第18章

Wouldyoubelieveit，that，knowinghe’sagoodman，asplendidman，thatI’mnotworthhislittlefinger，Istillhatehim。Ihatehimforhisgenerosity。

Andthere’snothingleftformebut……’

Shewouldhavesaid`death，’butStepanArkadyevichwouldnotletherfinish。

`Youareillandoverwrought，’hesaid；`believeme，you’reexaggeratingdreadfully。There’snothingsoterribleinit。’

AndStepanArkadyevichsmiled。NooneelseinStepanArkadyevich’splace，havingtodowithsuchdespair，wouldhaveventuredtosmile(thesmilewouldhaveseemedbrutal)；butinhissmiletherewassomuchofsweetnessandalmostfemininetendernessthathissmiledidnotwound，butsoftenedandsoothed。Hisgentle，soothingwordsandsmileswereassoothingandsofteningasalmondoil。AndAnnasoonfeltthis。

`No，Stiva，’shesaid，`I’mlost，lost！Worsethanlost！Ican’tsayyetthatallisover；onthecontrary，Ifeelthatit’snotover。I’manoverstrainedcordthatmustsnap。Butit’snotendedyet……Anditwillhaveafearfulend。’

`Nomatter，wemustletthecordbeloosened，littlebylittle。

There’snopositionfromwhichthereisnowayofescape。’

`Ihavethought，andthought。Onlyone……’

Againheknewfromherterrifiedeyesthatthisonewayofescapeinherthoughtwasdeath，andhewouldnotlethersayit。

`Notatall，’hesaid。`Listentome。Youcan’tseeyourownpositionasIcan。Letmetellyoucandidlymyopinion。’Againhesmileddiscreetlyhisalmond-oilsmile。`I’llbeginfromthebeginning。Youmarriedamantwentyyearsolderthanyourself。Youmarriedhimwithoutloveandnotknowingwhatlovewas。Itwasamistake，let’sadmit。’

`Afearfulmistake！’saidAnna。

`But，Irepeat，it’sanaccomplishedfact。Thenyouhad，letussay，themisfortunetoloveamannotyourhusband。Thatwasamisfortune；

butthat，too，isanaccomplishedfact。Andyourhusbandknewitandforgaveit。’Hestoppedateachsentence，waitingforhertoobject，butshemadenoanswer。`That’sthat。Nowthequestionis:Canyougoonlivingwithyourhusband？Doyouwishit？Doeshewishit？’

`Iknownothing，nothing。’

`Butyousaidyourselfthatyoucan’tendurehim。’

`No，Ididn’tsayso。Idenyit。Idon’tknowanything，Idon’tunderstandanything。’

`Yes，butlet……’

`Youcan’tunderstand。IfeelI’mlyingheaddownwardinasortofpit，butIoughtnottosavemyself。AndIcan’t……’

`Nevermind，we’llslipsomethingunderyouandpullyouout。

Iunderstandyou:Iunderstandthatyoucan’ttakeitonyourselftoexpressyourwishes，yourfeelings。’

`There’snothing，nothingIwish……exceptforittobeallover。’

`Butheseesthisandknowsit。Anddoyousupposeitweighsonhimanylessthanonyou？You’rewretched，he’swretched，andwhatgoodcancomeofit？Whiledivorcewouldsolvethewholedifficulty。’WithsomeeffortStepanArkadyevichbroughtouthiscentralidea，andlookedsignificantlyather。

Shesaidnothing，andshookhercroppedheadindissent。Butfromthelookinherface，thatsuddenlybrightenedintoitsformerbeauty，hesawthatifshedidnotdesirethis，itwassimplybecauseitseemedtoheranunattainablehappiness。

`I’mawfullysorryforyouboth！AndhowhappyIshouldbeifIcouldarrangethings！’saidStepanArkadyevich，smilingmoreboldly。

`Don’tspeak，don’tsayaword！GodgrantonlythatImayspeakasIfeel。

I’mgoingtohim。’

Annalookedathimwithdreamy，shiningeyes，andsaidnothing。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart4，Chapter22[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter22StepanArkadyevich，withthesamesomewhatsolemnexpressionwithwhichheusedtotakehispresidentialchairathisboard，walkedintoAlexeiAlexandrovich’sroom。AlexeiAlexandrovichwaswalkingabouthisroomwithhishandsbehindhisback，thinkingofjustwhatStepanArkadyevichhadbeendiscussingwithhiswife。

`I’mnotinterruptingyou？’saidStepanArkadyevich，onthesightofhisbrother-in-lawbecomingsuddenlyawareofasenseofembarrassmentunusualwithhim。Toconcealthisembarrassmenthetookoutanewlypurchasedcigarettecasethatopenedinanewway，and，sniffingtheleather，tookacigaretteoutofit。

`No。Doyouwantanything？’AlexeiAlexandrovichsaidreluctantly。

`Yes，Iwished……Iwanted……Yes，Iwantedtotalktoyou，’saidStepanArkadyevich，withsurpriseawareofanunaccustomedtimidity。

Thisfeelingwassounexpectedandsostrangethathedidnotbelieveitwasthevoiceofconsciencetellinghimthatwhathemeanttodowaswrong。StepanArkadyevichmadeaneffortandstruggledwiththetimiditythathadcomeoverhim。

`Ihopeyoubelieveinmyloveformysisterandmysincereaffectionandrespectforyou，’hesaid，reddening。

AlexeiAlexandrovichstoodstillandsaidnothing，buthisfacestruckStepanArkadyevichbyitsexpressionofanunresistingsacrifice。

`Iintended……Iwantedtohavealittletalkwithyouaboutmysisterandyourmutualposition，’hesaid，stillstrugglingwithanunaccustomedconstraint。

AlexeiAlexandrovichsmiledmournfully，lookedathisbrother-in-law，and，withoutanswering，wentuptothetable，tookfromitanunfinishedletter，andhandedittohisbrother-in-law。

`Ithinkunceasinglyofthesamething。AndhereiswhatIhadbegunwriting，thinkingIcouldsayitbetterbyletter，andthatmypresenceirritatesher，’hesaid，ashegavehimtheletter。

StepanArkadyevichtooktheletter，lookedwithincreduloussurpriseatthelusterlesseyesfixedsoimmovablyonhim，andbegantoread:

`Iseethatmypresenceisirksometoyou。Painfulasitistometobelieveit，Iseethatitisso，andcannotbeotherwise。Idon’tblameyou，andGodismywitnessthatonseeingyouatthetimeofyourillnessIresolvedwithmywholehearttoforgetallthathadpassedbetweenus，andtobeginanewlife。Idonotregret，andshallneverregret，whatIhavedone；butIhavedesiredonething-yourgood，thegoodofyoursoul-andnowIseeIhavenotattainedthat。Tellmeyourselfwhatwillgiveyoutruehappinessandpeacetoyoursoul。Iputmyselfentirelyinyourhands，andtrusttoyourfeelingofwhatisright。’

StepanArkadyevichhandedbacktheletter，and，withthesamesurprise，continuedlookingathisbrother-in-law，notknowingwhattosay。ThissilencewassoawkwardforbothofthemthatStepanArkadyevich’slipsbegantwitchingnervously，whilehestillgazedwithoutspeakingatKarenin’sface。

`That’swhatIwantedtosaytoher，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，turningaway。

`Yes，yes……’saidStepanArkadyevich，notabletoanswerforthetearsthatwerechokinghim。`Yes，yes，Iunderstandyou，’hebroughtoutatlast。

`Iwanttoknowwhatshewouldlike，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich。

`Iamafraidshedoesnotunderstandherownposition。Sheisnotajudge，’saidStepanArkadyevich，recoveringhimself。`Sheiscrushed，simplycrushedbyyourgenerosity。Ifsheweretoreadthisletter，shewouldbeincapableofsayinganything-shewouldonlyhangherheadlowerthanever。’

`Yes，butwhat’stobedoneinthatcase？Howexplain……howfindoutherwishes？’

`Ifyouwillallowmetogivemyopinion，Ithinkthatitlieswithyoutopointoutdirectlythestepsyouconsidernecessarytoendthesituation。’

`Soyouconsideritmustbeended？’AlexeiAlexandrovichinterruptedhim。`Buthow？’headded，withagestureofhishandsbeforehiseyes，notusualwithhim。`Iseenopossiblewayoutofit。’

`Thereissomewayofgettingoutofeverysituation，’saidStepanArkadyevich，standingupandbecomingmorecheerful。`Therewasatimewhenyouthoughtofbreakingoff……Ifyouareconvincednowthatyoucannotmakeeachotherhappy……’

`Happinessmaybevariouslyunderstood。ButsupposethatIagreetoeverything，thatIwantnothing:whatwayisthereofgettingoutofoursituation？’

`Ifyoucaretoknowmyopinion，’-saidStepanArkadyevich，withthesamesmileofsoftening，almond-oiltendernesswithwhichhehadbeentalkingtoAnna。HiskindlysmilewassowinningthatAlexeiAlexandrovich，feelinghisownweaknessandunconsciouslyswayedbyit，wasreadytobelievewhatStepanArkadyevichwassaying。`Shewillneverspeakoutaboutit。

Butonethingispossible，onethingshemightdesire，’hewenton；`thatisthecessationofyourrelations，andallmemoriesassociatedwiththem。

Tomythinking，inyoursituationtheessentialthingistheformationofanewattitudetooneanother。Andthatcanonlyrestonabasisoffreedomonbothsides。’

`Divorce，’AlexeiAlexandrovichinterrupted，inatoneofaversion。

`Yes，Iimaginethatdivorce……Yes，divorce，’StepanArkadyevichrepeated，reddening。`Thatisfromeverypointofviewthemostrationalcourseformarriedpeoplewhofindthemselvesinthesituationyouarein。Whatcanbedoneifmarriedpeoplefindthatlifeisimpossibleforthemtogether？Thatmayalwayshappen。’

AlexeiAlexandrovichsighedheavilyandclosedhiseyes。

`There’sonlyonepointtobeconsidered:iseitherofthepartiesdesirousofformingnewties？Ifnot，itisverysimple，’saidStepanArkadyevich，feelingmoreandmorefreefromconstraint。

AlexeiAlexandrovich，scowlingwithemotion，mutteredsomethingtohimself，andmadenoanswer。AllthatseemedsosimpletoStepanArkadyevich，AlexeiAlexandrovichhadthoughtoverthousandsoftimes。And，sofarfrombeingsimple，itallseemedtohimutterlyimpossible:divorce，thedetailsofwhichheknewbythistime，seemedtohimnowoutofthequestion，becausethesenseofhisowndignityandrespectforreligionforbadehistakinguponhimselfafictitiouschargeofadultery，andstillmore，sufferinghiswife，pardonedandbelovedbyhim，tobecaughtinthefactandputtopublicshame。Divorceappearedtohimimpossiblealsoonother，stillmoreweightygrounds。

Whatwouldbecomeofhissonincaseofadivorce？Toleavehimwithhismotherwasoutofthequestion。Thedivorcedmotherwouldhaveherownillegitimatefamily，inwhichhisstatusasastepson，andhiseducation，wouldbeprobablybad。Keephimwithhim？Heknewthatwouldbeanactofvengeanceonhispart，andthathedidnotdesire。But，apartfromthis，whatmorethanallmadedivorceseemimpossibletoAlexeiAlexandrovichwasthat，byconsentingtoadivorce，hewouldbecompletelyruiningAnna。

ThesayingofDaryaAlexandrovnaatMoscow，thatindecidingonadivorcehewasthinkingofhimself，andnotconsideringthatbythishewouldberuiningherirrevocably，hadsunkintohisheart。Andconnectingthissayingwithhisforgivenessofher，withhisdevotiontothechildren，heunderstooditnowinhisownway。Toconsenttoadivorce，togiveherherfreedom，meantinhisthoughtstotakefromhimselfthelasttiethatboundhimtolife-thechildrenwhomheloved；andtotakefromherthelastpropthatkeptheronthepathofright，tothrustherdowntoherruin。Ifsheweredivorced，heknewshewouldjoinherlifetoVronsky’s，andtheirtiewouldbeanillegitimateandcriminalone，sinceawife，bytheinterpretationoftheecclesiasticallaw，couldnotmarrywhileherhusbandwasliving。

`Shewilljoinhim，andinayearortwohewillthrowherover，orshewillformanewtie，’thoughtAlexeiAlexandrovich。`AndI，byagreeingtoanunlawfuldivorce，shallbetoblameforherruin。’Hehadthoughtitalloverhundredsoftimes，andwasconvincedthatadivorcewasnotatallsimple，asStepanArkadyevichhadsaid，butwasutterlyimpossible。

HedidnotbelieveasinglewordStepanArkadyevichsaidtohim；toeverywordhehadathousandobjectionstomake，buthelistenedtohim，feelingthathiswordsweretheexpressionofthatmightybrutalforcewhichcontrolledhislife，andtowhichhewouldhavetosubmit。

`Theonlyquestionisonwhattermsyouagreetogiveheradivorce。

Shedoesnotwantanything，doesnotdareaskyouforanything-sheleavesitalltoyourmagnanimity。’

`MyGod，myGod！Whatfor？’thoughtAlexeiAlexandrovich，rememberingthedetailsofdivorceproceedingsinwhichthehusbandtooktheblameonhimself，andwithjustthesamegesturewithwhichVronskyhaddoneit，hehidhisfaceinhishandsinshame。

`Youaretroubled，Iunderstandthat。Butifyouthinkitover……’

`’Anduntohimthatsmiteththeeontheonecheekofferalsotheother；andhimthattakethawaythycloakforbidnottotakethycoatalso，’’

thoughtAlexeiAlexandrovich。

`Yes，yes！’hecriedinashrillvoice。`Iwilltakethedisgraceonmyself，Iwillgiveupevenmyson，but……Butwouldn’titbebettertoletitalone？Still，youmaydoasyoulike……’

And，turningawaysothathisbrother-in-lawcouldnotseehim，hesatdownonachairatthewindow。Therewasbitterness，therewasshameinhisheart，butwithbitternessandshamehefeltjoyandemotionattheheightofhisownmeekness。

StepanArkadyevichwastouched。Hewassilentforaspace。

`AlexeiAlexandrovich，believeme，sheappreciatesyourmagnanimity，’

hesaid。`ButitseemsitwasthewillofGod，’headded，andashesaiditfelthowfoolisharemarkitwas，andwithdifficultyrepressedasmileathisownfoolishness。

AlexeiAlexandrovichwouldhavemadesomereply，buttearsstoppedhim。

`Thisisanunhappyfatality，andonemustacceptitassuch。

Iacceptthecalamityasanaccomplishedfact，andamdoingmybesttohelpbothherandyou，’saidStepanArkadyevich。

Whenhewentoutofhisbrother-in-law’sroomhewastouched，butthatdidnotpreventhimfrombeinggladhehadsuccessfullybroughtthemattertoaconclusion，forhefeltcertainAlexeiAlexandrovichwouldnotgobackonhiswords。Tothissatisfactionwasaddedthefactthatanideahadjuststruckhimforaconundrumturningonhissuccessfulachievement-whentheaffairwasoverhewouldputittohiswifeandmostintimatefriends。Hetriedthisconundrumintwoorthreedifferentways。`ButI’llworkitoutbetterthanthat，’hesaidtohimselfwithasmile。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart4，Chapter23[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter23Vronsky’swoundhadbeenadangerousone，thoughitdidnottouchtheheart，andforseveraldayshehoveredbetweenlifeanddeath。Thefirsttimehewasabletospeak，Varia，hisbrother’swife，wasaloneintheroom。

`Varia，’hesaid，lookingsternlyather，`Ishotmyselfbyaccident。

Andpleaseneverspeakofit，andtelleveryoneso。Orelseit’stooridiculous。’

Withoutansweringhiswords，Variabentoverhim，andwithadelightedsmilegazedintohisface。Hiseyeswereclear，notfeverish；buttheirexpressionwasstern。

`ThankGod！’shesaid。`You’renotinpain？’

`Alittlehere，’hepointedtohisbreast。

`Thenletmechangeyourbandages。’

Insilence，stiffeninghisbroadjaws，helookedatherwhileshebandagedhimup。Whenshehadfinishedhesaid:

`I’mnotdelirious。Pleasemanagethattheremaybenotalkofmyhavingshotmyselfonpurpose。’

`Noonesaysso。OnlyIhopeyouwon’tshootyourselfbyaccidentanymore，’shesaid，withaquestioningsmile。

`IthinkIwon’t，butitwouldhavebeenbetter……’

Andhesmiledgloomily。

Inspiteofthesewordsandthissmile，whichsofrightenedVaria，whentheinflammationwasoverandhebegantorecover，hefeltthathewascompletelyfreefromonepartofhismisery。Byhisactionhehad，asitwere，washedawaytheshameandhumiliationhehadfeltbefore。HecouldnowthinkcalmlyofAlexeiAlexandrovich。Herecognizedallhismagnanimity，buthedidnotnowfeelhimselfhumiliatedbyit。Besides，hegotbackagainintothebeatentrackofhislife。Hesawthepossibilityoflookingmeninthefaceagainwithoutshame，andhecouldliveinaccordancewithhisownhabits。Onethinghecouldnotpluckoutofhisheart，thoughheneverceasedstrugglingwithit-theregret，amountingtodespair，athavinglostherforever。That，havingexpiatedhissinagainstthehusband，hewasnowboundtorenounceher，andneverinfuturetostandbetweenherwithherrepentanceandherhusband，hehadfirmlydecidedinhisheart；

buthecouldnottearoutofhishearthisregretatthelossofherlove；

hecouldnoterasefromhismemorythosemomentsofhappinesswhichhehadknownwithherandhadsolittleprizedatthetime，andwhichhauntedhimwithalltheircharm。

SerpukhovskoyhadplannedhisappointmentatTashkend，andVronskyagreedtotheproposalwithouttheslightesthesitation。Butthenearerthetimeofdeparturecame，thebittererwasthesacrificehewasmakingtowhathethoughthisduty。

Hiswoundhadhealed，andhewasdrivingaboutmakingpreparationsforhisdepartureforTashkend。

`Toseeheronce，andthentoburymyself，todie，’hethought，and，ashewaspayingfarewellvisits，heutteredthisthoughttoBetsy。

Chargedwiththiscommission，BetsyhadgonetoAnna，andbroughthimbackanegativereply。

`Somuchthebetter，’thoughtVronsky，whenhereceivedthenews。

`ItwasaweaknesswhichwouldhaveshatteredwhatstrengthIhaveleft。’

NextdayBetsyherselfcametohiminthemorning，andannouncedthatshehadheardthroughOblonsky，asapositivefact，thatAlexeiAlexandrovichhadagreedtoadivorce，andthatthereforeVronskycouldseeAnna。

WithouteventroublinghimselftoseeBetsyoutofhisflat，forgettingallhisresolutions，withoutaskingwhenhecouldseeherorwhereherhusbandwas，VronskydrovestraighttotheKarenins’。Heranupthestairs，seeingnooneandnothing，andwitharapidstep，almostbreakingintoarun，hewentintoherroom。Andwithoutconsidering，withoutnoticingwhethertherewasanyoneintheroomornot，heflunghisarmsroundher，andbegantocoverwithkissesherface，herhands，herneck。

Annahadbeenpreparingherselfforthismeeting，hadthoughtwhatshewouldsaytohim，butshedidnotsucceedinsayinganything；

hispassionmasteredher。Shetriedtocalmhim，tocalmherself，butitwastoolate。Hisfeelinginfectedher。Herlipstrembledsothatforalongwhileshecouldsaynothing。

`Yes，youhaveconqueredme，andIamyours，’shesaidatlast，pressinghishandstoherbosom。

`Soithadtobe，’hesaid。`Solongaswelive，itmustbeso。

Iknowitnow。’

`That’strue，’shesaid，gettingwhiterandwhiter，andembracinghishead。`Still，thereissomethingterribleinitafterallthathashappened。’

`Itwillallpass，itwillallpass；weshallbesohappy。Ourlove，ifitonlycouldbestronger，willbestrengthenedbytherebeingsomethingterribleinit，’hesaid，liftinghisheadandshowinghisstrongteethinasmile。

Andshecouldnotbutrespondwithasmile-nottohiswords，buttotheloveinhiseyes。Shetookhishandandstrokedherchilledcheeksandcroppedheadwithit。

`Idon’tknowyouwiththisshorthair。You’vegrownsopretty。

Aboy。Buthowpaleyouare！’

`Yes，I’mveryweak，’shesaid，smiling。Andherlipsbegantremblingagain。

`We’llgotoItaly；youwillgetstrong，’hesaid。

`Canitbepossiblewecouldbelikehusbandandwife，alone，ourownfamily？’shesaid，lookingcloseintohiseyes。

`Itonlyseemsstrangetomethatitcaneverhavebeenotherwise。’

`Stivasaysthathehasagreedtoeverything，butIcan’taccepthismagnanimity，’shesaid，lookingdreamilypastVronsky’sface。`Idon’twantadivorce；it’sallthesametomenow。OnlyIdon’tknowwhathewilldecideaboutSeriozha。’

Hecouldnotconceivehowatthismomentoftheirmeetingshecouldrememberandthinkofherson，ofdivorce。Whatdiditallmatter？

`Don’tspeakofthat，don’tthinkofit，’hesaid，turningherhandinhis，andtryingtodrawherattentiontohim；butstillshedidnotlookathim。

`Oh，whydidn’tIdie！Itwouldhavebeenbetter，’shesaid，and，withoutsobbing，tearsfloweddownbothhercheeks；butshetriedtosmile，soasnottowoundhim。

TodeclinetheflatteringanddangerousappointmentatTashkendwouldhavebeen，Vronskyhadtillthenconsidered，disgracefulandimpossible。

Butnow，withoutaninstant’sconsideration，hedeclinedit，andobservingdissatisfactionintheupperquartersatthisstep，heimmediatelyretiredfromthearmy。

AmonthlaterAlexeiAlexandrovichwasleftalonewithhissoninhishouseatPeterburg，whileAnnahadgoneabroadwithVronsky，withouthavingobtainedadivorce，andhavingabsolutelydeclinedallideaofone。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter01[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]PARTFIVEChapter1PrincessShcherbatskaiaconsideredthatitwasoutofthequestionfortheweddingtotakeplacebeforeLent，justfiveweeksoff，sincenothalfthetrousseaucouldpossiblybereadybythattime。ButshecouldnotbutagreewithLevinthattofixitforafterLentwouldbeputtingitofftoolate，asanoldauntofPrinceShcherbatsky’swasseriouslyillandmightdie，andthenthemourningwoulddelaytheweddingstilllonger。

Andtherefore，decidingtodividethetrousseauintotwoparts-alargerandasmallertrousseau-thePrincessconsentedtohavetheweddingbeforeLent。Shedeterminedthatshewouldgetthesmallerpartofthetrousseauallreadynow，andthelargerpartshouldbesentonlater，andshewasmuchvexedwithLevinbecausehewasincapableofgivingheraseriousanswertothequestionwhetherheagreedtothisarrangementornot。Thearrangementwasthemoresuitableas，immediatelyafterthewedding，thenewlymarriedcoupleweretogotothecountry，wherethebelongingsofthelargertrousseauwouldnotbewanted。

Levinstillcontinuedinthesamedeliriouscondition，inwhichitseemedtohimthatheandhishappinessconstitutedthechiefandsoleaimofallexistence，andthatheneednotnowthinkorcareaboutanything，thateverythingwasbeingdoneandwouldbedoneforhimbyothers。Hehadnotevenplansandaimsforthefuture，heleftitsarrangementtoothers，knowingthateverythingwouldbedelightful。Hisbrother，SergeiIvanovich，andStepanArkadyevich，andthePrincess，guidedhimindoingwhathehadtodo。Allhedidwastoagreeentirelywitheverythingsuggestedtohim。Hisbrotherraisedmoneyforhim，thePrincessadvisedhimtoleaveMoscowafterthewedding。StepanArkadyevichadvisedhimtogoabroad。

Heagreedtoeverything。`Dowhatyouchoose，ifitamusesyou，I’mhappy，andmyhappinesscanbenogreaterandnolessbecauseofanythingyoudo，’hethought。WhenhetoldKittyofStepanArkadyevich’sadvicethattheyshouldgoabroad，hewasmuchsurprisedthatshedidnotagreetothis，andhadsomedefiniterequirementsofherowninregardtotheirfuture。SheknewLevinhadworkhelovedinthecountry。Shedidnot，ashesaw，understandthiswork-shedidnotevencaretounderstandit。

Butthatdidnotpreventherfromregardingitasamatterofgreatimportance。

Andthereforesheknewtheirhomewouldbeinthecountry，andshewantedtogonotabroadwhereshewasnotgoingtolive，buttotheplacewheretheirhomewouldbe。ThisdefinitelyexpressedpurposeastonishedLevin。

Butsincehedidnotcareeitherway，heimmediatelyaskedStepanArkadyevich，asthoughitwerehisduty，togodowntothecountryandtoarrangeeverythingtheretothebestofhisability，withthattasteofwhichhehadsomuch。

`But，Isay，’StepanArkadyevichsaidtohimonedayafterhehadcomebackfromthecountry，wherehehadgoteverythingreadyfortheyoungpeople’sarrival，`haveyouacertificateofhavingbeenatconfession？’

`No。Butwhatofit？’

`Youcan’tbemarriedwithoutit。’

`My，my，my！’criedLevin。`Why，Ibelieveit’snineyearssinceI’vetakenthesacrament！Ineverthoughtofit。’

`You’reaprettyfellow！’saidStepanArkadyevichlaughing，`andyoucallmeaNihilist！Butthiswon’tdo，youknow。Youmusttakethesacrament。’

`When？Therearefourdaysleftnow。’

StepanArkadyevicharrangedthisalso，andLevinhadtopreparehimselfforthesacrament。ToLevin，astoanyunbelieverwhorespectsthebeliefsofothers，itwasexceedinglydisagreeabletobepresentatandtotakepartinchurchceremonies。Atthismoment，inhispresentsoftenedstateoffeeling，sensitivetoeverything，thisinevitableactofhypocrisywasnotmerelypainfultoLevin，itseemedtohimutterlyimpossible。Now，intheheydayofhishighestglory，hisfullestflower，hewouldhavetobealiarorablasphemer。Hefeltincapableofbeingeither。ButthoughherepeatedlypliedStepanArkadyevichwithquestionsastothepossibilityofobtainingacertificatewithoutactuallycommunicating，StepanArkadyevichmaintainedthatitwasoutofthequestion。

`Besides，whatisittoyou-twodays？Andhe’sanawfullyfine，cleveroldfellow。He’llpullthetoothoutforyousogentlyyouwon’tnoticeit。’

Standingatthefirstmass，Levinattemptedtoreviveinhimselfhisyouthfulrecollectionsoftheintensereligiousemotionhehadpassedthroughbetweentheagesofsixteenandseventeen。Buthewasatonceconvincedthatitwasutterlyimpossibletohim。Heattemptedtolookatitallasanemptycustom，havingnosortofmeaning，likethecustomofpayingcalls；

buthefeltthathecouldnotdothateither。Levinfoundhimself，likethemajorityofhiscontemporaries，inthevaguestpositioninregardtoreligion。Believehecouldnot，andatthesametimehehadnofirmconvictionthatitwasallwrong。Andconsequently，notbeingabletobelieveinthesignificanceofwhathewasdoing，nortoregarditwithindifferenceasanemptyformality，duringthewholeperiodofpreparingforthesacramenthewasconsciousofafeelingofdiscomfortandshameatdoingwhathedidnothimselfunderstand，andwhat，asaninnervoicetoldhim，wasthereforefalseandwrong。

Duringtheservicehewouldfirstlistentotheprayers，tryingtoattachsomemeaningtothemnotdiscordantwithhisownviews；thenfeelingthathecouldnotunderstandandmustcondemnthem，hetriednottolistentothem，buttoattendtothethoughts，observations，andmemorieswhichfloatedthroughhisbrainwithextremevividnessduringthisidletimeofstandinginchurch。

Hehadstoodthroughthemass，theeveningservice，andthemidnightservice，andthenextdayhegotupearlierthanusual，and，withouthavingtea，wentateighto’clockinthemorningtothechurchforthemorningserviceandtheconfession。

Therewasnooneinchurchbutabeggarsoldier，twooldwomen，andthechurchmen。Ayoungdeacon，whoselongbackshowedintwodistincthalvesthroughhisthinundercassock，methim，and，atoncegoingtoalittletableatthewall，readtheexhortations。Duringthereading，especiallyatthefrequentandrapidrepetitionofthesamewords，`Lord，havemercyonus！’whichsoundedlike`mercynuslor！’Levinfeltthathisthoughtwasshutandsealedup，andthatitmustnotbetouchedorstirrednow，orelseconfusionwouldbetheresult；andsostandingbehindthedeaconhewentonthinkingofhisownaffairs，neitherlisteningnorexaminingwhatwassaid。`It’swonderfulwhatexpressionthereisinherhand，’hethought，rememberinghowtheyhadbeensittingthedaybeforeatacornertable。Theyhadnothingtotalkabout，aswasalmostalwaysthecaseatthistime，andlayingherhandonthetableshekeptopeningandshuttingit，andlaughedherselfasshewatchedheraction。Herememberedhowhehadkissedherhandandthenhadexaminedthelinesonthepinkpalm。`Another``mercynuslor！’’thoughtLevin，crossinghimself，bowing，andlookingatthesupplespringofthedeacon’sbackbowingbeforehim。`Shetookmyhandthenandexaminedthelines。``You’vegotasplendidhand，’shesaid。’Andhelookedathisownhandandtheshorthandofthedeacon。

`Yes，nowitwillsoonbeover，’hethought。`No，itseemstobestartingupagain，’hethought，listeningtotheprayers。`No，it’sjustending:

thereheisbowingdowntotheground。That’salwaysattheend。’

Thedeacon’shandinaplushcuffunobtrusivelyacceptedathree-roublenote，andthedeaconsaidhewouldputLevin’snamedownintheregister，and，hisnewbootscreakingjauntilyovertheflagstonesoftheemptychurch，hewenttothealtar。AmomentlaterhepeepedoutthenceandbeckonedtoLevin。Thought，tillthenlockedup，begantostirinLevin’shead，buthemadehastetodriveitaway。`Itwillcomerightsomehow，’hethought，andwenttowardtheambo。Hewentupthesteps，andturningtotheright，sawthepriest。Thepriest，alittleancientwithascantygrizzledbeardandweary，good-naturedeyes，wasstandingatthelectern，turningoverthepagesofamissal。WithaslightbowtoLevinhebeganimmediatelyreadingprayersinanaccustomedvoice。Whenhehadfinishedthemheboweddowntothegroundandturned，facingLevin。

`Christispresenthereunseen，receivingyourconfession，’hesaid，pointingtothecrucifix。`DoyoubelieveinallthedoctrinesoftheHolyApostolicChurch？’thepriestwenton，turninghiseyesawayfromLevin’sfaceandfoldinghishandsunderhisstole。

`Ihavedoubted-Idoubteverything，’saidLevininavoicethatjarredonhimself，andheceasedspeaking。

Thepriestwaitedafewsecondstoseeifhewouldnotsaymore，andclosinghiseyeshesaidquickly，withabroad，Vladimirskyaccent:

`Doubtisnaturaltotheweaknessofmankind，butwemustpraythatGodinHismercywillstrengthenus。Whatareyourspecialsins？’

headded，withouttheslightestinterval，asthoughanxiousnottowastetime。

`Mychiefsinisdoubt。Ihavedoubtsofeverything，andforthemostpartIamindoubt。’

`Doubtisnaturaltotheweaknessofmankind，’thepriestrepeatedthesamewords。`Whatdoyoudoubtaboutprincipally？’

`Idoubteverything。IsometimesevenhavedoubtsoftheexistenceofGod，’Levincouldnothelpsaying，andhewashorrifiedattheimproprietyofwhathewassaying。ButLevin’swordsdidnot，itseemed，makemuchimpressiononthepriest。

`WhatsortofdoubtcantherebeoftheexistenceofGod？’hesaidhurriedly，withabarelyperceptiblesmile。

Levindidnotspeak。

`WhatdoubtcanyouhaveoftheCreatorwhenyoubeholdHiscreation？’

thepriestwentonintherapidcustomaryrecitative。`Whohasdeckedtheheavenlyfirmamentwithitslights？Whohasclothedtheearthinitsbeauty？

HowexplainitwithouttheCreator？’hesaid，lookinginquiringlyatLevin。

Levinfeltthatitwouldbeimpropertoenteruponametaphysicaldiscussionwiththepriest，andsohesaidinreplymerelywhatwasadirectanswertothequestion。

`Idon’tknow，’hesaid。

`Youdon’tknow！ThenhowcanyoudoubtthatGodcreatedall？’

thepriestsaid，withgood-humoredperplexity。

`Idon’tunderstanditatall，’saidLevin，blushing，andfeelingthathiswordswerestupid，andthattheycouldnotbeanythingbutstupidinsuchaposition。

`PraytoGodandbeseechHim。Eventheholyfathershaddoubts，andprayedtoGodtostrengthentheirfaith。Thedevilhasgreatpower，andwemustresisthim。PraytoGod，beseechHim。PraytoGod，’herepeatedhurriedly。

Thepriestpausedforsometime，asthoughmeditating。

`You，Ihear，areabouttomarrythedaughterofmyparishionerandsoninthespirit，PrinceShcherbatsky？’heresumed，withasmile。

`Anexcellentyounglady。’

`Yes，’answeredLevin，blushingforthepriest。`Whatdoeshewanttoaskmeaboutthisatconfessionfor？’hethought。

And，asthoughansweringhisthought，thepriestsaidtohim:

`Youareabouttoenterintoholymatrimony，andGodmayblessyouwithoffspring。Areyou？-Well，whatsortofbringing-upcanyougiveyourbabesifyoudonotovercomethetemptationofthedevil，enticingyoutoinfidelity？’hesaid，withgentlereproachfulness。`Ifyouloveyourchildasagoodfather，youwillnotdesireonlywealth，luxury，honorforyourinfant；youwillbeanxiousforhissalvation，hisspiritualenlightenmentwiththelightoftruth。Eh？Whatanswerwillyoumakehimwhentheinnocentbabeasksyou:``Papa！Whomadeallthatenchantsmeinthisworld-theearth，thewaters，thesun，theflowers，thegrass？’Canyousaytohim:

``Idon’tknow？’Youcannotbutknow，sincetheLordGodinHisinfinitemercyhasrevealedittous。Oryourchildwillaskyou:``Whatawaitsmeinthelifebeyondthegrave？’Whatwillyousaytohimwhenyouknownothing？Howwillyouanswerhim？Willyouleavehimtotheallurementsoftheworldandthedevil？That’snotright，’hesaid，andhestopped，puttinghisheadononesideandlookingatLevinwithhiskindly，gentleeyes。

Levinmadenoanswerthistime，notbecausehedidnotwanttoenteruponadiscussionwiththepriest，butbecausenoonehadeveraskedhimsuchquestions-andwhenhisbabesdidaskhimthosequestions，itwouldbetimeenoughtothinkaboutansweringthem。

`Youareenteringuponatimeoflife，’pursuedthepriest，`whenyoumustchooseyourpathandkeeptoit。PraytoGodthatHemayinHismercyaidyouandhavemercyonyou！’heconcluded。`OurLordandGod，JesusChrist，intheabundanceandrichesofHisloving-kindness，forgivesthischild……’and，finishingtheprayerofabsolution，thepriestblessedhimanddismissedhim。

Ongettinghomethatday，Levinhadadelightfulsenseofreliefattheawkwardpositionbeingoverandhavingbeengotthroughwithouthishavingtotellalie。Apartfromthis，thereremainedavaguememorythatwhatthekind，fineoldfellowhadsaidhadnotbeenatallasstupidashehadfanciedatfirst，andthattherewassomethinginitthatmustbeclearedup。

`Ofcourse，notnow，’thoughtLevin，`butatsomelaterday。’

Levinfeltmorethanevernowthattherewassomethingnotclearandnotcleaninhissoul，andthat，inregardtoreligion，hewasinthesamepositionwhichheperceivedsoclearlyanddislikedinothers，andforwhichheblamedhisfriendSviiazhsky。

LevinspentthateveningwithhisbetrothedatDolly’s，andwasinveryhighspirits。ToexplaintoStepanArkadyevichthestateofexcitementinwhichhefoundhimself，hesaidthathewashappy，likeadogbeingtrainedtojumpthroughahoop，who，havingatlastcaughttheidea，anddonewhatwasrequiredofhim，whinesandwagsitstail，andjumpsuptothetableandthewindowsillsinitsdelight。

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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter02[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter2Onthedayofthewedding，accordingtotheRussiancustom(thePrincessandDaryaAlexandrovnainsistedonstrictlykeepingallthecustoms)，Levindidnotseehisbetrothed，anddinedathishotelwiththreebachelorfriends，casuallybroughttogetherathisrooms。ThesewereSergeiIvanovich，Katavassov，auniversityfriend，nowprofessorofnaturalscience，whomLevinhadmetinthestreetandinsistedontakinghomewithhim，andChirikov，hisbestman，aMoscowjusticeofthepeace，Levin’scompanioninhisbearhunts。

Thedinnerwasaverymerryone:SergeiIvanovichwasinhishappiestmood，andwasmuchamusedbyKatavassov’soriginality。Katavassov，feelinghisoriginalitywasappreciatedandunderstood，madethemostofit。Chirikovalwaysgavealivelyandgood-humoredsupporttoconversationofanysort。

`See，now，’saidKatavassov，drawlinghiswordsfromahabitacquiredinthelectureroom，`whatacapablefellowwasourfriendKonstantinDmitrievich。

I’mspeakingofabsentcompany-hedoesn’texistforusnow。Atthetimehelefttheuniversityhewasfondofscience，tookaninterestinhumanity；

nowone-halfofhisabilitiesisdevotedtodeceivinghimself，andtheothertojustifyingthedeceit。’

`AmoredeterminedenemyofmatrimonythanyouIneversaw，’saidSergeiIvanovich。

`Oh，no，I’mnotanenemyofmatrimony。I’minfavorofdivisionoflabor。Peoplewhocandonothingelseoughttorearpeople，whiletherestworkfortheirhappinessandenlightenment。That’showIlookatit。

Tomuddleuptwotradestherearetoomanyamateurs；I’mnotoneoftheirnumber。’

`HowhappyIshallbewhenIhearthatyou’reinlove！’saidLevin。

`Pleaseinvitemetothewedding。’

`I’minlovenow。’

`Yes，withacuttlefish！Youknow，’Levinturnedtohisbrother，`MikhailSemionovichiswritingaworkonthedigestiveorgansofthe……’

`Now，makeamuddleofit！Itdoesn’tmatterwhatabout。Andthefactis，Icertainlydolovecuttlefish。’

`Butthat’snohindrancetoyourlovingyourwife。’

`Thecuttlefishisnohindrance。Thewifeisthehindrance。’

`Whyso？’

`Oh，you’llsee！Youcareaboutfarming，hunting-well，you’llsee！……’

`Arkhipwasheretoday；hesaidtherewerenoendofelkinPrudnoe，andtwobears，’saidChirikov。

`Well，youmustgoandgetthemwithoutme。’

`Ah，that’sthetruth，’saidSergeiIvanovich。`Andyoumaysaygood-bytobearhuntingforthefuture-yourwifewon’tallowit！’

Levinsmiled。Thepictureofhiswifenotlettinghimgowassopleasantthathewasreadytorenounceforeverthedelightsoflookinguponbears。

`Still，it’sapitytheyshouldgetthosetwobearswithoutyou。

DoyourememberlasttimeatKhapilovo？Andnowitwouldbeadelightfulhunt！’saidChirikov。

Levinhadnotthehearttodisillusionhimofthenotionthattherecouldbesomethingdelightfulapartfromher，andsosaidnothing。

`There’ssomesenseinthiscustomofsayinggood-bytobachelorlife，’saidSergeiIvanovich。`Howeverhappyyoumaybe，youmustregretyourfreedom。’

`Andconfessthereisafeelingthatyouwanttojumpoutofthewindow，likeGogol’sbridegroom？’

`Ofcoursethereis，buthewon’tconfess，’saidKatavassov，andhebrokeintoloudlaughter。

`Oh，well，thewindow’sopen……Let’sstartoffthisinstanttoTver！There’sabigshe-bear；onecangorightuptothelair。Seriously，let’sgobythefiveo’clock！Andhereletthemdowhattheylike，’saidChirikovsmiling。

`Well，now，onmyhonor，’saidLevinsmiling，`Ican’tfindinmyheartthatfeelingofregretformyfreedom。’

`Yes，there’ssuchachaosinyourheartjustnowthatyoucan’tfindanythingthere，’saidKatavassov。`Waitabit，whenyousetittorightsalittle，you’llfindit！’

`No；ifso，Ishouldhavefeltalittle，apartfrommyfeeling’

(hecouldnotsay`love’beforethem)`andhappiness，acertainregretatlosingmyfreedom……Onthecontrary，Iamgladattheverylossofmyfreedom。’

`Awful！It’sahopelesscase！’saidKatavassov。`Well，let’sdrinktohisrecovery，orwishthatahundredthpartofhisdreamsmayberealized-andthatwouldbehappinesssuchasneverhasbeenseenonearth！’

Soonafterdinnertheguestswentawaytodressintimeforthewedding。

Whenhewasleftalone，andrecalledtheconversationofthesebachelorfriends，Levinaskedhimself:Hadheinhisheartthatregretforhisfreedomofwhichtheyhadspoken？Hesmiledatthequestion。`Freedom！

Whatisfreedomfor？Happinessisonlyinlovingandwishingherwishes，thinkingherthoughts；thatistosay，notfreedomatall-that’shappiness！’

`ButdoIknowherthoughts，herwishes，herfeelings？’somevoicesuddenlywhisperedtohim。Thesmilediedawayfromhisface，andhegrewthoughtful。Andsuddenlyastrangefeelingcameuponhim。Therecameoverhimadreadanddoubt-doubtofeverything。

`Whatifshedoesnotloveme？Whatifshe’smarryingmesimplytobemarried？Whatifshedoesn’tseeherselfwhatshe’sdoing？’heaskedhimself。`Shemaycometohersenses，andonlywhensheisbeingmarriedrealizethatshedoesnotandcannotloveme。’Andstrange，mostevilthoughtsofherbegantocometohim。HewasjealousofVronsky，ashehadbeenayearago，asthoughtheeveninghehadseenherwithVronskyhadbeenyesterday。Hesuspectedshehadnottoldhimeverything。

Hejumpedupquickly。`No，thiscan’tgoon！’hesaidtohimselfindespair。`I’llgotoher；I’llaskher；I’llsayforthelasttime:

Wearefree，andhadn’twebetterstayso？Anything’sbetterthanendlessmisery，disgrace，unfaithfulness！’Withdespairinhisheartandbitterangeragainstallmen，againsthimself，againsther，hewentoutofthehotelanddrovetoherhouse。

Hefoundherinoneoftherearrooms。Shewassittingonachestandmakingsomearrangementswithhermaid，sortingoverheapsofdressesofdifferentcolors，spreadonthebacksofchairsandonthefloor。

`Ah！’shecried，seeinghim，andbeamingwithdelight。`Kostia！

KonstantinDmitrievich！’(Theselatterdayssheusedthesenamesalmostalternately。)`Ididn’texpectyou！I’mgoingthroughmygirlishwardrobetoseewhat’sforwhom……’

`Oh！That’sverylovely！’hesaidgloomily，lookingatthemaid。

`Youcango，Duniasha，I’llcallyoupresently，’saidKitty。`Kostia，what’sthematter？’sheasked，definitelyadoptingthisfamiliarnameassoonasthemaidhadgoneout。Shenoticedhisstrangeface，agitatedandgloomy，andapaniccameoverher。

`Kitty！I’mintorture。Ican’tbeintorturealone，’hesaidwithdespairinhisvoice，standingbeforeherandlookingimploringlyintohereyes。Hesawalreadyfromherloving，truthfulface，thatnothingcouldcomeofwhathehadmeanttosay，butyethewantedhertoreassurehimherself。`I’vecometosaythatthere’sstilltime。Thiscanallbestoppedandsetright。’

`What？Idon’tunderstand。Whatisthematter？’

`WhatIhavesaidathousandtimesover，andcan’thelpthinking……

thatI’mnotworthyofyou。Youcouldn’tconsenttomarryme。Thinkalittle。

You’vemadeamistake。Thinkitoverthoroughly。Youcan’tloveme……if……

Bettersayso，’hesaid，withoutlookingather。`Ishallbewretched。

Letpeoplesaywhattheylike；anything’sbetterthanmisery……Farbetternowwhilethere’sstilltime……’

`Idon’tunderstand，’sheanswered，panic-stricken；`youmeanyouwanttogiveitup……thatyoudon’twantit？’

`Yes-ifyoudon’tloveme。’

`You’reoutofyourmind！’shecried，turningcrimsonwithvexation。

Buthisfacewassopiteousthatsherestrainedhervexation，andflingingsomeclothesoffanarmchair，shesatdownbesidehim。`Whatareyouthinking？

Tellmeall。’

`Iamthinkingyoucan’tloveme。Whatcanyoulovemefor？’

`MyGod！WhatcanIdo？……’shesaid，andburstintotears。

`Oh！WhathaveIdone？’hecried，andkneelingbeforeher，hefelltokissingherhands。

WhentheoldPrincesscameintotheroomfiveminuteslater，shefoundthemcompletelyreconciled。Kittyhadnotsimplyassuredhimthatshelovedhim，buthadgonesofar-inanswertohisquestion，whatshelovedhimfor-astoexplainwhatfor。Shetoldhimthatshelovedhimbecausesheunderstoodhimcompletely，becausesheknewwhathewouldlike，andbecauseeverythinghelikedwasgood。Andthisseemedtohimperfectlyclear。WhenthePrincesscametothem，theyweresittingsidebysideonthechest，sortingthedressesanddisputingoverKitty’swantingtogiveDuniashathebrowndressshehadbeenwearingwhenLevinproposedtoher，whileheinsistedthatthatdressmustneverbegivenaway，butthatDuniashashouldhavetheblueone。

`Howisityoudon’tsee？She’sabrunette，anditwon’tsuither……I’veworkeditallout。’

Hearingwhyhehadcome，thePrincesswashalf-humorously，half-seriouslyangrywithhim，andsenthimhometodressandnottohinderKitty’shairdressing，asCharlesthecoiffeurwasjustcoming。

`Asitis，she’sbeeneatingnothinglatelyandislosingherlooks，andthenyoumustcomeandupsetherwithyournonsense，’shesaidtohim。`Getalongwithyou，mydear！’

Levin，guiltyandshamefaced，butpacified，wentbacktohishotel。

Hisbrother，DaryaAlexandrovna，andStepanArkadyevich，allinfulldress，werewaitingforhimtoblesshimwithanicon。Therewasnotimetolose。

DaryaAlexandrovnahadtodrivehomeagaintofetchhercurledandpomadedson，whowastocarrytheiconinthebride’scarriage。Thenacarriagehadtobesentforthebestman，andanother，thatwouldtakeSergeiIvanovichaway，wouldhavetobesentback……Altogethertherewereagreatmanymostcomplicatedmatterstobeconsideredandarranged。Onethingwasunmistakable-thattheremustbenodelay，asitwasalreadyhalf-pastsix。

Nothingspecialhappenedattheceremonyofbenedictionwiththeicon。StepanArkadyevichstoodinacomicallysolemnposebesidehiswife，tooktheicon，and，tellingLevintobowdowntotheground，heblessedhimwithhiskindly，ironicalsmile，andkissedhimthreetimes；DaryaAlexandrovnadidthesame，andimmediatelywasinahurrytogetoff，andagainplungedintotheintricatequestionofthedueorderofthevariouscarriages。

`Come，I’lltellyouhowwe’llmanage:youdriveinourcarriagetofetchhim，andSergeiIvanovich，ifhe’llbesogood，willdrivethereandthensendhiscarriage。’

`Ofcourse；Ishallbedelighted。’

`We’llcomeondirectlywithhim。Areyourthingssentoff？’askedStepanArkadyevich。

`Yes，’answeredLevin，andhetoldKouzmatolayouthisclothesforhimtodress。

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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter03[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter3Acrowdofpeople，principallywomen，wasthrongingroundthechurchlightedupforthewedding。Thosewhohadnotsucceededingettingintothemainentrancewerecrowdingaboutthewindows，pushing，wrangling，andpeepingthroughthegratings。

Morethantwentycarriageshadalreadybeendrawnupinranksalongthestreetbythepolice。Apoliceofficer，regardlessofthefrost，stoodattheentrance，gorgeousinhisuniform。Morecarriageswerecontinuallydrivingup，andladieswearingflowersandcarryingtheirtrains，andmentakingofftheirkepisorblackhats，keptwalkingintothechurch。Insidethechurchbothlusterswerealreadylighted，andallthecandlesbeforetheicons。Thegoldennimbusontheredgroundoftheikonostasis，andthegiltreliefontheiconsandthesilverofthelustersandcandlesticks，andthefloor-flags，andtherugs，andthebannersaboveinthechoir，andthestepsoftheambo，andtheoldblackenedbooks，andthecassocksandsurplices-allwerefloodedwithlight。Ontherightsideofthewarmchurch，inthecrowdofeveningdressesandwhiteties，ofuniforms，andofsilk，velvet，satin，hairandflowers，ofbareshouldersandarmsandlonggloves，therewasdiscreetbutlivelyconversationthatechoedstrangelyinthehighcupola。Everytimetherewasheardthecreakoftheopeneddoortheconversationinthecrowddiedaway，andeverybodylookedroundexpectingtoseethebrideandbridegroomcomein。Butthedoorhadopenedmorethantentimes，andeachtimeitwaseitherabelatedguestorguests，whojoinedthecircleoftheinvitedontheright，orsomespectator，whohadeludedorsoftenedthepoliceofficer，andwenttojointhecrowdofoutsidersontheleft。Boththeguestsandtheoutsidepublichadbynowpassedthroughallthephasesofanticipation。

Atfirsttheyimaginedthatthebrideandbridegroomwouldarriveimmediately，andattachednoimportanceatalltotheirbeinglate。Thentheybegantolookmoreandmoreoftentowardthedoor，andtotalkofwhetheranythingcouldhavehappened。Thenthelongdelaybegantobepositivelydiscomforting，andrelationsandgueststriedtolookasiftheywerenotthinkingofthebridegroomatall，butwereengrossedinconversation。

Theprotodeacon，asthoughtoremindthemofthevalueofhistime，coughedimpatiently，makingthewindowpanesrattleintheirframes。

Inthechoirtheboredchoristerscouldbeheardtryingtheirvoicesandblowingtheirnoses。Thepriestwascontinuallysendingfirstthechurchclerkandthenthedeacontofindoutwhetherthebridegroomhadnotcome，moreandmoreoftenhewenthimself，inalilacvestmentandanembroideredsash，tothesidedoor，expectingtoseethebridegroom。Atlastoneoftheladies，glancingatherwatch，said，`Itreallyisstrange，though！’

andalltheguestsbecameuneasyandbeganloudlyexpressingtheirwonderanddissatisfaction。Oneofthebridegroom’sbestmenwenttofindoutwhathadhappened。Kittymeanwhilehadlongagobeenquiteready，and，inherwhitedressandlongveilandwreathoforangeblossoms，wasstandinginthedrawingroomoftheShcherbatskys’housewithhersister，MadameLvova，whowasherbridalmother。Shewaslookingoutofthewindow，andhadbeenforoverhalfanhouranxiouslyexpectingtohearfromherbestmanthatherbridegroomwasatthechurch。