AlthoughallVronsky’sinnerlifewasabsorbedinhispassion，hisexternallifeunalterablyandinevitablyfollowedalongtheoldaccustomedlinesofhissocialandregimentaltiesandinterests。TheinterestsofhisregimenttookanimportantplaceinVronsky’slife，bothbecausehewasfondoftheregiment，andstillmorebecausetheregimentwasfondofhim。TheywerenotonlyfondofVronskyinhisregiment，theyrespectedhimtoo，andwereproudofhim；proudthatthisman，withhisimmensewealth，hisbrillianteducationandabilities，andthepathopenbeforehimtoeverykindofsuccess，distinctionandambition，haddisregardedallthat，andofalltheinterestsoflifehadtheinterestsofhisregimentandhiscomradesnearesttohisheart。Vronskywasawareofhiscomrades’viewofhim，andinadditiontohislikingforthatsortoflife，hefeltboundtokeepupthatreputation。
Itneednotbesaidthathedidnotspeakofhislovetoanyofhiscomrades，nordidhebetrayhissecreteveninthewildestdrinkingboutsthoughindeedhewasneversodrunkastoloseallcontrolofhimself。Andheclosedthemouthsofanyofhisthoughtlesscomradeswhoattemptedtoalludetohisliaison。But，inspiteofthat，hislovewasknowntoallthetown；everyoneguessedwithmoreorlesscertaintyathisrelationswithMadameKarenina。Themajorityoftheyoungermenenviedhimforjustwhatwasthemostirksomefactorinhislove-theexaltedpositionofKarenin，andtheconsequenttransparencytosociety，oftheirliaison。
Thegreaternumberoftheyoungwomen，whoenviedAnnaandhadlongbeenwearyofhavinghercalledrighteous，rejoicedatthefulfillmentoftheirpredictions，andwereonlywaitingforadecisiveturninpublicopiniontofalluponherwithalltheweightoftheirscorn。Theywerealreadymakingreadytheirhandfulsofmudtocastatherwhentherightmomentarrived。Thegreaternumberofthemiddle-agedpeopleandcertaingreatpersonagesweredispleasedattheprospectoftheimpendingscandalinsociety。
Vronsky’smother，onhearingofhisliaison，wasatfirstpleasedbyit，becausenothingtohermindgavesuchafinishingtouchtoabrilliantyoungmanasaliaisoninthehighestsociety；shewaspleased，too，thatMadameKarenina，whohadsotakenherfancy，andhadtalkedsomuchofherson，was，afterall，justlikealltheotherprettyanddecentwomen-accordingtotheCountessVronskaia’sideas。Butshehadheardoflatethathersonhadrefusedapositionofferedhimofgreatimportancetohiscareer，simplyinordertoremainintheregiment，wherecouldbeconstantlyseeingMadameKarenina；sheheardthatgreatpersonagesweredispleasedwithhimonthisaccount，andshechangedheropinion。Shewasvexed，too，thatfromallshecouldlearnofthisliaisonitwasnotthatbrilliant，graceful，worldlyliaisonwhichshewouldhavewelcomed，butasortofWerther’sdesperatepassion，soshewastold，whichmightwellleadhimintofollies。ShehadnotseenhimsincehisabruptdeparturefromMoscow，andshesenthereldersontobidhimtocometoher。
Thiselderbrother，too，wasdispleasedwithhisyoungerbrother。Hedidnotdistinguishwhatsortoflovehismightbe，bigorlittle，passionateorpassionless，pureorimpurehekeptaballetgirlhimself，thoughhewasthefatherofafamily，sohewasratherindulgent，butheknewthatthislovedispleasedthosewhomitwasnecessarytoplease，andthereforehedidnotapproveofhisbrother’sconduct。
Besidestheserviceandsociety，Vronskyhadanothergreatinterest-horses；hewaspassionatelyfondofhorses。
Thatyearracesandasteeplechasehadbeenarrangedfortheofficers。Vronskyhadputhisnamedown，boughtathoroughbredEnglishmare，andinspiteofhislove，hewaslookingforwardtotheraceswithintense，thoughreserved，excitement……
Thesetwopassionsdidnotinterferewithoneanother。Onthecontrary，heneededoccupationanddistractionquiteapartfromhislove，soastorecruitandresthimselffromtheviolentemotionsthatagitatedhim。
OnthedayoftheracesatKrasnoeSelo，Vronskyhadcomeearlierthanusualtoeatbeefsteakinthecommonmessroomoftheregiment。Hehadnoneedtobestrictwithhimself，ashisweightwasexactlytherequiredone；butstillhehadtoavoidgainingflesh，andsoheeschewedfarinaceousandsweetdishes。Hesatwithhiscoatunbuttonedoverawhitewaistcoat，restingbothelbowsonthetable，and，whilewaitingforthesteakhehadordered，waslookingoveraFrenchnovelthatlayopenonhisplate。Hewasonlylookingatthebooktoavoidconversationwiththeofficerscominginandout；hewasthinking。
HewasthinkingofAnna’spromisetoseehimtodayaftertheraces。Buthehadnotseenherforthreedays，andasherhusbandhadjustreturnedfromabroad，hedidnotknowwhethershewouldbeabletomeethimtodayornot，andhedidnotknowhowtofindout。HehadhadhislastinterviewwithherathiscousinBetsy’ssummervilla。HevisitedthesummervillaoftheKareninsasrarelyaspossible。Nowhewantedtogothere，andheponderedthequestionofhowtodoit。
`OfcourseIshallsayBetsyhassentmetoaskwhethershe’scomingtotheraces。Ofcourse，I’llgo，’hedecided，liftinghisheadfromthebook。Andashevividlypicturedthehappinessofseeingher，hisfacelightedup。
`Sendtomyhouse，andtellthemtohaveoutthecarriageandthreehorsesasquicklyastheycan，’hesaidtotheservant，whohandedhimthesteakonahotsilverdish，andmovingthedishuptowardhim，hebeganeating。
Fromtheadjoiningbilliardroomcamethesoundofballsclicking，oftalkandlaughter。Twoofficersappearedattheentrancedoor:one，ayoungfellowwithaweak，delicateface，whohadlatelyjoinedtheregimentfromtheCorpsofPages；theother，aplump，elderlyofficer，withabraceletonhiswrist，andlittleeyes，lostinfat。
Vronskyglancedatthem，frowned，andlookingdownathisbookasthoughhehadnotnoticedthem，heproceededtoeatandreadatthesametime。
`What？Fortifyingyourselfforyourwork？’saidtheplumpofficer，sittingdownbesidehim。
`Asyousee，’respondedVronsky，knittinghisbrows，wipinghismouth，andwithoutlookingattheofficer。
`Soyou’renotafraidofgettingfat？saidthelatter，turningachairroundfortheyoungofficer。
`What？’saidVronskyangrily，makingawryfaceofdisgustandshowinghisheavyteeth。
`You’renotafraidofgettingfat？’
`Waiter，sherry！’saidVronsky，withoutreplying，andmovingthebooktotheothersideofhim，hewentonreading。
Theplumpofficertookupthelistofwinesandturnedtotheyoungofficer。
`Youchoosewhatwe’retodrink，’hesaid，handinghimthecard，andlookingathim。
`Rhinewine，please，’saidtheyoungofficer，stealingatimidglanceatVronsky，andtryingtopullhisscarcelyvisiblemustache。SeeingthatVronskydidnotturnround，theyoungofficergotup。
`Let’sgointothebilliardroom，’hesaid。
Theplumpofficerrosesubmissively，andtheymovedtowardthedoor。
Atthatmomenttherewalkedintotheroomthetanandwell-builtCaptainIashvin。Noddingwithanairofloftycontempttothetwoofficers，hewentuptoVronsky。
`Ah！Hereheis！’hecried，bringinghisbighanddownheavilyonhisepaulet。Vronskylookedroundangrily，buthisfacelightedupimmediatelywithhischaracteristicexpressionofcalmandfirmfriendliness。
`That’sit，Aliosha，’saidthecaptain，inhisloudbaritone。`Haveabiteanddrinkonetinyglass。’
`Oh，I’mnotveryhungry。’
`Theregotheinseparables，’Iashvindropped，glancingsarcasticallyatthetwoofficerswhowereatthatinstantleavingtheroom。Andhebenthislonglegs，swathedintightridingbreeches，andsatdowninthechair，toolowforhim，sothathiskneeswerecrampedupinasharpangle。`Whydidn’tyouturnupatTheateratKrasnoeSeloyesterday？Numerovawasn’tatallbad。Wherewereyou？’
`IwaslateattheTverskys’，’saidVronsky。
`Ah！’respondedIashvin。
Iashvin，agamblerandarake，amannotmerelywithoutanyprinciples，butofimmoralprinciples-IashvinwasVronsky’sgreatestfriendintheregiment。Vronskylikedhimbothforhisexceptionalphysicalstrength，whichheshowedforthemostpartbybeingabletodrinklikeafishandtodowithoutsleepwithoutbeingintheslightestdegreeaffectedbyit；andforhisgreatstrengthofcharacter，whichheshowedinhisrelationswithhiscomradesandsuperiorofficers，commandingbothfearandrespect，andalsoatcards，whenhewouldplayfortensofthousandsand，howevermuchhemighthavedrunk，alwayswithsuchskillanddecisionthathewasreckonedthebestplayerintheEnglishClub。VronskyrespectedandlikedIashvinparticularlybecausehefeltIashvinlikedhim，notforhisnameandhismoney，butforhimself。AndofallmenhewastheonlyonewithwhomVronskywouldhavelikedtospeakofhislove。HefeltthatIashvin，inspiteofhisapparentcontemptforeverysortoffeeling，wastheonlymanwhocould，sohefancied，comprehendtheintensepassionwhichnowfilledhiswholelife。Moreover，hefeltcertainthatIashvin，asitwas，tooknodelightingossipandscandal，andinterpretedhisfeelingrightly-thatistosay，knewandbelievedthatthispassionwasnotajoke，notapastime，butsomethingmoreseriousandimportant。
Vronskyhadneverspokentohimofhispassion，buthewasawarethatheknewallaboutit，andthatheputtherightinterpretationonit，andhewasgladtoseethisinhiseyes。
`Ah！yes，’hesaid，totheannouncementthatVronskyhadbeenattheTverskys’；and，hisblackeyesshining，hepluckedathisleftmustache，andbegantwistingitintohismouth-abadhabithehad。
`Well，andwhatdidyoudoyesterday？Winanything？’askedVronsky。
`Eightthousand。Butthreedon’tcount；thechapwillhardlypayup。’
`Oh，thenyoucanaffordtoloseoverme，’saidVronsky，laughing。IashvinhadbettedheavilyonVronskyintheraces。
`Nochanceofmylosing。Makhotin’stheonlyonewho’sadangerousentrant。’
Andtheconversationpassedtoforecastsofthecomingrace，theonlythingVronskycouldthinkofjustnow。
`Comealong，I’vefinished，’saidVronsky，andgettinguphewenttothedoor。Iashvingotuptoo，stretchinghislonglegsandhislongback。
`It’stooearlyformetodine，butImusthaveadrink。I’llcomealongdirectly。Hi，wine！’heshouted，inhisrichvoice，thatwassofamousatdrill，andsetthewindowsshaking。`No，Idon’tneedit！’heshoutedagain，immediatelyafter。`You’regoinghome，soI’llgowithyou。’
AndhewalkedoutwithVronsky。
Vronskywasstayinginaroomy，clean，Finnishhut，dividedintotwobyapartition。Petritskylivedwithhimincamptoo。PetritskywasasleepwhenVronskyandIashvincameintothehut。
`Getup，don’tgoonsleeping，’saidIashvin，goingbehindthepartitionandgivingPetritsky，whowaslyingwithruffledhairandwithhisnoseinthepillow，aprodontheshoulder。
Petritskyjumpedupsuddenlyontohiskneesandlookedaround。
`Yourbrother’sbeenhere，’hesaidtoVronsky。`Hewakedmeup，thedeviltakehim，andsaidhe’dlookinagain。’Andpullinguptherugheflunghimselfbackonthepillow。`Ohdoquitthat，Iashvin！’hesaid，gettingfuriouswithIashvin，whowaspullingtherugoffhim。`Quitthat！’Heturnedoverandopenedhiseyes。`You’dbettertellmewhattodrink；I’vesuchanastytasteinmymouththat……’
`Vodka’sbetterthananything，’boomedIashvin。`Tereshchenko！Vodkaforyourmasterandcucumbers，’heshouted，obviouslytakingpleasureinthesoundofhisownvoice。
`Vodka，doyouthink？Eh？’queriedPetritsky，blinkingandrubbinghiseyes。`Andyou’lldrinksomething？Allrightthen，we’llhaveadrinktogether！Vronsky，haveadrink？’saidPetritsky，gettingupandwrappingthetiger-stripedbedcoverroundhim。Hewenttothedoorofthepartitionwall，raisedhishands，andhummedinFrench:``therewasakinginThu-u-le。’’Vronsky，willyouhaveadrink？’
`Goalong，’saidVronsky，puttingonthecoathisvalethandedhim。
`Whereareyouoffto？’askedIashvin。`Oh，hereisyourtroika，’headded，seeingthecarriagedriveup。
`Tothestables，andI’vegottoseeBriansky，too，aboutthehorses，’saidVronsky。
VronskyhadasafactpromisedtocallatBriansky’s，sometenverstasfromPeterhof，andtobringhimmoneyowingforsomehorses；andhehopedtohavetimetogetthatintoo。Buthiscomradeswereatonceawarethatthatwasnottheonlyplacehewasgoing。
Petritsky，stillhumming，winkedandmadeapoutwithhislips，asthoughhewouldsay:`Oh，yes，weknowyourBriansky！’
`Mindyou’renotlate！’wasIashvin’sonlycomment；and，tochangetheconversation:`How’smyroan？Ishedoingallright？’heinquired，lookingoutofthewindowattheshafthorse，whichhehadsoldtoVronsky。
`Stop！’criedPetritskytoVronsky，justashewasgoingout。`Yourbrotherleftaletterandanoteforyou。Waitabit；wherearethey？’
Vronskystopped。
`Well，wherearethey？’
`Wherearethey？That’sjustthequestion！’saidPetritskysolemnly，slidinghisforefingerupwardalonghisnose。
`Come，tellme；thisissilly！’saidVronskysmiling。
`Ihaven’tlightedthefire。Theymustbeheresomewhere。’
`Come，enoughfooling！Whereistheletter？’
`No，I’veforgotten，really。Orwasitadream？Waitabit，waitabit！Butwhat’stheuseofgettinginarage？Ifyou’ddrunkfourbottlespermanyesterdayasIdid，you’dforgetwhereyouwereat。Waitabit，I’llremember！’
Petritskywentbehindthepartitionandlaydownonhisbed。
`Waitabit！ThiswashowIwaslying，andthiswashowhewasstanding。Yes-yes-yes……Hereitis！’-andPetritskypulledaletteroutfromunderthemattress，wherehehadhiddenit。
Vronskytooktheletterandhisbrother’snote。Itwastheletterhewasexpecting-fromhismother，reproachinghimfornothavingbeentoseeher-andthenotewasfromhisbrothertosaythathemusthavealittletalkwithhim。Vronskyknewthatitwasallaboutthesamething。`Whatbusinessisitoftheirs！’thoughtVronsky，andcrumplingupthelettershethrustthembetweenthebuttonsofhiscoatsoastoreadthemcarefullyontheroad。Intheporchofthehuthewasmetbytwoofficers；oneofhisregimentandoneofanother。
Vronsky’squarterswerealwaysameetingplaceforalltheofficers。
`Whereareyouoffto？’
`ImustgotoPeterhof。’
`HasthemarecomefromTsarskoe？’
`Yes，butI’venotseenheryet。’
`TheysayMakhotin’sGladiator’slame。’
`Nonsense！However，areyougoingtoraceinthismud？’saidtheother。
`Herearemysaviors！’criedPetritsky，seeingthemcomein。Beforehimstoodthebatmanwithvodkaandpickledcucumbersonatray。`Here’sIashvin，orderingmetodrinkapick-me-up。’
`Well，youdidmakeithotforusyesterday，’saidoneofthosewhohadcomein；`youdidn’tletusgetawinkofsleepallnight。’
`Oh，didn’twemakeaprettyfinish！’saidPetritsky。`Volkovclimbedontotheroofandbegantellingushowsadhewas。Isaid:``Let’shavemusic，thefuneralmarch！’’Hefairlydroppedasleepontheroofoverthefuneralmarch。’
`Drinkitup；youpositivelymustdrinkthevodka，andthenSeltzerwater，andalotoflemon，’saidIashvin，standingoverPetritskylikeamothermakingachildtakemedicine，`andthenalittlechampagne-justaweebottle。’
`Come，there’ssomesenseinthat。Stopabit，Vronsky。We’llallhaveadrink。’
`No；good-by，allofyou。I’mnotgoingtodrinktoday。’
`Why，areyougainingweight？Allright，thenwemusthaveitalone。GiveustheSeltzerwaterandlemon。’
`Vronsky！’shoutedsomeonewhenhewasalreadyoutside。
`Well？’
`You’dbettergetyourhaircut，it’llweighyoudown-especiallyatthebaldplace。’
Vronskywasinfactbeginning，prematurely，togetalittlebald。Helaughedgaily，showinghisheavyteeth，andpullinghiscapoverthethinplace，wentoutandgotintohiscarriage。
`Tothestables！’hesaid，andwasjustpullingouttheletterstoreadthemthrough，butthoughtbetterofit，andputoffreadingthemsoasnottodistracthisattentionbeforelookingatthemare。`Lateron！……’
Thetemporarystable，awoodenbooth，hadbeenputupclosetotheracecourse，andtherehismarewastohavebeentakenthepreviousday。Hehadnotyetseenherthere。Duringthelastfewdayshehadnotriddenheroutforexercisehimself，buthadputherinthechargeofthetrainer，andsonowheabsolutelydidnotknowinwhatconditionhismarehadarrivedyesterdayorwasintoday。Hehadscarcelygotoutofhiscarriagewhenhisstableboygroom，recognizingthecarriagesomewayoff，calledthetrainer。Adry-lookingEnglishman，inhighbootsandashortjacket，clean-shaven，exceptforatuftbelowhischin，cametomeethimwalkingwiththeuncouthgaitofajockey，turninghiselbowsoutandswayingfromsidetoside。
`Well，how’sFrou-Frou？’VronskyaskedinEnglish。
`Allright，sir，’theEnglishman’svoicerespondedsomewherefardowninhisthroat。`Betternotgoin，’headded，touchinghishat。`I’veputamuzzleonher，andthemare’sfidgety。Betternotgoin，it’llexcitethemare。’
`No，I’mgoingin。Iwanttolookather。’
`Comealong，then，’saidtheEnglishman，frowning，andspeakingwithhismouthshut，and，withswingingelbows，hewentoninfrontwithhisdisjointedgait。
Theywentintothelittleyardinfrontoftheshed。Thestableboyonduty，spruceandsmartinhisholidayattire，metthemwithabroominhishand，andfollowedthem。Intheshedtherewerefivehorsesintheirseparatestalls，andVronskyknewthathischiefrival，Makhotin’sGladiator，averytallchestnuthorse，hadbeenbroughtthere，andmustbestandingamongthem。Evenmorethanhismare，VronskylongedtoseeGladiator，whomhehadneverseen，butVronskyknewthatbytheetiquetteoftheracecourseitwasnotmerelyimpossibleforhimtoseethehorse，butimpropereventoaskquestionsabouthim。justashewaspassingalongthepassage，theboyopenedthedoorintothesecondhorseboxontheleft，andVronskycaughtaglimpseofabigchestnuthorsewithwhitelegs。HeknewthatthiswasGladiator，but，withthefeelingofamanturningawayfromthesightofanotherman’sopenletter，heturnedroundandwentintoFrou-Frou’sstall。
`ThestallbelongingtoMa-k……Mak……Inevercansaythename-ishere，’saidtheEnglishmanoverhisshoulder，pointinghisdirty-nailedthumbtowardGladiator’sstall。
`Makhotin？Yes，he’smymostseriousrival，’saidVronsky。
`Ifyouwereridinghim，’saidtheEnglishman，`I’dbetonyou。
`Frou-Frou’smorenervous，whiletheotherismorepowerful，’saidVronsky，smilingatthecomplimenttohisriding。
`Inasteeplechaseitalldependsonridingandonpluck，’saidtheEnglishman。
Ofpluck-thatis，energyandcourage-Vronskydidnotmerelyfeelthathehadenough；whatwasoffarmoreimportance，hewasfirmlyconvincedthatnooneintheworldcouldhavemoreofthispluckthanhehad。
`Don’tyouthinkIwantmoresweatingdown？’
`Oh，no，’answeredtheEnglishman。`Please，don’tspeakloud。Themare’sfidgety，’headded，noddingtowardthehorsebox，beforewhichtheywerestanding，andfromwhichcamethesoundofrestlessstampinginthestraw。
Heopenedthedoor，andVronskywentintothehorsebox，dimlylightedbyonelittlewindow。Inthehorseboxstoodadarkbaymare，withamuzzleon，shiftingherfeetonthefreshstraw。Lookingroundhiminthetwilightofthehorsebox，Vronskyunconsciouslytookinoncemoreinacomprehensiveglanceallthepointsofhisfavoritemare。Frou-Frouwasananimalofmediumsize，notaltogetherfreefromreproach，fromabreeder’spointofview。Shewassmall-bonedallover；thoughherchestwasextremelyprominentinfront，itwasnarrow。Herhindquarterswerealittledrooping，andinherforelegs，andstillmoreinherhindlegs，therewasanoticeablecurvature。Themusclesofbothhindlegsandforelegswerenotverythick；butacrosshershouldersthemarewasexceptionallybroad，apeculiarityspeciallystrikingnowthatshewasleanfromtraining。Thebonesofherlegsbelowthekneeslookednothickerthanafingerfrominfront，butwereextraordinarilythickseenfromtheside。Shelookedaltogether，exceptacrosstheshoulders，apparentlypinchedinatthesidesandpressedoutindepth。Butshehadinthehighestdegreethequalitythatmakesalldefectsforgotten:thatqualitywasblood，thebloodthattells，astheEnglishexpressionhasit。Themusclesstoodupsharplyunderthenetworkofsinews，coveredwiththedelicate，mobileskin，softassatin，andtheywerehardasbone。Herclean-cuthead，withprominent，bright，spiritedeyes，broadenedoutattheopennostrils，thatshowedtheredbloodinthecartilagewithin。Aboutallherfigure，andespeciallyherhead，therewasacertainexpressionofenergy，and，atthesametime，ofsoftness。Shewasoneofthosecreatureswhichseemdevoidofspeechonlybecausethemechanismoftheirmouthsdoesnotallowofit。
ToVronsky，atanyrate，itseemedthatsheunderstoodallhefeltatthatmomentashelookedather。
DirectlyVronskywenttowardher，shedrewinadeepbreath，and，turningbackherprominenteyetinthewhitelookedbloodshot，shestartedattheapproachingfiguresfromtheoppositeside，shakinghermuzzle，andshiftinglightlyfromonelegtotheother。
`There，youseehowfidgetysheis，’saidtheEnglishman。
`Whoa，darling！Whoa！’saidVronsky，goinguptothemareandspeakingsoothinglytoher。
Butthenearerhecame，themoreexcitedshegrew。Onlywhenhestoodbyherheadshewassuddenlyquieter，whilethemusclesquiveredunderhersoft，delicatecoat。Vronskypattedherstrongneck，straightenedoverhersharpwithersastraylockofhermanethathadfallenontheotherside，andmovedhisfacenearherdilatednostrils，transparentasabat’swing。Shedrewaloudbreathandsnortedoutthroughhertensenostrils，started，prickeduphersharpear，andputoutherstrong，blackliptowardVronsky，asthoughshewouldnipholdofhissleeve。Butrememberingthemuzzle，sheshookitandagainbeganrestlesslystampinghershapelylegsoneaftertheother。
`Calmdown，darling，calmdown！’hesaid，pattingheragainoverherhindquarters；and，withagladsensethathismarewasinthebestpossiblecondition，hewentoutofthehorsebox。
Themare’sexcitementhadinfectedVronsky。Hefeltthathisheartwasthrobbing，andthathe，too，likethemare，longedtomove，tobite；itwasbothfearfulanddelicious。
`Well，Irelyonyou，then，’hesaidtotheEnglishman，`half-pastsixontheground。’
`Allright，’saidtheEnglishman。`Oh，whereareyougoing，mylord？’heaskedsuddenly，usingthetitlemylord，whichhescarcelyeverused。
Vronskyinamazementraisedhishead，andstared，asheknewhowtostare，notintotheEnglishman’seyes，butathisforehead，astoundedattheimpertinenceofhisquestion。ButrealizingthatinaskingthistheEnglishmanhadbeenlookingathimnotasanemployer，butasajockey，heanswered:
`I’vegottogotoBriansky’s；Ishallbehomewithinanhour。’
`HowoftenI’maskedthatquestiontoday！’hesaidtohimself，andheblushed，athingwhichrarelyhappenedtohim。TheEnglishmanlookedgravelyathim；and，asthoughhe，too，knewwhereVronskywasgoing，headded:
`Thegreatthingistokeepquietbeforearace，’saidhe；`don’tgetoutoftemper，orupsetaboutanything。’
`Allright，’answeredVronsky，smiling；and，jumpingintohiscarriage，hetoldthemantodrivetoPeterhof。
Beforehehaddrivenmanypacesaway，thedarkcloudsthathadbeenthreateningrainalldaybroke，andtherewasaheavydownpourofrain。
`Whatapity！’thoughtVronsky，puttinguptheroofofthecarriage。`Itwasmuddybefore，nowitwillbeaperfectswamp。’Ashesatinsolitudeintheclosedcarriage，hetookouthismother’sletterandhisbrother’snote，andreadthemthrough。
Yes，itwasthesamethingoverandoveragain。Everyone-hismother，hisbrother-everyonethoughtfittointerfereintheaffairsofhisheart。Thisinterferencearousedinhimafeelingofangryhatred-afeelinghehadrarelyknownbefore。`Whatbusinessisitoftheirs？Whydoeseverybodyfeelcalledupontoconcernhimselfaboutme？Andwhydotheyworrymeso？Justbecausetheyseethatthisissomethingtheycan’tunderstand。Ifitwereacommon，vulgar，worldlyintrigue，theywouldhaveleftmealone。Theyfeelthatthisissomethingdifferent，thatthisisnotamerepastime，thatthiswomanisdearertomethanlife。Andthisisincomprehensible，andthat’swhyitannoysthem。Whateverourdestinyisormaybe，wehavemadeitourselves，andwedonotcomplainofit，’hesaid，inthewordwelinkinghimselfwithAnna。`No，theymustneedsteachushowtolive。Theyhaven’tanideaofwhathappinessis；theydon’tknowthatwithoutourlovethereisforusneitherhappinessnorunhappiness-nolifeatall，’hethought。
Hewasangrywithallofthemfortheirinterferencejustbecausehefeltinhissoulthatthey，allthesepeople，wereright。HefeltthatthelovethatboundhimtoAnnawasnotamomentaryimpulse，whichwouldpass，asworldlyintriguesdopass，leavingnoothertracesinthelifeofeithersavepleasantorunpleasantmemories。Hefeltallthetortureofhisownpositionandhers，allthedifficultyinstoreforthem，conspicuousastheywereintheeyeofalltheworld-inconcealingtheirlove，inlyinganddeceiving；andinlying，deceiving，feigningandcontinuallythinkingofothers，whenthepassionthatunitedthemwassointensethattheywerebothobliviousofeverythingelsesavetheirlove。
Hevividlyrecalledalltheconstantlyrecurringinstancesofinevitablenecessityforlyinganddeceit，whichweresoagainsthisnaturalbent。Herecalledparticularlyvividlytheshamehehadmorethanoncedetectedinheratthisnecessityforlyinganddeceit。AndheexperiencedthestrangefeelingthathadsometimescomeuponhimsincehisrelationswithAnna。Thiswasafeelingofloathingforsomething-whetherforAlexeiAlexandrovich，orforhimself，orforthewholeworld，hecouldnothavesaid。Buthealwaysdroveawaythisstrangefeeling。Now，too，heshookitoffandcontinuedthethreadofhisthoughts。
`Yes，shewasunhappybefore，butproudandatpeace；andnowshecannotbeatpeaceandfeelsecureinherdignity，thoughshedoesnotshowit。Yes，wemustputanendtoit，’hedecided。
Andforthefirsttimetheideaclearlypresenteditselfthatitwasessentialtoputanendtothisfalseposition，andthesoonerthebetter。`Abandoneverythingmustwe-sheandI-andhideourselvessomewherealonewithourlove，’hesaidtohimself。
Theshowerdidnotlastlong，andbythetimeVronskyarrived，hisshafthorsetrottingatfullspeed，anddraggingtheoffhorsesgallopingthroughthemudwiththeirreinshangingloose，thesunhadpeepedoutagain，theroofsofthesummervillasandtheoldlimetreesinthegardensonbothsidesofthehighstreetsparkledwithwetbrilliance，andfromthetwigscameapleasantdrip，and，fromtheroofs，rushingstreamsofwater。Hethoughtnomoreofshowerspoilingtheracecourse，butwasnowrejoicingbecause-thankstotherain-hewouldbesuretofindherathomeandalone，asheknewthatAlexeiAlexandrovich，whohadlatelyreturnedfromawateringplace，hadnotmovedfromPeterburg。
Hopingtofindheralone，Vronskyalighted，ashealwaysdid，toavoidattractingattention，beforecrossingthebridge，andwalkedtothehouse。Hedidnotgoupthestepstothestreetdoor，butwentintothecourt。
`Hasyourmastercome？’heaskedagardener。
`No，sir。Themistressisathome。Butwillyoupleasegotothefrontdoor；thereareservantsthere，’thegardeneranswered。`They’llopenthedoor。’
`No，I’llgoinfromthegarden。’
Andfeelingsatisfiedthatshewasalone，andwantingtotakeherbysurprise，sincehehadnotpromisedtobetheretoday，andshewouldcertainlynotexpecthimtocomebeforetheraces，hewalked，holdinghisswordandsteppingcautiouslyoverthesandypath，borderedwithflowers，totheterracethatlookedoutuponthegarden。Vronskyforgotnowallthathehadthoughtonthewayofthehardshipsanddifficultiesofhisposition。Hethoughtofnothingbutthathewouldseeherdirectly，notinimagination，butliving，allofher，asshewasinreality。Hewasjustgoingin，steppingonhiswholefootsoasnottomakeanoise，upthewornstepsoftheterrace，whenhesuddenlyrememberedwhathealwaysforgot，andwhatcausedthemosttorturingsideofhisrelationswithher:herson，withhisquestioning，and，ashefancied，hostileeyes。
Thisboywasmoreoftenthananyoneelseacheckupontheirfreedom。Whenhewaspresent，bothVronskyandAnnadidnotmerelyavoidspeakingofanythingthattheycouldnothaverepeatedbeforeeveryone；theydidnotevenallowthemselvestoreferbyhintstoanythingtheboydidnotunderstand。Theyhadmadenoagreementaboutthis，ithadbeensettledofitself。Theywouldhavefeltitaswoundingthemselvestodeceivethechild。Inhispresencetheytalkedlikeacquaintances。But，inspiteofthiscaution，Vronskyoftensawthechild’sintent，bewilderedglancefixeduponhim，andastrangeshyness，uncertainty-atonetimetherewasfriendliness，atanothercoldnessandreserve，intheboy’smannertohim，asthoughthechildfeltthatbetweenthismanandhismotherthereexistedsomeimportantbond，thesignificanceofwhichhecouldnotunderstand。
Asamatteroffacttheboydidfeelthathecouldnotunderstandthisrelation，andhetriedpainfully，yetwasunable，tomakecleartohimselfwhatfeelingheoughttohaveforthisman。Withachild’skeeninstinctforeverymanifestationoffeelinghesawdistinctlythathisfather，hisgoverness，hisnurse-allnotmerelydislikedVronsky，butlookedonhimwithhorrorandaversion，thoughtheyneversaidanythingabouthim；whilehismotherlookedonhimashergreatestfriend。
`Whatdoesitmean？Whoishe？HowoughtItolovehim？IfIdon’tknow，it’smyfault；eitherI’mstupidoranaughtyboy，’thoughtthechild。Andthiswaswhatcausedhisdubious，inquiring，sometimeshostileexpression，andtheshynessanduncertaintywhichVronskyfoundsoirksome。Thischild’spresencealwaysandinfalliblycalledupinVronskythatstrangefeelingofinexplicableloathingwhichhehadexperiencedoflate。Thischild’spresencecalledupbothinVronskyandinAnnaafeelingakintothefeelingofasailorwhoseesbythecompassthatthedirectioninwhichheisswiftlymovingisfarfromtherightone，butthattoarresthismotionisnotinhispower，thateveryinstantiscarryinghimfartherandfartheraway，andthattoadmittohimselfhisdeviationfromtherightdirectionistantamounttoadmittinghiscertainruin。
Thischild，withhisinnocentoutlookuponlife，wasthecompassthatshowedthemthepointatwhichtheyhaddepartedfromwhattheyknew，yetdidnotwanttoknow。
ThistimeSeriozhawasnotathome，andshewascompletelyalone。Shewassittingontheterracewaitingforthereturnofherson，whohadgoneoutforastrollandhadbeencaughtintherain。Shehadsentoutamanservantandamaidtolookforhim，andwassittingherewaitingforthem。Dressedinawhitegown，deeplyembroidered，shewassittinginacorneroftheterracebehindsomeflowers，anddidnothearhim。Bendinghercurlydarkhead，shepressedherforeheadagainstacoolwateringpotthatstoodontheparapet，andbothherlovelyhands，withtheringsheknewsowell，claspedthepot。Thebeautyofherwholefigure，herhead，herneck，herhands，struckVronskyeverytimeassomethingnewandunexpected。Hestoodstill，gazingatherinecstasy。But，directlyhewouldhavemadeasteptocomenearertoher，shewasawareofhispresence，pushedawaythewateringpot，andturnedherflushedfacetowardhim。
`What’sthematter？Areyouunwell，’hesaidtoherinFrench，goinguptoher。Hewouldhaveruntoher，butrememberingthattheremightbeoutsiders，helookedroundtowardthebalconydoor，andreddened，ashealwaysreddened，feelingthathehadtobeafraidandbeonhisguard。
`No，I’mquitewell，’shesaid，gettingupandsqueezinghisoutstretchedhandtightly。`Ididnotexpect……thee。’
`MyGod！whatcoldhands！’hesaid。
`Youstartledme，’shesaid。`I’malone，andexpectingSeriozha；he’soutforawalk；they’llcomefromthisdirection。’
But，inspiteofhereffortstobecalm，herlipswerequivering。
`Forgivemeforcoming，butIcouldn’tpassthedaywithoutseeingyou，’hewenton，speakingFrench，ashealwaysdid，toavoidusingthestiffRussianpluralform，soimpossiblyfrigidbetweenthem，andthedangerouslyintimatesingular。
`Forgive-forwhatI’msoglad！’
`Butyou’reillorworried，’hewenton，withoutlettinggoherhandsandbendingoverher。`Whatwereyouthinkingof？’
`Alwaysofthesamething。’shesaid，withasmile。
Shespokethetruth。Ifeveratanymomentshehadbeenaskedwhatshewasthinkingof，shecouldhaveansweredtruly:Ofthesamething，ofherhappinessandherunhappiness。Shewasthinking，justwhenhecameuponher，ofthis:Whywasit，shewondered，thattoothers，toBetsyforinstancesheknewofhersecretconnectionwithTushkevich，allthiswassoeasy，whiletoheritwassuchtorture？Todaythisthoughtgainedspecialpoignancyfromcertainotherconsiderations。Sheaskedhimabouttheraces。Heansweredherquestions，and，seeingthatshewasagitated，tryingtocalmher，hebegantellingherinthesimplesttonethedetailsofhispreparationsfortheraces。
`ShallItellhim，ornot？’shethought，lookingintohiscalm，affableeyes。`Heissohappy，soabsorbedinhisracesthathewon’tunderstandasheshould；hewon’tunderstandallthesignificanceofthiseventtous。’
`Butyouhaven’ttoldmewhatyouwerethinkingofwhenIcamein，’hesaid，interruptinghisnarrative；`pray，tellme！’
Shedidnotanswer，and，bendingherheadalittle，shelookedinquiringlyathimfromunderherbrows，hereyesshiningundertheirlonglashes。Herhandshookasitplayedwithaleafshehadpicked。Hesawit，andhisfaceexpressedthatuttersubjection，thatslavishdevotion，whichhaddonesomuchtowinher。
`Iseesomethinghashappened。DoyousupposeIcanbeatpeace，knowingyouhaveatroubleIamnotsharing？Tellme，forGod’ssake！’herepeatedimploringly。
`Yes，Ishan’tbeabletoforgivehimifhedoesnotrealizeallthesignificanceofit。Betternottell；whyputhimtotheproof？’shethought，stillstaringathiminthesameway，andfeelingthatherhandthatheldtheleafwastremblingmoreandmore。
`ForGod’ssake！’herepeated，takingherhand。
`ShallItellyou？’
`Yes，yes，yes……’
`Iampregnant，’shesaid，softlyandslowly。
Theleafinherhandshookmoreviolently，butshedidnottakehereyesoffhim，watchinghowhewouldtakeit。Heturnedpale，wouldhavesaidsomething，butstopped；hedroppedherhand，andhisheadsankonhisbreast。`Yes，herealizesallthesignificanceofthefact，’shethought，andgratefullyshepressedhishand。
Butshewasmistakeninthinkingherealizedthesignificanceofthenewsasshe，awoman，realizedit。Onhearingit，hefeltcomeuponhimwithtenfoldintensitythatstrangefeelingofloathingofsomeone。But，atthesametime，herealizedthattheturningpointhehadbeenlongingforhadcomenow；thatitwasimpossibletogoonconcealingthingsfromherhusband，anditwasinevitableinonewayoranotherthattheyshouldsoonputanendtotheirunnaturalposition。But，besidesthat，heremotionphysicallyaffectedhiminthesameway。Helookedatherwithalookofsubmissivetenderness，kissedherhand，gotup，and，insilence，pacedupanddowntheterrace。
`Yes，’hesaid，goinguptoherresolutely。`NeitheryounorIhavelookedonourrelationsasapassingamusement，andnowourfateissealed。Itisabsolutelynecessarytoputanend’-helookedroundashespoke-`tothedeceptioninwhichweareliving。’
`Putanend？Putanendhow，Alexei？’shesaidsoftly。
Shewascalmernow，andherfacelightedupwithatendersmile。
`Leaveyourhusbandandmakeourlifeone。’
`Itisoneasitis，’sheanswered，scarcelyaudibly。
`Yes，butcompletely，completely。’
`Buthow，Alexei-tellmehow？’shesaidinmelancholymockeryatthehopelessnessofherownsituation。`Isthereanywayoutofsuchasituation？AmInotthewifeofmyhusband？’
`Thereisawayoutofeverysituation。Wemusttakeourstand，’hesaid。`Anything’sbetterthanthesituationinwhichyou’reliving。Ofcourse，Iseehowyoutortureyourselfovereverything-theworld，andyourson，andyourhusband。’
`Oh，notovermyhusband，’shesaid，withaplainsmile。`Idon’tknowhim，Idon’tthinkofhim。Hedoesn’texist。’
`You’renotspeakingsincerely。Iknowyou。Youworryabouthimtoo。’
`Oh，hedoesn’tevenknow，’shesaid，andsuddenlyahotflushcameoverherface；hercheeks，herbrow，herneckcrimsoned，andtearsofshamecameintohereyes。`Butletusnoteventalkofhim。’
Vronskyhadseveraltimesalready，thoughnotsoresolutelyasnow，triedtobringhertoconsiderherposition，andeverytimehehadbeenconfrontedbythesamesuperficialityandfrivolitywithwhichshemethisappealnow。Itwasasthoughthereweresomethinginthiswhichshecouldnotorwouldnotface，asthoughdirectlyshebegantospeakofthis，she，therealAnna，retreatedsomehowintoherself，andanotherstrangeandunaccountablewomancameout，whomhedidnotloveandwhomhefeared，andwhowasinoppositiontohim。Buttodayhewasresolvedtohaveitout。
`Whetherheknowsornot，’saidVronsky，inhisusualcalmandfirmtone，`whetherheknowsornot，hasnothingtodowithus。Wecannot……Youcannotstaylikethis，especiallynow。’
`What’stobedone，accordingtoyou？’sheaskedwiththesamefrivolousirony。Shewhohadsofearedhewouldtakeherconditiontoofrivolously，wasnowvexedwithhimfordeducingfromitthenecessityoftakingsomestep。
`Tellhimeverything，andleavehim。’
`Verywell，letussupposeIdothat，’shesaid。`Doyouknowwhattheresultofthatwouldbe？Icantellyouitallbeforehand，’andawickedlightgleamedinhereyes，thathadbeensotenderaminutebefore。```Eh，youloveanotherman，andhaveenteredintoacriminalliaisonwithhim？’’Mimickingherhusband，shethrewanemphasisontheword`criminal，’asAlexeiAlexandrovichdid。```Iwarnedyouoftheresultsinthereligious，thecivil，andthedomesticaspects。Youhavenotlistenedtome。NowIcannotletyoudisgracemyname’’-`andmyson，’shehadmeanttosay，butabouthersonshecouldnotjest-``disgracemyname，and’’-andmoreinthesamestyle，’sheadded。`Ingeneralterms，he’llsayinhisofficialmanner，andwithalldistinctnessandprecision，thathecannotletmego，butwilltakeallmeasuresinhispowertopreventscandal。Andhewillcalmlyandpunctiliouslyactinaccordancewithhiswords。That’swhatwillhappen。He’snotaman，butamachine-andaspitefulmachinewhenhe’sangry，’sheadded，recallingAlexeiAlexandrovichasshespoke，withallthepeculiaritiesofhisfigureandmannerofspeaking，andreckoningagainsthimeverydefectshecouldfindinhim，forgivinghimnothingforthegreatwrongsheherselfwasdoinghim。
`But，Anna，’saidVronsky，inasoftandpersuasivevoice，tryingtosootheher，`weabsolutelymusttellhim，atanyrate，andthenbeguidedbythelinehetakes。’
`What-runaway？’
`Andwhynotrunaway？Idon’tseehowwecankeeponlikethis。Andnotformysake-Iseethatyousuffer。’
`Yes，runaway，andbecomeyourmistress，’shesaidangrily。
`Anna，’hesaid，withreproachfultenderness。
`Yes，’shewenton，`becomeyourmistress，andcompletetheruinof……’
Againshewouldhavesaid`myson，’butshecouldnotutterthatword。
Vronskycouldnotunderstandhowshe，withherstrongandtruthfulnature，couldendurethisstateofdeceit，andnotlongtogetoutofit。Buthedidnotsuspectthatthechiefcauseofitwasthewordson，whichshecouldnotutter。Whenshethoughtofherson，andhisfutureattitudetohismother，whohadabandonedhisfather，shefeltsuchterroratwhatshehaddonethatshenolongerreasoned，but，beingawoman，couldonlytrytocomfortherselfwithlyingassurancesandwordssothateverythingshouldremainasitalwayshadbeen，andthatitwaspossibletoforgetthefearfulquestionofhowitwouldbewithherson。
`Ibegyou，Ientreatyou，’shesaidsuddenly，takinghishand，andspeakinginquiteadifferenttone，sincereandtender，`neverspeaktomeofthat！’
`But，Anna……’
`Never。Leaveittome。Iknowallthebaseness，allthehorrorofmyposition；butit’snotsoeasytodecideasyouthink。Thereforeleaveittome，anddowhatIsay。Neverspeaktomeofit。Doyoupromiseme？……No，no，promise！……’
`Ipromiseeverything，butIcan’tbeatpeace，especiallyafterwhatyouhavetoldmeIcan’tbeatpeace，whenyoucan’tbeatpeace……’
`I？’sherepeated。`Yes，Iamworriedsometimes；butthatwillpass，ifyouwillnevertalkaboutthis。Whenyoutalkaboutit-it’sonlythenitworriesme。’
`Idon’tunderstand，’hesaid。
`Iknow，’sheinterruptedhim，`howharditisforyourtruthfulnaturetolie，andIgrieveforyou。Ioftenthink，howcouldyouruinyourwholelifeforme。’
`Iwasjustthinkingtheverysamething，’hesaid；`howcouldyousacrificeeverythingformysake？Ican’tforgivemyselfbecauseyou’reunhappy。’
`Iunhappy？’shesaid，comingclosertohim，andlookingathimwithanecstaticsmileoflove。`Iamlikeahungrymanwhohasbeengivenfood。Hemaybecold，anddressedinrags，andashamed，butheisnotunhappy。Iunhappy？No，thisismyhappiness……’
Shecouldhearthesoundofherson’svoicecomingtowardthem，and，glancingswiftlyroundtheterrace，shegotupimpulsively。Hereyesglowedwiththefireheknewsowell；witharapidmovementsheraisedherlovelyhands，coveredwithrings，tookhishead，lookedintohisfacewithaprotractedgaze，and，puttingupherfacewithsmiling，partedlips，swiftlykissedhismouthandbotheyes，andthrusthimaway。Shewouldhavegone，butheheldherback。
`When？’hemurmuredinawhisper，gazinginecstasyather。
`Tonight，atoneo’clock，’shewhispered，and，withaheavysigh，shewalkedwithherlight，swiftsteptomeetherson。
Seriozhahadbeencaughtbytheraininthebiggarden，andheandhisnursehadtakenshelterinabower。
`Well，aurevoir，’shesaidtoVronsky。`Imustsoonbegettingreadyfortheraces。Betsypromisedtofetchme。’
Vronsky，lookingathiswatch，hurriedlydroveoff。
WhenVronskyhadlookedathiswatchontheKarenins’balcony，hehadbeensogreatlyagitatedandlostinhisthoughtsthat，althoughhesawthehandsonthefaceofhiswatch，hecouldnottakeinwhattimeitwas。Hecameoutontothehighroadandwalked，pickinghiswaycarefullythroughthemud，tohiscarriage。HewassocompletelyabsorbedinhisfeelingforAnna，thathedidnoteventhinkwhato’clockitwas，andwhetherhehadtimetogotoBriansky’s。Hepreserved，asoftenhappens，onlytheexternalfacultyofmemory，thatpointsouteachsteponehastotake，oneaftertheother。Hewentuptohiscoachman，whowasdozingontheboxintheshadow，alreadylengthening，ofathicklimetree；headmiredtheshiftingcloudsofmidgescirclingoverthehothorses，and，wakingthecoachman，hejumpedintothecarriage，andtoldhimtodrivetoBriansky’s。Itwasonlyafterdrivingnearlysevenverstasthathehadsufficientlyrecoveredhimselftolookathiswatch，andrealizethatitwashalfpastfive，andthathewaslate。
Therewereseveralracessetforthatday:theBodyGuards’race，thentheofficers’two-verstarace，thenthefour-verstarace，andthentheraceforwhichhewasentered。Hecouldstillbeinrighttimeforhisrace，butifhewenttoBriansky’shecouldbeonlyinfulltime，andhewouldarrivewhenthewholeCourtwouldbeintheirplaces。Thatwouldbeapity。ButhehadpromisedBrianskytocome，andsohedecidedtodriveon，tellingthecoachmannottosparethehorses。
HereachedBriansky’s，spentfiveminutesthere，andgallopedback。Thisrapiddrivecalmedhim。AllthatwaspainfulinhisrelationswithAnna，allthefeelingofindefinitenessleftbytheirconversation，hadslippedoutofhismind。Hewasthinkingnowwithpleasureandexcitementoftherace，ofhisbeingintimeafterall，andnowandthenthethoughtofthehappinessofthisnight’sassignationflashedacrosshisimaginationlikeadazzlinglight。
Theexcitementoftheapproachingracegaineduponhimmoreandmoreashedrovefartherandfartherintotheatmosphereoftheraces，overtakingcarriagesdrivingupfromthesummervillasoroutofPeterburg。
Therewasnolongeranyoneathomeathisquarters；allwereattheraces，andhisvaletwaslookingoutforhimatthegate。Whilehewaschanginghisclothes，hisvalettoldhimthatthesecondracehadbegunalready，thatalotofgentlemenhadbeentoaskforhim，andaboyhadtwicerunupfromthestables。
Dressingwithouthurryheneverhurriedhimself，andneverlosthisself-possession，Vronskydrovetothesheds。Fromtheshedshecouldseeaperfectseaofcarriages，andpeopleonfoot，soldierssurroundingtheracecourse，andpavilionsswarmingwithpeople。Thesecondracewasapparentlygoingon，forjustashewentintotheshedsheheardabellringing。Goingtowardthestable，hemetthewhite-leggedchestnut，Makhotin’sGladiator，beingledtotheracecourseinablueandorangehorsecloth，withwhatlookedlikehugeearsedgedwithblue。
`Where’sCord？’heaskedthestableboy。
`Inthestable，puttingonthesaddle。’
IntheopenhorseboxstoodFrou-Frou，saddledready。Theywerejustgoingtoleadherout。
`I’mnottoolate？’
`Allright！Allright！’saidtheEnglishman；`don’tupsetyourself！’
Vronskyoncemoretookinatoneglancethebeautifullinesofhisfavoritemare，whowasquiveringallover，andwithanefforthetorehimselffromthesightofher，andwentoutofthestable。Hewenttowardthepavilionsatthemostfavorablemomentforescapingattention。Thetwo-verstaracewasjustfinishing，andalleyeswerefixedonthecavalryguardinfrontandthelighthussarbehind，urgingtheirhorsesonwithalasteffortclosetothewinningpost。Fromthecenterandoutsideoftheringallwerecrowdingtothewinningpost，andagroupofsoldiersandofficersofthecavalryguardswereshoutingloudlytheirdelightattheexpectedtriumphoftheirofficerandcomrade。Vronskymovedintothemiddleofthecrowdunnoticed，almostattheverymomentwhenthebellrangatthefinishoftherace，andthetall，mud-spatteredcavalryguardwhocameinfirst，leaningoverthesaddle，letgothereinsofhispantinggraystallionthatlookeddarkwithsweat。
Thestallion，stiffeningouthislegs，withaneffortstoppedhisrapidcourse，andtheofficerofthecavalryguardslookedroundhimlikeamanwakingupfromaheavysleep，andjustmanagedtosmile。Acrowdoffriendsandoutsiderspressedroundhim。
Vronskyintentionallyavoidedthatselectcrowdofupperworld，whichwasmovingandtalkingwithdiscreetfreedombeforethepavilions。HeknewthatMadameKareninawasthere，andBetsy，andhisbrother’swife，andhepurposelydidnotgonearthemforfearofsomethingdistractinghisattention。Buthewascontinuallymetandstoppedbyacquaintances，whotoldhimaboutthepreviousraces，andkeptaskinghimwhyhewassolate。
Atthetimewhentheracershadtogotothepaviliontoreceivetheprizes，andallattentionwasdirectedtothatpoint，Vronsky’selderbrother，Alexandre，acolonelwiththeshoulderknot，cameuptohim。Hewasnottall，thoughasbroadlybuiltasAlexei，andhandsomerandrosierthanhe；hehadarednose，andanopen，tipsyface。
`Didyougetmynote？’hesaid。`There’sneveranyfindingyou。’
AlexandreVronsky，inspiteofhisdissolutelife，andparticularlyhisdrunkenhabits，forwhichhewasnotorious，wasquiteoneoftheCourtcircle。
Now，ashetalkedtohisbrotherofamatterboundtobeexceedinglydisagreeabletohim，knowingthattheeyesofmanypeoplemightbefixeduponhim，hekeptasmilingcountenance，asthoughhewerejestingwithhisbrotheraboutsomethingoflittlemoment。
`Igotit，andIreallycan’tmakeoutwhatyouareworryingyourselfabout，’saidAlexei。
`I’mworryingmyselfbecausetheremarkhasjustbeenmadetomethatyouweren’there，andthatyouwereseeninPeterhofonMonday。’
`Therearematterswhichonlyconcernthosedirectlyinterestedinthem，andthematteryouaresoworriedaboutisofthatnature……’
`Yes，butifso，onedoesnotbelongintheservice，onedoesnot……’
`Ibegyounottomeddle，andthatisall。’
AlexeiVronsky’sfrowningfaceturnedpale，andhisprominentlowerjawquivered，whichhappenedrarelywithhim。Beingamanofverywarmheart，hewasseldomangry；butwhenhewasangry，andwhenhischinquivered，then，asAlexandreVronskyknew，hewasdangerous。AlexandreVronskysmiledgaily。
`Ionlywantedtogiveyoumother’sletter。Answeritanddon’tworryaboutanythingjustbeforetherace。Bonnechance，’headded，smiling，andhemovedawayfromhim。ButafterhimanotherfriendlygreetingbroughtVronskytoastandstill。
`Soyouwon’trecognizeyourfriends！Howareyou，moncher？’saidStepanArkadyevich，asconspicuouslybrilliantinthemidstofallthePeterburgbrillianceashewasinMoscow，hisfacerosy，andhiswhiskerssleekandglossy。`Icameupyesterday，andI’mdelightedbecauseIshallseeyourtriumph。Whenshallwemeet？’
`Cometomorrowtothemessroom，’saidVronsky，andsqueezinghimbythesleeveofhisgreatcoat，withapologies，hemovedawaytothecenteroftheracecourse，wherethehorseswerebeingledforthegreatsteeplechase。
Thehorseswhohadruninthelastracewerebeingledhome，steamingandexhausted，bythestableboys，andoneafteranotherthefreshhorsesforthecomingracemadetheirappearance，forthemostpartEnglishracers，wearinghorseclothsandlookingwiththeirdrawn-upbellieslikestrange，hugebirds。OntherightFrou-Frouwasledin，leanandbeautiful，liftingupherelastic，ratherlongpasterns，asthoughmovedbysprings。Notfarfromhertheyweretakingthecaparisonoffthelop-caredGladiator。Thestrong，exquisite，perfectlycorrectlinesofthestallion，withhissuperbhindquartersandexcessivelyshortpasternsalmostoverhishoofs，attractedVronsky’sattentioninspiteofhimself。Hewouldhavegoneuptohismare，buthewasagaindetainedbyanacquaintance。
`Oh，there’sKarenin！’saidtheacquaintancewithwhomhewaschatting。`He’slookingforhiswife，andshe’sinthemiddleofthepavilion。Didn’tyouseeher？’
`No，Ididn’t，’answeredVronsky，andwithoutevenglancingroundtowardthepavilionwherehisfriendwaspointingoutMadameKarenina，hewentuptohismare。
Vronskyhadnothadtimetolookatthesaddle，aboutwhichhehadtogivesomedirection，whentheentrantsweresummonedtothepaviliontoreceivetheirnumbersandplacesintherowatstarting。Seventeenofficers，lookingseriousandsevere，manywithpalefaces，mettogetherinthepavilionanddrewthenumbers。Vronskydrewnumber7。Thecrywasheard:`Mount！’
Feelingthat，withtheothersridingintherace，hewasthecenteruponwhichalleyeswerefastened，Vronskywalkeduptohismareinthatstateofnervoustensioninwhichheusuallybecamedilatoryandcalminhismovements。Cord，inhonoroftheraces，hadputonhisbestclothes，ablackcoatbuttonedup，astifflystarchedcollar，whichproppeduphischeeks，ablackbowlerandHessianboots。Hewascalmanddignifiedasever，andwaswithhisownhandsholdingFrou-Froubybothreins，standingstraightinfrontofher。Frou-Frouwasstilltremblingasthoughinafever。Hereye，fulloffire，glancedsidewaysatVronsky。Vronskyslippedhisfingerunderthesaddlegirth。Themareglancedaslantathim，drewupherlip，andtwitchedherear。TheEnglishmanpuckereduphislips，intendingtoindicateasmilethatanyoneshouldverifyhissaddling。
`Getup；youwon’tfeelsoexcited。’
Vronskylookedroundforthelasttimeathisrivals。Heknewthathewouldnotseethemduringtherace。Twowerealreadyridingforwardtothepointfromwhichtheyweretostart。Galtsin，afriendofVronsky’sandoneofhismoreformidablerivals，wasmovingroundabayhorsethatwouldnotlethimmount。Alittlehussarofthelifeguardsintightridingbreechesrodeoffatagallop，croucheduplikeacatovertheporridge，inimitationofEnglishjockeys。PrinceKuzovlevsatwithawhitefaceonhisthoroughbredmarefromtheGrabovskystud，whileanEnglishgroomledherbythebridle。VronskyandallhiscomradesknewKuzovlevandhispeculiarityof`weaknerves’andterriblevanity。Theyknewthathewasafraidofeverything-afraidofridingalinehorse。Butnow，justbecauseitwasterrible，becausepeoplebroketheirnecks，andtherewasadoctorstandingateachobstacle，andanambulancewithacrossonit，andasisterofmercy，hehadmadeuphismindtotakepartintherace。Theireyesmet，andVronskygavehimafriendlyandencouragingnod。Onlyonehedidnotsee，hischiefrival，MakhotinonGladiator。
`Don’tbeinahurry，’saidCordtoVronsky，`andrememberonething:don’tholdherinatthefences，anddon’turgeheron；lethergoasshelikes。’
`Allright，allright，’saidVronsky，takingthereins。
`Ifyoucan，leadtherace；butdon’tlosehearttillthelastminute，evenifyou’rebehind。’
Beforethemarehadtimetomove，Vronskysteppedwithanagile，vigorousmovementintothesteel-toothedstirrup，andlightlyandfirmlyplacedhiscompactedbodyonthecreakingleatherofthesaddle。Gettinghisrightfootinthestirrup，hewithhabitualmovingsmoothedthedoublereinsbetweenhisfingers，andCordletgo。Asthoughshedidnotknowwhichfoottoputfirst，Frou-Froustarted，draggingatthereinswithherlongneck，andasthoughshewereonsprings，shakingherriderfromsidetoside。Cordquickenedhisstep，followinghim。Theexcitedmare，tryingtodeceiveherrider，pulledatthereins，firstononesideandthentheother，andVronskytriedinvainwithvoiceandhandtosootheher。
Theywerejustreachingthedammed-upstreamontheirwaytothestartingpoint。Severaloftheriderswereinfrontandseveralbehind，whensuddenlyVronskyheardthesoundofahorsegallopinginthebehindhim，andhewasovertakenbyMakhotinonhiswhite-legged，lop-earedGladiator。Makhotinsmiled，showinghislongteeth，butVronskylookedathimangrily。Hedidnotlikehim，andregardedhimnowashismostformidablerival。Hewasangrywithhimforgallopingpastandexcitinghismare。Frou-Froustartedintoagallop，herleftfootforward，madetwobounds，andfrettingatthetightenedreins，passedintoajoltingtrot，bumpingherriderupanddown。Cord，too，scowled，andfollowedVronskyalmostambling。
Therewereseventeenofficersinallridinginthisrace。Theracecoursewasalargefour-verstaringintheformofanellipseinfrontofthepavilion。Onthiscoursenineobstacleshadbeenarranged:thestream，abigandsolidbarriertwoarsheeneshigh，justbeforethepavilion，adryditch，aditchfullofwater，aprecipitousslope，anIrishbarricadeoneofthemostdifficultobstacles，consistingofamoundfencedwithbrushwood，beyondwhichwasaditchoutofsightforthehorses，sothatthehorsehadtoclearbothobstaclesorpossiblybekilled；thentwomoreditchesfilledwithwater，andonedryone；andtheendoftheracewasjustfacingthepavilion。Buttheracebegannotinthering，butahundredarsheenesawayfromit，andinthatpartofthecoursewasthefirstobstacle，adammed-upstream，threearsheenesinbreadth，whichtheracerscouldleaporwadethroughastheypreferred。
Threetimestheywererangedreadytostart，buteachtimesomehorsethrustitselfoutofline，andtheyhadtobeginagain。Thestarter，ColonelSestrin，wasbeginningtolosehistemper，whenatlast，forthefourthtime，heshouted`Away！’andtheridersstarted。
Everyeye，everyoperaglass，wasturnedonthebrightlycoloredgroupofridersatthemomenttheywereinlinetostart。
`They’reoff！They’restarting！’washeardonallsidesafterthehushofexpectation。
Andlittlegroupsandsolitaryfiguresamongthepublicbeganrunningfromplacetoplacetogetabetterview。Intheveryfirstminutetheclosegroupofhorsemenspreadout，anditcouldbeseenthattheywereapproachingthestreamintwosandthreesandonebehindanother。Tothespectatorsitseemedasthoughtheyhadallstartedsimultaneously，buttotheracersthereweresecondsofdifferencethathadgreatvaluetothem。
Frou-Frou，excitedandovernervous，hadlostthefirstmoment，andseveralhorseshadstartedbeforeher，butbeforereachingthestream，Vronsky，whowasholdinginthemarewithallhisforceasshetuggedatthebridle，easilyovertookthree，andtherewereleftinfrontofhimMakhotin’schestnutGladiator，whosehindquartersweremovinglightlyandrhythmicallyupanddownexactlyinfrontofVronsky，and，infrontofall，thedaintymareDianabearingthemoredeadthanaliveKuzovlev。
ForthefirstinstantVronskywasnotmastereitherofhimselforhismare。Uptothefirstobstacle，thestream，hecouldnotguidethemotionsofhismare。
GladiatorandDianacameuptoittogetherandalmostatthesameinstant；atastroketheyroseabovethestreamandflewacrosstotheotherside；Frou-Froudartedafterthemeasily，asifflying；butattheverymomentwhenVronskyfelthimselfintheair，hesuddenlysawalmostunderhismare’shoofsKuzovlev，whowasflounderingwithDianaonthefurthersideofthestream。Kuzovlevhadletgothereinsashetooktheleap，andthemarehadfallentogetherwithhimoverherhead。ThosedetailsVronskylearnedlater；atthemomentallhesawwasthatjustunderhim，whereFrou-Froumustalight，Diana’slegsorheadmightbeintheway。ButFrou-Froudrewupherlegsandbackintheveryactofleaping，likeafallingcat，and，clearingtheothermare，alightedbeyondher。
`Oh，youdarling！’flashedthroughVronsky’shead。
AftercrossingthestreamVronskyhadcompletecontrolofhismare，andbeganholdingherin，intendingtocrossthegreatbarrierbehindMakhotin，andtotrytoovertakehiminthecleargroundofabouttwohundredsazhenesthatfollowedit。
ThegreatbarrierstoodjustinfrontoftheImperialPavilion。TheCzarandthewholeCourt，andcrowdsofpeople，wereallgazingatthem-athim，andatMakhotin，alengthaheadofhim，astheydrewnearthe`devil，’asthesolidbarrierwascalled。Vronskywasawareofthoseeyesfasteneduponhimfromallsides，buthesawnothingexcepttheearsandneckofhisownmare，thegroundracingtomeethim，andthebackandwhitelegsofGladiatorbeatingtimeswiftlybeforehim，andkeepingalwaysthesamedistanceahead。Gladiatorrose，withnosoundofknockingagainstanything。WithawaveofhisshorttailhedisappearedfromVronsky’ssight。
`Bravo！’criedavoice。
Atthesameinstant，underVronsky’seyes，rightbeforehimflashedthepalingsofthebarrier。Withouttheslightestchangeinheractionhismareflewoverit；thepalingsvanished，andheheardonlyacrashbehindhim。Themare，excitedbyGladiator’skeepingahead，hadrisentoosoonbeforethebarrier，andgrazeditwithoneofherhindhoofs。Butherpaceneverchanged，andVronsky，feelingaspatterofmudinhisface，realizedthathewasoncemorethesamedistancefromGladiator。Oncemoreheperceivedinfrontofhimthesamebackandshorttail，andagainthesameswiftlymovingwhitelegsthatgotnofurtheraway。
AttheverymomentwhenVronskythoughtthatnowwasthetimetoovertakeMakhotin，Frou-Frouherself，understandinghisthoughts，withoutanyincitementonhispart，gainedconsiderably，andbegangettingalongsideofMakhotinonthemostfavorableside，closetotheinnerrope。Makhotinwouldnotletherpassthatside。Vronskyhadhardlyformedthethoughtthathecouldperhapspassontheouterside，whenFrou-Froushiftedherpaceandbeganovertakinghimontheotherside。Frou-Frou’sshoulder，beginningbynowtobedarkwithsweat，wasevenwithGladiator’sback。Forafewboundstheymovedevenly。Butbeforetheobstacletheywereapproaching，Vronskybeganworkingatthereins，anxioustoavoidhavingtotaketheoutercircle，andswiftlypassedMakhotinjustuponthedeclivity。Hecaughtaglimpseofhismud-stainedfaceasheflashedby。Heevenfanciedthathesmiled。VronskypassedMakhotin，buthewasimmediatelyawareofhimcloseuponhim，andheneverceasedhearingjustbehindhimtheeven-thuddinghoofsandtherapidandstillquitefreshbreathingofGladiator。
Thenexttwoobstacles，thewatercourseandthebarrier，wereeasilycrossed，butVronskybegantohearthesnortingandthudofGladiatorcloseruponhim。Heurgedonhismare，andtohisdelightfeltthatsheeasilyquickenedherpace，andthethudofGladiator’shoofswasagainheardatthesamedistanceaway。
Vronskywasattheheadoftherace，justashewantedtobeandasCordhadadvised，andnowhefeltsureofbeingthewinner。Hisexcitement，hisdelight，andhistendernessforFrou-Frougrewkeenerandkeener。Helongedtolookround，buthedidnotdaredothis，andtriedtobecoolandnottourgeonhismare，soastokeepthesamereserveofforceinherashefeltthatGladiatorstillkept。Thereremainedonlyoneobstacle，themostdifficult；ifhecouldcrossitaheadoftheothers，hewouldcomeinfirst。HewasflyingtowardtheIrishbarricade；Frou-Frouandhebothtogethersawthebarricadeinthedistance，andboththemanandthemarehadamoment’shesitation。Hesawtheuncertaintyinthemare’searsandliftedthewhip，butatthesametimefeltthathisfearsweregroundless；themareknewwhatwaswanted。Shequickenedherpaceandroserhythmically，justashehadfanciedshewould，andassheleftthegroundgaveherselfuptotheforceofherrush，whichcarriedherfarbeyondtheditch；andwiththesamerhythm，withouteffort，withthesamelegforward，Frou-Froufellbackintoherpaceagain。
`Bravo，Vronsky！’heheardshoutsfromaknotofmen-heknewtheywerehisfriendsandhisregimentcomrades-whowerestandingattheobstacle。HecouldnotfailtorecognizeIashvin’svoice，thoughhedidnotseehim。
`Omysweet！’hesaidinwardlytoFrou-Frou，ashelistenedforwhatwashappeningbehind。`He’sclearedit！’hethought，catchingthethudofGladiator’shoofsbehindhim。Thereremainedonlythelastditch，filledwithwaterandtwoarsheeneswide。Vronskydidnotevenlookatit，butanxioustocomeinalongwayaheadbegansawingawayatthereins，liftingthemare’sheadandlettingitgointimewithherpaces。Hefeltthatthemarewasatherverylastreserveofstrength；notherneckandshouldersmerelywerewet，butthesweatwasstandingindropsonhermane，herhead，hersharpears，andherbreathcameinshort，sharpgasps。Butheknewthatshehadstrengthleftmorethanenoughfortheremainingtwohundredsazhenes。ItwasonlyfromfeelinghimselfnearerthegroundandfromthepeculiarsmoothnessofhismotionthatVronskyknewhowgreatlythemarehadquickenedherpace。Sheflewovertheditchasthoughnotnoticingit。Sheflewoveritlikeabird；butatthesameinstantVronsky，tohishorror，feltthatfailingtokeepupwiththemare’space，hehad，hedidnotknowhow，madeanabominable，unpardonablemoveinrecoveringhisseatinthesaddle。Allatoncehispositionhadshiftedandheknewthatsomethingawfulhadhappened。Hecouldnotyetmakeoutwhathadhappened，whenthewhitelegsofachestnuthorseflashedbyclosetohim，andMakhotinpassedataswiftgallop。Vronskywastouchingthegroundwithonefoot，andhismarewassinkingonthatfoot。Hejusthadtimetofreehislegwhenshefellononeside，gaspingpainfully，and，makingvaineffortstorisewithherdelicate，soakingneck，sheflutteredonthegroundathisfeetlikeashotbird。TheclumsymovementmadebyVronskyhadbrokenherback。Butthatheonlyknewmuchlater。AtthatmomentheknewonlythatMakhotinhadflownswiftlyby，whilehestoodstaggeringaloneonthemuddy，motionlessground，andFrou-Froulaygaspingbeforehim，bendingherheadbackandgazingathimwithherexquisiteeye。Stillunabletorealizewhathadhappened，Vronskytuggedathismare’sreins。Againshestruggledalloverlikeafish，and，hershouldersmakingthewingsofthesaddlecrackle，sheroseonherfrontlegs；butunabletoliftherback，shequiveredalloverandagainfellonherside。Withhisfacehideouswithpassion，pale，hislowerjawtrembling，Vronskykickedherwithhisheelinthestomachandagainfelltotuggingattherein。Shedidnotstir，butthrustinghernoseintotheground，shesimplygazedathermasterwithherspeakingeyes。
`A-a-a！’groanedVronsky，clutchingathishead。`Ah！whathaveIdone！’hecried。`Theracelost！Andmyfault！shameful，unpardonable！Andthepoordarling，ruinedmare！Ah，whathaveIdone！’
Acrowdofmen，adoctorandhisassistant，theofficersofhisregiment，ranuptohim。Tohismiseryhefeltthathewaswholeandunhurt。Themarehadbrokenherback，anditwasdecidedtoshoother。Vronskycouldnotanswerquestions，couldnotspeaktoanyone。Heturned，andwithoutpickinguphisfallencap，walkedawayfromtheracecourse，unconsciousofwherehewasgoing。Hefeltutterlywretched。Forthefirsttimeinhislifeheknewthebitterestsortofmisfortune，misfortunebeyondremedy，andcausedbyhisownfault。
Iashvinovertookhimwithhiscap，andledhimhome，andhalfanhourlaterVronskyhadregainedhisself-possession。Butthememoryofthatraceremainedforlonginhisheart，thecruelestandbitterestmemoryofhislife。