第11章

Theyweremowingslowlyovertheuneven，low-lyingpartsofthemeadow，wheretherehadbeenanolddam。Levinrecognizedsomeofhisownmen。HerewasoldIermilinaverylongwhitesmock，bendingforwardtoswingascythe；therewasayoungfellow，Vaska，whohadbeenacoachmanofLevin’s，takingeveryswathwithawidesweep。Here，too，wasTit，Levin’spreceptorintheartofmowing，athinlittlepeasant。Hewentonahead，andcuthiswideswathwithoutbending，asthoughplayingwithhisscythe。

Levingotoffhismare，andfasteningherupbytheroadsidewenttomeetTit，whotookasecondscytheoutofabushandgaveithim。

`It’sready，sir；it’slikearazor-itcutsofitself，’saidTit，takingoffhiscapwithasmileandgivinghimthescythe。

Levintookthescythe，andbegantryingit。Astheyfinishedtheirswaths，themowers，hotandgood-humored，cameoutintotheroadoneafteranother，andsmirking，greetedthemaster。Theyallstaredathim，butnoonemadeanyremark，tillatalloldman，withawrinkled，beardlessface，wearingashortsheepskinjacket，cameoutintotheroadandaccostedhim。

`Look’eenow，master，oncetakeholdoftherope，there’snolettinggo！’hesaid，andLevinheardsmotheredlaughteramongthemowers。

`I’lltrynottoletitgo，’hesaid，takinghisstandbehindTit，andwaitingforthetimetobegin。

`Mind’ee，’repeatedtheoldman。

Titmaderoom，andLevinstartedbehindhim。Thegrasswasshortclosetotheroad，andLevin，whohadnotdoneanymowingforalongwhile，andwasdisconcertedbytheeyesfasteneduponhim，cutbadlyforthefirstmoments，thoughheswunghisscythevigorously。Behindhimheheardvoices:

`It’snotsetright；handle’stoohigh；seehowhehastostooptoit，’saidone。

`Pressmoreontheheelofthescythe，’saidanother。

`Nevermind，he’llgetonallright，’theoldmanresumed。`See，he’smadeastart……Youswingittoowide，you’lltireyourselfout……

Themaster，sure，doeshisbestforhimself！Butseethegrassmissedout！

Forsuchworkusfellowswouldcatchit！’

Thegrassbecamelusher，andLevin，listeningwithoutanswering，followedTit，tryingtodothebesthecould。Theymovedahundredpaces。

Titkeptmovingon，withoutstopping，norshowingtheslightestweariness，butLevinwasalreadybeginningtofearhewouldnotbeabletokeepitup-sotiredwashe。

Hefeltasheswunghisscythethathewasattheveryendofhisstrength，andwasmakinguphismindtoaskTittostop。ButatthatverymomentTitstoppedofhisownaccord，and，stoopingdown，pickedupsomegrass，rubbedhisscythe，andbeganwhettingit。Levinstraightenedhimself，anddrawingadeepbreathlookedround。Behindhimcameapeasant，andhetoowasevidentlytired，forhestoppedatoncewithoutwaitingtomowuptoLevin，andbeganwhettinghisscythe。TitsharpenedhisscytheandLevin’s，andtheywenton。

Thenexttimeitwasjustthesame。Titmovedonwithsweepaftersweepofhisscythe，withoutstoppingorshowingsignsofweariness。Levinfollowedhim，tryingnottogetleftbehind，andhefounditharderandharder:themomentcamewhenhefelthehadnostrengthleft，butatthatverymomentTitstoppedandwhettedthescythes。

Sotheymowedthefirstrow。AndthislongrowseemedparticularlyhardworktoLevin；butwhentheendwasreached，andTit，shoulderinghisscythe，beganwithdeliberatestridereturningonthetracksleftbyhisheelsinthecutgrass，andLevinwalkedbackinthesamewayoverthespacehehadcut，inspiteofthesweatthatraninstreamsoverhisfaceandfellindropsdownhisnose，anddrenchedhisbackasthoughhehadbeensoakedinwater，hefeltveryhappy。Whatdelightedhimparticularlywasthatnowheknewhewouldbeabletoholdout。

Hispleasurewasonlydisturbedbyhisswathnotbeingwellcut。

`Iwillswinglesswithmyarmandmorewithmywholebody，’hethought，comparingTit’sswath，whichlookedasifithadbeencutalongasurveyor’scord，withhisownscatteredandirregularlylyinggrass。

Thefirstswath，asLevinnoticed，Tithadmowedespeciallyquickly，probablywishingtoputhismastertothetest，andtheswathhappenedtobealongone。Thenextswathswereeasier，butstillLevinhadtostraineverynervenottodropbehindthepeasants。

Hethoughtofnothing，wishedfornothing，savenottobeleftbehindthepeasants，andtodohisworkaswellaspossible。Heheardnothingsavetheswishofscythes，andsawbeforehimTit’suprightfiguremowingaway，thecrescent-shapedcurveofthecutgrass，thegrassandflowersslowlyandrhythmicallyfallingbeforethebladeofhisscythe，andaheadofhimtheendoftheswath，wherewouldcometherest。

Suddenly，inthemidstofhistoil，withoutunderstandingwhatitwasorwhenceitcame，hefeltapleasantsensationofchillonhishot，moistshoulders。Heglancedattheskyintheintervalforwhettingthescythes。Aheavy，loweringstormcloudhadblownup，andbigraindropswerefalling。Someofthepeasantswenttotheircoatsandputthemon；

others-justlikeLevinhimself-merelyshruggedtheirshoulders，enjoyingthepleasantcoolnessofit。

Anotherswath，andyetanotherswathfollowed-longswathsandshortswaths，withgoodgrassandwithpoorgrass。Levinlostallsenseoftime，andcouldnothavetoldwhetheritwerelateorearlynow。Achangebegantocomeoverhiswork，whichgavehimimmensesatisfaction。Inthemidstofhistoilthereweremomentsduringwhichheforgotwhathewasdoing，anditallcameeasytohim，andatthosesamemomentshisswathwasalmostassmoothandwellcutasTit’s。Butassoonasherecollectedwhathewasdoing，andbegantryingtodobetter，hewasatonceconsciousofallthedifficultyofhistask，andtheswathwasbadlymown。

Onfinishingyetanotherswathhewouldhavegonebacktothetopofthemeadowagaintobeginthenext，butTitstopped，andgoinguptotheoldmansaidsomethinginalowvoicetohim。Theybothlookedatthesun。`Whataretheytalkingabout，andwhydoesn’thegoback？’thoughtLevin，withoutguessingthatthepeasantshadbeenmowingnolessthanfourhourswithoutstopping，andthatitwastimefortheirlunch。

`Lunch，sir，’saidtheoldman。

`Isitreallytime？Lunchitis，then。’

LevingavehisscythetoTit，and，togetherwiththepeasants，whowerecrossingthelongstretchofmowngrass，slightlysprinkledwithrain，togettheirbreadfromtheheapofcoats，hewenttowardhishorse。

Onlythendidhesuddenlyawaketothefactthathehadbeenwrongabouttheweatherandthattherainwasdrenchinghishay。

`Thehaywillbespoiled，’hesaid。

`Notabitofit，sir；mowintherain，andyou’llrakeinfineweather！’saidtheoldman。

Levinuntiedhishorseandrodehometohiscoffee。

SergeiIvanovichwasjustgettingup。Whenhehaddrunkhiscoffee，LevinrodebackagaintothemowingbeforeSergeiIvanovichhadhadtimetodressandcomedowntothediningroom。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]

TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter05[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter5AfterlunchLevinwasnotinthesameplaceinthestringofmowersasbefore，butstoodbetweentheoldmanwhohadaccostedhimjocosely，andnowinvitedhimtobehisneighbor，andayoungpeasant，whohadonlybeenmarriedintheautumn，andwhowasmowingthissummerforthefirsttime。

Theoldman，holdinghimselferect，movedinfront，withhisfeetturnedout，takinglong，regularstrides，andwithapreciseandregularactionwhichseemedtocosthimnomoreeffortthanswingingone’sarmsinwalking，asthoughitwereinplay，helaiddownthehigh，evenswathofgrass。Itwasasthoughitwerenothebutthesharpscytheofitselfswishingthroughthejuicygrass。

BehindLevincametheladMishka。Hiscomely，youthfulface，withatwistoffreshgrassboundroundhishair，wasallworkingwitheffort；

butwheneveranyonelookedathimhesmiled。Hewouldclearlyhavediedsoonerthanownitwashardworkforhim。

Levinkeptbetweenthem。Intheveryheatofthedaythemowingdidnotseemsuchhardworktohim。Theperspirationwithwhichhewasdrenchedcooledhim，whilethesun，thatburnedhisback，hishead，andhisarms，baretotheelbow，gaveavigoranddoggedenergytohislabor；

andmoreandmoreoftennowcamethosemomentsofunconsciousness，whenitwaspossiblenottothinkofwhatonewasdoing。Thescythecutofitself。

Thesewerehappymoments。Stillmoredelightfulwerethemomentswhentheyreachedthestreamwheretheswathsended，andtheoldmanrubbedhisscythewiththewet，thickgrass，rinseditsbladeinthefreshwaterofthestream，ladledoutalittleinawhetstonecase，andofferedLevinadrink。

`Whatdoyousaytomykvass，eh？Good，eh？’hewouldsay，winking。

AndtrulyLevinhadneverdrunkanyliquorasgoodasthiswarmwaterwithgreenbitsfloatinginit，andatasteofrustfromthetinwhetstonecase。Andimmediatelyafterthiscamethedelicious，slowsaunter，withhishandonthescythe，duringwhichhecouldwipeawaythestreamingsweat，takedeepbreathsofair，andlookaboutatthelongstringofmowers，andatwhatwashappeningaroundintheforestandthefield。

ThelongerLevinmowed，theoftenerhefeltthemomentsofunconsciousnessinwhichitseemedthatitwasnothishandswhichswungthescythe，butthatthescythewasmovingtogetherwithitselfabodyfulloflifeandconsciousnessofitsown；andasthoughbymagic，withoutthinkingofit，theworkturnedoutregularandwell-finishedofitself。Thesewerethemostblissfulmoments。

Itwasonlyhardworkwhenhehadtobreakoffthemotion，whichhadbecomeunconscious，andtothink；whenhehadtomowroundahummockoranunweededtuftofsorrel。Theoldmandidthiseasily。Whenahummockcamehechangedhisaction，andatonetimewiththeheel，andatanotherwiththetipofhisscythe，clippedthehummockroundbothsideswithshortstrokes。Andwhilehedidthishekeptlookingaboutandwatchingwhatcameintohisview:atonemomenthepickedawildberryandateitorofferedittoLevin，thenheflungawayatwigwiththebladeofthescythe，thenhelookedataquail’snest，fromwhichthebirdflewjustunderthescythe，orcaughtasnakethatcrossedhispath，andliftingitonthescytheasthoughonaforkshowedittoLevinandthrewitaway。

ForbothLevinandtheyoungpeasantbehindhim，suchchangesofpositionweredifficult。Bothofthem，repeatingoverandoveragainthesamestrainedmovement，wereinaperfectfrenzyoftoil，andwereincapableofshiftingtheirpositionandatthesametimewatchingwhatwasbeforethem。

Levindidnotnoticehowtimewaspassing。Ifhehadbeenaskedhowlonghehadbeenworkinghewouldhavesaidhalfanhour-yetitwasgettingontodinnertime。Astheywerewalkingbackoverthecutgrass，theoldmancalledLevin’sattentiontothelittlegirlsandboyswhowerecomingfromdifferentdirections，hardlyvisiblethroughthelonggrass，andalongtheroadtowardthemowers，carryingsacksofbreadthatstretchedtheirlittlearms，andluggingsmallpitchersofkvass，stoppedupwithrags。

`Look’eeatthelittledoodlebugscrawling！’hesaid，pointingtothem，andheshadedhiseyeswithhishandtolookatthesun。

Theymowedtwomoreswaths；theoldmanstopped。

`Come，master，dinnertime！’hesaiddecidedly。Andonreachingthestreamthemowersmovedoffacrosstheswathstowardtheirpileofcoats，wherethechildrenwhohadbroughttheirdinnersweresittingwaitingforthem。Thepeasantsgathered-thosewhocamefromafarundertheirtelegas，thosewholivednearunderawillowbush，coveredwithgrass。

Levinsatdownbythem；hefeltdisinclinedtogoaway。

Allconstraintwiththemasterhaddisappearedlongago。Thepeasantsgotreadyfordinner。Somewashed，theyoungladsbathedinthestream，othersmadeaplacecomfortableforarest，untiedtheirsacksofbread，anduncoveredthepitchersofkvass。Theoldmancrumbledupsomebreadinacup，stirreditwiththehandleofaspoon，pouredwateronitfromhiswhetstonecase，brokeupsomemorebread，andhavingseasoneditwithsalt，heturnedtotheeasttosayhisprayer。

`Come，master，tastemysop，’saidhe，kneelingdownbeforethecup。

ThesopwassogoodthatLevingaveuptheideaofgoinghomefordinner。Heatewiththeoldman，andtalkedtohimabouthisfamilyaffairs，takingthekeenestinterestinthem，andtoldhimabouthisownaffairsandallthecircumstancesthatcouldbeofinteresttotheoldman。Hefeltmuchnearertohimthantohisbrother，andcouldnothelpsmilingattheaffectionhefeltforthisman。Whentheoldmangotupagain，saidhisprayer，andlaydownunderabush，puttingsomegrassunderhisheadforapillow，Levindidthesame，and，inspiteoftheclingingfliesthatweresopersistentinthesunshine，andthemidgesthattickledhishotfaceandbody，hefellasleepatonceandonlywakedwhenthesunhadpassedtotheothersideofthebushandreachedhim。Theoldmanhadbeenawakealongwhile，andwassittingupwhettingthescythesoftheyoungerlads。

Levinlookedabouthimandhardlyrecognizedtheplace，everythingwassochanged。Theimmensestretchofmeadowhadbeenmownandwassparklingwithapeculiarfreshbrilliance，withitslinesofalreadysweet-smellinggrassintheslantingraysoftheeveningsun。Andthebushesabouttheriver，mowedaround，andtheriveritself，notvisiblebefore，nowgleaming，likesteelinitsbends，andthemoving，ascendingpeasants，andthesharpwallofgrassoftheunmownpartofthemeadow，andthehawkshoveringoverthestrippedmeadow-allwasperfectlynew。Raisinghimself，Levinbeganconsideringhowmuchhadbeencutandhowmuchmorecouldstillbedonethatday。

Theworkdonewasexceptionallygreatforforty-twomen。Theyhadcutthewholeofthebigmeadow，whichhad，intheyearsofcorvee，takenthirtyscythestwodaystomow。Onlythecornersremainedtodo，wheretheswathswereshort。ButLevinfeltalongingtogetasmuchmowingdonethatdayaspossible，andwasvexedwiththesunsinkingsoquicklyinthesky。Hefeltnoweariness；allhewantedwastogethisworkdonemoreandmorequickly，andasmuchofitaspossible。

`CouldwecuttheMashkinUplandtoo？-whatdoyouthink？’hesaidtotheoldman。

`AsGodwills-thesun’snothigh。Alittlevodkaforthelads？’

Attheafternoonrest，whentheyweresittingdownagain，andthosewhosmokedhadlightedtheirpipes，theoldmantoldthementhat`theMashkinUpland’stobecut-there’llbevodka。’

`Whynotcutit？Comeon，Tit！We’lllooksharp！Wecaneatatnight。Comeon！’voicescriedout，andeatinguptheirbread，themowerswentbacktowork。

`Come，lads，keepitup！’saidTit，andranonaheadalmostatatrot。

`Getalong，getalong！’saidtheoldman，hurryingafterhimandeasilyovertakinghim，`I’llmowtheedown，lookout！’

Andyoungandoldmowedaway，asthoughtheywereracingwithoneanother。Buthoweverfasttheyworked，theydidnotspoilthegrass，andtheswathswerelaidjustasneatlyandexactly。Thelittlepieceleftuncutinthecornerwasmowninfiveminutes。Thelastofthemowerswerejustendingtheirswathswhiletheforemostsnatcheduptheircoatsontotheirshoulders，andcrossedtheroadtowardtheMashkinUpland。

ThesunwasalreadysinkingamongthetreeswhentheywentwiththeirjinglingwhetstonecasesintothewoodedravineoftheMashkinUpland。

Thegrasswasuptotheirwaistsinthemiddleofthehollow，lush，tender，andfeathery，spottedhereandthereamongthetreeswithwildheartsease。

Afterabriefconsultation-whethertotaketheswathslengthwiseordiagonally-ProkhorIermilin，alsoadoughtymower，ahuge，black-hairedpeasant，wentonahead。Hewentuptothetop，turnedbackagainandstartedmowing，andtheyallproceededtoforminlinebehindhim，goingdownhillthroughthehollowanduphillrightuptotheedgeoftheforest。Thesunsankbehindtheforest。Thedewwasfallingbynow；themowerswereinthesunonlyonthehillside，butbelow，whereamistwasrising，andontheoppositeside，theymowedintothefresh，dewyshade。Theworkwentrapidly。

Thespicilyfragrantgrasscutwithasucculentsound，wasatoncelaidinhighswaths。Themowersfromallsides，broughtclosertogetherintheshortswath，kepturgingoneanotherontothesoundofjinglingwhetstonecases，andclangingscythes，andthehissofthewhetstonessharpeningthem，andgood-humoredshouts。

Levinstillkeptbetweentheyoungpeasantandtheoldman。Theoldman，whohadputonhisshortsheepskinjacket，wasjustasgood-humored，jocose，andfreeinhismovements。Amongthetreestheywerecontinuallycuttingwiththeirscythestheso-called`birchmushrooms，’swollenfatinthesucculentgrass。Buttheoldmanbentdowneverytimehecameacrossamushroom，pickeditupandputitinhisbosom。`Anotherpresentformyoldwoman，’hewouldsayashedidso。

Easyasitwastomowthewet，lushgrass，itwashardworkgoingupanddownthesteepsidesoftheravine。Butthisdidnottroubletheoldman。Swinginghisscythejustasever，andmovinghisfeetintheirbig，plaitedbastsandals，withfirmshortsteps，heclimbedslowlyupthesteepplace，andthoughhisbreecheshangingoutbelowhissmock，andhiswholeframe，trembledwitheffort，hedidnotmissonebladeofgrassoronemushroomonhisway，andkeptmakingjokeswiththepeasantsandLevin。Levinwalkedafterhimandoftenthoughthemustfall，asheclimbedwithascytheupasteephillock，whereitwouldhavebeenhardworktoclamberevenwithoutthescythe。Butheclimbedupanddidwhathehadtodo。Hefeltasthoughsomeexternalforceweremovinghim。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]

TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter06[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter6TheMashkinUplandwasmown，thelastswathsfinished，thepeasantshadputontheircoatsandweregailytrudginghome。Levingotonhishorse，and，partingregretfullyfromthepeasants，rodehomeward。Onthehillsidehelookedback；hecouldnotseetheminthemistthathadrisenfromthevalley；hecouldonlyheartheirrough，good-humoredvoices，theirlaughter，andthesoundofclankingscythes。

SergeiIvanovichhadlongagofinisheddinner，andwasdrinkingicedlemonadeinhisownroom，lookingthroughthereviewsandpaperswhichhehadjustreceivedbypost，whenLevinrushedintotheroom，talkingmerrily，withhiswetandmattedhairstickingtohisforehead，andhisbackandchestgrimedandmoist。

`Wemowedthewholemeadow！Oh，itisfine，wonderful！Andhowhaveyoubeengettingon？’saidLevin，completelyforgettingthedisagreeableconversationofthepreviousday。

`Dearme！Whatyoulooklike！’saidSergeiIvanovich，forthefirstmomentlookingroundwithsomedissatisfaction。`Andthedoor-doshutthedoor！’hecried。`Youmusthaveletinadozenatleast。’

SergeiIvanovichcouldnotendureflies，andinhisownroomheneveropenedthewindowexceptatnight，andcarefullykeptthedoorshut。

`Notone，onmyhonor。ButifIhave，I’llcatchthem。Youwouldn’tbelievewhatapleasuremowingis！Howhaveyouspenttheday？’

`Verywell。Buthaveyoureallybeenmowingthewholeday？Iexpectyou’reashungryasawolf。Kouzmahasgoteverythingreadyforyou。’

`No，Idon’tfeelhungryeven。Ihadsomethingtoeatthere。ButI’llgoandwash。’

`Yes，goalong，goalong，andI’llcometoyoudirectly，’saidSergeiIvanovich，shakinghisheadashelookedathisbrother。`Goalong，makehaste，’headdedsmiling，and，gatheringuphisbooks，hepreparedtogotoo。He，too，feltsuddenlygood-humoredanddisinclinedtoleavehisbrother’sside。`Butwhatdidyoudowhileitwasraining？’

`Rain？Why，therewasscarcelyadrop。I’llcomedirectly。Soyouhadagooddaytoo？That’sfirst-rate。’AndLevinwentofftochangehisclothes。

Fiveminuteslaterthebrothersmetinthediningroom。AlthoughitseemedtoLevinthathewasnothungry，andhesatdowntodinnersimplysoasnottohurtKouzma’sfeelings，yetwhenhebegantoeatthedinnerstruckhimasextraordinarilygood。SergeiIvanovichwatchedhimwithasmile。

`Oh，bytheway，there’saletterforyou，’saidhe。`Kouzma，bringitfrombelow，please。Andmindyoushutthedoors。’

TheletterwasfromOblonsky。Levinreaditaloud。OblonskywrotetohimfromPeterburg:`IhavehadaletterfromDolly；she’satErgushovo，andeverythingseemsgoingwrongthere。Dorideoverandseeher，please；

helpherwithadvice；youknowallaboutit。Shewillbesogladtoseeyou。She’squitealone，poorthing。Mymother-in-lawandallofthemarestillabroad。’

`That’scapital！Iwillcertainlyrideovertoher，’saidLevin。

`Orwe’llgotogether。She’ssuchagoodwoman，isn’tshe？’

`They’renotfarfromhere，then？’

`Thirtyverstas。Orperhapsforty。Butacapitalroad。Itwillbeacapitaldrive。’

`Ishallbedelighted，’saidSergeiIvanovich，stillsmiling。

Thesightofhisyoungerbrother’sappearancehadimmediatelyputhiminagoodhumor。

`Well，youhaveanappetite！’hesaid，lookingathisdark-red，sunburnedfaceandneckbentovertheplate。

`Splendid！Youcan’timaginewhataneffectiveremedyitisforeverysortoffoolishness。Iwanttoenrichmedicinewithanewword:Arbeitskur。’

`Well，butyoudon’tneedit，Ishouldfancy。’

`No-butforallsortsofnervousinvalids。’

`Yes，itoughttobetried。Ihadmeanttocometothemowingtolookatyou，butitwassounbearablyhotthatIgotnofurtherthantheforest。Isattherealittle，andwentonbytheforesttothevillage，metyouroldnurse，andsoundedherastothepeasant’sviewofyou。AsfarasIcanmakeout，theydon’tapproveofthis。Shesaid:``It’snotagentleman’swork。’Altogether，Ifancythatinthepeople’sideasthereareveryclearanddefinitenotionsofcertain，astheycallit，``gentlemanly’

linesofaction。Andtheydon’tsanctionthegentlefolk’smovingoutsideboundsclearlylaiddownintheirideas。’

`Maybeso；butanyway，it’sapleasuresuchasIhaveneverknowninmylife。Andthere’snoharminit，youknow。Isthere？’answeredLevin。

`Ican’thelpitiftheydon’tlikeit。ThoughIdobelieveit’sallright。

Eh？’

`Altogether，’pursuedSergeiIvanovich，`you’resatisfiedwithyourday？’

`Quitesatisfied。Wecutthewholemeadow。AndImadefriendswithsuchasplendidoldmanthere！Youcan’tfancyhowdelightfulhewas！’

`Well，soyou’resatisfiedwithyourday。AndsoamI。First，Isolvedtwochessproblems，andoneaveryprettyone-apawnopening。

I’llshowittoyou。Andthen-Ithoughtoverourconversationofyesterday。’

`Eh！Ourconversationofyesterday？’saidLevin，blissfullydroppinghiseyelidsanddrawingdeepbreathsafterfinishinghisdinner，andabsolutelyincapableofrecallingwhattheirconversationofyesterdayhadbeenabout。

`Ithinkyouarepartlyright。Ourdifferenceofopinionamountstothis:thatyoumakethemainspringself-interest，whileIcontendthatinterestinthecommonwealisboundtoexistineverymanofacertaindegreeofadvancement。Possiblyyouarerighttoo-thatactionfoundedonmaterialinterestwouldbemoredesirable。Youarealtogether，astheFrenchsay，tooprimesautiè；reanature；youmusthaveintense，energeticaction，ornothing。’

Levinlistenedtohisbrotheranddidnotunderstandasingleword，anddidnotwanttounderstand。Hewasonlyafraidhisbrothermightaskhimsomequestionwhichwouldmakeitevidenthehadnotheard。

`Sothat’swhatIthinkitis，mydearboy，’saidSergeiIvanovich，touchinghimontheshoulder。

`Yes，ofcourse。But，doyouknow？Iwon’tstandupformyview，’

answeredLevin，withaguilty，childlikesmile。`WhateverwasitIwasdisputingabout？’hewondered。`Ofcourse，I’mright，andhe’sright，andit’sallfirst-rate。OnlyImustgoroundtothecountinghouseandseetothings。’Hegotup，stretchingandsmiling。

SergeiIvanovichsmiledtoo。

`Ifyouwanttogoout，let’sgotogether，’hesaid，disinclinedtobepartedfromhisbrother，whoseemedpositivelybreathingoutfreshnessandenergy。`Come，we’llgotothecountinghouse，ifyouhavetogothere。’

`Oh，heavens！’shoutedLevin，soloudlythatSergeiIvanovichwasquitefrightened。

`What，whatisthematter？

`How’sAgathyaMikhailovna’shand？’saidLevin，slappinghimselfonthehead。`I’dpositivelyforgottenher。’

`It’smuchbetter。’

`Well，anyway，I’llrundowntoher。Beforeyou’vetimetogetyourhaton，I’llbeback。’

Andherandownstairs，clatteringwithhisheelslikeaspringrattle。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter07[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter7StepanArkadyevichhadgonetoPeterburgtoperformthemostnaturalandessentialofficialduty-sofamiliartoeveryoneinthegovernmentservice，thoughincomprehensibletooutsiders-thatdutybutforwhichonecouldhardlybeingovernmentservice:ofremindingtheministryofhisexistence；

andhaving，forthedueperformanceofthisrite，takenalltheavailablecashfromhome，wasgailyandagreeablyspendinghisdaysattheracesandinthesummervillas。MeanwhileDollyandthechildrenhadmovedintothecountry，tocutdownexpensesasmuchaspossible。ShehadgonetoErgushovo，theestatethathadbeenherdowry，andtheonewhereinspringtheforesthadbeensold。ItwasnearlyfiftyverstasfromLevin’sPokrovskoe。

ThebigoldhouseatErgushovohadbeenpulleddownlongago，andtheoldPrincehadhadthewingdoneupandaddedto。Twentyyearsbefore，whenDollywasachild，thewinghadbeenroomyandcomfortable，though，likeallwings，itstoodsidewaystotheentranceavenue，andtothesouth。Butbynowthiswingwasoldanddilapidated。WhenStepanArkadyevichhadgonedowninthespringtoselltheforest，Dollyhadbeggedhimtolookoverthehouseandorderwhatrepairsmightbeneeded。StepanArkadyevich，likeanunfaithfulhusbandsindeed，wasverysolicitousforhiswife’scomfort，andhehadhimselflookedoverthehouse，andgiveninstructionsabouteverythingthatheconsiderednecessary。Whatheconsiderednecessarywastocoverallthefurniturewithnewcretonne，toputupcurtains，toweedthegarden，tomakealittlebridgeonthepond，andtoplantflowers。

Butheforgotmanyotheressentialmatters，thewantofwhichgreatlydistressedDaryaAlexandrovnalateron。

InspiteofStepanArkadyevich’seffortstobeanattentivefatherandhusband，henevercouldkeepinhismindthathehadawifeandchildren。

Hehadbachelortastes，anditwasinaccordancewiththemthatheshapedhislife。OnhisreturntoMoscowheinformedhiswifewithpridethateverythingwasready，thatthehousewouldbeaprettytoy，andthathemostcertainlyadvisedhertogo。Hiswife’sstayingawayinthecountrywasveryagreeabletoStepanArkadyevichfromeverypointofview:itdidthechildrengood，itdecreasedexpenses，anditlefthimmoreatliberty。

DaryaAlexandrovnaregardedstayinginthecountryforthesummerasessentialforthechildren，especiallyforthelittlegirl，whohadnotsucceededinregainingherstrengthafterthescarlatina，andalsoasameansofescapingthepettyhumiliations，thelittlebillsowingtothewoodmerchant，thefishmonger，theshoemaker，whichmadehermiserable。Besidesthis，shewaspleasedtogoawaytothecountrybecauseshewasdreamingofgettinghersisterKittytostaywithherthere。Kittywastobebackfromabroadinthemiddleofthesummer，andbathinghadbeenprescribedforher。KittywrotethatnoprospectwassoalluringastospendthesummerwithDollyatErgushovo，fullofchildhoodassociationsforbothofthem。

ThefirstdaysofherexistenceinthecountrywereveryhardforDolly。Sheusedtostayinthecountryasachild，andtheimpressionshehadretainedofitwasthatthecountrywasarefugefromalltheunpleasantnessofthetown，thatlifethere，thoughnotluxurious-Dollycouldeasilymakeuphermindtothat-wascheapandcomfortable；thattherewasplentyofeverything，everythingwascheap，everythingcouldbegot，andchildrenwerehappy。Butnow，comingtothecountryastheheadofafamily，sheperceivedthatitwasallutterlyunlikewhatshehadfancied。

Thedayaftertheirarrivaltherewasaheavyfallofrainandinthenightthewatercamethroughinthecorridorandinthenursery，sothatthebedshadtobecarriedintothedrawingroom。Therewasnokitchenmaidtobefound；oftheninecows，itappearedfromthewordsofthecowherdwomanthatsomewereabouttocalve，othershadjustcalved，otherswereold，andothersagainhard-uddered；therewasneitherbutternormilkenoughevenforthechildren。Therewerenoeggs。Theycouldgetnofowls；old，purplish，stringyroosterswerealltheyhadforroastingandboiling。Impossibletogetwomentoscrubthefloors-allwerepotatohoeing。Drivingwasoutofthequestion，becauseoneofthehorseswasrestive，andboltedintheshafts。Therewasnoplacewheretheycouldbathe；thewholeoftheriverbankwastrampledbythecattleandopentotheroad；evenwalkswereimpossible，forthecattlestrayedintothegardenthroughagapinthehedge，andtherewasoneterriblebull，whobellowed，andthereforemightbeexpectedtogoresomebody。Therewerenopropercupboardsfortheirclothes；whatcupboardstherewereeitherwouldnotcloseatall，orflewopenwheneveranyonepassedbythem。Therewerenopotsandkettles；therewasnoboilerinthewashhouse，norevenanironingboardinthemaids’room。

Findinginsteadofpeaceandrestallthese，fromherpointofview，fearfulcalamities，DaryaAlexandrovnawasatfirstindespair。Sheexertedherselftotheutmost，feltthehopelessnessoftheposition，andwaseveryinstantsuppressingthetearsthatstartedintohereyes。Thebailiff，aretiredquartermaster，whomStepanArkadyevichhadtakenafancytoandhadappointedbailiffonaccountofhishandsomeandrespectfulappearanceasahallporter，showednosympathyforDaryaAlexandrovna’swoes。Hewouldsayrespectfully，`Nothingcanbedone，thepeasantsaresuchawretchedlot，’anddidnothingtohelpher。

Thepositionseemedhopeless。ButintheOblonskys’household，asinallfamiliesindeed，therewasoneinconspicuousbutmostvaluableandusefulperson-MatrionaPhilimonovna。Shesoothedhermistress，assuredherthateverythingwouldcomeround(itwasherexpression，andMatveihadborroweditfromher)，andwithoutfussorhurryproceededtosettoworkherself。

Shehadimmediatelymadefriendswiththebailiff’swife，andontheveryfirstdayshedrankteawithherandthebailiffundertheacacias，andreviewedallthecircumstancesoftheposition。VerysoonMatrionaPhilimonovnahadestablishedherclub，sotosay，undertheacacias，andthereitwas，inthisclub，consistingofthebailiff’swife，thevillageelder，andthecountinghouseclerk，thatthedifficultiesofexistenceweregraduallysmoothedaway，andinaweek’stimeeverythingactuallyhadcomeround。Theroofwasmended，akitchenmaidwasfound-acronyofthevillageelder’s-henswerebought，thecowsbegangivingmilk，thegardenhedgewasstoppedupwithstakes，thecarpentermadeamangle，hookswereputinthecupboards，andtheyceasedtoflyopenspontaneouslyandanironingboardcoveredwitharmyclothwasplacedacrossfromthearmofachairtothechestofdrawers，andtherewasasmellofflatironsinthemaids’room。

`Justsee，now，andyouwerequiteindespair，’saidMatrionaPhilimonovna，pointingtotheironingboard。

Theyevenriggedupabathingshedofstrawhurdles。Lilybegantobathe，andDaryaAlexandrovnabegantorealize，ifonlyinpart，herexpectations，ifnotofapeaceful，atleastofacomfortable，lifeinthecountry。PeacefulwithsixchildrenDaryaAlexandrovnacouldnotbe。

Onewouldfallill，anothermighteasilybecomeso，athirdwouldbewithoutsomethingnecessary，afourthwouldshowsymptomsofabaddisposition，andsoon。Rareindeedwerethebriefperiodsofpeace。ButthesecaresandanxietieswereforDaryaAlexandrovnathesolehappinesspossible。

Haditnotbeenforthem，shewouldhavebeenleftalonetobroodoverherhusbandwhodidnotloveher。Andbesides，hardthoughitwasforthemothertobearthedreadofillness，theillnessesthemselves，andthegriefofseeingsignsofevilpropensitiesinherchildren-thechildrenthemselveswereevennowrepayingherinsmalljoysforherpains。Thosejoysweresosmallthattheypassedunnoticed，likegoldinsand，andatbadmomentsshecouldseenothingbutthepain，nothingbutsand；butthereweregoodmomentstoowhenshesawnothingbutthejoy，nothingbutgold。

Now，inthesolitudeofthecountry，shebegantobemoreandmorefrequentlyawareofthosejoys。Often，lookingatthem，shewouldmakeeverypossibleefforttopersuadeherselfthatshewasmistaken，thatsheasamotherwaspartialtoherchildren。Allthesame，shecouldnothelpsayingtoherselfthatshehadcharmingchildren，allsixofthemindifferentways，butasetofchildrensuchasisnotoftentobemetwith-andshewashappyinthem，andproudofthem。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]

TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter08[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter8TowardtheendofMay，wheneverythinghadbeenmoreorlesssatisfactorilyarranged，shereceivedherhusband’sanswertohercomplaintsofthedisorganizedstateofthingsinthecountry。Hewrotebeggingherforgivenessfornothavingthoughtofeverythingbefore，andpromisedtocomedownatthefirstchance。Thischancedidnotpresentitself，andtillthebeginningofJuneDaryaAlexandrovnastayedaloneinthecountry。

OntheSundayinSt。Peter’sweekDaryaAlexandrovnadrovetomasstohaveallherchildrentakethesacrament。DaryaAlexandrovnainherintimate，philosophicaltalkswithhersister，hermother，andherfriendsveryoftenastonishedthembythefreedomofherviewsinregardtoreligion。Shehadastrangereligion，allherown，ofthetransmigrationofsouls，inwhichshehadfirmfaith，troublingherselflittleaboutthedogmasoftheChurch。ButinherfamilyshewasstrictincarryingoutallthatwasrequiredbytheChurch-andnotmerelyinordertosetanexample，butwithallherheart。Thefactthatthechildrenhadnotbeenatthesacramentfornearlyayearworriedherextremely，andwiththefullapprovalandsympathyofMatrionaPhilimonovnashedecidedthatthisshouldtakeplacenow，inthesummer。

ForseveraldaysbeforeDaryaAlexandrovnawasbusilydeliberatingonhowtodressallthechildren。Frocksweremade，oralteredandwashed，seamsandflounceswereletout，buttonsweresewnonandribbonsgotready。

Onedress，Tania’s，whichtheEnglishgovernesshadundertaken，costDaryaAlexandrovnamuchlossoftemper。TheEnglishgovernessinalteringithadmadetheseamsinthewrongplace，hadtakenupthesleevestoomuch，andaltogetherspoiledthedress。ItwassonarrowonTania’sshouldersthatitwasquitepainfultolookather。ButMatrionaPhilimonovnahadthehappythoughtofputtingingussets，andaddingalittleshoulder-cape。

Thedresswassetright，buttherewasnearlyaquarrelwiththeEnglishgoverness。Inthemorning，however，allwashappilyarranged，andaboutnineo’clock-thetimeatwhichtheyhadaskedthepriesttowaitforthemforthemass-thechildrenintheirnewdressesstoodwithbeamingfacesonthestepbeforethecarriage，waitingfortheirmother。

Inthecarriage，insteadoftherestiveRaven，theyhadharnessed，thankstotherepresentationsofMatrionaPhilimonovna，thebailiff’shorse，Brownie，andDaryaAlexandrovna，delayedbyanxietyoverherownattire，cameoutandgotin，dressedinawhitemuslingown。

DaryaAlexandrovnahaddoneherhair，anddressedwithcareandexcitement。Intheolddaysshehaddressedforherownsake，tolookprettyandbeadmired；lateron，asshegotolder，dressbecamemoreandmoredistastefultoher；shesawthatshewaslosinghergoodlooks。Butnowshebegantofeelpleasureandinterestindressagain。Nowshedidnotdressforherownsake，norforthesakeofherownbeauty，butsimplythat，asthemotherofthoseexquisitecreatures，shemightnotspoilthegeneraleffect。Andlookingatherselfforthelasttimeinthelookingglassshewassatisfiedwithherself。Shelookedwell。Notaswellasshewishedtolookintheolddays，ataball，butwellfortheobjectshenowhadinview。

Inthechurchtherewasnoonebutthepeasants，theservants，andtheirwomenfolk。ButDaryaAlexandrovnasaw，orfanciedshesaw，thesensationproducedbyherchildrenandherself。Thechildrenwerenotonlybeautifultolookatintheirsmartlittledresses，buttheywerecharminginthewaytheybehaved。Aliosha，itistrue，didnotstandquitecorrectly；

hekeptturninground，tryingtolookathislittlejacketfrombehind；

butallthesamehewaswonderfullysweet。Taniabehavedlikeagrown-upperson，andlookedafterthelittleones。Andthesmallest，Lily，wasbewitchinginhernaiveastonishmentateverything，anditwasdifficultnottosmilewhen，aftertakingthesacrament，shesaidinEnglish，`Please，somemore。’

Onthewayhomethechildrenfeltthatsomethingsolemnhadhappened，andwereverysedate。

Everythingwenthappilyathometoo；butatlunchGrishabeganwhistling，and，whatwasworse，wasdisobedienttotheEnglishgoverness，andwasforbiddentohaveanytart。DaryaAlexandrovnawouldnothaveletthingsgoasfarasthepunishmentonsuchadayhadshebeenpresent；

butshehadtosupporttheEnglishgoverness’sauthority，andsheupheldherdecisionthatGrishashouldhavenotart。Thisratherspoiledthegeneralgoodhumor。

Grishacried，declaringthatNikolinkahadwhistledtoo，yetwasnotpunished，andthathewasn’tcryingforthetart-hedidn’tcare-

butatbeingunjustlytreated。Thiswasreallytootragic，andDaryaAlexandrovnamadeuphermindtopersuadetheEnglishgovernesstoforgiveGrisha，andshewenttospeaktoher。Butonherway，asshepassedthedrawingroom，shebeheldascene，fillingherheartwithsuchpleasurethatthetearscameintohereyes，andsheforgavethedelinquentherself。

Theculpritwassittingatthewindowinthecornerofthedrawingroom；besidehimwasstandingTaniawithaplate。Onthepretextofwantingtogivesomedinnertoherdolls，shehadaskedthegoverness’spermissiontotakehershareoftarttothenursery，andhadtakenitinsteadtoherbrother。Whilestillweepingovertheinjusticeofhispunishment，hewaseatingthetart，andkeptsayingthroughhissobs，`Eatyourself；let’seatittogether……together。’

TaniahadatfirstbeenundertheinfluenceofherpityforGrisha，thenofasenseofhernobleaction，andtearswerestandinginhereyestoo；butshedidnotrefuse，andatehershare。

Oncatchingsightoftheirmothertheyweredismayed，but，lookingintoherface，theysawtheywerenotdoingwrong。Theyburstoutlaughing，and，withtheirmouthsfulloftart，theybeganwipingtheirsmilinglipswiththeirhands，andsmearingtheirradiantfacesalloverwithtearsandjam。

`Mercy！Yournewwhitefrock-Tania！Grisha！’saidtheirmother，tryingtosavethefrock，butwithtearsinhereyes，smilingablissful，rapturoussmile。

Thenewfrocksweretakenoff，andordersweregivenforthelittlegirlstohavetheirblousesputon，andtheboystheiroldjackets，andthewidedroshkytobeharnessed-withBrownie，tothebailiff’sannoyance，againintheshafts-todriveoutformushroompickingandbathing。A

roarofdelightedshrieksaroseinthenursery，andneverceasedtilltheyhadsetoffforthebathingplace。

Theygatheredawholebasketfulofmushrooms；evenLilyfoundabirchmushroom。IthadalwayshappenedbeforethatMissHoolefoundthemandpointedthemouttoher；butthistimeshefoundabigonequitebyherself，andtherewasageneralscreamofdelight；`Lilyhasfoundamushroom！’

Thentheyreachedtheriver，putthehorsesunderthebirchtrees，andwenttothebathingplace。Thecoachman，Terentii，hitchedthehorses，whokeptwhiskingawaythehorseflies，toatree，and，treadingdownthegrass，laydownintheshadeofabirchandsmokedhisshag，whilethenever-ceasingshrieksofdelightofthechildrenfloatedacrosstohimfromthebathingplace。

Thoughitwashardworktolookafterallthechildrenandrestraintheirpranks，thoughitwasdifficult，too，tokeepone’sheadandnotmixupallthestockings，littlebreeches，andshoesforthedifferentlegs，andtoundoandtodoupagainallthetapesandbuttons，DaryaAlexandrovna，whohadalwayslikedbathingherself，andbelievedittobeverygoodforthechildren，enjoyednothingsomuchasbathingwithallthechildren。

Togooverallthosefatlittlelegs，pullingontheirstockings，totakeinherarmsanddipthoselittlenakedbodies，andtoheartheirscreamsofdelightandalarm，toseethebreathlessfaceswithwide-open，scared，andhappyeyesofallhersplashingcherubs，wasagreatpleasuretoher。

Whenhalfthechildrenhadbeendressed，somepeasantwomeninholidaydress，outpickingherbs，cameuptothebathingshedandstoppedshyly。MatrionaPhilimonovnacalledoneofthemandhandedherasheetandashirtthathaddroppedintothewaterforhertodrythem，andDaryaAlexandrovnabegantotalktothewomen。Atfirsttheylaughedbehindtheirhandsanddidnotunderstandherquestions，butsoontheygrewbolderandbegantotalk，winningDaryaAlexandrovna’sheartatoncebythegenuineadmirationofthechildrenthattheyshowed。

`My，whatabeauty！Aswhiteassugar，’saidone，admiringTanechka，andshakingherhead，`butthin……’

`Yes，shehasbeenill。’

`Lookee，they’vebeenbathinghimtoo，’saidanother，pointingtothebreastbaby。

`No；he’sonlythreemonthsold，’answeredDaryaAlexandrovnawithpride。

`Yousee！’

`Andhaveyouanychildren？’

`I’vehadfour；I’vetwoliving-aboyandagirl。Iweanedherlastcarnival。’

`Howoldisshe？’

`Why，morethanoneyearold。’

`Whydidyounursehersolong？’

`It’sourcustom；forthreefasts……’

AndtheconversationbecamemostinterestingtoDaryaAlexandrovna。

Whatsortoftimedidshehave？Whatwasthematterwiththeboy？Wherewasherhusband？Diditoftenhappen？

DaryaAlexandrovnafeltdisinclinedtoleavethepeasantwomen，sointerestingtoherwastheirconversation，socompletelyidenticalwerealltheirinterests。Whatpleasedhermostofallwasthatshesawclearlywhatallthewomenadmiredmorethananythingwasherhavingsomanychildren，andsuchfineones。ThepeasantwomenevenmadeDaryaAlexandrovnalaugh，andoffendedtheEnglishgoverness，becauseshewasthecauseofthelaughtershedidnotunderstand。OneoftheyoungerwomenkeptstaringattheEnglishwoman，whowasdressingafteralltherest，andwhensheputonherthirdpetticoatshecouldnotrefrainfromtheremark，`My，shekeepsputtingonandputtingon，andshe’llneverhavedone！’shesaid，andtheyallwentoffintopealsoflaughter。

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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter09[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter9Onthedrivehome，asDaryaAlexandrovna，withallherchildrenroundher，theirheadsstillwetfromtheirbaths，andakerchieftiedoverherownhead，wasgettingnearthehouse，thecoachmansaid:`There’ssomegentlemancoming:themasterofPokrovskoe，Idobelieve。’

DaryaAlexandrovnapeepedoutinfront，andwasdelightedwhensherecognizedinthegrayhatandgraycoatthefamiliarfigureofLevinwalkingtomeetthem。Shewasgladtoseehimatanytime，butatthismomentshewasspeciallygladheshouldseeherinallherglory。NoonewasbetterabletoappreciatehergrandeurthanLevin。

Seeingher，hefoundhimselffacetofacewithoneofthepicturesofhisdaydreamoffamilylife。

`You’relikeahenwithyourbrood，DaryaAlexandrovna。’

`Ah，howgladIamtoseeyou！’shesaid，holdingoutherhandtohim。

`Gladtoseeme-butyoudidn’tletmeknow。Mybrother’sstayingwithme。IgotanotefromStivathatyouwerehere。’

`FromStiva？’DaryaAlexandrovnaaskedwithsurprise。

`Yes；hewritesthatyouarehere，andthathethinksyoumightallowmetobeofusetoyou，’saidLevin，andashesaidithebecamesuddenlyembarrassed，and，stoppingabruptly，hewalkedoninsilencebythedroshky，snappingoffthebudsofthelimetreesandnibblingthem。

HewasembarrassedthroughasensethatDaryaAlexandrovnawouldbeannoyedbyreceivingfromanoutsiderhelpthatshouldbyrightshavecomefromherownhusband。DaryaAlexandrovnacertainlydidnotlikethislittlewayofStepanArkadyevich’soffoistinghisdomesticdutiesonothers。

AndshewasatonceawarethatLevinwasawareofthis。Itwasjustforthisfinenessofperception，forthisdelicacy，thatDaryaAlexandrovnalikedLevin。

`Iknow，ofcourse，’saidLevin，`thatthissimplymeansthatyouwouldliketoseeme，andI’mexceedinglyglad。ThoughIcanfancythat，usedtotownhousekeepingasyouare，youmustfeelyouareinthewildshere，andifthere’sanythingwanted，I’maltogetheratyourdisposal。’

`Oh，no！’saidDolly。`Atfirstthingswereratheruncomfortable，butnowwe’vesettledeverythingcapitally-thankstomyoldnurse，’shesaid，indicatingMatrionaPhilimonovna，who，seeingthattheywerespeakingofher，smiledbrightlyandcordiallytoLevin。Sheknewhim，andknewthathewouldbeagoodmatchforheryounglady，andwasverykeentoseethemattersettled。

`Won’tyougetin，sir，we’llmakeroomonthisside！’shesaidtohim。

`No，I’llwalk。Children，who’dliketoracethehorseswithme？’

ThechildrenknewLevinverylittle，andcouldnotrememberwhentheyhadseenhim，buttheyexperiencedinregardtohimnoneofthatstrangefeelingofshynessandhostilitywhichchildrensooftenexperiencetowardhypocritical，grown-uppeople，andforwhichtheyaresooftenandmiserablypunished。Hypocrisyinanythingwhatevermaydeceivethecleverestandmostpenetratingman，buttheleastwide-awakeofchildrenrecognizesit，andisrevoltedbyit，howeveringeniouslyitmaybedisguised。WhateverfaultsLevinhad，therewasnotatraceofhypocrisyinhim，andsothechildrenshowedhimthesamefriendlinessthattheysawintheirmother’sface。Onhisinvitation，thetwoelderonesatoncejumpedouttohimandranwithhimassimplyastheywouldhavedonewiththeirnurse，orMissHoole，ortheirmother。Lily，too，beganbeggingtogotohim，andhermotherhandedherovertohim；hesatheronhisshoulderandranalongwithher。

`Don’tbeafraid，don’tbeafraid，DaryaAlexandrovna！’hesaid，smilinggood-humoredlytothemother；`there’snochanceofmyhurtingordroppingher。’

And，lookingathisstrong，agile，assiduouslycarefulandextremelystrainedmovements，themotherfelthermindatrest，andsmiledgailyandapprovinglyasshewatchedhim。

Here，inthecountry，withchildren，andwithDaryaAlexandrovna，withwhomhewasinsympathy，Levinwasinamoodnotinfrequentwithhim，ofchildlikelightheartednessthatsheparticularlylikedinhim。Asheranwiththechildren，hetaughtthemgymnasticfeats，setMissHoolelaughingwithhisqueerEnglishaccent，andtalkedtoDaryaAlexandrovnaofhispursuitsinthecountry。

Afterdinner，DaryaAlexandrovna，sittingalonewithhimonthebalcony，begantospeakofKitty。

`Youknow，Kitty’scominghere，andisgoingtospendthesummerwithme。’

`Really，’hesaid，flushing；andatonce，tochangetheconversation，hesaid:`ThenI’llsendyoutwocows，shallI？Ifyouinsistonabillyoushallpaymefiveroublesamonth-ifyouaren’tashamed。’

`No，thankyou。Wecanmanageverywellnow。’

`Oh，well，then，I’llhavealookatyourcows，andifyou’llallowme，I’llgivedirectionsabouttheirfood。Everythingdependsontheirfood。’

AndLevin，toturntheconversation，explainedtoDaryaAlexandrovnathetheoryofcowkeeping，basedontheprinciplethatthecowissimplyamachineforthetransformationoffoodintomilk，andsoon。

Hetalkedofthis，andpassionatelylongedtohearmoreofKitty，and，atthesametime，wasafraidofhearingit。Hedreadedthebreakingupoftheinwardpeacehehadgainedwithsucheffort。

`Yes，butstillallthishastobelookedafter，andwhoistheretolookafterit？’DaryaAlexandrovnarespondedreluctantly。

Shehadbynowgotherhouseholdmatterssosatisfactorilyarranged，thankstoMatrionaPhilimonovna，thatshewasdisinclinedtomakeanychangeinthem；besides，shehadnofaithinLevin’sknowledgeoffarming。Generalprinciples，astothecowbeingamachinefortheproductionofmilk，shelookedonwithsuspicion。Itseemedtoherthatsuchprinciplescouldonlybeahindranceinfarmmanagement。Itallseemedtoherafarsimplermatter:

allthatwasneeded，asMatrionaPhilimonovnahadexplained，wastogiveBrindleandWhitebreastmorefoodanddrink，andnottoletthecookcarryallthekitchenslopstothelaundrymaid’scow。Thatwasclear。Butgeneralpropositionsastofeedingonmealandongrassweredoubtfulandobscure。

And，whatwasmostimportant，shewantedtotalkaboutKitty。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]

TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter10[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter10`Kittywritestomethatthere’snothingshelongsforsomuchasquietandsolitude，’Dollysaidafterthesilencethathadfollowed。

`Andhowisshe-better？’Levinaskedinagitation。

`ThankGod，she’squitewellagain。Ineverbelievedherlungswereaffected。’

`Oh，I’mveryglad！’saidLevin，andDollyfanciedshesawsomethingtouching，helpless，inhisfaceashesaidthisandlookedsilentlyintoherface。

`Letmeaskyou，KonstantinDmitrievich，’saidDaryaAlexandrovna，smilingherkindlyandrathermockingsmile，`whyareyouangrywithKitty？’

`I？I’mnotangrywithher，’saidLevin。

`Yes，youare。WhywasityoudidnotcometoseeusorthemwhenyouwereinMoscow？’

`DaryaAlexandrovna，’hesaid，blushinguptotherootsofhishair，`Iwonderreallythatwithyourkindheartyoudon’tfeelthis。Howitisyoufeelnopityforme，ifnothingelse，whenyouknow……’

`WhatdoIknow？’

`YouknowthatIproposedandwasrefused，’saidLevin，andallthetendernesshehadbeenfeelingforKittyaminutebeforewasreplacedbyafeelingofangerfortheslighthehadsuffered。

`WhatmakesyousupposeIknow？’

`Becauseeverybodyknowsit……’

`That’sjustwhereyouaremistaken；Ididnotknowit，thoughIhadguesseditwasso。’

`Well，nowyouknowit。’

`AllIknewwasthatsomethinghadhappenedthatmadeherdreadfullymiserable，andthatshebeggedmenevertospeakofit。Andifshewouldnottellme，shewouldcertainlynotspeakofittoanyoneelse。Butwhatdidpassbetweenyou？Tellme。’

`Ihavetoldyou。’

`Whenwasit？’

`WhenIwasattheirhousethelasttime。’

`Doyouknow，’saidDaryaAlexandrovna，`Iamawfully，awfullysorryforher。Yousufferonlyfrompride……’

`Perhapsso，’saidLevin，`but……’

Sheinterruptedhim。

`Butshe，poorgirl……Iamawfully，awfullysorryforher。NowIseeitall。’

`Well，DaryaAlexandrovna，youmustexcuseme，’hesaid，gettingup。`Good-by，DaryaAlexandrovna，tillwemeetagain。’

`No，waitaminute，’shesaid，clutchinghimbythesleeve。`Waitaminute，sitdown。’

`Please，please，don’tletustalkofthis，’hesaid，sittingdown，andatthesametimefeelingriseupandstirwithinhisheartahopehehadbelievedtobeburied。

`IfIdidnotlikeyou，’shesaid，andtearscameintohereyes；

`ifIdidnotknowyou，asIdoknowyou……’

Thefeelingthathadseemeddeadrevivedmoreandmore，roseupandtookpossessionofLevin’sheart。

`Yes，Iunderstanditallnow，’saidDaryaAlexandrovna。`Youcan’tunderstandit；foryoumen，whoarefreeandmakeyourownchoice，it’salwaysclearwhomyoulove。Butagirl’sinapositionofsuspense，withallawoman’sormaiden’smodesty，agirlwhoseesyoumenfromafar，whotakeseverythingontrust-agirlmayhave，andoftenhas，suchafeelingthatshecannottellwhattosay。’

`Yes，iftheheartdoesnotspeak……’

`No，theheartdoesspeak；butjustconsider:youmenhaveviewsaboutagirl，youcometothehouse，youmakefriends，youcriticize，youwaittoseeifyouhavefoundwhatyoulove，andthen，whenyouaresureyouloveher，youpropose……’

`Well，that’snotquiteit。’

`Anywayyoupropose，whenyourloveisripe，orwhenthebalancehascompletelyturnedbetweenthetwoyouarechoosingfrom。Butagirlisnotasked。Sheisexpectedtomakeherchoice，andyetshecannotchoose-shecanonlyanswer``yes’or``no。’’

`Yes，tochoosebetweenmeandVronsky，’thoughtLevin，andthedeadthingthathadcometolifewithinhimdiedagain，andonlyweighedonhisheartandsetitaching。

`DaryaAlexandrovna，’hesaid，`that’showonechoosesanewdress，orsomepurchaseorother-notlove。Thechoicehasbeenmade，andsomuchthebetter……Andtherecanbenorepetition。’

`Ah，pride，pride！’saidDaryaAlexandrovna，asthoughdespisinghimforthebasenessofthisfeelingincomparisonwiththatotherfeelingwhichonlywomenknow。`AtthetimewhenyouproposedtoKittyshewasjustinapositioninwhichshecouldnotanswer。Shewasindoubt。DoubtbetweenyouandVronsky。Himshewasseeingeveryday，andyoushehadnotseenforalongwhile。Supposingshehadbeenolder……I，forinstance，inherplace，couldhavefeltnodoubt。Ialwaysdislikedhim，andmydislikeprovedtobejustified。’

LevinrecalledKitty’sanswer。Shehadsaid:`No，thatcannotbe……’

`DaryaAlexandrovna，’hesaiddryly，`Iappreciateyourconfidenceinme；Ibelieveyouaremakingamistake。ButwhetherIamrightorwrong，thatprideyousodespisemakesanythoughtofKaterinaAlexandrovnaoutofthequestionforme；youunderstand-utterlyoutofthequestion。’

`Iwillonlysayonethingmore:youknowthatIamspeakingofmysister，whomIloveasIlovemyownchildren。Idon’tsayshecaredforyou；allImeanttosayisthatherrefusalatthatmomentprovesnothing。’

`Idon’tknow！’saidLevin，jumpingup。`youonlyknewhowyouarehurtingme。It’sjustasifachildofyoursweredead，andtheyweretosaytoyou:Hewouldhavebeenlikethisandlikethat，andhemighthavelived，andhowhappyyouwouldhavebeeninhim。Buthe’sdead，dead，dead！……’

`Howabsurdyouare！’saidDaryaAlexandrovna，lookingwithmournfultendernessatLevin’sexcitement。`Yes，Iseeitallmoreandmoreclearly，’

shewentonmusingly。`Soyouwon’tcometoseeus，then，whenKitty’shere？’

`No，Ishan’tcome。OfcourseIwon’tavoidmeetingKaterinaAlexandrovna；

but，asfarasIcan，Iwilltrytosavehertheannoyanceofmypresence。’

`Youarevery，veryabsurd，’repeatedDaryaAlexandrovna，lookingwithtendernessintohisface。`Verywellthen，letitbeasthoughwehadnotspokenofthis。Whathaveyoucomefor，Tania？’shesaidinFrenchtothelittlegirlwhohadcomein。

`Where’smyspade，mamma？’

`IspeakFrench，andyoumusttoo。’

ThelittlegirltriedtosayitinFrench，butcouldnotremembertheFrenchforspade；themotherpromptedher，andthentoldherinFrenchwheretolookforthespade。AndthismadeadisagreeableimpressiononLevin。

EverythinginDaryaAlexandrovna’shouseandchildrenstruckhimnowasbynomeanssocharmingasalittlewhilebefore。

`AndwhydoesshetalkFrenchwiththechildren？’hethought。

`Howunnaturalandfalseitis！Andthechildrenfeelitso:LearningFrenchandunlearningsincerity，’hethoughttohimself，unawarethatDaryaAlexandrovnahadthoughtallthatovertwentytimesalready，andyet，evenatthecostofsomelossofsincerity，believeditnecessarytoteachherchildrenFrenchinthatway。

`Butwhyareyougoing？Dostayalittle。’

Levinstayedtotea；buthisgoodhumorhadvanished，andhefeltillatease。

Afterteahewentoutintothehalltoorderhishorsestobeputin，and，whenhecameback，hefoundDaryaAlexandrovnagreatlydisturbed，withatroubledface，andtearsinhereyes。WhileLevinhadbeenoutside，anincidenthadoccurredwhichhadallatonceshatteredallthehappinessshehadbeenfeelingthatday，andherprideinherchildren。GrishaandTaniahadbeenfightingoveraball。DaryaAlexandrovna，hearingascreaminthenursery，raninandsawaterriblesight。TaniawaspullingGrisha’shair，whilehe，withafacehideouswithrage，wasbeatingherwithhisfistswhereverhecouldgetather。SomethingsnappedinDaryaAlexandrovna’sheartwhenshesawthis。Itwasasifdarknesshadswoopeddownuponherlife；shefeltthatthesechildrenofhers，thatshewassoproudof，werenotmerelymostordinary，butpositivelybad，ill-bredchildren，withcoarse，brutalpropensities-wickedchildren。

Shecouldnottalkorthinkofanythingelse，andshecouldnothelpspeakingtoLevinofhermisery。

Levinsawshewasunhappyandtriedtocomforther，sayingthatitshowednothingbad，thatallchildrenfight；but，evenashesaidit，hewasthinkinginhisheart:`No，Iwon’tbeartificialandtalkFrenchwithmychildren；butmychildrenwon’tbelikethat。Allonehastodoisnotspoilchildren，nottodistorttheirnature，andthey’llbedelightful。

No，mychildrenwon’tbelikethat。’

Hesaidgood-byanddroveaway，andshedidnottrytodetainhim。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]

TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter11[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter11InthemiddleofJulytheelderofthevillageonLevin’ssister’sestate，abouttwentyverstasfromPokrovskoe，cametoLevintoreportaboutthehay，andhowthingsweregoingthere。Thechiefsourceofincomeonhissister’sestatewasfromthewatermeadows。Informeryearsthehayhadbeenboughtbythepeasantsfortwentyroublesthedessiatina。WhenLevintookoverthemanagementoftheestate，hethoughtonexaminingthegrasslandsthattheywereworthmore，andhefixedthepriceattwenty-fiveroublesthedessiatina。Thepeasantswouldnotgivethatprice，and，asLevinsuspected，keptoffotherpurchasers。ThenLevinhaddrivenoverhimself，andarrangedtohavethegrasscut，partlybyhiredlabor，partlyatapaymentofacertainproportionofthecrop。Thepeasantsofthisvillageputeveryhindrancetheycouldinthewayofthisnewarrangement，butitwascarriedout，andthefirstyearthemeadowshadyieldedaprofitalmostdouble。

Twoyearsagoandthepreviousyearthepeasantshadmaintainedthesameoppositiontothearrangement，andthehayhadbeencutonthesamesystem。

Thisyearthepeasantsweredoingallthemowingforathirdofthehaycrop，andthevillageelderhadcomenowtoannouncethatthehayhadbeencut，andthat，fearingrain，hehadinvitedthecountinghouseclerkover，haddividedthecropinhispresence，andhadrakedtogetherelevenstacksastheowner’sshare。Fromthevagueanswerstohisquestionhowmuchhayhadbeencutontheprincipalmeadow，fromthehurryofthevillageelderwhohadmadethedivision，withoutaskingleave，fromthewholetoneofthepeasant，Levinperceivedthattherewassomethingwronginthedivisionofthehay，andmadeuphismindtodriveoverhimselftolookintothematter。

Arrivingbydinnertimeatthevillage，andleavinghishorseatthecottageofanoldfriendofhis，thehusbandofhisbrother’swetnurse，Levinwenttoseetheoldmaninhisbeehouse，wantingtofindoutfromhimthetruthaboutthehay。Parmenich，atalkative，comelyoldman，gaveLevinaverywarmwelcome，showedhimallhewasdoing，toldhimeverythingabouthisbeesandtheswarmsofthatyear；butgavevagueandunwillinganswerstoLevin’sinquiriesaboutthemowing。ThisconfirmedLevinstillmoreinhissuspicions。Hewenttothehayfieldsandexaminedthestacks。

Thehaystackscouldnotpossiblycontainfiftywagonloadseach，andtoconvictthepeasantsLevinorderedthewagonsthathadcarriedthehaytobebroughtupdirectly，toliftonestack，andcarryitintothebarn。

Thereturnedouttobeonlythirty-twoloadsinthestack。Inspiteofthevillageelder’sassertionsaboutthecompressibilityofhay，anditshavingsettleddowninthestacks，andhisswearingthateverythinghadbeendoneinfearofGod，Levinstucktohispointthatthehayhadbeendividedwithouthisorders，andthat，therefore，hewouldnotacceptthathayasfiftyloadstoastack。Afteraprolongeddisputethematterwasdecidedbythepeasantstaking，astheirshare，theseelevenstacks，reckoningthemasfiftyloadseach，andapportioningtheowner’sshareanew。Theargumentsandthedivisionofthehaycockslastedthewholeafternoon。

Whenthelastofthehayhadbeendivided，Levin，entrustingthesuperintendenceoftheresttothecountinghouseclerk，satdownonahaycockmarkedoffbyastakeofwillow，andlookedadmiringlyatthemeadowswarmingwithpeasants。

Infrontofhim，inthebendoftheriverbeyondthelittlemarsh，movedabright-coloredlineofpeasantwomen，merrilychatteringwiththeirringingvoices，andthescatteredhaywasbeingrapidlyformedintograywindingrowsoverthepalegreenaftermath。Afterthewomencamethemenwithpitchforks，andfromthegrayrowsthereweregrowingupbroad，high，softhaycocks。Tothelefttelegaswererumblingoverthemeadowthathadbeenalreadycleared，andoneafteranotherthehaycocksvanished，flungupinhugeforkfuls，andintheirplacetherewererisingheavycartloadsoffragranthayhangingoverthehorses’hindquarters。

`Whatweatherforhaying！Whathayit’llbe！’saidanoldman，squattingdownbesideLevin。`It’stea，nothayIt’slikescatteringgraintotheducks，thewaytheypickitup！’headded，pointingtothegrowinghaycocks。`Sincedinnertimethey’vecarriedagoodhalfofit。’

`Thelastload，eh？’heshoutedtoayoungpeasant，whodroveby，standinginthefrontofanemptytelegabox，shakingthereinsofhemp。

`Thelast，dad！’theladshoutedback，pullinginthehorse，and，smiling，helookedroundatabright，rosy-cheekedpeasantgirlwhosatinthetelegabox，smilingtoo，anddroveon。

`Who’sthat？Yourson？’askedLevin。

`Mydearyoungest，’saidtheoldmanwithatendersmile。

`Whatafinefellow！’

`Thelad’sallright。’

`Marriedalready？’

`Yes，it’stwoyearslastSt。Philip’sday。’

`Anychildren？’

`Children，indeed！Why，foroverayearhewasinnocentasababehimself，andbashfultoo，’answeredtheoldman。`Whathaythisis！It’steaindeed！’herepeated，wishingtochangethesubject。