Asheapproachedher，hisbeautifuleyesshonewithanespeciallytenderlight，andwithafaint，happyandmodestlytriumphantsmilesoitseemedtoLevin，bowingcarefullyandrespectfullyoverher，heheldouthissmallbroadhandtoher。
Greetingandsayingafewwordstoeveryone，hesatdownwithoutonceglancingatLevin，whohadnevertakenhiseyesoffhim。
`Letmeintroduceyou，’saidthePrincess，indicatingLevin。`ConstantinDmitrievichLevin，CountAlexeiKirillovichVronsky。’
Vronskygotupand，lookingcordiallyatLevin，shookhandswithhim。
`IbelieveIwastohavedinedwithyouthiswinter，’hesaid，smilinghissimpleandopensmile；`butyouhadunexpectedlyleftforthecountry。’
`ConstantinDmitrievichdespisesandhatesthetown，andustownspeople，’saidCountessNordstone。
`Mywordsmustmakeadeepimpressiononyou，sinceyourememberthemsowell，’saidLevin，and，suddenlybecomingconsciousthathehadsaidjustthesamethingbefore，hereddened。
VronskylookedatLevinandCountessNordstone，andsmiled。
`Areyoualwaysinthecountry？’heinquired。`Ishouldthinkitmustbedullinthewinter。’
`It’snotdullifonehasworktodo；besides，one’snotdullbyoneself，’Levinrepliedabruptly。
`Iamfondofthecountry，’saidVronsky，noticing，yetaffectingnottonotice，Levin’stone。
`ButIhope，Count，youwouldnotconsenttoliveinthecountryalways，’saidCountessNordstone。
`Idon’tknow；Ihavenevertriedforlong。Iexperiencedaqueerfeelingonce，’hewenton。`Ineverlongedsoforthecountry-Russiancountry，withbastshoesandpeasants-aswhenIwasspendingawinterwithmymotherinNice。Niceitselfisdullenough，youknow。And，indeed，NaplesandSorrentoareonlypleasantforashorttime。Andit’sjusttherethatRussiacomesbacktoone’smindmostvividly，andespeciallythecountry。It’sasthough……’
Hetalkedon，addressingbothKittyandLevin，turninghisserene，friendlyeyesfromonetotheother，andsayingobviouslyjustwhatcameintohishead。
NoticingthatCountessNordstonewantedtosaysomething，hestoppedshortwithoutfinishingwhathehadbegun，andlistenedattentivelytoher。
Theconversationdidnotflagforaninstant，sothattheoldPrincess，whoalwayskeptinreserve，incaseasubjectshouldbelacking，twoheavyguns-theclassicalandprofessionaleducation，anduniversalmilitaryservice-hadnottomoveouteitherofthem，whileCountessNordstonehadnochanceofchaffingLevin。
Levinwantedto，andcouldnot，takepartinthegeneralconversation；sayingtohimselfeveryinstant，`Nowgo，’hestilldidnotgo，asthoughwaitingforsomething。
Theconversationfellupontableturningandspirits，andCountessNordstone，whobelievedinspiritualism，begantodescribethemiraclesshehadseen。
`Ah，Countess，youreallymusttakeme；forpity’ssakedotakemetoseethem！Ihaveneverseenanythingextraordinary，thoughIamalwaysonthelookoutforiteverywhere，’saidVronsky，smiling。
`Verywell-nextSaturday，’answeredCountessNordstone。`Butyou，ConstantinDmitrievich-areyouabeliever？’sheaskedLevin。
`Whydoyouaskme？YouknowwhatIshallsay。’
`ButIwanttohearyouropinion。’
`Myopinion，’answeredLevin，`ismerelythatthistableturningprovesthateducatedsociety-socalled-isnohigherthanthepeasants。Theybelieveintheevileye，andinwitchcraftandconjurations，whilewe……’
`Oh，thenyouaren’tabeliever？’
`Ican’tbelieve，Countess。’
`ButifI’veseenformyself？’
`Thepeasantwomen，too，tellustheyhaveseenhobgoblins。’
`ThenyouthinkItellalie？’
Andshelaughedamirthlesslaugh。
`Oh，no，Masha，ConstantinDmitrievichmerelysaidhecouldnotbelieve，’saidKitty，blushingforLevin，andLevinsawthis，and，stillmoreexasperated，wouldhaveanswered；butVronskywithhisbrightfranksmilerushedtothesupportoftheconversation，whichwasthreateningtobecomedisagreeable。
`Youdonotadmitthepossibilityatall？’hequeried。`Butwhynot？Weadmittheexistenceofelectricity，ofwhichweknownothing。Whyshouldtherenotbesomenewforce，stillunknowntous，which……’
`Whenelectricitywasdiscovered，’Levininterruptedhurriedly，`itwasonlythephenomenonthatwasdiscovered，anditwasunknownfromwhatitproceededandwhatwereitseffects，andagespassedbeforeitsapplicationswereconceived。Butthespiritualists，onthecontrary，havebegunwithtableswritingforthem，andspiritsappearingtothem，andhaveonlylaterstartedsayingthatitisanunknownforce。’
VronskylistenedattentivelytoLevin，ashealwaysdidlisten，obviouslyinterestedinhiswords。
`Yes，butthespiritualistssaywedon’tknowatpresentwhatthisforceis，butthereisaforce，andthesearetheconditionsinwhichitacts。Letthescientificmenfindoutwhattheforceconsistsof。No，Idon’tseewhythereshouldnotbeanewforce，ifit……’
`Why，becausewithelectricity，’Levininterruptedagain，`everytimeyourubtaragainstwool，acertainphenomenonismanifested；butinthiscaseitdoesnothappeneverytime，andsoitfollowsitisnotanaturalphenomenon。’
Feelingprobablythattheconversationwastakingatonetooseriousforadrawingroom，Vronskymadenorejoinder，butbywayoftryingtochangetheconversation，hesmiledbrightly，andturnedtotheladies。
`Doletustryatonce，Countess，’hesaid；butLevinwouldfinishsayingwhathethought。
`Ithink，’hewenton，`thatthisattemptofthespiritualiststoexplaintheirmiraclesassomesortofnewnaturalforceismostfutile。Theyboldlytalkofspiritualforce，andthentrytosubjectittomaterialexperiment。’
Everyonewaswaitingforhimtofinish，andhefeltthis。
`Why，Ithinkyouwouldbeafirst-ratemedium，’saidCountessNordstone，`there’ssomethingenthusiasticaboutyou。’
Levinopenedhismouth，wasabouttosaysomething，reddened，andsaidnothing。
`Doletustrytableturningatonce，please，’saidVronsky。`Princess，willyouallowit？
AndVronskystoodup，lookingaboutforalittletable。
Kittygotuptofetchatable，and，asshepassed，hereyesmetLevin’s。Shefeltforhimwithherwholeheart，themorebecauseshewaspityinghimforasufferingofwhichshewasherselfthecause。`Ifyoucanforgiveme，forgiveme，’saidhereyes，`Iamsohappy。’
`Ihatethemall，andyou，andmyself，’hiseyesresponded，andhetookuphishat。Buthewasnotdestinedtoescape。justastheywerearrangingthemselvesroundthetable，andLevinwasonthepointofretiring，theoldPrincecamein，and，aftergreetingtheladies，addressedLevin。
`Ah！’hebeganjoyously。`Beenherelong，myboy？Ididn’tevenknowyouwereintown。Verygladtoseeyou。’TheoldPrinceembracedLevin，and，talkingtohim，didnotobserveVronsky，whohadrisen，andwascalmlywaitingtillthePrinceshouldturntohim。
Kittyfelthowgrievousherfather’scordialitywastoLevinafterwhathadhappened。Shesaw，too，howcoldlyherfatherrespondedatlasttoVronsky’sbow，andhowVronskylookedwithamiableperplexityatherfather，tryingandfailingtounderstandhowandwhyanyonecouldbehostilelydisposedtowardhim，andsheflushed。
`Prince，letushaveConstantinDmitrievich，’saidCountessNordstone，`wewanttotryanexperiment。’
`Whatexperiment？Tableturning？Well，youmustexcuseme，ladiesandgentlemen，buttomyminditisbetterfuntoplaytheringgame，’saidtheoldPrince，lookingatVronsky，andguessingthatithadbeenhissuggestion。`There’ssomesenseinthat，anyway。’
VronskylookedwonderinglyatthePrincewithhisfirmeyes，and，withafaintsmile，beganimmediatelytalkingtoCountessNordstoneofthegreatballthatwastocomeoffnextweek。
`Ihopeyouwillbethere？’hesaidtoKitty。AssoonastheoldPrinceturnedawayfromhim，Levinslippedoutunnoticed，andthelastimpressionhecarriedawaywithhimofthateveningwasthesmiling，happyfaceofKittyansweringVronsky’sinquiryabouttheball。
AttheendoftheeveningKittytoldhermotherofherconversationwithLevin，andinspiteofallthepityshefeltforLevin，shewasgladatthethoughtthatshehadreceivedaproposal。Shehadnodoubtthatshehadactedrightly。Butaftershehadgonetobed，shecouldnotsleepforalongwhile。Oneimpressionpursuedherrelentlessly。ItwasLevin’sface，withhisscowlingbrows，andhiskindeyeslookingoutindarkdejectionbelowthem，ashestoodlisteningtoherfather，andglancingatherandatVronsky。Andshefeltsosorryforhimthattearscameintohereyes。Butimmediatelyshethoughtofthemanforwhomshehadgivenhimup。Shevividlyrecalledhismanly，firmface，hisnoblecalmness，andthegoodnaturesoconspicuoustowardeveryone。Sherememberedtheloveforherofthemansheloved，andoncemoreallwasgladnessinhersoul，andshelayonthepillowsmilingwithhappiness。`I’msorry，I’msorry；butwhatcouldIdo？It’snotmyfault，’shesaidtoherself；butaninnervoicetoldherotherwise。WhethershefeltremorseathavingcaptivatedLevin，orathavingrefusedhim，shedidnotknow。Butherhappinesswaspoisonedbydoubts。`Lord，havepityonus；Lord，havepity，Lord，havepity！’shesaidovertoherselftillshefellasleep。
Meanwhiletheretookplacebelow，inthePrince’slittlestudy，oneofthescenessooftenrepeatedbetweentheparentsonaccountoftheirfavoritedaughter。
`What？I’lltellyouwhat！’shoutedthePrince，brandishinghisarms，andatoncewrappinghissquirrel-lineddressinggownroundhimagain。`Thatyou’venopride，nodignity；thatyou’redisgracing，ruiningyourdaughterbythisvulgar，stupidmatchmaking！’
`But，really，formercy’ssake，Prince，whathaveIdone？’saidthePrincess，almostcrying。
She，pleasedandhappyafterherconversationwithherdaughter，hadgonetothePrincetosaygoodnightasusual，andthoughshehadnointentionoftellinghimofLevin’sproposalandKitty’srefusal，stillshehintedtoherhusbandthatshefanciedthingswerepracticallysettledwithVronsky，andwouldbedefinitelysoassoonashismotherarrived。Andthereupon，atthosewords，thePrincehadallatonceflownintoapassion，andbeguntouseunseemlylanguage。
`Whathaveyoudone？I’lltellyouwhat。Firstofall，you’retryingtoallureaneligiblegentleman，andallMoscowwillbetalkingofit，andwithgoodreason。Ifyouhaveeveningparties，inviteeveryone，don’tpickoutthepossiblesuitors。Inviteallthesewhelps[sothePrincestyledtheyouthsofMoscow]；engageapianoplayer，andletthemdance-andnotasyoudidtonight:onlythewooers，anddoingyourmatching。Itmakesmesick-sicktoseeit-andyou’vegoneontillyou’veturnedthepoorlas’sshead。Levin’sathousandtimesthebetterman。AsforthisPeterburgswell-they’returnedoutbymachinery，allononepattern，andallpreciousrubbish。Butifhewereaprinceoftheblood，mydaughterneednotrunafteranyone。’
`ButwhathaveIdone？’
`Why，you’ve……’ThePrincewasyellingwrathfully。
`Iknowifoneweretolistentoyou，’interruptedthePrincess，`weshouldnevermarryoffourdaughter。Ifit’stobeso，we’dbettergointothecountry。’
`Well，wehadbetter。’
`Butdowaitaminute。DoIwheedlethem？Idon’twheedlethemintheleast。Ayoungman，andaveryniceone，hasfalleninlovewithher，andshe，Ifancy……’
`Oh，yes，youfancy！Andhowifshereallyisinlove，andhe’snomorethinkingofmarriagethanIam！……Oh，thatIshouldlivetoseeit！……`Ah-spiritualism！Ah-Nice！Ah-theball！’’’AndthePrince，imaginingthathewasmimickinghiswife，madeamincingcurtsyateachword。`AndthisishowwepreparewretchednessforKatenka；andshe’sreallygotthenotionintoherhead……’
`Butwhatmakesyousupposeso？’
`Idon’tsuppose；Iknow。Forsuchthingswehaveeyes；womenfolkhaven’t。Iseeamanwhohasseriousintentions，that’sLevin:andIseeaquail，likethiscackler，who’sonlyamusinghimself。’
`Oh，well，whenonceyougetanideaintoyourhead！……’
`Well，you’llremembermywords，buttoolate，justaswithDashenka。’
`Well，well，wewon’ttalkofit，’thePrincessstoppedhim，recollectingherunluckyDolly。
`Byallmeans，andgoodnight！’
Andsigningeachotherwiththecross，thehusbandandwifepartedwithakiss，feelingthateachremainedofhisorherownopinion。
ThePrincesshadatfirstbeenquitecertainthatthateveninghadsettledKitty’sfortune，andthattherecouldbenodoubtofVronsky’sintentions，butherhusband’swordshaddisturbedher。Andreturningtoherownroom，interrorbeforetheunknownfuture，she，too，likeKitty，repeatedseveraltimesinherheart，`Lord，havepity；Lord，havepity；Lord，havepity！’
Vronskyhadneverhadarealhomelife。Hismotherhadbeeninheryouthabrilliantsocietywoman，whohadhadduringhermarriedlife，andstillmoreafterward，manyloveaffairsnotoriousinthewholefashionableworld。Hisfatherhescarcelyremembered，andhehadbeeneducatedintheCorpsofPages。
Leavingtheschoolveryyoungasabrilliantofficer，hehadatoncegotintothecircleofwealthyPeterburgarmymen。AlthoughhedidgomoreorlessintoPeterburgsociety，hisloveaffairshadalwayshithertobeenoutsideit。
InMoscowhehadforthefirsttimefelt，afterhisluxuriousandcoarselifeatPeterburg，allthecharmofintimacywithasweetandinnocentgirlofhisownrank，whocaredforhim。ItneverevenenteredhisheadthattherecouldbeanyharminhisrelationswithKitty。Atballshedancedprincipallywithher。Hewasaconstantvisitoratherhouse。Hetalkedtoheraspeoplecommonlydotalkinsociety-allsortsofnonsense，butnonsensetowhichhecouldnothelpattachingaspecialmeaninginhercase。Althoughhesaidnothingtoherthathecouldnothavesaidbeforeeverybody，hefeltthatshewasbecomingmoreandmoredependentuponhim，andthemorehefeltthis，thebetterhelikedit，andthetendererwashisfeelingforher。HedidnotknowthatthismodeofbehaviorinrelationtoKittyhadadefinitecharacter，thatitiscourtingyounggirlswithnointentionofmarriage，andthatsuchcourtingisoneoftheevilactionscommonamongbrilliantyoungmensuchashewas。Itseemedtohimthathewasthefirstwhohaddiscoveredthispleasure，andhewasenjoyinghisdiscovery。
Ifhecouldhaveheardwhatherparentsweresayingthatevening，ifhecouldhaveputhimselfatthepointofviewofthefamily，andhaveheardthatKittywouldbeunhappyifhedidnotmarryher，hewouldhavebeengreatlyastonished，andwouldnothavebelievedit。Hecouldnotbelievethatwhatgavesuchgreatanddelicatepleasuretohim，andabovealltoher，couldbewrong。Stilllesscouldhehavebelievedthatheoughttomarry。
Marriagehadneverpresenteditselftohimasapossibility。Henotonlydislikedfamilylife，butafamily，andespeciallyahusband，inaccordancewiththeviewsgeneralinthebachelorworldinwhichhelived，wereconceivedassomethingalien，repellent，and，aboveall，ridiculous。ButthoughVronskyhadnottheleastsuspicionofwhattheparentsweresaying，hefeltoncomingawayfromtheShcherbatsky’sthatthesecretspiritualbondwhichexistedbetweenhimandKittyhadgrownsomuchstrongerthateveningthatsomestepmustbetaken。Butwhatstepcouldandshouldbetakenhecouldnotimagine。
`Whatissoexquisite，’hethought，ashereturnedfromtheShcherbatsky’s，carryingawaywithhim，ashealwaysdid，adeliciousfeelingofpurityandfreshness，arisingpartlyfromthefactthathehadnotbeensmokingforawholeevening，andwithitanewfeelingoftendernessatherloveforhim-`whatissoexquisiteisthatnotawordhasbeensaidbymeorbyher，yetweunderstandeachothersowellinthisunseenlanguageoflooksandtones，thatthiseveningmoreclearlythanevershetoldmeshelovesme。Andhowsweetly，simply，andmostofall，howtrustfully！Ifeelmyselfbetter，purer。IfeelthatIhaveaheart，andthatthereisagreatdealofgoodinmeThosesweet，lovingeyes！Whenshesaid:``IndeedIdo……’’’
`Well，whatthen？Oh，nothing。It’sgoodforme，andgoodforher。’Andhebeganwonderingwheretofinishtheevening。
Hepassedinreviewtheplaceshemightgoto。`Club？agameofbezique；champagnewithIgnatov？No，I’mnotgoing。ChateaudesFleurs；thereIshallfindOblonsky，songs，thecancan。No，I’msickofit。That’swhyIliketheShcherbatsky’s，becauseI’mgrowingbetter。I’llgohome。’HewentstraighttohisroomatDussot’sHotel，orderedsupper，andthenundressed，andassoonashisheadtouchedthepillow，fellintoasoundsleep。
Nextday，ateleveno’clockinthemorning，VronskydrovetothestationofthePeterburgrailwaytomeethismother，andthefirstpersonhecameacrossonthegreatflightofstepswasOblonsky，whowasexpectinghissisterbythesametrain。
`Ah！YourExcellency！’criedOblonsky，`Whomareyoumeeting？’
`Mymother，’Vronskyresponded，smiling，aseveryonedidwhometOblonsky。Heshookhandswithhim，andtogethertheyascendedthesteps。`SheistobeherefromPeterburgtoday。’
`Iwaslookingoutforyoutilltwoo’clocklastnight。WheredidyougofromtheShcherbatsky’s？’
`Home，’answeredVronsky。`ImustownIfeltsowellcontentyesterdayaftertheShcherbatsky’sthatIdidn’tcaretogoanywhere。’
```Icantellthegallantsteed’sbysome……Idon’tknowwhat……``pace’s；Icantellyouths``bytheirfaces，’’’declaimedStepanArkadyevich，justashehaddonebeforetoLevin。
Vronskysmiledwithalookthatseemedtosaythathedidnotdenyit，buthepromptlychangedthesubject。
`Andwhomareyoumeeting？’heasked。
`I？I’vecometomeetaprettywoman，’saidOblonsky。
`Sothat’sit！’
`Honisoitquimalypense！MysisterAnna。’
`Ah！that’sMadameKarenina，’saidVronsky。
`Youknowher，nodoubt？’
`IthinkIdo。Orperhapsnot……Ireallyamnotsure，’Vronskyansweredheedlessly，withavaguerecollectionofsomethingstiffandtediousevokedbythenameKarenina。
`ButAlexeiAlexandrovich，mycelebratedbrother-in-law，yousurelymustknow。Alltheworldknowshim。’
`Iknowhimbyreputationandbysight。Iknowthathe’sclever，learned，religioussomewhat……Butyouknowthat’snot……notinmyline，’saidVronskyinEnglish。
`Yes，he’saveryremarkableman；ratheraconservative，butaveryniceman，’observedStepanArkadyevich，`averyniceman。’
`Oh，well，somuchthebetterforhim，’saidVronskysmiling。`Oh，you’vecome，’hesaid，addressingatalloldfootmanofhismother’sstandingatthedoor；`comehere。’
BesidesthecharmOblonskyhadingeneralforeveryone，VronskyhadfeltoflatespeciallydrawntohimbythefactthatinhisimaginationhewasassociatedwithKitty。
`Well，whatdoyousay？ShallwegiveasupperonSundayforthediva？’hesaidtohimwithasmile，takinghisarm。
`Ofcourse。I’mcollectingsubscriptions。Oh，didyoumaketheacquaintanceofmyfriendLevin？’askedStepanArkadyevich。
`Yes；butheleftratherearly。’
`He’sacapitalfellow，’pursuedOblonsky。`Isn’the？’
`Idon’tknowwhyitis，’respondedVronsky，`inallMoscowpeople-presentcompanyofcourseexcepted，’heputinjestingly，`there’ssomethinguncompromising。Theyareallonthedefensive，losetheirtempers，asthoughtheyallwanttomakeonefeelsomething……’
`Yes，that’strue，it’sso，’saidStepanArkadyevich，laughingcheerfully。
`Willthetrainbeinsoon？’Vronskyaskedarailwayofficial。
`Thetrain’ssignaled，’answeredtheman。
Theapproachofthetrainwasmoreandmoreevidentbythepreparatorybustleinthestation，therushofporters，themovementofgendarmesandattendants，andcrowdingpeoplemeetingthetrain。Throughthefrostyvaporcouldbeseenworkmeninshortsheepskinsandsoftfeltbootscrossingtherailsofthecurvingline。Thehissoftheboilercouldbeheardonthedistantrails，andtherumbleofsomethingheavy。
`No，’saidStepanArkadyevich，whofeltagreatinclinationtotellVronskyofLevin’sintentionsinregardtoKitty。`No，youhaven’tgotatrueimpressionofLevin。He’saverynervousman，andissometimesoutofhumor，it’strue，butthenheisoftenverycharming。Hehassuchatrue，honestnature，andaheartofgold。Butyesterdaytherewerespecialreasons，’pursuedStepanArkadyevich，withameaningsmile，totallyobliviousofthegenuinesympathyhehadfeltthedaybeforeforhisfriend，andfeelingthesamesympathynow，onlyforVronsky。`Yes，therewerereasonswhyhecouldnothelpbeingeitherparticularlyhappyorparticularlyunhappy。’
Vronskystoodstillandaskeddirectly:`Howso？Doyoumeanheproposedtoyourbelle-soeuryesterday？’
`Maybe，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Ifanciedsomethingofthesortyesterday。Yes，ifhewentawayearly，andwasoutofhumortoo，suchmustbethecase……He’sbeensolonginlove，andI’mverysorryforhim。’
`Sothat’sit！……Ishouldimagine，though，shemightreckononabettermatch，’saidVronsky，settinghischeststraightandwalkingaboutagain，`thoughIdon’tknowhim，ofcourse，’headded。`Yes，thatisahatefulposition！That’swhymostfellowsprefertohavetodowiththeClaras。Ifyoudon’tsucceedwiththemitonlyprovesthatyou’venotenoughcash，butinthiscaseone’sdignityisinthebalance。Buthere’sthetrain。’
Theenginehadalreadywhistledinthedistance。Afewinstantslatertheplatformbegantoshake，and，withpuffsofsteamhanginglowintheairfromthefrost，theenginerolledup，withtherodofthemiddlewheelrhythmicallymovingupanddown，andthebowed，muffledfigureoftheenginedrivercoveredwithhoarfrost。Behindthetender，settingtheplatformmoreandmoreslowlyandmorepowerfullyshaking，cametheluggagevanwithadogwhininginit。Atlastthepassengercarriagesrolledin，quiveringbeforecomingtoastandstill。
Asmartguardjumpedout，givingawhistle，andafterhimonebyonetheimpatientpassengersbegantogetdown:anofficeroftheguards，holdinghimselferect，andlookingseverelyabouthim；animbleyoungmerchantwithabag，smilinggaily；apeasantwithasackoverhisshoulder。
Vronsky，standingbesideOblonsky，watchedthecarriagesandthepassengers，totallyobliviousofhismother。WhathehadjustheardaboutKittyexcitedanddelightedhim。Unconsciouslyhestraightenedhischest，andhiseyesflashed。Hefelthimselfaconqueror。
`CountessVronskaiaisinthatcompartment，’saidthesmartguard，goinguptoVronsky。
Theguard’swordsrousedhim，andforcedhimtothinkofhismotherandhisapproachingmeetingwithher。Hedidnotinhisheartrespecthismother，and，withoutacknowledgingittohimself，hedidnotloveher，thoughinaccordancewiththeideasofthesetinwhichhelived，andwithhisownupbringing，hecouldnothaveconceivedofanybehaviortohismothernotinthehighestdegreerespectfulandobedient，andthemoreexternallyobedientandrespectful，thelessinhisheartherespectedandlovedher。
Vronskyfollowedtheguardtothecarriage，andatthedoorofthecompartmenthestoppedshorttomakeroomforaladywhowasgettingout。
Withthehabitualfeelingofamanoftheworld，fromoneglanceatthislady’sappearanceVronskyclassifiedherasbelongingtothebestsociety。Hebeggedpardon，andwasgettingintothecarriage，butfelthemustglanceatheroncemore；notbecauseshewasverybeautiful，notbecauseofthateleganceandmodestgracewhichwereapparentinherwholefigure，butbecauseintheexpressionofhercharmingface，asshepassedclosebyhim，therewassomethingpeculiarlycaressingandsoft。Ashelookedround，shetooturnedherhead。Hershininggrayeyes，thatlookeddarkbecauseofherthicklashes，restedwithfriendlyattentiononhisface，asthoughshewererecognizinghim，andthenpromptlyturnedawaytothepassingcrowd，asthoughseekingsomeone。InthatbrieflookVronskyhadtimetonoticethesuppressedanimationwhichplayedoverherface，andflittedbetweenthebrillianteyesandthefaintsmilethatcurvedherredlips。Itwasasthoughhernatureweresobrimmingoverwithsomethingthat，againstherwill，itshoweditselfnowintheflashofhereyes，andnowinhersmile。Deliberatelysheshroudedthelightinhereyes，butitshoneagainstherwillinherfaintlyperceptiblesmile。
Vronskysteppedintothecarriage。Hismother，adried-upoldladywithblackeyesandringlets，screweduphereyes，scanningherson，andsmiledslightlywithherthinlips。Gettingupfromtheseatandhandinghermaidahandbag，shegaveherlittlewrinkledhandtohersontokiss，andliftinghisheadfromherhand，kissedhimonthecheek。
`Yougotmytelegram？Quitewell？ThankGod。’
`Youhadagoodjourney？’saidherson，sittingdownbesideher，andinvoluntarilylisteningtoawoman’svoiceoutsidethedoor。Heknewitwasthevoiceoftheladyhehadmetatthedoor。
`AllthesameIdon’tagreewithyou，’saidthelady’svoice。
`It’sthePeterburgview，madame。’
`NotPeterburg，butsimplyfeminine，’sheresponded。
`Well，well，allowmetokissyourhand。’
`Good-by，IvanPetrovich。Andwouldyouseeifmybrotherishere，andsendhimtome？’saidtheladyinthedoorway，andsteppedbackagainintothecompartment。
`Well，haveyoufoundyourbrother？’saidCountessVronskaia，addressingthelady。
VronskyunderstoodnowthatthiswasMadameKarenina。
`Yourbrotherishere，’hesaid，standingup。`Excuseme，Ididnotknowyou，and，indeed，ouracquaintancewassoslight，’saidVronskybowing，`thatnodoubtyoudonotrememberme。’
`Oh，no，’saidshe，`IshouldhaveknownyoubecauseyourmotherandIhavebeentalking，Ithink，ofnothingbutyoualltheway。’Asshespokeshelettheanimationthatwouldinsistoncomingoutshowitselfinhersmile。`Andstillnosignofmybrother。’
`Docallhim，Aliosha，’saidtheoldcountess。
Vronskysteppedoutontotheplatformandshouted:`Oblonsky！Here！’
MadameKarenina，however，didnotwaitforherbrother，butcatchingsightofhimshesteppedoutwithherlight，resolutestep。Andassoonasherbrotherhadreachedher，withagesturethatstruckVronskybyitsdecisionanditsgrace，sheflungherleftarmaroundhisneck，drewhimrapidlytoher，andkissedhimwarmly。Vronskylookedon，nevertakinghiseyesfromher，andsmiled，hecouldnothavesaidwhy。Butrecollectingthathismotherwaswaitingforhim，hewentbackagainintothecarriage。
`She’sverysweet，isn’tshe？’saidtheCountessofMadameKarenina。`Herhusbandputherwithme，andIwasdelightedtohaveher。We’vebeentalkingalltheway。Andsoyou，Ihear……vousfilezleparfaitamour。Tantmieux，moncher，tantmieux。’
`Idon’tknowwhatyouarereferringto，maman，’heansweredcoldly。`Come，maman，letusgo。’
MadameKareninaenteredthecarriageagaintosaygood-bytotheCountess。
`Well，Countess，youhavemetyourson，andImybrother，’shesaidgaily。`Andallmystoriesareexhausted；Ishouldhavenothingmoretotellyou。’
`Oh，no，’saidtheCountess，takingherhand。`Icouldgoallaroundtheworldwithyouandneverbedull。Youareoneofthosedelightfulwomeninwhosecompanyit’ssweeteithertobesilentortochat。Nowpleasedon’tfretoveryourson；youcan’texpectnevertobeparted。’
MadameKareninastoodquitestill，holdingherselfveryerect，andhereyesweresmiling。
`AnnaArkadyevna，’theCountesssaidinexplanationtoherson，`hasalittlesoneightyearsold，Ibelieve，andshehasneverbeenpartedfromhimbefore，andshekeepsfrettingoverleavinghim。’
`Yes，theCountessandIhavebeentalkingallthetime，Iofmysonandsheofhers，’saidMadameKarenina，andagainasmilelightedupherface-acaressingsmileintendedforhim。
`Iamafraidthatyoumusthavebeendreadfullybored，’hesaid，promptlycatchingtheballofcoquetryshehadflunghim。Butapparentlyshedidnotcaretopursuetheconversationinthatstrain，andsheturnedtotheoldCountess。
`Thankyousomuch。Thetimehaspassedsoquickly。Good-by，Countess。’
`Good-by，mylove，’answeredtheCountess。`Letmekissyourprettyface。Ispeakplainly，atmyage，andItellyousimplythatI’velostmyhearttoyou。’
Stereotypedasthephrasewas，MadameKareninaobviouslybelieveditandwasdelightedbyit。Sheflushed，bentdownslightly，andputhercheektotheCountes’sslips，drewherselfupagain，and，withthesamesmileflutteringbetweenherlipsandhereyes，shegaveherhandtoVronsky。Hepressedthelittlehandshegavehim，andwasdelighted，asthoughatsomethingspecial，bytheenergeticsqueezewithwhichshefreelyandvigorouslyshookhishand。Shewentoutwiththerapidstepwhichboreherratherfullydevelopedfigurewithsuchstrangelightness。
`Verycharming，’saidtheCountess。
Thatwaspreciselywhathersonwasthinking。Hiseyesfollowedhertillhergracefulfigurewasoutofsight，andthenthesmileremainedonhisface。Hesawoutofthewindowhowshewentuptoherbrother，putherarminhis，andbegantellinghimsomethinganimatedly-obviouslysomethingthathadnothingtodowithhim，Vronsky，andatthathefeltannoyed。
`Well，maman，areyouperfectlywell？’herepeated，turningtohismother。
`Everythinghasbeendelightful。Alexandrehasbeenverygood，andMariehasgrownverypretty。She’sveryinteresting。’
Andshebegantellinghimagainofwhatinterestedhermost-thechristeningofhergrandson，forwhichshehadbeenstayinginPeterburg，andthespecialfavorshownhereldersonbytheCzar。
`Here’sLavrentii，’saidVronsky，lookingoutofthewindow；`nowwecango，ifyoulike。’
TheoldbutlerwhohadtraveledwiththeCountesscametothecarriagetoannouncethateverythingwasready，andtheCountessgotuptogo。
`Come；there’snotsuchacrowdnow，’saidVronsky。
Themaidtookahandbagandthelapdog，thebutlerandaportertheotherbaggage。Vronskygavehismotherhisarm；butjustastheyweregettingoutofthecarriageseveralmenransuddenlybywithpanic-strickenfaces。Thestationmaster，too，ranbyinhisextraordinarilycoloredcap。Obviouslysomethingunusualhadhappened。Thecrowdwasrunningtothetailendofthetrain。
`What？……What？……Where？……Flunghimself！……Crushed！……’washeardamongthecrowd。
StepanArkadyevich，withhissisteronhisarm，turnedback。Theytoolookedscared，andstoppedatthecarriagedoortoavoidthecrowd。
Theladiesgotin，whileVronskyandStepanArkadyevichfollowedthecrowdtofindoutdetailsofthedisaster。
Awatchman，eitherdrunkortoomuchmuffledupinthebitterfrost，hadnotheardthetrainmovingback，andhadbeencrushed。
BeforeVronskyandOblonskycamebacktheladiesheardthefactsfromthebutler。
OblonskyandVronskyhadbothseenthemutilatedcorpse。Oblonskywasevidentlydistressed。Hefrownedandseemedreadytocry。
`Ah，howawful！Ah，Anna，ifyouhadseenit！Ah，howawful！’hekeptrepeating。
Vronskydidnotspeak；hishandsomefacewasserious，butperfectlycalm。
`Ah，ifyouhadseenit，Countess，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Andhiswifewasthere……Itwasawfultoseeher！……Sheflungherselfonthebody。Theysayhewastheonlysupportofanimmensefamily。Howawful！’
`Couldn’tonedoanythingforher？’saidMadameKareninainanagitatedwhisper。
Vronskyglancedather，andimmediatelygotoutofthecarriage。
`I’llbebackdirectly，maman，’heremarked，turningroundinthedoorway。
Whenhecamebackafewminuteslater，StepanArkadyevichwasalreadyinconversationwiththeCountessaboutanewsinger，whileshewasimpatientlylookingtowardthedoor，waitingforherson。
`Nowletusbeoff，’saidVronsky，comingin。
Theywentouttogether。Vronskywasinfrontwithhismother。BehindwalkedMadameKareninawithherbrother。JustastheyweregoingoutofthestationthestationmasterovertookVronsky。
`Yougavemyassistanttwohundredroubles。Wouldyoukindlyexplainforwhosebenefityouintendthem？’
`Forthewidow，’saidVronsky，shrugginghisshoulders。`Ishouldhavethoughttherewasnoneedtoask。’
`Yougavethat？’criedOblonskybehind，and，pressinghissister’shand，headded:`Mostcharming，mostcharming！Isn’theafinefellow？Good-by，Countess。’
Andheandhissisterstoodstill，lookingforhermaid。
WhentheywentouttheVronsky’scarriagehadalreadydrivenaway。Peoplecominginwerestilltalkingofwhathadhappened。
`Whatahorribledeath！’saidagentleman，passingby。`Theysayhewascutintwo。’
`Onthecontrary，Ithinkit’stheeasiest-instantaneous，’observedanother。
`Howisittheydon’ttakeproperprecautions？’athirdwassaying。
MadameKareninaseatedherselfinthecarriage，andStepanArkadyevichsawwithsurprisethatherlipswerequivering，andthatshewaswithdifficultyrestraininghertears。
`Whatisit，Anna？’heasked，whentheyhaddrivenafewhundredsagenes。
`It’sanomenofevil，’shesaid。
`Whatnonsense！’saidStepanArkadyevich。`You’vecome，that’sthechiefthing。Youcan’tconceivehowI’mrestingmyhopesonyou。’
`HaveyouknownVronskylong？sheasked。
`Yes。Youknowwe’rehopinghewillmarryKitty。’
`Yes？’saidAnnasoftly。`Comenow，letustalkofyou，’sheadded，tossingherhead，asthoughshewouldphysicallyshakeoffsomethingsuperfluousoppressingher。`Letustalkofyouraffairs。Igotyourletter，andhereIam。’
`Yes，allmyhopesareinyou，’saidStepanArkadyevich。
`Well，tellmeallaboutit。’
AndStepanArkadyevichbeganhisstory。
OnreachinghomeOblonskyhelpedhissisterout，sighed，pressedherhand，andsetofftohisoffice。
WhenAnnaenteredthetinydrawingroom，shefoundDollysittingtherewithawhite-headedplumplittleboy，alreadyresemblinghisfather；shewaslisteningtoalessoninFrenchreading。Astheboyread，hekepttwistingandtryingtotearoffabuttonthatwasnearlyoffhisjacket。Hismotherhadseveraltimestakenhishandfromit，buttheplumplittlehandwentbacktothebuttonagain。Hismotherpulledthebuttonoffandputitinherpocket。
`Keepyourhandsstill，Grisha，’shesaid，andshetookupherwork，acoverletshehadlongbeenmaking。Shealwayssettoworkonitatdepressedmoments，andnowsheknittedatitnervously，twitchingherfingersandcountingthestitches。Thoughshehadsentwordthedaybeforetoherhusbandthatitwasnothingtoherwhetherhissistercameornot，shehadmadeeverythingreadyforherarrival，andwasexpectinghersister-in-lawwithagitation。
Dollywascrushedbyhersorrow，utterlyswallowedupbyit。StillshedidnotforgetthatAnna，hersister-in-law，wasthewifeofoneofthemostimportantpersonagesinPeterburg，andwasaPeterburggrandedame。And，thankstothiscircumstance，shedidnotcarryoutherthreattoherhusband-thatistosay，shehadnotforgottenthathersister-in-lawwascoming。`And，afterall，Annaisinnowisetoblame，’thoughtDolly。`Iknownothingsavetheverybestabouther，andIhaveseennothingbutkindnessandaffectionfromhertowardmyself。’ItwastruethatasfarasshecouldrecallherimpressionsatPeterburgattheKarenin’s，shedidnotliketheirhouseholditself；therewassomethingartificialaboutthewholearrangementoftheirfamilylife。`ButwhyshouldInotreceiveher？Ifonlyshedoesn’ttakeitintoherheadtoconsoleme！’thoughtDolly。`AllconsolationsandexhortationsandChristianforgiveness-Ihavethoughtallthisoverathousandtimes，andit’sallnouse。’
AllthesedaysDollyhadbeenalonewithherchildren。Shedidnotwanttotalkofhersorrow，butwiththatsorrowinherheartshecouldnottalkofoutsidematters。
SheknewthatinonewayoranothershewouldtellAnnaeverything，andshewasalternatelygladatthethoughtofspeakingfreely，andangryatthenecessityofspeakingofherhumiliationwithher，hissister，andofhearingherready-madephrasesofexhortationandconsolation。
Shehadbeenonthelookoutforher，glancingatherwatcheveryminute，and，asoftenhappens，letslipthatpreciseminutewhenhervisitorarrived，sothatshedidnothearthebell。
Catchingthesoundofskirtsandoflightstepsatthedoor，shelookedround，andhercarewornfaceunconsciouslyexpressednotgladness，butwonder。Shegotupandembracedhersister-in-law。
`What，herealready？’shesaidasshekissedher。
`Dolly，howgladIamtoseeyou！’
`Iamglad，too，’saidDolly，faintlysmiling，andtryingbytheexpressionofAnna’sfacetofindoutwhethersheknew。`Mostlikelysheknows，’shethought，noticingthesympathyinAnna’sface。`Well，comealong，I’lltakeyoutoyourroom，’shewenton，tryingtodeferaslongaspossiblethetimeofexplanation。
`IsthisGrisha？Heavens，howhe’sgrown！’saidAnna；andkissinghim，nevertakinghereyesoffDolly，shestoodstillandflushed。`No，please，letusstayhere。’
Shetookoffhershawlandherhat，andcatchingitinalockofherblackhair，whichwasamassofcurls，shetossedherheadandshookherhairdown。
`Youareradiantwithhealthandhappiness！’saidDolly，almostwithenvy。
`I？……Yes，’saidAnna。`Mercifulheavens，Tania！You’rethesameageasmySeriozha，’sheadded，addressingthelittlegirlassheranin。Shetookherinherarmsandkissedher。`Delightfulchild，delightful！Showmethemall。’
Shementionedthem，notonlyrememberingthenames，buttheyears，months，characters，illnessesofallthechildren，andDollycouldnotbutappreciatethat。
`Verywell，wewillgotothem，’shesaid。`It’sapityVassia’sasleep。’
Afterseeingthechildren，theysatdown，alonenow，inthedrawingroom，tocoffee。Annatookthetray，andthenpusheditawayfromher。
`Dolly，’shesaid，`hehastoldme。’
DollylookedcoldlyatAnna；shewaswaitingnowforhypocriticallysympatheticphrases，butAnnasaidnothingofthesort。
`Dolly，darling，’shesaid，`Idon’twanttointercedeforhim，nortotrytocomfortyou-that’simpossible。But，mydearest，I’msimplysorry，sorryfrommyheartforyou！’
Underthethicklashesofhershiningeyestearssuddenlyglittered。Shemovednearertohersister-in-lawandtookherhandinherown，vigorousandlittle。Dollydidnotshrinkaway，butherfacedidnotloseitsfrigidexpression。Shesaid:
`Tocomfortmeisimpossible。Everything’slostafterwhathashappened，everything’sover！’
Anddirectlyshehadsaidthis，herfacesuddenlysoftened。Annaliftedthewasted，thinhandofDolly，kisseditandsaid:
`But，Dolly，what’stobedone，what’stobedone？Howisitbesttoactinthisawfulposition-that’swhatyoumustthinkof。’
`All’sover，andthere’snothingmore，’saidDolly。`Andtheworstofitallis，yousee，thatIcan’tcasthimoff:therearethechildren-myhandsaretied。AndIcan’tlivewithhim！It’satortureformetoseehim。’
`Dolly，darling，hehasspokentome，butIwanttohearitfromyou:tellmeallaboutit。’
Dollylookedatherinquiringly。
SympathyandloveunfeignedwereapparentonAnna’sface。
`Verywell，’shesuddenlysaid。`ButIwillbeginatthebeginning。YouknowhowIwasmarried。WiththeeducationmamangaveusIwasmorethaninnocent-Iwasfoolish。Iknewnothing。Theysay，Iknow，mentelltheirwivesoftheirformerlives，butStiva’-shecorrectedherself-`StepanArkadyevichtoldmenothing。You’llhardlybelieveit，buttillnowIimaginedthatIwastheonlywomanhehadknown。SoIlivedeightyears。YoumustunderstandthatIwasnotonlyfarfromsuspectinginfidelity，butIregardeditasimpossible，andthen-trytoimagineit-withsuchconceptionstofindoutsuddenlyallthehorror，alltheloathsomeness……Youmusttryandunderstandme。Tobefullyconvincedofone’shappiness，andallatonce……’continuedDolly，holdingbackhersobs，`Togetaletter……Hislettertohismistress，agovernessinmyemploy。No，it’stooawful！’Shehastilypulledoutherhandkerchiefandhidherfaceinit。`Icanunderstandifitwerepassion，’shewenton，afterabriefsilence，`buttodeceivemedeliberately，slyly……Andwithwhom？……Togoonbeingmyhusbandwhileheandshe……It’sawful！Youcan’tunderstand……’
`Oh，yes，Iunderstand！Iunderstand！Dolly，dearest，Idounderstand，’saidAnna，pressingherhand。
`Anddoyouimagineherealizesalltheawfulnessofmyposition？Dollyresumed。`Notintheslightest！He’shappyandcontented。’
`Oh，no！’Annainterposedquickly。`He’stobepitied，he’sweigheddownbyremorse……’
`Ishecapableofremorse？’Dollyinterrupted，gazingintentlyintohersister-in-law’sface。
`Yes。Iknowhim。Icouldnotlookathimwithoutfeelingsorryforhim。Webothknowhim。He’sgood-natured，buthe’sproud，andnowhe’ssohumiliated。Whattouchedmemost……’AndhereAnnaguessedwhatwouldtouchDollymost。`He’storturedbytwothings:thathe’sashamedforthechildren’ssake，andthat，lovingyou-yes，yes，lovingyoubeyondeverythingonearth，’shehurriedlyinterruptedDolly，whowouldhaverejoined-`hehashurtyou，piercedyoutotheheart。``No，no，shecannotforgiveme，’’hekeepsonsaying。’
Dollylookedpensivelypasthersister-in-lawasshelistenedtoherwords。
`Yes，Icanseethathispositionisawful；it’sworsefortheguiltythantheinnocent，’shesaid，`ifhefeelsthatallthemiserycomesfromhisfault。ButhowamItoforgivehim，howamItobehiswifeagainafterher？Formetolivewithhimnowwouldbetorture，justbecauseIlovemypastloveforhim……’
Andsobscutshortherwords。
Butasthoughofsetdesign，eachtimeshewassoftenedshebegantospeakagainofwhatexasperatedher。
`She’syoung，yousee，she’spretty，’shewenton。`Doyouknow，Anna，myyouthandmybeautyaregone，takenbywhom？Byhimandhischildren。Ihaveworkedforhim，andallIhadhasgoneinhisservice，andnowofcourseanyfresh，vulgarcreaturehasmorecharmforhim。Nodoubttheytalkedofmetogether，or，worsestill，theyweresilentaboutme……Doyouunderstand？’
Againhereyesglowedwithhatred。
`Andafterthathewilltellme……What！AmItobelievehim？Never！No，everythingisover，everythingthatonceconstitutedmycomfort，therewardofmyworkandofmysufferings……Wouldyoubelieveit？IwasteachingGrishajustnow:oncethiswasajoytome，nowitisatorture。WhathaveItostriveandtoilfor？Whytohavechildren？What’ssoawfulisthatallatoncemyheart’sturned，andinsteadofloveandtenderness，Ihavenothingbuthatredforhim；yes，hatred。Icouldkillhimand……’
`DarlingDolly，Iunderstand，butdon’ttortureyourselfYouaresoinsulted，soexcited，thatyoulookatmanythingsmistakenly。’
Dollygrewcalmer，andfortwominutesbothweresilent。
`What’stobedone？Thinkforme，Anna，helpme。Ihavethoughtovereverything，andIseenothing。’
Annacouldnotfindanything，butherheartechoedinstantlytoeachword，toeachchangeofexpressiononhersister-in-law’sface。
`OnethingIwouldsay，’beganAnna。`Iamhissister，Iknowhischaracter，thatfacultyofforgettingeverything，everything’shewavedherhandbeforeherforehead，`thatfacultyforbeingcompletelycarriedaway，butforcompletelyrepenting，too。Hecannotbelieveit，hecannotcomprehendnow，howhecouldhaveactedashedid。’
`No；heunderstands，andunderstood！’Dollybrokein。`ButI……Youareforgettingme……Doesthatmakeiteasierforme？’
`Waitaminute。Whenhetoldme，IwillownIdidnotrealizeallthehorrorofyourposition。Isawnothingbuthim，andthatthefamilywasbrokenup。Ifeltsorryforhim，butaftertalkingtoyou，Iseeit，asawoman，quitedifferently。Iseeyouragony，andIcan’ttellyouhowsorryIamforyou！But，Dolly，darling，whileIfullyrealizeyoursufferings，thereisonethingIdon’tknow；Idon’tknow……Idon’tknowhowmuchlovethereisstillinyourheartforhim。Thatyouknow-whetherthereisenoughforyoutobeabletoforgivehim。Ifthereis-forgivehim！’
`No，’Dollywasbeginning，butAnnacuthershort，kissingherhandoncemore。
`Iknowmoreoftheworldthanyoudo，’shesaid。IknowhowmenlikeStivalookatit。Youspeakofhistalkingofyouwithher。Thatneverhappened。Suchmenareunfaithful，buttheirownhomeandwifearesacredtothem。Somehoworotherthesewomenarestilllookedonwithcontemptbythem，anddonottouchontheirfeelingfortheirfamily。Theydrawasortoflinethatcan’tbecrossedbetweenthemandtheirfamilies。Idon’tunderstandit，butitisso。’
`Yes，buthehaskissedher……’
`Dolly，hush，darling。IsawStivawhenhewasinlovewithyou。Irememberthetimewhenhecametomeandcried，talkingofyou，andofwhatapoetryandloftinessyouwereforhim，andIknowthatthelongerhehaslivedwithyoutheloftieryouhavebeeninhiseyes。Youknowwehavesometimeslaughedathimforputtinginateveryword:`Dolly’samarvelouswoman。’havealwaysbeenadivinityforhim，andyouarethatstill，andthishasnotbeenapassionoftheheart……
`Butifitberepeated？’
`Itcannotbe，asIunderstandit……
`Yes，butcouldyouforgiveit？’
`Idon’tknow，Ican’tjudge……No，Icanjudge，’saidAnna，thinkingamoment；andgraspingthepositioninherthoughtandweighingitinherinnerbalance，sheadded:`Yes，Ican，Ican，Ican。Yes，Icouldforgive。Icouldnotbethesame，no；butIcouldforgive，andforgiveasthoughithadneverbeen，neverbeenatall……’
`Oh，ofcourse，’Dollyinterposedquickly，asthoughsayingwhatshehadmorethanoncethought，`elseitwouldnotbeforgiveness。Ifoneforgives，itmustbecompletely，completely。Come，letusgo；I’lltakeyoutoyourroom，’shesaid，gettingup，andonthewaysheembracedAnna。`Mydear，howgladIamyoucame。Ithasmadethingsbetter，eversomuchbetter。’
ThewholeofthatdayAnnaspentathome-thatis，attheOblonsky’s，andreceivednoone，thoughsomeofheracquaintanceshadalreadyheardofherarrival，andcametocallthesameday。AnnaspentthewholemorningwithDollyandthechildren。Shemerelysentabriefnotetoherbrothertotellhimthathemustnotfailtodineathome。`Come，Godismerciful，’shewrote。
Oblonskydiddineathome:theconversationwasgeneral，andhiswife，speakingtohim，addressedhimas`Stiva，’asshehadnotdoneforsometimepast。Intherelationsofhusbandandwifethesameestrangementstillremained，buttherewasnotalkofseparation，andStepanArkadyevichsawthepossibilityofexplanationandreconciliation。
ImmediatelyafterdinnerKittycamein。SheknewAnnaArkadyevna，butonlyveryslightly，andshecamenowtohersister’swithsometrepidation，attheprospectofmeetingthisfashionablePeterburglady，ofwhomeveryonespokesohighly。ButshemadeafavorableimpressiononAnnaArkadyevna-sheperceivedthatatonce。Annawasunmistakablyadmiringherlovelinessandheryouth:beforeKittyknewwhereshewasshefoundherselfnotmerelyunderAnna’ssway，butinlovewithher，asyounggirlsdofallinlovewitholderandmarriedwomen。Annadidnotresembleafashionablelady，orthemotherofaboyeightyearsold。Intheelasticityofhermovements，thefreshnessandtheanimationwhichpersistedinherfaceandbrokeoutinhersmileandherglance，shewouldratherhavepassedforagirloftwenty，haditnotbeenforaseriousand，attimes，amournfullookinhereyes，whichstruckandattractedKitty。KittyfeltthatAnnawasperfectlysimpleandwasconcealingnothing，butthatshehadanotherhigherworldofinterests，complexandpoetic，whichwereinaccessibletoKitty。
Afterdinner，whenDollywithdrewtoherownroom，Annarosequicklyandwentuptoherbrother，whowasjustlightingacigar。
`Stiva，’shesaidtohim，winkinggaily，makingthesignofthecrossoverhim，andglancingtowardthedoor，`go，andGodhelpyou。
Hetossedawayhiscigar，havingunderstoodher，anddepartedthroughthedoorway。
WhenStepanArkadyevichhaddisappeared，shewentbacktothesofawhereshehadbeensitting，surroundedbythechildren。Eitherbecausethechildrensawthattheirmotherwasfondofthisaunt，orthattheythemselvessensedaspecialcharminher，thetwoelderones，andtheyoungerfollowingtheirlead，aschildrensooftendo，hadclungabouttheirnewauntsincebeforedinner，andwouldnotleaveherside。Andithadbecomeasortofgameamongthemtositascloseaspossibletotheiraunt，totouchher，holdherlittlehand，kissit，playwithherring，oreventouchtheflounceofherskirt。
`Come，come，asweweresittingbefore，’saidAnnaArkadyevna，sittingdowninherplace。
AndagainGrishapokedhislittlefaceunderherarm，andnestledwithhisheadonhergown，beamingwithprideandhappiness。
`Andwhenisyournextball？’sheaskedKitty。
`Nextweek-andasplendidball。Oneofthoseballswhereonealwaysenjoysoneself。’
`Why，arethereballswhereonealwaysenjoysoneself？’Annasaid，withtenderirony。
`It’sstrange，butthereare。AttheBobrishchev’sonealwaysenjoysoneself，andattheNikitin’stoo，whileattheMezhkov’sit’salwaysdull。Haven’tyounoticedit？’
`No，mydear，formetherearenoballsnowwhereoneenjoysoneself，’saidAnna，andKittydetectedinhereyesthatpeculiarworldwhichwasnotrevealedtoher。`Formetherearesomewhicharelessdullandtiresomethanothers。’
`Howcanyoubedullataball？’
`WhyshouldnotIbedullataball？’inquiredAnna。
KittyperceivedthatAnnaknewwhatanswerwouldfollow。
`Becauseyoualwayslooktheloveliestofall。’
Annahadthefacultyofblushing。Sheblushed，andsaid:
`Inthefirstplaceit’sneverso；andsecondly，ifitwere，whatdifferencewoulditmaketome？’
`Areyoucomingtothisball？askedKitty。
`Iimagineitwon’tbepossibletoavoidgoing。Here，takeit，’shesaidtoTania，whowaspullingthelooselyfittingringoffherwhite，slender-tippedfinger。
`Ishallbesogladifyougo。Ishouldsoliketoseeyouataball。’
`Anyway，ifIdogo，Ishallcomfortmyselfwiththethoughtthatit’sapleasuretoyou……Grisha，don’tpullmyhair。It’suntidyenoughwithoutthat，’shesaid，puttingupastrayinglock，whichGrishahadbeenplayingwith。
`Iimagineyouattheballinlilac。’
`Andwhyinlilac，precisely？’askedAnna，smiling。`Now，children，runalong，runalong。Doyouhear？MissHooleiscallingyoutotea，’shesaidtearingthechildrenfromher，andsendingthemofftothediningroom。
`Iknowwhyyoupressmetocometotheball。Youexpectagreatdealofthisball，andyouwanteveryonetobethereandtakepartinit。’
`Howdoyouknow？Yes！’
`Oh！Whatahappytimeyouareat，’pursuedAnna。`Iremember，andIknowthisbluehaze，likethemistonthemountainsinSwitzerland。Thismist，whichcoverseverythinginthatblissfultimewhenchildhoodisjustending，andoutofthatvastcircle，happyandgay，thereisapathgrowingnarrowerandnarrower，anditisdelightfulandalarmingtoentertheballroom，brightandsplendidasitis……Whohasnotbeenthroughit？’
Kittysmiledwithoutspeaking。`Buthowdidshegothroughit？HowIshouldliketoknowallherlovestory！’thoughtKitty，recallingtheunromanticappearanceofAlexeiAlexandrovich，herhusband。
`Iknowsomething。Stivatoldme，andIcongratulateyou。Ilikedhimsomuch，’Annacontinued。`ImetVronskyattherailwaystation。’
`Oh，washethere？’askedKitty，blushing。`WhatwasitStivatoldyou？’
`Stivablabbedaboutitall。AndIshouldbesoglad。ItraveledyesterdaywithVronsky’smother，’shewenton；`andhismothertalkedwithoutapauseofhim；he’sherfavorite。Iknowmothersarepartial，but……’
`Whatdidhismothertellyou？’
`Oh，agreatdeal！AndalthoughIknowthathe’sherfavorite，onecanstillseehowchivalrousheis……Well，forinstance，shetoldmethathehadwantedtogiveupallhispropertytohisbrother；thathehaddonesomethingextraordinarywhenhewasquiteachild-savedawomanfromthewater。He’sahero，infact，’saidAnna，smilingandrecollectingthetwohundredroubleshehadgivenatthestation。
ButshedidnottellKittyaboutthetwohundredroubles。Forsomereasonitwasdisagreeabletohertothinkofit。Shefeltthattherewassomethingthathadtodowithherinit，andsomethingthatoughtnottohavebeen。
`Shepressedmeverymuchtogoandseeher，’Annawenton；`andIshallbegladtogotoseehertomorrow。StivaisstayingalongwhileinDolly’sroom，thankGod，’Annaadded，changingthesubject，andgettingup，Kittyfancied，displeasedwithsomething。
`No，I’mfirst！No，I！’screamedthechildren，whohadfinishedtea，runninguptotheirAuntAnna。
`Alltogether，’saidAnna，andsheranlaughingtomeetthem，and，embracingthem，threwallthechildren，shriekingwithdelight，intoaswarmingheap。