewillowtreefromwhichtheperchwerecaught。SorryasKonstantinLevinwastocrushdownhismowinggrass，hedrovehimintothemeadow。Thehighgrasssoftlyturnedaboutthewheelsandthehorse’slegs，leavingitsseedsclingingtothewetaxlesandspokesofthewheels。

Hisbrotherseatedhimselfunderabush，arranginghistackle，whileLevinledthehorseaway，tiedhimupandwalkedintothevastgray-greenseaofgrassunstirredbythewind。Thesilkygrasswithitsripeseedscamealmosttohiswaistintheriversidespots。

Crossingthemeadow，KonstantinLevincameoutontheroad，andmetanoldmanwithaswolleneye，carryingaswarmingbasketwithbees。

`What？Takenastrayswarm，Fomich？’heasked。

`No，indeed，KonstantinMitrich！Allwecandotokeepourown！

Thisisthesecondnewswarmthathasflownaway……Luckilytheladscaughtthem。Theywereplowingyourfield。Theyunyokedthehorsesandgallopedafterthem。’

`Well，whatdoyousay，Fomich-startmowingorwaitabit？’

`Well，now！Ourway’stowaittillSt。Peter’sDay。Butyoualwaysmowsooner。Well，tobesure，pleaseGod，thehay’sgood。There’llbeplentyforthebeasts。’

`Whatdoyouthinkabouttheweather？’

`That’sinGod’shands。Maybeeventheweatherwillfavorus。’

Levinwalkeduptohisbrother。

SergeiIvanovichhadcaughtnothing，buthewasnotbored，andseemedinthemostcheerfulframeofmind。Levinsawthat，stimulatedbyhisconversationwiththedoctor，hewantedtotalk。Levin，ontheotherhand，wouldhavelikedtogethomeassoonaspossible，togiveordersaboutgettingtogetherthemowersfornextday，andtosetatresthisdoubtsaboutthemowing，whichgreatlyabsorbedhim。

`Well，let’sbegoing，’hesaid。

`Whybeinsuchahurry？Let’sstayalittle。Buthowwetyouare！Eventhoughonecatchesnothing，it’sfine。That’sthebestthingabouteverypartofsport，thatonehastodowithnature。Howexquisitethissteelywateris！’saidSergeiIvanovich。`Theseriversidebanksalwaysremindmeoftheriddle-doyouknowit？``Thegrasssaystotheriver:

wequiverandwequiver。’’

`Idon’tknowtheriddle，’answeredLevincheerlessly。

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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter03[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter3`DoyouknowI’vebeenthinkingaboutyou，’saidSergeiIvanovich。`It’sbeyondeverythingwhat’sbeingdoneinthedistrict，accordingtowhatthisdoctortellsme。He’saveryintelligentfellow。AndasI’vetoldyoubefore，Itellyouagain:it’snotrightforyounottogotothemeetings，andtokeepoutoftheZemstvoaffairsentirely。Ifdecentpeoplewon’tgointoit，ofcourseit’sboundtogoallwrong。Wepaythemoney，anditallgoesinsalaries，andtherearenoschools，nordistrictdressers，normidwives，norpharmacies-nothing。’

`Well，Ididtry，youknow，’Levinsaidgentlyandunwillingly。

`Ican’t！Andsothere’snohelpforit。’

`Butwhycan’tyou？ImustownIcan’tmakeitout。Indifference，incapacity-Iwon’tadmit；surelyit’snotsimplylaziness？’

`Noneofthosethings。I’vetried，andIseeIcandonothing，’

saidLevin。

Hehadhardlygraspedwhathisbrotherwassaying。Lookingtowardtheplowlandacrosstheriver，hemadeoutsomethingblack，buthecouldnotdistinguishwhetheritwasahorseorthebailiffonhorseback。

`Whyisityoucandonothing？Youmadeanattemptanddidn’tsucceed，asyouthink，andyougivein。Howcanyouhavesolittleambition？’

`Ambition！’saidLevin，stungtothequickbyhisbrother’swords；

`Idon’tunderstand。Ifthey’dtoldmeatcollegethatotherpeopleunderstoodtheintegralcalculus，andIdidn’t，thenambitionwouldhavecomein。

Butinthiscaseonewantsfirsttobeconvincedthatonehascertainabilitiesforthissortofbusiness，andespeciallythatallthisbusinessisofgreatimportance。’

`What！Doyoumeantosayit’snotofimportance？’saidSergeiIvanovich，stungtothequickinhisturnbyhisbrother’sconsideringofnoimportanceanythingthatinterestedhim，andstillmoreathisobviouslypayinglittleattentiontowhathewassaying。

`Idon’tthinkitimportant；itdoesnottakeholdofme-Ican’thelpit，’answeredLevin，makingoutthatwhathesawwasthebailiff，andthatthebailiffseemedtobelettingthepeasantsgoofftheplowedland。Theywereturningtheplowover。`Cantheyhavefinishedplowing？’

hewondered。

`Come，reallythough，’saidtheelderbrother，withafrownonhishandsome，cleverface，`there’salimittoeverything。It’sverywelltobeoriginalandgenuine，andtodislikeeverythinghypocritical-I

knowallaboutthat；butreally，whatyou’resayingeitherhasnomeaning，orithasaverywrongmeaning。Howcanyouthinkitamatterofnoimportancewhether``thepeople，’whomyouloveasyouassert……’

`Ineverdidassertit，’thoughtKonstantinLevin。

`……diewithouthelp？Theignorantpeasantwomenstarvethechildren，andthepeoplestagnateindarkness，andarehelplessinthehandsofeveryvillageclerk，whileyouhaveatyourdisposalameansofhelpingthem，anddon’thelpthembecausetoyourmindit’sofnoimportance！’

AndSergeiIvanovichputbeforehimthedilemma:Eitheryouaresoundevelopedthatyoucan’tseeallthatyoucando，oryouwon’tsacrificeyourease，yourvanity，orwhateveritis，todoit。

KonstantinLevinfeltthattherewasnocourseopentohimbuttosubmit，ortoconfesstoalackofzealforthepublicgood。Andthismortifiedhimandhurthisfeelings。

`It’sboth，’hesaidresolutely；`Idon’tseethatitispossible……’

`What！Isitimpossible，ifthemoneywereproperlylaidout，toprovidemedicalaid？’

`Impossible，asitseemstome……Forthefourthousandsquareverstasofourdistrict，whatwithourundersnowwaters，andthestorms，andtheworkinthefields，Idon’tseehowitispossibletoprovidemedicalaidallover。Andbesides，Idon’tbelieveinmedicine。’

`Oh，well，that’sunfair……Icanquotetoyouthousandsofinstances……

Buttheschools，atleast？’

`Whyhaveschools？’

`Whatdoyoumean？Cantherebetwoopinionsoftheadvantageofeducation？Ifit’sagoodthingforyou，it’sagoodthingforeveryone。’

KonstantinLevinfelthimselfmorallypinnedagainstawall，andsohebecameheated，andunconsciouslyblurtedoutthechiefcauseofhisindifferencetopublicbusiness。

`Perhapsitmayallbeverygood；butwhyshouldIworrymyselfaboutestablishingdispensarieswhichIshallnevermakeuseof，andschoolstowhichIshallneversendmychildren，towhicheventhepeasantsdon’twanttosendtheirchildren，andtowhichI’venoveryfirmfaiththattheyoughttosendthem？’saidhe。

SergeiIvanovichwasforaminutesurprisedatthisunexpectedviewofthesubject；buthepromptlymadeanewplanofattack。

Hewassilentforalittle，drewoutahook，threwitinagain，andturnedtohisbrothersmiling。

`Come，now……Inthefirstplace，thedispensaryisneeded。WeourselvessentforthedistrictdoctorforAgathyaMikhailovna。’

`Oh，well，butIfancyherwristwillneverbestraightagain。’

`Thatremainstobeproved……Next，thepeasantwhocanreadandwriteisasaworkmanofmoreuseandvaluetoyou。’

`No；youcanaskanyoneyoulike，’KonstantinLevinansweredwithdecision，`themanthatcanreadandwriteismuchinferiorasaworkman。

Andmendingthehighroadsisanimpossibility；andassoonastheyputupbridgesthey’restolen。’

`Still，that’snotthepoint，’saidSergeiIvanovich，frowning。

Hedislikedcontradiction，andstillmore，argumentsthatwerecontinuallyskippingfromonethingtoanother，introducingnewanddisconnectedpoints，sothattherewasnoknowingtowhichtoreply。`Letmesay。Doyouadmitthateducationisabenefitforthepeople？’

`Yes，Iadmitit，’saidLevinwithoutthinking，andhewasconsciousimmediatelythathehadsaidwhathedidnotthink。Hefeltthatifheadmittedthat，itwouldbeprovedthathehadbeentalkingmeaninglessrubbish。Howitwouldbeprovedhecouldnottell，butheknewthatthiswouldinevitablybelogicallyprovedtohim，andheawaitedtheproofs。

TheargumentturnedouttobefarsimplerthanKonstantinLevinhadexpected。

`Ifyouadmitthatitisabenefit，’saidSergeiIvanovich，`then，asanhonestman，youcannothelpcaringaboutitandsympathizingwiththemovement，andsowishingtoworkforit。’

`ButIstilldonotadmitthismovementtobegood，’saidKonstantinLevin，reddening。

`What！Butyoujustsaidnow……’

`That’stosay，Idon’tadmitit’sbeingeithergoodorpossible。’

`Thatyoucan’ttellwithoutmakingthetrial。’

`Well，supposingthatisso，’saidLevin，thoughhedidnotsupposesoatall，`supposingthatisso，stillIdon’tsee，allthesame，whyIshouldworrymyselfaboutit。’

`Howso？’

`No；sincewearetalking，explainittomefromthephilosophicalpointofview，’saidLevin。

`Ican’tseewherephilosophycomesin，’saidSergeiIvanovich，inatone，Levinfancied，asthoughhedidnotadmithisbrother’srighttotalkaboutphilosophy。AndthatirritatedLevin。

`I’lltellyou，then，’hesaidwithheat，`Iimaginethemainspringofallouractionsis，afterall，self-interest。NowintheZemstvoinstitutionsI，asanobleman，seenothingthatcouldconducetomyprosperity。Theroadsarenotbetterandcouldnotbebetter；myhorsescarrymewellenoughoverbadones。Doctorsanddispensariesareofnousetome。Ajusticeofthepeaceisofnousetome-Ineverappealtohim，andnevershallappealtohim。Theschoolsareofnogoodtome，butpositivelyharmful，asItoldyou。FormetheZemstvoinstitutionssimplymeantheliabilityofpayingeighteenkopecksforeverydessiatina，ofdrivingintothetown，sleepingwithbedbugs，andlisteningtoallsortsofidiocyandblather，andself-interestoffersmenoinducement。’

`Excuseme，’SergeiIvanovichinterposedwithasmile，`self-interestdidnotinduceustoworkfortheemancipationoftheserfs，yetwedidworkforit。’

`No！’KonstantinLevinbrokeinwithstillgreaterheat；`theemancipationoftheserfswasadifferentmatter。Thereself-interestdidcomein。Onelongedtothrowoffthatyokethatcrushedus-allthedecentpeopleamongus。ButtobeamemberoftheZemstvoanddiscusshowmanystreetcleanersareneeded，andhowsewersshallbeconstructedinthetowninwhichIdon’tlive-toserveonajuryandtryapeasantwhohasstolenaflitchofbacon，andlistenforsixhoursatastretchtoallsortsofjabberfromthecounselforthedefenseandtheprosecution，andthepresidentcross-examiningmyoldsimpletonAlioshka:``Doyouadmit，prisoneratthebar，thefactoftheremovalofthebacon’-``Eh？’’

KonstantinLevinhadwarmedtohissubject，andbeganmimickingthepresidentandthehalf-wittedAlioshka:itseemedtohimthatitwasalltothepoint。

ButSergeiIvanovichshruggedhisshoulders。

`Well，whatdoyoumeantosay，then？’

`Isimplymeantosaythatthoserightsthattouchme……myinterest，Ishallalwaysdefendtothebestofmyability；thatwhenraidsweremadeonusstudents，andthepolicereadourletters，Iwasreadytodefendthoserightstotheutmost，todefendmyrightstoeducationandfreedom。

Icanunderstandcompulsorymilitaryservice，whichaffectsmychildren，mybrothers，andmyself-Iamreadytodeliberateonwhatconcernsme；

butdeliberatingonhowtospendfortythousandroublesofZemstvo’smoney，orjudgingthehalf-wittedAlioshka-thatIdon’tunderstand，andIcan’tdoit。’

KonstantinLevinspokeasthoughthefloodgatesofhisspeechhadburstopen。SergeiIvanovichsmiled。

`Buttomorrowit’llbeyourturntobetried；wouldithavesuitedyourtastesbettertobetriedintheoldcriminalcourt？’

`I’mnotgoingtobetried。Ishan’tmurderanybody，andI’venoneedofit。Well，Itellyouwhat，’hewenton，flyingoffagaintoasubjectquitebesidethepoint，`ourdistrictself-governmentandalltherestofit-it’sjustlikethebirchsaplingswestickintheground，aswewoulddoitonTrinityDay，tolooklikeacopsewhichhasgrownupofitselfinEurope，andIcan’tgushoverthesebirchsaplingsandbelieveinthem。’

SergeiIvanovichmerelyshruggedhisshoulders，asthoughtoexpresshiswonderhowthebirchsaplingshadcomeintotheirargumentatthatpoint，thoughhedidreallyunderstandatoncewhathisbrothermeant。

`Excuseme，butyouknowonereallycan’targueinthatway，’

heobserved。

ButKonstantinLevinwantedtojustifyhimselfforthefailing，ofwhichhewasconscious，ofalackofzealforthepublicwelfare，andhewenton。

`Iimagine，’Konstantinsaid，`thatnosortofactivityislikelytobelastingifitisnotfoundedonself-interest-that’sauniversalprinciple，aphilosophicalprinciple，’hesaid，repeatingtheword`philosophical’

withdetermination，asthoughwishingtoshowthathehadasmuchrightasanyoneelsetotalkofphilosophy。

SergeiIvanovichsmiled。`Hetoohasaphilosophyofhisownattheserviceofhisnaturaltendencies，’hethought。

`Come，you’dbetterletphilosophyalone，’hesaid。`Thechiefproblemofthephilosophyofallagesconsistspreciselyinfindingthatindispensableconnectionwhichexistsbetweenindividualandsocialinterests。

Butthat’snottothepoint；whatistothepointisacorrectionImustmakeinyourcomparison。Thebirchesarenotsimplystuckin，butsomearesownandsomeareplanted，andonemustdealcarefullywiththem。It’sonlythosepeoplesthathaveanintuitivesenseofwhat’sofimportanceandsignificanceintheirinstitutions，andknowhowtovaluethem，whohaveafuturebeforethem-it’sonlythosepeoplesthatonecantrulycallhistorical。’

AndSergeiIvanovichcarriedthesubjectintotheregionsofphilosophicalhistorywhereKonstantinLevincouldnotfollowhim，andshowedhimalltheincorrectnessofhisoutlook。

`Asforyourdislikeofit-excusemysayingso-that’ssimplyourRussianslothandoldserfowners’ways，andI’mconvincedthatinyouit’satemporaryerrorandwillpass。’

Konstantinwassilent。Hefelthimselfvanquishedonallsides，buthefeltatthesametimethatwhathewantedtosaywasunintelligibletohisbrother。Onlyhecouldnotmakeuphismindwhetheritwasunintelligiblebecausehewasnotcapableofexpressinghismeaningclearly，orbecausehisbrotherwouldnotorcouldnotunderstandhim。Buthedidnotpursuethespeculation，and，withoutreplying，hefelltomusingonaquitedifferentandpersonalmatter。

SergeiIvanovichwoundupthelastline，unhitchedthehorse，andtheydroveoff。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]

TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter04[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter4ThepersonalmatterthatabsorbedLevinduringhisconversationwithhisbrotherwasthis。Once，theyearprevious，hehadgonetolookatthemowing，andbeingmadeveryangrybythebailiffhehadhadrecoursetohisfavoritemeansforregaininghistemper-hehadtakenascythefromapeasantandbegunmowing。

Helikedtheworksomuchthathehadseveraltimestriedhishandatmowingsince。Hehadcutthewholeofthemeadowinfrontofhishouse，andthisyear，eversincetheearlyspring，hehadcherishedaplanformowingforwholedaystogetherwiththepeasants。Eversincehisbrother’sarrivalhehadbeenindoubtastowhethertomowornot。Hewasloathtoleavehisbrotheralonealldaylong，andhewasafraidhisbrotherwouldlaughathimaboutit。Butashedroveintothemeadow，andrecalledthesensationsofmowing，hecameneardecidingthathewouldgomowing。

Aftertheirritatingdiscussionwithhisbrother，heponderedoverthisintentionagain。

`Imusthavephysicalexercise，ormytemper’llcertainlyberuined，’

hethought，andhedeterminedhewouldgomowing，howeverawkwardhemightfeelaboutitwithhisbrotherorthepeasants。

TowardeveningKonstantinLevinwenttohiscountinghouse，gavedirectionsastotheworktobedone，andsentaboutthevillagetosummonthemowersforthemorrow，tocutthehayinKalinovmeadow，thelargestandbestofhisgrasslands。

`Andsendmyscythe，please，toTit，forhimtosetit，andbringitroundtomorrow。Imaydosomemowingmyself，too，’hesaid，tryingnottobeembarrassed。

Thebailiffsmiledandsaid:

`Yes，sir。’

AtteathesameeveningLevinsaidtohisbrothertoo。

`Ifancythefineweatherwilllast，’saidhe。`TomorrowIshallstartmowing。’

`I’msofondofthatformoffieldlabor，’saidSergeiIvanovich。

`I’mawfullyfondofit。Isometimesmowmyselfwiththepeasants，andtomorrowIwanttotrymowingthewholeday。’

SergeiIvanovichliftedhishead，andlookedwithcuriosityathisbrother。

`Howdoyoumean？Justlikeoneofthepeasants，alldaylong？’

`Yes，it’sverypleasant，’saidLevin。

`It’ssplendidasexercise，onlyyou’llhardlybeabletostandit，’saidSergeiIvanovich，withoutashadeofirony。

`I’vetriedit。It’shardworkatfirst，butyougetintoit。

IdaresayIshallmanagetokeepitup……’

`Oh，sothat’sit！Buttellme，howdothepeasantslookatit？

Isupposetheylaughintheirsleevesattheirmaster’sbeingsuchaqueerfish？’

`No，Idon’tthinkso；butit’ssodelightful，andatthesametimesuchhardwork，thatonehasnotimetothinkaboutit。’

`Buthowwillyoudoaboutdiningwiththem？TosendyouabottleofLafitteandroastturkeyouttherewouldbealittleawkward。’

`No，I’llsimplycomehomeatthetimeoftheirnoondayrest。’

NextmorningKonstantinLevingotupearlierthanusual，buthewasdetainedgivingdirectionsonthefarm，andwhenhereachedthemowinggrassthemowerswerealreadyattheirsecondswath。

Fromtheuplandshecouldgetaviewoftheshadedcutpartofthemeadowbelow，withthegrayishswathsandtheblackheapsofcoats，takenoffbythemowersattheplacefromwhichtheyhadstartedcutting。

Gradually，asherodetowardthemeadow，thepeasantscameintosight，someincoats，someintheirshirts，mowing，onebehindanotherinalongstring，eachswinginghisscytheinhisownway。Hecountedforty-twoofthem。