Happyfamiliesareallalike；everyunhappyfamilyisunhappyinitsownway。
EverythingwasinconfusionintheOblonsky’shouse。ThewifehaddiscoveredthatthehusbandwascarryingonanintriguewithaFrenchgirl，whohadbeenagovernessintheirfamily，andshehadannouncedtoherhusbandthatshecouldnotgoonlivinginthesamehousewithhim。Thispositionofaffairshadnowlastedtwodays，andnotonlythehusbandandwifethemselves，butallthemembersoftheirfamilyandthehousehold，werepainfullyconsciousofit。Allthemembersofthefamilyandthehouseholdfeltthattherewasnosenseintheirlivingtogether，andthatevenstraypeoplebroughttogetherbychanceinanyinnhadmoreincommonwithoneanotherthanthey，themembersofthefamilyandthehouseholdoftheOblonskys。Thewifedidnotleaveherownapartments；thehusbandhadnotbeenhomefortwodays。Thechildrenranwildalloverthehouse；theEnglishgovernessquarreledwiththehousekeeper，andwrotetoafriendaskinghertolookoutforanewemployforher；themancookhadwalkedoffthedaybeforejustatdinnertime；thekitchenmaidandthecoachmanhadgivenwarning。
Twodaysafterthequarrel，PrinceStepanArkadyevichOblonsky-Stiva，ashewascalledinthefashionableworld-wokeupathisusualhour，thatis，ateighto’clockinthemorning，notinhiswife’sbedroom，butontheleather-coveredsofainhisstudy。Heturnedoverhisstout，well-cared-forpersononthespringysofa，asthoughhewouldsinkintoalongsleepagain；hevigorouslyembracedthepillowonitsothersideandburiedhisfaceinit；butallatoncehejumpedup，satuponthesofa，andopenedhiseyes。
`Yes，yes，howwasitnow？’hethought，goingoverhisdream。`Yes，howwasit？Yes！AlabinwasgivingadinneratDarmstadt；no，notDarmstadt，butsomethingAmerican。Yes，butthen，DarmstadtwasinAmerica。Yes，Alabinwasgivingadinneronglasstables，andthetablessang，Ilmiotesoro-no，notIlmiotesoro，butsomethingbetter，andthereweresomesortoflittledecantersonthetable，and，atthesametime，thesedecanterswerewomen，’herecalled。
StepanArkadyevich’seyestwinkledgaily，andheponderedwithasmile。`Yes，itwasjolly，veryjolly。Therewasagreatdealmorethatwasdelightful，onlythere’snoputtingitintowords，orevenexpressingitinone’swakingthoughts。’Andnoticingagleamoflightpeepinginbesideoneofthewoolen-clothcurtains，hecheerfullydroppedhisfeetovertheedgeofthesofaandfeltaboutwiththemforhisslippers，apresentonhislastbirthday，workedforhimbyhiswifeongold-coloredmorocco。And，asheusedtodoforthelastnineyears，hestretchedouthishand，withoutgettingup，towardtheplacewherehisdressinggownalwayshunginthebedroom。Andthereuponhesuddenlyrememberedthathewasnotsleepinginhiswife’sroom，butinhisstudy，aswellasthereason；thesmilevanishedfromhisfaceandheknithisbrows。
`Ah，ah，ah！Oo！’hemuttered，recallingeverythingthathadhappened。Andagaineverydetailofhisquarrelwithhiswifewaspresenttohisimagination，allthehopelessnessofhisposition，and，worstofall，hisownfault。
`Yes，shewon’tforgiveme，andshecan’tforgiveme。Andthemostawfulthingaboutitisthatit’sallmyfault-allmyfault，thoughI’mnottoblame。That’sthepointofthewholetragedy，’hereflected。`Oh，oh，oh！’hekeptrepeatingindespair，asherememberedtheacutelypainfulsensationscausedhimbythisquarrel。
Mostunpleasantofallwasthefirstminutewhen，oncomingfromthetheater，good-humoredandlighthearted，withahugepearinhishandforhiswife，hehadnotfoundhiswifeinthedrawingroom，tohissurprise，norinthestudy，butsawheratlastinherbedroom，clutchingtheunluckyletterthatrevealedeverything。
She，hisDolly，foreverfussingandworryingoverhouseholddetails，andlimitedinherideas，asheconsidered，wassittingmotionlesswiththeletterinherhand，lookingathimwithanexpressionofhorror，despairandindignation。
`Whatisthis？This？’sheasked，pointingtotheletter。
Andatthisrecollection，StepanArkadyevich，asissooftenthecase，wasnotsomuchannoyedatthefactitselfasatthewayinwhichhehadmethiswife’swords。
Therehappenedtohimatthatinstantthatwhichhappenstopeoplewhentheyareunexpectedlycaughtinsomethingverydisgraceful。Hedidnotsucceedinadaptinghisfacetothesituationinwhichhewasplacedtowardhiswifebythediscoveryofhisfault。Insteadofbeinghurt，denying，defendinghimself，beggingforgiveness；insteadofremainingindifferenteven-anythingwouldhavebeenbetterthanwhathediddo-hisfaceutterlywithouthisvolition`cerebralreflexes，’musedStepanArkadyevich，whowasfondofphysiologyhadassumeditshabitualgood-humored，andthereforestupid，smile。
Thisstupidsmilehecouldnotforgivehimself。CatchingsightofthatsmileDollyshudderedasthoughfromphysicalpain，brokeoutwithhercharacteristicheatintoafloodofcruelwords，andrushedoutoftheroom。Sincethenshehadrefusedtoseeherhusband。
`It’sallthefaultofthatstupidsmile，’StepanArkadyevichwasthinking。
`Butwhat’stobedone？What’stobedone？’hekeptsayingtohimselfindespair-andfoundnoanswer。
StepanArkadyevichwasatruthfulmaninhisrelationswithhimself。Hewasincapableofself-deceptionandofpersuadinghimselfthatherepentedhisconduct。Hecouldnotatthisdaterepentthefactthathe，handsome，susceptibletolove，amanofthirty-four，wasnotinlovewithhiswife，themotheroffivelivingandtwodeadchildren，andonlyayearyoungerthanhimself。Allherepentedwasthathehadnotsucceededbetterinhidingthisfromhiswife。Buthefeltallthedifficultyofhispositionandwassorryforhiswife，hischildren，andhimself。Possiblyhemighthavemanagedtoconcealhissinsbetterfromhiswifeifhehadanticipatedthattheknowledgeofthemwouldhavehadsuchaneffectuponher。Hehadneverclearlyreflectedonthesubject，buthehadvaguelyconceivedthathiswifemustlongagohavesuspectedhimofbeingunfaithfultoher，andhadshuthereyestothefact。Hehadevensupposedthatshe，aworn-outwomannolongeryoungorgood-looking，andinnowayremarkableoruncommon-merelyagoodmother-oughtfromasenseoffairnesstotakeanindulgentview。Ithadturnedoutquitetheotherway。
`Oh，it’sawful！Ohdear，ohdear！Awful！’StepanArkadyevichkeptrepeatingtohimself，andhecouldthinkofnothingtobedone。`Andhowwellthingsweregoinguptillnow！Howwellwegoton！Shewascontentedandhappyinherchildren；Ineverinterferedwithherinanything；Ilethermanagethechildrenandthehousejustassheliked。True，it’sbadherhavingbeenagovernessinourhouse。That’sbad！There’ssomethingcommon，vulgar，inflirtingwithone’sgoverness。Butwhatagoverness！’HevividlyrecalledtheroguishblackeyesofMlle。Rolandandhersmile。`Butafterall，whileshewasinthehouse，Ikeptmyselfinhand。Andtheworstofitallisthatshe’salready……Itseemsasifillluckwouldhaveitso！Oh，oh！Butwhat，whatistobedone？’
Therewasnosolution，savethatuniversalsolutionwhichlifegivestoallquestions，eventhemostcomplexandinsolvable:Onemustliveintheneedsoftheday-thatis，forgetoneself。Toforgethimselfinsleepwasimpossiblenow，atleasttillnighttime；hecouldnotgobacknowtothemusicsungbythedecanterwomen；sohemustforgethimselfinthedreamofdailylife。
`Thenweshallsee，’StepanArkadyevichsaidtohimself，andgettingupheputonagraydressinggownlinedwithbluesilk，tiedthetasselsinaknot，and，drawingadeepbreathofairintohisbroadchest，hewalkedtothewindowwithhisusualconfidentstep，turningouthisfeetthatcarriedhisfullframesoeasily。Hepulleduptheblindandrangthebellloudly。Itwasatonceansweredbytheappearanceofanoldfriend，hisvalet，Matvei，carryinghisclothes，hisbootsandatelegram。Matveiwasfollowedbythebarberwithallthenecessariesforshaving。
`Arethereanypapersfromtheboard？’askedStepanArkadyevich，takingthetelegramandseatinghimselfatthelookingglass。
`Onthetable，’repliedMatvei，glancingwithinquiringsympathyathismaster；and，afterashortpause，headdedwithaslysmile:
`They’vesentfromthecarriagejobber。’
StepanArkadyevichmadenoreply，butmerelyglancedatMatveiinthelookingglass。Theglance，inwhichtheireyesmetinthelookingglass，madeitclearthattheyunderstoodoneanother。StepanArkadyevich’seyesseemedtoask:`Whydoyoutellmethat？Don’tyouknow？’
Matveiputhishandsinhisjacketpockets，thrustoutoneleg，andgazedsilently，withagood-humored，faintsmile，athismaster。
`ItoldthemtocomeonSunday，andtillthennottotroubleyouorthemselvesfornothing，’hesaid。Hehadobviouslypreparedthesentencebeforehand。
StepanArkadyevichsawMatveiwantedtomakeajokeandattractattentiontohimself。Tearingopenthetelegram，hereaditthrough，guessingatthewords，misspelledastheyalwaysareintelegrams，andhisfacebrightened。
`Matvei，mysisterAnnaArkadyevnawillbeheretomorrow，’hesaid，checkingforaminutethesleek，plumphandofthebarber，cuttingapinkpathbetweenhislong，curlysidewhiskers。
`ThankGod！’saidMatvei，showingbythisresponsethathe，likehismaster，realizedthesignificanceofthisarrival:AnnaArkadyevna，thesisterhismasterwassofondof，mightbringaboutareconciliationbetweenhusbandandwife。
`Alone，orwithherhusband？’inquiredMatvei。
StepanArkadyevichcouldnotanswer，asthebarberwasatworkonhisupperlip，andheraisedonefinger。Matveinoddedatthelookingglass。
`Alone。Istheroomtobegotreadyupstairs？’
`InformDaryaAlexandrovna:wheresheorders。’
`DaryaAlexandrovna？’Matveirepeated，asthoughindoubt。
`Yes，informher。Here，takethetelegram；giveittoher，andthendowhatshetellsyou。’
`Youwanttotryitout，’Matveiguessed，butonlysaid:`Yes，sir。’
StepanArkadyevichwasalreadywashedandcombedandreadytobedressed，whenMatvei，steppingslowlyinhiscreakyboots，camebackintotheroomwiththetelegraminhishand。Thebarberhadgone。
`DaryaAlexandrovnatoldmetoinformyouthatsheisgoingaway。``Lethim’’-thatisyou-``doashelikes，’’’hesaid，laughingonlywithhiseyes，and，puttinghishandsinhispockets，hewatchedhismasterwithhisheadononeside。StepanArkadyevichwassilentaminute。Thenagood-humoredandratherpitifulsmileshoweditselfonhishandsomeface。
`Eh，Matvei？’hesaid，shakinghishead。
`Nevermind，sir；everythingwillcomeround，’saidMatvei。
`Comeround？’
`Justso，sir。’
`Doyouthinkso？-Who’sthere？’askedStepanArkadyevich，hearingtherustleofawoman’sdressatthedoor。
`It’sI，’saidafirm，pleasantfemininevoice，andthestern，pockmarkedfaceofMatrionaPhilimonovna，thenurse，wasthrustinatthedoor。
`Well，what’sthematter，Matriosha？’queriedStepanArkadyevich，meetingherinthedoorway。
AlthoughStepanArkadyevichwascompletelyinthewrongasregardshiswife，andwasconsciousofthishimself，almosteveryoneinthehouseeventhenurse，DaryaAlexandrovna’schiefallywasonhisside。
`Well，whatnow？’heaskedcheerlessly。
`Gotoher，sir；ownyourfaultagain。MaybeGodwillaidyou。Sheissufferingso，it’spitifultoseeher；andbesides，everythinginthehouseistopsy-turvy。Youmusthavepity，sir，onthechildren。Begherforgiveness，sir。There’snohelpforit！Onemustpaythepiper……’
`Butshewon’tseeme。’
`Youdoyourpart。Godismerciful；praytoGod，sir-praytoGod。’
`Come，that’lldo，youcango，’saidStepanArkadyevich，blushingsuddenly。`Well，now，let’sdress，’heturnedtoMatveiandresolutelythrewoffhisdressinggown。
Matveiwasalreadyholdinguptheshirtlikeahorse’scollar，and，blowingoffsomeinvisiblespeck，heslippeditwithobviouspleasureoverthewell-cared-forpersonofhismaster。
Whenhewasdressed，StepanArkadyevichsprinkledsomescentonhimself，pulleddownhisshirtcuffs，distributedintohispocketshiscigarettes，pocketbook，matchesandwatch，withitsdoublechainandseals，and，shakingouthishandkerchief，feelinghimselfclean，fragrant，healthyandphysicallyatease，inspiteofhismisfortune，hewalkedwithaslightswingofeachlegintothediningroom，wherecoffeewasalreadywaitingforhim-and，alongsideofhiscup，thelettersandpapersfromtheoffice。
Hereadtheletters。Onewasveryunpleasant，fromamerchantwhowasbuyingaforestonhiswife’sproperty。Tosellthisforestwasabsolutelyessential；butatpresent，untilhewasreconciledwithhiswife，thesubjectcouldnotbediscussed。Themostunpleasantthingofallwasthathispecuniaryinterestsshouldinthiswayenterintothequestionofhisreconciliationwithhiswife。Andtheideathathemightbeledonbyhisinterests，thathemightseekareconciliationwithhiswifeonaccountofthesaleoftheforest-thatideahurthim。
Whenhehadfinishedhisletters，StepanArkadyevichmovedtheofficepapersclosetohim，rapidlylookedthroughtwocases，madeafewnoteswithabigpencil，and，pushingawaythepapers，turnedtohiscoffee。Sippingit，heopenedastilldampmorningpaperandbegantoreadit。
StepanArkadyevichtookinandreadaliberalpaper，notanextremeone，butoneadvocatingtheviewsheldbythemajority。Andinspiteofthefactthatscience，artandpoliticshadnospecialinterestforhim，hefirmlyheldthoseviewsonallthesesubjectswhichwereheldbythemajorityandbyhispaper，andheonlychangedthemwhenthemajoritychangedthem-or，morestrictlyspeaking，hedidnotchangethem，buttheyimperceptiblychangedofthemselveswithinhim。
StepanArkadyevichhadnotchosenhispoliticalopinionsorhisviews-thesepoliticalopinionsandviewshadcometohimofthemselves-justashedidnotchoosetheshapesofhishatandcoat，butsimplyacceptedthosethatwerebeingworn。Andforhim，livinginacertainsociety-owingtotheneed，ordinarilydevelopedatyearsofdiscretion，forsomedegreeofmentalactivity-tohaveviewswasjustasindispensableastohaveahat。Iftherewasareasonforhispreferringliberaltoconservativeviews，whichwereheldalsobymanyofhiscircle，itarosenotfromhisconsideringliberalismmorerational，butfromitsbeingincloseraccordancewithhismanneroflife。TheliberalpartysaidthatinRussiaeverythingwaswrong，andindeedStepanArkadyevichhadmanydebtsandwasdecidedlyshortofmoney。Theliberalpartysaidthatmarriagewasaninstitutionquiteoutofdate，andthatitstoodinneedofreconstruction，andindeedfamilylifeaffordedStepanArkadyevichlittlegratification，andforcedhimintolyingandhypocrisy，whichweresorepulsivetohisnature。Theliberalpartysaid，orratherallowedittobeunderstood，thatreligionwasonlyacurbtokeepincheckthebarbarousclassesofthepeople，andindeedStepanArkadyevichcouldnotstandthroughevenashortservicewithouthislegsaching，andcouldnevermakeoutwhatwastheobjectofalltheterribleandhigh-flownlanguageaboutanotherworldwhenlifemightbesoveryamusinginthisworld。AndwithallthisStepanArkadyevich，wholikedamerryjoke，wasfondofembarrassingsomeplainmanbysayingthatifoneweretoprideoneselfonone’sorigin，oneoughtnottostopatRurikanddisownthefounderoftheline-themonkey。AndsoliberalismhadbecomeahabitofStepanArkadyevich，andhelikedhisnewspaper，ashedidhiscigarafterdinner，fortheslightfogitdiffusedinhisbrain。Hereadtheleadingarticle，whichmaintainedthatitwasquitesenselessinourdaytoraiseanoutcrythatradicalismwasthreateningtoswallowupallconservativeelements，andthatthegovernmentoughttotakemeasurestocrushtherevolutionaryhydra；that，onthecontrary，`inouropinionthedangerliesnotinthatimaginaryrevolutionaryhydra，butintheobstinacyoftraditionalismcloggingprogress，’etc。，etc。Hereadanotherarticle，too，afinancialone，whichalludedtoBenthamandMill，anddroppedsomeinnuendoesreflectingontheministry。Withhischaracteristicquick-wittednesshecaughtthedriftofeachinnuendo，divinedwhenceitcame，atwhomandonwhatgrounditwasaimed，andthataffordedhim，asitalwaysdid，acertaingratification。ButtodaythatgratificationwasembitteredbyMatrionaPhilimonovna’sadviceandtheunsatisfactorystateofhishousehold。Heread，too，thatCountBeistwasrumoredtohaveleftforWiesbaden，andthatoneneedhavenomoregrayhair，andofthesaleofalightcarriage，andofayoungpersonseekingasituation；buttheseitemsofinformationdidnotgivehim，asusual，aquiet，ironicalgratification。
Havingfinishedthepaper，asecondcupofcoffeeandarollandbutter，hegotup，shakingthecrumbsoffhiswaistcoat；and，squaringhisbroadchest，hesmiledjoyously；notbecausetherewasanythingparticularlyagreeableinhismind-thejoyoussmilewasevokedbyagooddigestion。
Butthisjoyoussmileatoncerecalledeverythingtohim，andhegrewthoughtful。
TwochildishvoicesStepanArkadyevichrecognizedthevoicesofGrisha，hisyoungestboy，andTania，hiseldestgirlwereheardoutsidethedoor。Theywerecarryingsomething，anddroppedit。
`Itoldyounottositpassengersontheroof，’saidthelittlegirlinEnglish；`there，pickthemup！’
`Everything’sinconfusion，’thoughtStepanArkadyevich；`therearethechildrenrunningaboutbythemselves。’Andgoingtothedoor，hecalledthem。Theyleftofftheboxthatrepresentedatrain，andcameintotheirfather。
Thelittlegirl，herfather’sfavorite，ranupboldly，embracedhimandhunglaughinglyonhisneck，enjoyingasshealwaysdidthewell-knownsmellofscentthatcamefromhiswhiskers。Atlastthelittlegirlkissedhisface，whichwasflushedfromhisstoopingpostureandbeamingwithtenderness，loosedherhands，andwasabouttorunawayagain；butherfatherheldherback。
`Howismamma？’heasked，passinghishandoverhisdaughter’ssmooth，softlittleneck。`Goodmorning，’hesaid，smilingtotheboy，whohadcomeuptogreethim。
Hewasconsciousthathelovedtheboyless，andalwaystriedtobefair；buttheboyfeltit，anddidnotsmileresponsivelytohisfather’schillysmile。
`Mamma？Sheisup，’answeredthegirl。
StepanArkadyevichsighed。
`Thatmeansshehasn’tsleptagainallnight，’hethought。
`Well，isshecheerful？’
Thelittlegirlknewthattherewasaquarrelbetweenherfatherandmother，andthathermothercouldnotbecheerful，andthatherfathermustbeawareofthis，andthathewaspretendingwhenheaskedaboutitsolightly。Andsheblushedforherfather。Heatonceperceivedit，andblushedtoo。
`Idon’tknow，’shesaid。`Shedidnotsaywemustdoourlessons，butshesaidweweretogoforawalkwithMissHooletograndmamma’s。’
`Well，go，Tania，mydarling。Oh，waitaminute，though，’hesaid，stillholdingherandstrokinghersoftlittlehand。
Hetookoffthemantelpiece，wherehehadputityesterday，alittleboxofsweets，andgavehertwo，pickingoutherfavorites，achocolateandabonbon。
`ForGrisha？’saidthelittlegirl，pointingtothechocolate。
`Yes，yes。’Andstillstrokingherlittleshoulder，hekissedthenapeofherneck，andlethergo。
`Thecarriageisready，’saidMatvei；`butthere’ssomeonetoseeyouwithapetition。’
`Beenherelong？’askedStepanArkadyevich。
`Halfanhourorso。’
`HowmanytimeshaveItoldyoutotellmeatonce？’
`Onemustletyoudrinkyourcoffeeinpeace，atleast，’saidMatvei，intheaffectionatelygrufftonewithwhichitwasimpossibletobeangry。
`Well，showthepersonupatonce，’saidOblonsky，frowningwithvexation。
Thepetitioner，thewidowofastaffcaptainKalinin，camewitharequestimpossibleandunreasonable；butStepanArkadyevich，ashegenerallydid，madehersitdown，heardhertotheendattentivelywithoutinterruptingher，andgaveherdetailedadviceastohowandtowhomtoapply，andevenwroteforher，easilyandclearly，inhislarge，sprawlingcalligraphicandlegiblehand，alittlenotetoapersonagewhomightbeofusetoher。Havinggotridofthestaffcaptain’swidow，StepanArkadyevichtookhishatandstoppedtorecollectwhetherhehadforgottenanything。Itappearedthathehadforgottennothingexceptwhathewantedtoforget-hiswife。
`Ah，yes！’Hebowedhishead，andhishandsomefaceassumedamelancholyexpression。`Togo，ornottogo？’hesaidtohimself；andaninnervoicetoldhimhemustnotgo，thatnothingcouldcomeofitbutfalsity；thattoamend，tosetrighttheirrelationswasimpossible，becauseitwasimpossibletomakeherattractiveagainandabletoinspirelove，ortomakehimanoldman，notsusceptibletolove。Exceptdeceitandlyingnothingcouldcomeofitnow；anddeceitandlyingwereopposedtohisnature。
`Itmustbesomeday，though:itcan’tgoonlikethis，’hesaid，tryingtogivehimselfcourage。Hesetstraighthischest，tookoutacigarette，lightedit，tooktwowhiffsatit，flungitintoamother-of-pearlashtray，andwithrapidstepswalkedthroughthedrawingroomandopenedtheotherdoorintohiswife’sbedroom。
DaryaAlexandrovna，inadressingjacket，andwithhernowscantyhaironceluxuriantandbeautifulfastenedupwithhairpinsonthenapeofherneck，withasunken，thinfaceandlarge，startledeyes，whichlookedprominentfromthethinnessofherface，wasstanding，amongalitterofallsortsofthingsscatteredallovertheroom，beforeanopenbureau，fromwhichshewastakingsomething。Hearingherhusband’ssteps，shestopped，lookingtowardthedoor，andtryinginvaintogiveherfeaturesasevereandcontemptuousexpression。Shefeltshewasafraidofhim，andafraidofthecominginterview。Shewasjustattemptingtodowhatshehadattemptedtodotentimesalreadyintheselastthreedays-tosortoutthechildren’sthingsandherown，soastotakethemtohermother’s-andagainshecouldnotbringherselftodothis；butnowagain，aseachtimebefore，shekeptsayingtoherself，thatthingscannotgoonlikethis，thatshemustundertakesomething，punishhim，puthimtoshame，avengeonhimsomelittlepartatleastofthesufferinghehadcausedher。Shestillcontinuedtotellherselfthatsheshouldleavehim，butshewasconsciousthatthiswasimpossible；itwasimpossiblebecauseshecouldnotgetoutofthehabitofregardinghimasherhusbandandoflovinghim。Besidesthis，sherealizedthatifevenhereinherownhouseshecouldhardlymanagetolookafterherfivechildrenproperly，theywouldbestillworseoffwhereshewasgoingwithallofthem。Asitwas，eveninthecourseofthesethreedays，theyoungestwasunwellfrombeinggivenunwholesomesoup，andtheothershadalmostgonewithouttheirdinnerthedaybefore。Shewasconsciousthatitwasimpossibletogoaway；but，cheatingherself，shewentonallthesamesortingoutherthingsandpretendingshewasgoing。
Seeingherhusband，shedroppedherhandsintothedrawerofthebureauasthoughlookingforsomething，andonlylookedroundathimwhenhehadcomequiteuptoher。Butherface，towhichshetriedtogiveasevereandresoluteexpression，expressedbewildermentandsuffering。
`Dolly！’hesaidinasubduedandtimidvoice。Hehadhuncheduphisshouldersandtriedtolookpitifulandhumble，butforallthathewasradiantwithfreshnessandhealth。Inarapidglanceshescannedhisfigure，beamingwithfreshnessandhealth。`Yes，heishappyandcontent！’shethought；`whileI……Andthatdisgustinggoodnaturewhicheveryonelikeshimforandpraises-Ihatethatgoodnatureofhis，’shethought。Hermouthstiffened，themusclesofthecheektrembledontherightsideofherpale，nervousface。
`Whatdoyouwant？’shesaidinarapid，deep，unnaturalvoice。
`Dolly！’herepeated，withaquiverinhisvoice。`Annaiscomingtoday。’
`Well，whatisthattome？Ican’tseeher！’shecried。
`Butyoumust，really，Dolly。
`Goaway，goaway，goaway！’sheshrieked，withoutlookingathim，asthoughthisshriekwerecalledupbyphysicalpain。
StepanArkadyevichcouldbecalmwhenhethoughtofhiswife，hecouldhopethateverythingwouldcomeround，asMatveiexpressedit，andhadbeenabletogoonreadinghispaperanddrinkinghiscoffee；butwhenhesawhertortured，sufferingface，heardthetoneofhervoice，submissivetofateandfullofdespair，hisbreathwascutshortandalumpcametothisthroat，andhiseyesbegantoshinewithtears。
`MyGod！WhathaveIdone？Dolly！ForGod’ssake！……Youknow……’Hecouldnotgoon；therewasasobinhisthroat。
Sheshutthebureauwithaslam，andglancedathim。
`Dolly，whatcanIsay？……Onething:forgiveme……Remember，cannotnineyearsofourlifeatoneforaninstant……’
Shedroppedhereyesandlistened，expectingwhathewouldsay，asifbeseechinghiminsomewayorothertomakeherbelievedifferently。
`……instantofpassion……’hesaid，andwouldhavegoneon，butatthatword，asatapangofphysicalpain，herlipsstiffenedagain，andagainthemusclesofherrightcheekworked。
`Goaway，gooutoftheroom！’sheshriekedstillmoreshrilly，`anddon’ttalktomeofyourpassionsandyourvilenesses。’
Shetriedtogoout，buttottered，andclungtothebackofachairtosupportherself。Hisfacerelaxed，hislipsbecamepuffy；tearswelledupinhiseyes。
`Dolly！’hesaid，sobbingnow。`Formercy’ssake，thinkofthechildren；theyarenottoblame！Iamtoblame-punishmethen，makemeexpiatemyfault。AnythingIcando，Iamreadytodo！Iamtoblame，nowordscanexpresshowmuchIamtoblame！But，Dolly，forgiveme！’
Shesatdown。Helistenedtoherhard，heavybreathing，andhewasunutterablysorryforher。Shemadeseveralattemptstospeak，butcouldnot。Hewaited。
`Yourememberthechildren，Stiva，toplaywiththem；butIremember，andknowthattheygotoruinnow，’shesaid-obviouslyoneofthephrasesshehadmorethanoncerepeatedtoherselfinthecourseofthelastthreedays。
Shehadcalledhim`Stiva，’andheglancedatherwithgratitudeandmovedtotakeherhand，butshedrewbackfromhimwithaversion。
`Irememberthechildren，andforthatreasonIwoulddoanythingintheworldtosavethem；butIdon’tmyselfknowthemeans。Bytakingthemawayfromtheirfather，orbyleavingthemwithaviciousfather-yes，aviciousfather……Tellme，afterwhat……hashappened，canwelivetogether？Isthatpossible？Dotellme-isitpossible？’sherepeated，raisinghervoice。`Aftermyhusband，thefatherofmychildren，entersintoaloveaffairwithhisownchildren’sgoverness……’
`Butwhat’stobedone？What’stobedone？’hekeptsayinginapitifulvoice，notknowingwhathewassaying，ashisheadsanklowerandlower。
`Youareloathsometome，repulsive！’sheshrieked，gettingmoreandmoreheated。`Yourtearsmeannothing！Youhaveneverlovedme；youhaveneitheraheartnorasenseofhonor！Youarehatefultome，disgusting，astranger-yes，acompletestranger！’Withpainandwrathsheutteredthewordsoterribletoherself-stranger。
Helookedather，andthefuryexpressedinherfacealarmedandamazedhim。Hedidnotunderstandthatitwashispityforherthatexasperatedher。Shesawinhimcompassionforher，butnotlove。`No，shehatesme。Shewillnotforgiveme，’hethought。
`ItisawfulAwful！’hesaid。
Atthatmomentinthenextroomachildbegantocry；probablyithadfallendown。DaryaAlexandrovnalistened，andherfacesuddenlysoftened。
Sheseemedpullingherselftogetherforafewseconds，asthoughshedidnotknowwhereshewasnorwhatshewasdoing，and，gettinguprapidly，shemovedtowardthedoor。
`Well，shelovesmychild，’hethought，noticingthechangeofherfaceatthechild’scry，`mychild:howcanshehatemethen？’
`Dolly，onewordmore，’hesaid，followingher。
`Ifyoufollowme，Iwillcallintheservants，andthechildren！Letthemallknowyouareascoundrel！Iamgoingawayatonce，andyoumayliveherewithyourmistress！’
Andshewentout，slammingthedoor。
StepanArkadyevichsighed，moppedhisface，andwithasubduedtreadwalkedoutoftheroom。`Matveisayseverythingwillcomeround；buthow？Idon’tseetheleastchanceofit。Ah，ah，howhorribleitis！Andhowvulgarlysheshouted，’hesaidtohimself，rememberinghershrieksandthewords-`scoundrel’and`mistress。’`Andverylikelythemaidswerelistening！Horriblyvulgar，horribly。’StepanArkadyevichstoodafewsecondsalone，wipedhiseyes，thrustouthischestandwalkedoutoftheroom。
ItwasFriday，andinthediningroomthewatchmaker，aGerman，waswindinguptheclock。StepanArkadyevichrememberedhisjokeaboutthispunctual，baldwatchmaker，`thattheGermanwaswoundupforawholelifetimehimself，towindupwatches，’andhesmiled。StepanArkadyevichwasfondofanicejoke。`Andmaybeitwillcomeround！’That’sagoodexpression，``comeround，’’hethought。`Imusttellthat。’
`Matvei！’heshouted。`ArrangeeverythingwithMaryainthesittingroomforAnnaArkadyevna，’hesaidtoMatveiwhenhecamein。
`Yes，sir。’
StepanArkadyevichputonhisfurcoatandwentoutonthefrontsteps。
`Youwon’tdineathome？’saidMatvei，seeinghimoff。
`Italldepends。Buthere’sforthehousekeeping，’hesaid，takingtenroublesfromhispocketbook。`Willitbeenough？’
`Enoughornotenough，wemustmakeitdo，’saidMatvei，slammingthecarriagedoorandgoingbacktothesteps。
DaryaAlexandrovnameanwhilehavingpacifiedthechild，andknowingfromthesoundofthecarriagethathehadgoneoff，wentbacktoherbedroom。Itwasheronlyrefugefromthehouseholdcareswhichcrowdeduponherdirectlyshewentoutfromit。Evennow，intheshorttimeshehadbeeninthenursery，theEnglishgovernessandMatrionaPhilimonovnahadsucceededinputtingseveralquestionstoher，whichdidnotadmitofdelay，andwhichonlyshecouldanswer:`Whatwerethechildrentoputonfortheirwalk？Shouldtheyhaveanymilk？Shouldnotanewcookbesentfor？’
`Ah，letmealone，letmealone！’shesaid，andgoingbacktoherbedroomshesatdowninthesameplaceshehadoccupiedwhentalkingtoherhusband，claspingtightlyherthinhands，herringsslippingdownonherbonyfingers，andfelltogoingoverherrecollectionsoftheentireinterview。`Hehasgone！Butwhathashefinallyarrivedatwithher？’shethought。`Canitbeheseesher？Whydidn’tIaskhim！No，no，reconciliationisimpossible。Evenifweremaininthesamehouse，wearestrangers-strangersforever！’Sherepeatedagainwithspecialsignificancethewordsodreadfultoher。`AndhowIlovedhim！myGod，howIlovedhim！……HowIlovedhim！Andnowdon’tIlovehim？Don’tIlovehimmorethanbefore？Themosthorriblethingis，’shebegan，butdidnotfinishherthought，becauseMatrionaPhilimonovnaputherheadinatthedoor。
`Letussendformybrother，’shesaid；`hecangetadinneranyway，orweshallhavethechildrengettingnothingtoeattillsixagain，likeyesterday。’
`Verywell，Iwillcomedirectlyandseeaboutit。Butdidyousendforsomenewmilk？’
AndDaryaAlexandrovnaplungedintothedutiesoftheday，anddrownedhergriefinthemforatime。
StepanArkadyevichhadlearnedeasilyatschool，thankstohisexcellentabilities，buthehadbeenidleandmischievous，andthereforewasoneofthelowestinhisclass。Butinspiteofhishabituallydissipatedmodeoflife，hisinferiorgradeintheservice，andhiscomparativeyouth，heoccupiedthehonorableandlucrativepositionofpresidentofoneofthegovernmentboardsatMoscow。ThisposthehadreceivedthroughhissisterAnna’shusband，AlexeiAlexandrovichKarenin，whoheldoneofthemostimportantpositionsintheministrytowhichtheMoscowofficebelonged。ButifKareninhadnotgothisbrother-in-lawthisberth，thenthroughahundredotherpersonages-brothers，sisters，cousins，unclesandaunts-StivaOblonskywouldhavereceivedthispostorsomeotherlikeit，togetherwiththesalaryofsixthousandabsolutelyneedfulforhim，ashisaffairs，inspiteofhiswife’sconsiderableproperty，wereinapoorstate。
HalfMoscowandPeterburgwerefriendsandrelationsofStepanArkadyevich。Hewasborninthemidstofthosewhohadbeen，andhadbecome，thepowerfulonesofthisworld。One-thirdofthemeninthegovernment，theoldermen，hadbeenfriendsofhisfather’s，andhadknownhiminpinafores；anotherthirdwerehisintimatechums，andtheremainderwerefriendlyacquaintances。Consequentlythedistributorsofearthlyblessingsintheshapeofposts，rents，concessionsandsuch，wereallhisfriends，andcouldnotoverlookoneoftheirownset；andOblonskyhadnoneedtomakeanyspecialexertiontogetalucrativepost。Hehadonlynottorefusethings，nottoshowjealousy，nottobequarrelsomeortakeoffense，allofwhichfromhischaracteristicgoodnatureheneverdid。Itwouldhavestruckhimasabsurdifhehadbeentoldthathewouldnotgetapositionwiththesalaryherequired，especiallyasheexpectednothingoutoftheway；heonlywantedwhatthemenofhisownageandstandingdidget，andhewasnoworsequalifiedforperformingdutiesofthiskindthananyotherman。
StepanArkadyevichwasnotmerelylikedbyallwhoknewhimforhisgoodhumor，hisbrightdispositionandhisunquestionablehonesty；inhim，inhishandsome，radiantfigure，hissparklingeyes，blackhairandeyebrows，andhiswhiteandpinkcomplexion，therewassomethingwhichproducedaphysicaleffectofkindlinessandgoodhumoronthepeoplewhomethim。`Aha！Stiva！Oblonsky！Themanhimself！’wasalmostalwayssaidwithasmileofdelightonmeetinghim。Eventhoughithappenedattimesthatafteraconversationwithhimitseemedthatnothingparticularlydelightfulhadhappened，thenextday，andthenext，everyonewasjustasdelightedtomeethimagain。
AfterfillingfortwoyearsthepostofpresidentofoneofthegovernmentboardsatMoscow，StepanArkadyevichhadwontherespect，aswellastheliking，ofhisfellowofficials，subordinatesandsuperiors，andallwhohadhadbusinesswithhim。TheprincipalqualitiesinStepanArkadyevichwhichhadgainedhimthisuniversalrespectintheserviceconsisted，inthefirstplace，ofhisextremeindulgenceforothers，foundedonaconsciousnessofhisownshortcomings；secondly，ofhisperfectliberalism-nottheliberalismhereadofinthepapers，buttheliberalismthatwasinhisblood，invirtueofwhichhetreatedallmenperfectlyequallyandexactlythesame，whatevertheirfortuneorrankmightbe；andthirdly-themostimportantpoint-ofhiscompleteindifferencetothebusinessinwhichhewasengaged，inconsequenceofwhichhewasnevercarriedaway，andmadenomistakes。
OnreachingtheofficesoftheboardStepanArkadyevich，escortedbyadeferentialporterwithaportfolio，wentintohislittleprivateroom，putonhisuniform，andwentintotheboardroom。Theclerksandofficialsallrose，greetinghimwithgood-humoreddeference。StepanArkadyevichmovedquickly，asalways，tohisplace，shookhandswiththemembersoftheboard，andsatdown。Hemadeajokeortwo，andtalkedjustasmuchaswasconsistentwithduedecorum，andbeganwork。NooneknewbetterthanStepanArkadyevichhowtohitonthatexactlimitoffreedom，simplicityandofficialstiffnesswhichisnecessaryfortheagreeableconductofbusiness。Asecretary，withthegood-humoreddeferencecommontoeveryoneinStepanArkadyevich’soffice，cameupwithpapers，andbegantospeakinthefamiliarandeasytonewhichhadbeenintroducedbyStepanArkadyevich。
`WehavesucceededingettingtheinformationfromthegovernmentdepartmentofPenza。Here，wouldyoucare？……’
`You’vegotitatlast？’saidStepanArkadyevich，layinghisfingeronthepaper。`Now，gentlemen……’
Andthesittingoftheboardbegan。
`Iftheybutknew，’hethought，inclininghisheadwithanimportantairandlisteningtothereport，`whataguiltylittleboytheirpresidentwashalfanhourago！’Andhiseyeswerelaughingduringthereadingofthereport。Tilltwoo’clockthesittingwouldgoonwithoutabreak-thentherewouldbeanintervalandluncheon。
Itwasnotyettwo，whenthelargeglassdoorsoftheboardroomsuddenlyopenedandsomeonecamein。
Allthemembersoftheboard，sittingatthetable，frombelowtheportraitoftheCzarandfrombehindthemirrorofjustice，delightedatanydistraction，lookedroundatthedoor；butthedoorkeeperstandingthereatoncedroveouttheintruder，andclosedtheglassdoorafterhim。
Whenthecasehadbeenreadthrough，StepanArkadyevichgotupandstretched，andbywayoftributetotheliberalismofthetimestookoutacigarette，beingintheboardroom，andwentintohisprivateroom。Twoofhisboardfellows，theoldveteranintheservice，Nikitin，andtheKammerjunkerGrinevich，wentinwithhim。
`Weshallhavetimetofinishafterlunch，’saidStepanArkadyevich。
`Tobesureweshall！’saidNikitin。
`AprettysharpfellowthisFominmustbe，’saidGrinevichofoneofthepersonstakingpartinthecasetheywereexamining。
StepanArkadyevichfrownedatGrinevich’swords，givinghimtherebytounderstandthatitwasimpropertopassjudgmentprematurely，andmadehimnoreply。
`Whowasitwhocamein？’heaskedthedoorkeeper。
`Somefellow，yourexcellency，sneakedinwithoutpermissiondirectlymybackwasturned。Hewasaskingforyou。Itoldhim:whenthememberscomeout，then……’
`Whereishe？’
`Maybehe’sgoneintothepassage，hewasstrollingheretillnow。That’she，’saidthedoorkeeper，pointingtoastronglybuilt，broadshoulderedmanwithacurlybeard，who，withouttakingoffhissheepskincap，wasrunninglightlyandrapidlyupthewornstepsofthestonestaircase。Oneoftheofficialsgoingdown-aleanfellowwithaportfolio-stoodoutofhisway，lookeddisapprovinglyatthelegsoftherunningman，andthenglancedinquiringlyatOblonsky。
StepanArkadyevichwasstandingatthetopofthestairs。Hisgood-naturedlybeamingfaceabovetheembroideredcollarofhisuniformbeamedmorethaneverwhenherecognizedthemancomingup。
`Why，it’sactuallyyou，Levin，atlast！’hesaidwithafriendlymockingsmile，gazingontheapproachingman。`Howisityouhavedeignedtolookmeupinthisden？’saidStepanArkadyevichand，notcontentwithshakinghands，hekissedhisfriend。`Haveyoubeenherelong？’
`Ihavejustcome，andverymuchwantedtoseeyou，’saidLevin，lookingabouthimshyly，and，atthesametime，angrilyanduneasily。
`Well，let’sgointomyroom，’saidStepanArkadyevich，whoknewhisfriend’ssensitiveandirritableshyness，and，takinghisarm，hedrewhimalong，asthoughguidinghimthroughdangers。
StepanArkadyevichwasonfamiliartermswithalmostallhisacquaintances，andcalledalmostallofthembytheirChristiannames:oldmenofsixty，boysoftwenty，actors，ministers，merchantsandadjutantgenerals，sothatmanyofhisintimatechumsweretobefoundattheextremeendsofthesocialladder，andwouldhavebeenverymuchsurprisedtolearnthattheyhad，throughthemediumofOblonsky，somethingincommon。Hewasthefamiliarfriendofeveryonewithwhomhetookaglassofchampagne，andhetookaglassofchampagnewitheveryone，andwheninconsequencehemetanyofhisdisreputablechums，asheusedinjoketocallmanyofhisfriends，inthepresenceofhissubordinates，hewellknewhow，withhischaracteristictact，todiminishanypossibledisagreeableimpression。Levinwasnotadisreputablechum，butOblonsky，withhisreadytact，feltthatLevinfanciedOblonskymightnotcaretoshowhisintimacywithhimbeforesubordinates，andsoStepanArkadyevichmadehastetotakehimoffintohisroom。
LevinwasalmostofthesameageasOblonsky；theirintimacydidnotrestmerelyonchampagne。Levinhadbeenthefriendandcompanionofhisearlyyouth。Theywerefondofoneanotherinspiteofthedifferenceoftheircharactersandtastes，asfriendsarefondofoneanotherwhohavebeentogetherinearlyyouth。Butinspiteofthis，eachofthem-asisoftenthewaywithmenwhohaveselectedcareersofdifferentkinds-thoughindiscussionhewouldevenjustifytheother’scareer，inhisheartdespisedit。Itseemedtoeachofthemthatthelifeheledhimselfwastheonlyreallife，andthelifeledbyhisfriendwasamerephantasm。OblonskycouldnotrestrainaslightmockingsmileatthesightofLevin。HowoftenhehadseenhimcomeuptoMoscowfromthecountrywherehewasdoingsomething，butwhatpreciselyStepanArkadyevichcouldneverquitemakeout，andindeedtooknointerestinthematter。LevinarrivedinMoscowalwaysexcitedandinahurry，ratherillateaseandirritatedbyhisownwantofease，andforthemostpartwithaperfectlynew，unexpectedviewofthings。StepanArkadyevichlaughedatthis，andlikedit。InthesamewayLevininhisheartdespisedthetownmodeoflifeofhisfriend，andhisofficialduties，whichhelaughedatandregardedastrifling。ButthedifferencewasthatOblonsky，sincehewasdoingthesameaseveryonedid，laughedassuredlyandgood-humoredly，whileLevinlaughedwithoutassurednessandsometimesangrily。
`Wehavelongbeenexpectingyou，’saidStepanArkadyevich，goingintohisroomandlettingLevin’shandgoasthoughtoshowthatherealldangerwasover。`Iamvery，verygladtoseeyou，’hewenton。`Well，whatnow？Howareyou？Whendidyoucome？’
Levinwassilent，lookingattheunfamiliarfacesofOblonsky’stwocompanions，andespeciallyattheelegantGrinevich’shands-withsuchlongwhitefingers，suchlongyellownails，curvedattheirend，andsuchhugeshiningstudsontheshirtcuff，thatapparentlythesehandsabsorbedallhisattention，andallowedhimnofreedomofthought。Oblonskynoticedthisatonce，andsmiled。
`Ah，tobesure，letmeintroduceyou，’hesaid。`Mycolleagues:PhilipIvanichNikitin，MikhailStanislavichGrinevich’-andturningtoLevin-`aZemstvomember，amodernZemstvoman，agymnastwholiftsfivepoodswithonehand，acattlebreederandsportsman，andmyfriend-ConstantinDmitrievichLevin，thebrotherofSergeiIvanovichKoznishev。’
`Delighted，’saidtheveteran。
`Ihavethehonorofknowingyourbrother，SergeiIvanovich，’saidGrinevich，holdingouthisslenderhandwithitslongnails。
Levinfrowned，shookhandscoldly，andatonceturnedtoOblonsky。Thoughhehadagreatrespectforhishalf-brother，anauthorwellknowntoallRussia，hecouldnotendureitwhenpeopletreatedhimnotasConstantinLevin，butasthebrotherofthecelebratedKoznishev。
`No，IamnolongeraZemstvoman。Ihavequarreledwiththemall，anddon’tgotothesessionsanymore，’hesaid，turningtoOblonsky。
`You’vebeenquickaboutit！’saidOblonskywithasmile。`Buthow？Why？’
`It’salongstory。Iwilltellyousometime，’saidLevin-butbegantellinghimatonce。`Well，toputitshortly，IwasconvincedthatnothingwasreallydonebytheZemstvocouncils，orevercouldbe，’hebegan，asthoughsomeonehadjustinsultedhim。`Ononesideit’saplaything；theyplayatbeingaparliament，andI’mneitheryoungenoughnoroldenoughtofindamusementinplaythings；andontheotherside’hestammered`it’sameansforthecoterieofthedistricttofeathertheirnests。Formerlytheydidthisthroughwardshipsandcourtsofjustice，nowtheydoitthroughtheZemstvo-insteadoftakingthebribes，theytaketheunearnedsalary，’hesaid，ashotlyasthoughoneofthosepresenthadopposedhisopinion。
`Aha！You’reinanewphaseagain，Isee-aconservative，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`However，wecangointothatlater。’
`Yes，later。ButIhadtoseeyou，’saidLevin，lookingwithhatredatGrinevich’shand。
StepanArkadyevichgaveascarcelyperceptiblesmile。
`Butyouusedtosayyou’dneverwearEuropeandressagain，’hesaid，gazingonLevin’snewsuit，obviouslycutbyaFrenchtailor。`So！Isee:anewphase。’
Levinsuddenlyblushed，notasgrownmenblush，slightly，withoutbeingthemselvesawareofit，butasboysblush，feelingthattheyareridiculousthroughtheirshyness，andconsequentlyashamedofit，andblushingstillmore，almosttothepointoftears。Anditwassostrangetoseethissensible，manlyfaceinsuchachildishplight，thatOblonskyleftofflookingathim。
`Oh，whereshallwemeet？YouknowIwantverymuchtotalktoyou，’saidLevin。
Oblonskyseemedtoponder。
`I’lltellyouwhat:let’sgotoGurin’stolunch，andtherewecantalk。Iamfreetillthree。’
`No，’answeredLevin，afteraninstant’sthought，`Ihaveanothervisittomake。’
`Allright，then，let’sdinetogether。’
`Dinetogether？ButIhavenothingveryparticular-justawordortwo，aquestion；thenalittlechatting。’
`Well，let’shaveyourwordortworightnow-andwe’lltalkitoverinthecourseofthedinner。’
`Well，it’sthis，’saidLevin，`however-it’sofnoimportance。’
Hisfacesuddenlyassumedanexpressionofangerfromtheefforthewasmakingtosurmounthisshyness。
`WhataretheShcherbatskysdoing？Everythingasitusedtobe？’hesaid。
StepanArkadyevich，whohadlongknownthatLevinwasinlovewithhissister-in-law，Kitty，gaveahardlyperceptiblesmile，andhiseyessparkledmerrily。
`You’vesaidyourwordortwo，butIcan’tanswerinafewwords，because……Excusemeforjustaminute……’
Asecretarycamein，withrespectfulfamiliarityandthemodestconsciousness，characteristicofeverysecretary，ofsuperioritytohischiefintheknowledgeofaffairs；hewentuptoOblonskywithsomepapers，andbegan，underpretenseofaskingaquestion，toexplainsomeobjection。StepanArkadyevich，withouthearinghimout，laidhishandgeniallyonthesecretary’ssleeve。
`No，youdoasItoldyou，’hesaid，smoothinghisremarkwithasmile，andwithabriefexplanationofhisviewofthematterhemovedawaythepapers，andsaid:`Sodoitthatway，ifyouplease，ZakharNikitich。’
Thesecretaryretiredinconfusion。DuringtheconsultationwiththesecretaryLevinhadcompletelyrecoveredfromhisembarrassment。Hewasstandingwithelbowsonthebackofachair，andonhisfacewasalookofironicalattention。
`Idon’tunderstandit-Idon’tunderstandit，’hesaid。
`Whatdon’tyouunderstand？’saidOblonsky，smilingjustascheerfully，andpickingupacigarette。HeexpectedsomequeeroutburstfromLevin。
`Idon’tunderstandwhatyouaredoing，’saidLevin，shrugginghisshoulders。`Howcanyoubeseriousaboutit？’
`Whynot？’
`Why，becausethere’snothinginit。’
`Youthinkso-yetwe’reoverwhelmedwithwork。’
`Onpaper。But，there，you’veagiftforit，’addedLevin。
`That’stosay，youthinkthere’salackofsomethinginme？’
`Perhapsso，’saidLevin。`ButallthesameIadmireyourgrandeur，andamproudtohavesuchagreatpersonasafriend。You’venotansweredmyquestion，though，’hewenton，withadesperateeffortlookingOblonskystraightintheface。
`Oh，that’sallverywell。Youwaitabit，andyou’llcometothisyourself。It’sveryniceforyoutohavethreethousanddessiatinasintheKarazinskydistrict，andsuchmuscles，andthefreshnessofagirloftwelve；stillyou’llbeoneofusoneday。Yes，astoyourquestion，thereisnochange，butit’sapityyou’vebeenawaysolong。’
`Oh，whyso？’Levinqueried，frightened。
`Oh，nothing，’respondedOblonsky。`We’lltalkitover。Butwhat’sbroughtyouuptotown？’
`Oh，we’lltalkaboutthat，too，lateron，’saidLevin，reddeningagainuptohisears。
`Allright。Isee，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Ishouldaskyoutocometous，youknow，butmywife’snotquitewell。ButI’lltellyouwhat:ifyouwanttoseethem，they’resurenowtobeattheZoologicalGardensfromfourtofive。Kittyskates。Youdrivealongthere，andI’llcomeandfetchyou，andwe’llgoanddinesomewheretogether。’
`Capital。Sogood-bytillthen。’
`Nowmind，you’llforget-Iknowyou！-orrushoffhometothecountry！’StepanArkadyevichcalledoutlaughing。
`No，truly！’
AndLevinwentoutoftheroom，recallingonlywhenhewasinthedoorwaythathehadforgottentotakeleaveofOblonsky’scolleagues。
`Thatgentlemanmustbeamanofgreatenergy，’saidGrinevich，whenLevinhadgoneaway。
`Yes，mydearsir，’saidStepanArkadyevich，noddinghishead，`he’saluckyfellow！ThreethousanddessiatinasintheKarazinskydistrict；everythingbeforehim；andwhatyouthandvigor！Notlikesomeofus。’
`Butwhyareyoucomplaining，StepanArkadyevich？’
`Why，itgoeshardwithme，verybad，’saidStepanArkadyevichwithaheavysigh。
WhenOblonskyaskedLevinwhathadbroughthimtotown，Levinblushed，andwasfuriouswithhimselfforblushing，becausehecouldnotanswer:`Ihavecometomakeyoursister-in-lawaproposal，’thoughthatwassolelywhathehadcomefor。
ThefamiliesoftheLevinsandtheShcherbatskyswereold，nobleMoscowfamilies，andhadalwaysbeenonintimateandfriendlyterms。ThisintimacyhadgrownstillcloserduringLevin’sstudentdays。HehadbothpreparedfortheuniversitywiththeyoungPrinceShcherbatsky，thebrotherofKittyandDolly，andhadenteredatthesametimewithhim。InthosedaysLevinwasafrequentvisitoratthehouseoftheShcherbatskys，andhewasinlovewiththeShcherbatskyhousehold。Strangeasitmayappear，itwaswiththehousehold，thefamilythatConstantinLevinwasinlove，especiallywiththefemininehalfofthehousehold。Levindidnotrememberhisownmother，andhisonlysisterwasolderthanhewas，sothatitwasintheShcherbatsky’shousethathesawforthefirsttimethatinnerlifeofanold，noble，culturedandhonorablefamilyofwhichhehadbeendeprivedbythedeathofhisfatherandmother。Allthemembersofthatfamily，especiallythefemininehalf，werepicturedbyhim，asitwere，wrappedaboutwithamysteriouspoeticalveil，andhenotonlyperceivednodefectswhateverinthem，but，underthepoeticalveilthatshroudedthem，heassumedtheexistenceoftheloftiestsentimentsandeverypossibleperfection。WhyitwasthethreeyoungladieshadonedaytospeakFrench，andthenextEnglish；whyitwasthatatcertainhourstheyplayedbyturnsonthepiano，thesoundsofwhichwereaudibleintheirbrother’sroomabove，wherethestudentsusedtowork；whytheywerevisitedbythoseprofessorsofFrenchliterature，ofmusic，ofdrawing，ofdancing；whyatcertainhoursallthethreeyoungladies，withMademoiselleLinon，droveinthecoachtotheTverskoyboulevard，dressedintheirsatincloaks，Dollyinalongone，Natalieinahalf-longone，andKittyinonesoshortthathershapelylegsintightly-drawnredstockingswerevisibletoallbeholders；whyitwastheyhadtowalkabouttheTverskoyboulevardescortedbyafootmanwithagoldcockadeinhishat-allthisandmuchmorethatwasdoneintheirmysteriousworldhedidnotunderstand，buthewassurethateverythingthatwasdonetherewasverygood，andhewasinlovepreciselywiththemysteryoftheproceedings。
Inhisstudentdayshehadallbutbeeninlovewiththeeldest，Dolly，butshewassoonmarriedtoOblonsky。Thenhebeganbeinginlovewiththesecond。Hefelt，asitwere，thathehadtobeinlovewithoneofthesisters，onlyhecouldnotquitemakeoutwhich。ButNatalie，too，hadhardlymadeherappearanceintheworldwhenshemarriedthediplomatLvov。KittywasstillachildwhenLevinlefttheuniversity。YoungShcherbatskywentintothenavy，wasdrownedintheBalticandLevin’svisitstotheShcherbatskys，despitehisfriendshipwithOblonsky，becamelessfrequent。ButwhenearlyinthewinterofthisyearLevincametoMoscow，afterayearinthecountry，andsawtheShcherbatskys，herealizedwhichofthethreesistershewasindeeddestinedtolove。
Onewouldhavethoughtthatnothingcouldbesimplerthanforhim，amanofgoodfamily，ratherrichthanpoor，andthirty-twoyearsold，tomaketheyoungPrincessShcherbatskaiaanofferofmarriage；inalllikelihoodhewouldatoncehavebeenlookeduponasagoodmatch。ButLevinwasinlove，andsoitseemedtohimthatKittywassoperfectineveryrespect，acreaturesofaraboveeverythingearthly，whilehewasacreaturesolowandsoearthlythatitcouldnotevenbeconceivedthatotherpeopleandsheherselfcouldregardhimasworthyofher。
AfterspendingtwomonthsinMoscowinastateofbefuddlement，seeingKittyalmosteverydayinsociety，intowhichhewentsoastomeether，heabruptlydecidedthatitcouldnotbe，andwentbacktothecountry。
Levin’sconvictionthatitcouldnotbewasfoundedontheideathatintheeyesofherfamilyhewasadisadvantageousandworthlessmatchforthecharmingKitty，andthatKittyherselfcouldnotlovehim。Inherfamily’seyeshehadnoordinary，definitecareerandpositioninsociety，whilehiscomradesbythistime，whenhewasthirty-two，werealreadyoneacolonel，andanotheraprofessor，anotherdirectorofabankandrailways，orchairmanofaboard，likeOblonsky。Butheheknewverywellhowhemustappeartootherswasacountrygentleman，occupiedinbreedingcattle，shootinggameandbuildingbarns；inotherwords，afellowofnoability，whohadnotturnedoutwell，andwhowasdoingjustwhat，accordingtotheideasoftheworld，isdonebypeoplefitfornothingelse。
Themysterious，enchantingKittyherselfcouldnotlovesuchanuglypersonasheconceivedhimselftobe，and，aboveall，suchanordinary，innowaystrikingperson。Moreover，hisattitudetoKittyinthepast-theattitudeofagrown-uppersontoachild，arisingfromhisfriendshipwithherbrother-seemedtohimyetanotherobstacletolove。Anugly，good-naturedman，asheconsideredhimself，might，hesupposed，belikedasafriend；buttobelovedwithsuchaloveasthatwithwhichhelovedKitty，onewouldneedtobehandsomeand，stillmore，adistinguishedman。
Hehadheardthatwomenoftendidcareforuglyandordinarymen，buthedidnotbelieveit，forhejudgedbyhimself，andhecouldnothimselfhavelovedanybutbeautiful，mysteriousandexceptionalwomen。
But，afterspendingtwomonthsaloneinthecountry，hewasconvincedthatthiswasnotoneofthosepassionsofwhichhehadhadexperienceinhisearlyyouth；thatthisfeelinggavehimnotaninstant’srest；thathecouldnotlivewithoutdecidingthequestionastowhethershewouldorwouldnotbehiswife；thathisdespairhadarisenonlyfromhisownimaginings，andthathehadnosortofproofthathewouldberejected。SohehadnowcometoMoscowwithafirmdeterminationtomakeaproposal，andgetmarriedifhewereaccepted。Or……hecouldnotconceivewhatwouldbecomeofhimifhewererejected。
OnarrivinginMoscowbyamorningtrain，Levinhadputupatthehouseofhiselderhalf-brother，Koznishev。Afterchanginghisclotheshewentdowntohisbrother’sstudy，intendingtotalktohimatonceabouttheobjectofhisvisit，andtoaskhisadvice；buthisbrotherwasnotalone。Withhimtherewasawell-knownprofessorofphilosophy，whohadcomefromCharkovexpresslytoclearupadifferencethathadarisenbetweenthemonaveryimportantphilosophicalquestion。Theprofessorwascarryingonahotcrusadeagainstmaterialists。SergeiKoznishevhadbeenfollowingthiscrusadewithinterest，andafterreadingtheprofessor’slastarticlehadwrittenhimaletterstatinghisobjections。Heaccusedtheprofessorofmakingtoogreatconcessionstothematerialists。Andtheprofessorhadpromptlyappearedtoarguethematterout。Thepointindiscussionwasthequestiontheninvogue:Istherealinetobedrawnbetweenpsychicalandphysiologicalphenomenainman？Andifso，where？
SergeiIvanovichmethisbrotherwiththesmileofchillyfriendlinesshealwayshadforeveryone，and，introducinghimtotheprofessor，wentonwiththeconversation。
Alittlemaninspectacles，withanarrowforehead，torehimselffromthediscussionforaninstanttogreetLevin，andthenwentontalkingwithoutpayinganyfurtherattentiontohim。Levinsatdowntowaittilltheprofessorshouldgo，buthesoonbegantogetinterestedinthesubjectunderdiscussion。
Levinhadcomeacrossthemagazinearticlesaboutwhichtheyweredisputing，andhadreadthem，interestedinthemasadevelopmentofthefirstprinciplesofscience，familiartohimwhenanaturalsciencestudentattheuniversity。Buthehadneverconnectedthesescientificdeductionsastotheoriginofmanasananimal，astoreflexaction，biologyandsociology，withthosequestionsastothemeaningtohimselfoflifeanddeath，whichhadoflatebeenmoreandmoreofteninhismind。
Ashelistenedtohisbrother’sargumentwiththeprofessor，henoticedthattheyconnectedthesescientificquestionswiththosespiritualproblems-thatattimestheyalmosttouchedonthelatter；buteverytimetheywerecloseuponwhatseemedtohimthechiefpointtheypromptlybeatahastyretreat，andplungedagainintoaseaofsubtledistinctions，reservations，quotations，allusionsandappealstoauthorities，anditwaswithdifficultythatheunderstoodwhattheyweretalkingabout。
`Icannotadmitit，’saidSergeiIvanovich，withhishabitualclearnessanddistinctnessofexpression，andeleganceofdiction。`IcannotinanycaseagreewithKeissthatmywholeconceptionoftheexternalworldhasbeenderivedfromimpressions。Themostfundamentalidea-theideaofexistence-hasnotbeenreceivedbymethroughsensation；indeed，thereisnospecialsenseorganforthetransmissionofsuchanidea。’
`Yes，butthey-Wurst，andKnaust，andPripassov-wouldanswerthatyourconsciousnessofexistenceisderivedfromtheconjunctionofallyoursensations，thatthatconsciousnessofexistenceistheresultofyoursensations。Wurst，indeed，saysplainlythat，assumingtherearenosensations，itfollowsthatthereisnoideaofexistence。’
`Imaintainthecontrary，’beganSergeiIvanovich。
ButhereitseemedagaintoLevinthat，justastheywerecloseupontherealpointofthematter，theywereagainretreating，andhemadeuphismindtoputaquestiontotheprofessor。
`Accordingtothat，ifmysensesareannihilated，ifmybodyisdead，Icanhavenoexistenceofanysort？’hequeried。
Theprofessor，inannoyance，and，asitwere，mentalsufferingattheinterruption，lookedroundatthestrangeinquirer，morelikeahaulerofabargethanaphilosopher，andturnedhiseyesuponSergeiIvanovich，asthoughtoask:What’sonetosaytohim？ButSergeiIvanovich，whohadbeentalkingwithfarlessstressandone-sidednessthantheprofessor，andwhohadsufficientbreadthofmindtoanswertheprofessor，andatthesametimetocomprehendthesimpleandnaturalpointofviewfromwhichthequestionwasput，smiledandsaid:
`Thatquestionwehavenorighttoanswerasyet……’
`Wehavenottherequisitedata，’confirmedtheprofessor，andhewentbacktohisargument。`No，’hesaid；`Iwouldpointoutthefactthatif，asPripassovdirectlyasserts，sensationisbasedonimpression，thenweareboundtodistinguishsharplybetweenthesetwoconceptions。’
Levinlistenednomore，andsimplywaitedfortheprofessortogo。