AttheendofSeptemberthetimberhadbeencartedforbuildingthecattleyardonthelandthathadbeenallottedtotheassociationofpeasants，andthebutterfromthecowswassoldandtheprofitsdivided。InPracticethesystemworkedcapitally，or，atleast，soitseemedtoLevin。Inordertoworkoutthewholesubjecttheoreticallyandtocompletehisbook，which，inLevin’sdaydreams，wasnotmerelytoeffectarevolutioninpoliticaleconomy，buttoannihilatethatscienceentirelyandtolaythefoundationofanewscienceoftherelationofthepeopletothesoil，allthatwaslefttodowastomakeatourabroad，andtostudyonthespotallthathadbeendoneinthesamedirection，andtocollectconclusiveevidencethatallthathadbeendonetherewasnotwhatwaswanted。Levinwasonlywaitingforthedeliveryofhiswheattoreceivethemoneyforitandgoabroad。Buttherainsbeganpreventingtheharvestingofthecornandpotatoesleftinthefields，andputtingastoptoallwork，eventothedeliveryofthewheat。Themudwasimpassablealongtheroads；twomillswerecarriedawaybythespate，andtheweathergotworseandworse。
Onthe30thofSeptemberthesuncameoutinthemorning，and，hopingforfineweather，Levinbeganmakingfinalpreparationsforhisjourney。Hegaveordersforthewheattobedelivered，sentthebailifftothemerchanttogetthemoneyowinghim，andwentouthimselftogivesomefinaldirectionsontheestatebeforesettingoff。
Havingfinishedallhisbusiness，soakedthroughwiththestreamsofwaterwhichkeptrunningintohisleathercoatanddownhisneckandhisboottops，butinthekeenestandmostconfidenttemper，Levinturnedhomewardintheevening。Theweatherhadbecomeworsethanevertowardevening；thehaillashedthedrenchedmaresocruellythatshewentalongsideways，shakingherheadandears；butLevinwasallrightunderhishood，andhelookedcheerfullyabouthimatthemuddystreamsrunningunderthewheels，atthedropshangingoneverybaretwig，atthewhitenessofthepatchofunmeltedhailstonesontheplanksofthebridge，atthethicklayerofstillsucculent，fleshyleavesthatlayheapedupaboutthestrippedelmtree。Inspiteofthegloominessofnaturearoundhim，hefeltpeculiarlyeager。Thetalkshehadbeenhavingwiththepeasantsinthefarthervillagehadshownthattheywerebeginningtogetusedtotheirnewposition。Theinnkeeper，anoldman，towhoseinnhehadgonetogetdryevidentlyapprovedofLevin’splan，andofhisownaccordproposedtoenterthepartnershipforpurchasingofcattle。
`Ihaveonlytogoonstubbornlytowardmyaim，andIshallattainmyend，’thoughtLevin；`andit’ssomethingtoworkandtaketroublefor。Thisisnotamatterofmyselfindividually，thequestionofthepublicwelfarecomesintoit。Thewholesystemofagriculture，thechiefelementintheconditionofthepeople，mustbecompletelytransformed。Insteadofpoverty-generalprosperityandcontent；insteadofhostility-harmonyandunityofinterests。Inshort，abloodlessrevolution，butarevolutionofthegreatestmagnitude，beginninginthelittlecircleofourdistrict，thentheprovince，thenRussia，andthewholeworld。Becauseajustideacannotbutbefruitful。Yes，it’sanaimworthworkingfor。AndthefactthatitisI，KostiaLevin，whowenttoaballinablacktie，andwasrefusedbytheShcherbatskygirl，andwhoisintrinsicallysuchapitiful，worthlesscreaturetohimself-thatprovesnothing；IfeelsureFranklinfeltjustasworthless，andhetoohadnofaithinhimself，thinkingofhimselfasawhole。Thatmeansnothing。Andhetoo，mostlikely，hadanAgathyaMikhailovnatowhomheconfidedhissecrets。’
MusingonsuchthoughtsLevinreachedhomeinthedarkness。
Thebailiff，whohadbeentothemerchant，hadcomebackandbroughtpartofthemoneyforthewheat。Anagreementhadbeenmadewiththeoldinnkeeper，andontheroadthebailiffhadlearnedthateverywherethecornwasstillstandinginthefields，sothathisonehundredandsixtyshocksthathadnotbeencarriedwerenothingincomparisonwiththelossesofothers。
AfterdinnerLevinwassitting，asheusuallydid，inaneasychairwithabook，andashereadhewentonthinkingofthejourneybeforehiminconnectionwithhisbook。Todayallthesignificanceofhisbookrosebeforehimwithspecialdistinctness，andwholeperiodsrangedthemselvesinhismindinillustrationofhistheories。`Imustwritethatdown，’hethought。`Thatoughttoformabriefintroduction，whichIthoughtunnecessarybefore。’Hegotuptogotohiswritingtable，andLaska，lyingathisfeet，gotuptoo，stretchingandlookingathimasthoughtoinquirewheretogo。Buthehadnottimetowriteitdown，fortheoverseershadcomeforreceivingorders，andLevinwentoutintothehalltomeetthem。
Aftergivingorders，thatistosay，directionsaboutthelaborsofthenextday，andseeingallthepeasantswhohadbusinesswithhim，Levinwentbacktohisstudyandsatdowntowork。Laskalayunderthetable；AgathyaMikhailovnasettledherselfinherplacewithherstocking。
Afterwritingforalittlewhile，LevinsuddenlythoughtwithexceptionalvividnessofKitty，herrefusal，andtheirlastmeeting。Hegotupandbeganwalkingabouttheroom。
`What’stheuseofbeingdownhearted？’saidAgathyaMikhailovna。`Come，whydoyoustayonathome？Yououghttogotosomewarmsprings，especiallynowthatyou’rereadyforthejourney。’
`Well，Iamgoingawaythedayaftertomorrow，AgathyaMikhailovna；Imustfinishmywork。’
`There，there，yourwork，yousay！Asifyouhadn’tdoneenoughforthepeasants！Why，as’tis，they’resaying，``YourmasterwillbegettingsomehonorfromtheCzarforit。’Indeed，’tisastrangething:whyneedyouworryaboutthepeasants？’
`I’mnotworryingaboutthem；I’mdoingitformyowngood。’
AgathyaMikhailovnakneweverydetailofLevin’splansforhisland。Levinoftenputhisviewsbeforeherinalltheircomplexity，andnotuncommonlyhearguedwithheranddidnotagreewithhercomments。Butonthisoccasionsheentirelymisinterpretedwhathehadsaid。
`Ofone’ssoul’ssalvationweallknowandmustthinkbeforeallelse，’shesaidwithasigh。`ParfionDenissichnow，forallhewasnoscholar，diedadeathwhoselikemayGodgranttoeveryoneofus，’shesaid，referringtoaservantwhohaddiedrecently。`Tookthesacramentandall。’
`That’snotwhatImean，’saidhe。`ImeanthatI’mactingformyownadvantage。It’sallthebetterformeifthepeasantsdotheirworkbetter。’
`Well，whateveryoudo，ifhe’salazygood-for-naught，everything’llbeatsixesandsevens。Ifhehasaconscience，he’llwork，andifnot，there’snodoinganything。’
`Oh，come，yousayyourselfIvanhasbegunlookingafterthecattlebetter。’
`AllIsayis，’answeredAgathyaMikhailovna，evidentlynotspeakingatrandom，butinstrictsequenceofideas，`thatyououghttogetmarried-that’swhatIsay。’
AgathyaMikhailovna’sallusiontotheverysubjecthehadonlyjustbeenthinkingabouthurtandstunghim。Levinscowled，andwithoutansweringher，hesatdownagaintohiswork，repeatingtohimselfallthathehadbeenthinkingoftherealsignificanceofthatwork。OnlyatintervalshelistenedinthestillnesstotheclickofAgathyaMikhailovna’sneedles，and，recollectingwhathedidnotwanttoremember，hewouldfrownagain。
Atnineo’clocktheyheardthebellandthefaintvibrationofacarriageoverthemud。
`Well，here’svisitorscometous，andyouwon’tbedull，’saidAgathyaMikhailovna，gettingupandgoingtothedoor。ButLevinovertookher。Hisworkwasnotgoingwellnow，andhewasgladofavisitor，whoeveritmightbe。
Runninghalfwaydownthestaircase，Levincaughtasoundheknew，afamiliarcoughinthehall。Buthehearditindistinctlythroughthesoundofhisownfootsteps，andhopedhewasmistaken。Thenhecaughtsightofalong，bony，familiarfigure，andnowitseemedtherewasnopossibilityofmistake；andyethestillwentonhopingthatthistallmantakingoffhisfurcloakandcoughingwasnothisbrotherNikolai。
Levinlovedhisbrother，butbeingwithhimwasalwaysatorture。Justnow，whenLevin，undertheinfluenceofthethoughtsthathadcometohim，andAgathyaMikhailovna’shint，wasinatroubledanduncertainhumor，thismeetingwithhisbrotherwhichhehadtofaceseemedparticularlydifficult。Insteadofalively，healthyvisitor，someoutsiderwhowould，hehoped，cheerhimupinhisuncertainhumor，hehadtoseehisbrother，whoknewhimthroughandthrough，whowouldcallforthallthethoughtsnearesthisheart，wouldforcehimtoshowhimselffully。Andthathewasnotdisposedtodo。
Angrywithhimselfforsobaseafeeling，Levinranintothehall；assoonashehadseenhisbrotherclose，thisfeelingofselfishdisappointmentvanishedinstantlyandwasreplacedbypity。TerribleashisbrotherNikolaihadbeenbeforeinhisemaciationandsickliness，nowhelookedstillmoreemaciated，stillmorewasted。Hewasaskeletoncoveredbyskin。
Hestoodinthehall，jerkinghislongthinneck，andpullingthescarfoffit，andsmiledastrangeandpitifulsmile。Whenhesawthatsmile，submissiveandhumble，Levinfeltsomethingclutchingathisthroat。
`Yousee，I’vecometoyou，’saidNikolaiinathickvoice，neverforonesecondtakinghiseyesoffhisbrother’sface。`I’vebeenmeaningtoalongwhile，butI’vebeenconstantlyunwell。NowI’meversomuchbetter，’hesaid，rubbinghisbeardwithhisbigthinhands。
`Yes，yes！’answeredLevin。Andhefeltstillmorefrightenedwhen，kissinghim，hefeltwithhislipsthedrynessofhisbrother’sskinandsawclosetohimhisbigeyes，fullofastrangelight。
Afewweeksbefore，KonstantinLevinhadwrittentohisbrotherthatthroughthesaleofthesmallpartofthepropertythathadremainedundivided，therewasasumofabouttwothousandroublestocometohimashisshare。
Nikolaisaidthathehadcomenowtotakehismoneyand，whatwasmoreimportant，tostayawhileintheoldnest，togetintouchwiththeearth，soastorenewhisstrengthliketheheroesofoldfortheworkthatlaybeforehim。Inspiteofhisexaggeratedstoop，andtheemaciationthatwassostrikingfromhisheight，hismovementswereasrapidandabruptasever。Levinledhimintohisstudy。
Hisbrotherdressedwithparticularcare-athingheneverusedtodo-combedhisscanty，lankhair，and，smiling，wentupstairs。
Hewasinthemostaffectionateandgood-humoredmood，justasLevinoftenrememberedhiminchildhood。HeevenreferredtoSergeiIvanovichwithoutrancor。WhenhesawAgathyaMikhailovna，hejokedwithherandaskedaftertheoldservants。ThenewsofthedeathofParfionDenissichmadeapainfulimpressiononhim。Alookoffearcrossedhisface，butheregainedhisserenityimmediately。
`Ofcoursehewasquiteold，’hesaid，andchangedthesubject。`Well，I’llspendamonthortwowithyou，andthenI’mofftoMoscow。Doyouknow，Miaghkovhaspromisedmeaplacethere，andI’mgoingintotheservice。NowI’mgoingtoarrangemylifequitedifferently，’hewenton。`YouknowIgotridofthatwoman。’
`MaryaNikolaevna？Why，whatfor？’
`Oh，shewasahorridwoman！Shecausedmeallsortsofannoyances。’Buthedidnotsaywhattheannoyanceswere。HecouldnotsaythathehaddrivenoffMaryaNikolaevnabecausetheteawasweak，and，aboveall，becauseshewouldlookafterhimasthoughhewereaninvalid。`Besides，Iwanttoturnoveranewleafcompletelynow。I’vedonesillythings，ofcourse，likeeveryoneelse，butmoney’sthelastconsideration；Idon’tregretit。Solongasthere’shealth-andmyhealth，thankGod，isquiterestored。’
Levinlistenedandrackedhisbrains，butcouldthinkofnothingtosay。Nikolaiprobablyfeltthesame；hebeganquestioninghisbrotherabouthisaffairs；andLevinwasgladtotalkabouthimself，becausethenhecouldspeakwithouthypocrisy。Hetoldhisbrotherofhisplansandhisdoings。
Hisbrotherlistened，butevidentlyhewasnotinterested。
Thesetwomenweresoakin，soneareachother，thattheslightestgesture，thetoneofvoice，toldbothmorethancouldbesaidinwords。
Bothofthemnowhadonlyonethought-theillnessofNikolaiandthenearnessofhisdeath-whichstifledallelse。Butneitherofthemdaredspeakofit，andso，whatevertheysaid-withoututteringtheonethoughtthatfilledtheirminds-wasallfalsehood。NeverhadLevinbeensogladwhentheeveningwasoveranditwastimetogotobed。Neverwithanyoutsideperson，neveronanyofficialvisit，hadhebeensounnaturalandfalseashewasthatevening。Andtheconsciousnessofthisunnaturalness，andtheremorsehefeltatit，madehimevenmoreunnatural。Hewantedtoweepoverhisdying，dearlylovedbrother，andhehadtolistenandkeepontalkingofhowhemeanttolive。
Asthehousewasdamp，andonlytheonebedroomhadbeenkeptheated，Levinputhisbrothertosleepinhisownbedroom，behindapartition。
Hisbrothergotintobed，andwhetherhesleptordidnotsleep，tossedaboutlikeasickman，coughed，andwhenhecouldnotgethisthroatclear，mumbledsomething。Sometimeswhenhisbreathingwaspainful，hesaid，`Oh，myGod！’Sometimeswhenhewaschokinghemutteredangrily，`Ah，thedevil！’Levincouldnotsleepforalongwhile，hearinghim。Histhoughtswereofthemostvariouskinds，buttheendofallhisthoughtswasthesame-death。
Death，theinevitableendofall，forthefirsttimepresenteditselftohimwithirresistibleforce。Anddeath，whichwashereinthislovedbrother，groaninghalf-asleepandfromhabitcallingwithoutdistinctiononGodandthedevil，wasnotsoremoteasithadhithertoseemedtohim。Itwasinhimself，too，thathefeltthis。Ifnottoday，tomorrow；ifnottomorrow，inthirtyyears-wasn’titallthesame？Andwhatwasthisinevitabledeath-hedidnotknow，hadneverthoughtaboutit，and，whatwasmore，hadnotthepower，hadnotthecouragetothinkaboutit。
`Iwork，Iwanttodosomething，butIhadforgottenitmustallend；Ihadforgotten-death。’
Hesatonhisbedinthedarkness，crouchedup，hugginghisknees，and，holdinghisbreathfromthestrainofthought，hepondered。Butthemoreintenselyhethought，thecleareritbecametohimthatitwasindubitablyso，that，inreality，lookinguponlife，hehadforgottenonelittlefact-thatdeathwillcome，andallends；thatnothingwasevenworthbeginning，andthattherewasnohelpingitanyway。Yes，itwasawful，butitwasso。
`ButIamalivestill。What’stobedonenow-what’stobedone？’heaskedindespair。Helightedacandle，gotupcautiously，wenttothelookingglass，andbeganlookingathisfaceandhair。Yes，thereweregrayhairsabouthistemples。Heopenedhismouth。Hisbackteethwerebeginningtodecay。Hebaredhismusculararms。Yes，therewasstrengthinthem。ButNikolenka，wholaytherebreathingwithwhatwasleftofhislungs，hadhadastrong，healthybodytoo。Andsuddenlyherecalledhowtheyusedtogotobedtogetheraschildren，andhowtheyonlywaitedtillFiodorBogdanichwasoutoftheroomtoflingpillowsateachotherandlaugh，laughirrepressibly，sothateventheiraweofFiodorBogdanichcouldnotchecktheeffervescing，overbrimmingsenseoflifeandhappiness。`Andnowthatwarped，hollowchest……AndI，notknowingwhatwillbecomeofme，orwherefore……’
`K-ha！K-ha！Damnation！Whydoyoukeepfidgeting-whydon’tyougotosleep？’hisbrother’svoicecalledtohim。
`Oh，Idon’tknow；I’mnotsleepy。’
`Ihavehadagoodsleep，I’mnotinasweatnow。Justsee，feelmyshirt-there’snosweat，isthere？’
Levinfeltit，withdrewbehindthepartition，andputoutthecandle，butforalongwhilehecouldnotsleep。Thequestionhowtolivehadhardlybeguntogrowalittleclearertohim，whenanew，insolvablequestionpresenteditself-death。
`Why，he’sdying-yes，he’lldieinthespring；andhowisonetohelphim？WhatcanIsaytohim？WhatdoIknowaboutit？I’devenforgottentheveryfactofit。’
Levinhadlongbeforemadetheobservationthatwhenoneisuncomfortablewithpeoplefromtheirbeingexcessivelyamenableandmeek，oneisaptverysoonaftertofindthingsintolerablefromtheirpretensionsandirritability。Hefeltthatthiswashowitwouldbewithhisbrother。AndhisbrotherNikolai’sgentlenessdidnot，infact，lastoutforlong。Theverynextmorninghebegantobeirritable，andseemeddoinghisbesttofindfaultwithhisbrother，attackinghimonhistenderestpoints。
Levinfelthimselftoblame，andcouldnotsetthingsright。Hefeltthatiftheyhadbothnotkeptupappearances，buthadspoken，asitiscalled，fromtheheart-thatistosay，hadsaidonlyjustwhattheywerethinkingandfeeling-theywouldsimplyhavelookedintoeachother’sfaces，andKonstantincouldonlyhavesaid:`You’redying，you’redying，’andNikolaicouldonlyhaveanswered:`IknowI’mdying，butI’mafraid，I’mafraid，I’mafraid！’Andtheycouldhavesaidnothingmore，iftheyhadsaidonlywhatwasintheirhearts。Butlifelikethatwasimpossible，andsoKonstantintriedtodowhathehadbeentryingtodoallhislife，andnevercouldlearntodo，though，asfarashecouldobserve，manypeopleknewsowellhowtodoit，andwithoutittherewasnolivingatall。Hetriedtosaywhathewasnotthinking，buthefeltcontinuallythatithadaringoffalsehood，thathisbrotherdetectedhiminit，andwasexasperatedatit。
ThethirddayNikolaiinducedhisbrothertoexplainhisplantohimagain，andbegannotmerelyattackingit，butintentionallyconfoundingitwithcommunism。
`You’vesimplyborrowedanideathat’snotyourown，butyou’vedistortedit，andaretryingtoapplyitwhereit’snotapplicable。’
`ButItellyouthere’snothingincommon。Theydenythejusticeofproperty，ofcapital，ofinheritance，whileIdonotdenythischiefstimulus。’Levinfeltdisgustedhimselfatusingsuchexpressions，buteversincehehadbeenengrossedbyhiswork，hehadunconsciouslycomemoreandmorefrequentlytousenon-Russianwords。`AllIwantistoregulatelabor。’
`Whichmeans，you’veborrowedanidea，strippeditofallthatgaveititsforce，andwanttomakebelievethatit’ssomethingnew，’saidNikolai，angrilytuggingathisnecktie。
`Butmyideahasnothingincommon……’
`Theother，atanyrate，’saidNikolaiLevin，withanironicalsmile，hiseyesflashingmalignantly，`hasthecharmof-what’sonetocallit？-geometricalsymmetry，ofclearness，ofdefiniteness。ItmaybeaUtopia。Ifoneonceallowsthepossibilityofmakingallthepastatabularasa-noproperty，nofamily-thenlaborwouldorganizeitself。Butyouhavenothing……’
`Whydoyoumixthingsup？I’veneverbeenacommunist。’
`ButIhave，andIconsiderit’spremature，butrational，andithasafuture，justlikeChristianityinitsfirstages。’
`AllthatImaintainisthatthelaborforceoughttobeinvestigatedfromthepointofviewofnaturalscience；thatistosay，itoughttobestudied，itsqualitiesascertained……’
`Butthat’sanutterwasteoftime。Thatforcefindsacertainformofactivityofitself，accordingtothestageofitsdevelopment。Therehavebeenslavesfirst，everywhere；thenmetayers；andwehavethemetayagesystem，rent，anddaylaborers。Whatareyoutryingtofind？’
Levinsuddenlylosthistemperatthesewords，becauseatthebottomofhishearthewasafraidthatitwastrue-truethathewastryingtoholdthebalanceevenbetweencommunismandthefamiliarforms，andthatthiswashardlypossible。
`Iamtryingtofindmeansofworkingproductivelyformyselfandforthelaborers。Iwanttoorganize……’heansweredhotly。
`Youdon’twanttoorganizeanything；it’ssimplythesameasyou’vebeenallyourlife-youwanttobeoriginal，toposeasnotsimplyexploitingthepeasants，butwithsomeideainview。’
`Oh，allright，that’swhatyouthink-andletmealone！’answeredLevin，feelingthemusclesofhisleftcheektwitchinguncontrollably。
`You’veneverhad，andneverhave，convictions；allyouwantistopleaseyourvanity。’
`Oh，verywell；letmealonethen！’
`AndIwillletyoualone！Andit’shightimeIdid，andgotothedevilwithyou！AndI’mverysorryIevercame！’
InspiteofallLevin’seffortstosoothehisbrotherafterward，Nikolaiwouldlistentonothinghesaid，declaringthatitwasbettertopart，andKonstantinsawthatitwassimplyacaseoflifebeingunbearabletohim。
Nikolaiwasjustgettingreadytogo，whenKonstantinwentintohimagainandbeggedhim，ratherunnaturally，toforgivehimifhehadhurthisfeelingsinanyway。
`Ah，generosity！’saidNikolai，andhesmiled。`Ifyouwanttoberight，Icangiveyouthatsatisfaction。You’reintheright；butI’mgoingallthesame。’
ItwasonlyjustatpartingthatNikolaikissedhim，andsaid，lookingwithsuddenstrangenessandseriousnessathisbrother:
`Anyway，don’trememberevilagainstme，Kostia！’andhisvoicequavered。
Theseweretheonlywordsthathadbeenspokensincerelybetweenthem。Levinknewthatthosewordsmeant，`Yousee，andyouknow，thatI’minabadway，andmaybeweshallneverseeeachotheragain。’Levinknewthis，andthetearsgushedfromhiseyes。Hekissedhisbrotheroncemore，buthecouldnotspeak，andknewnotwhattosay。
Twodaysafterhisbrother’sdeparture，Levintoosetoffforhisforeigntour。HappeningtomeetShcherbatsky，Kitty’scousin，intherailwaytrain，Levingreatlyastonishedhimbyhisdepression。
`What’sthematterwithyou？’Shcherbatskyaskedhim。
`Oh，nothing；there’snotmuchhappinessinlife。’
`Notmuch？YoucomewithmetoParisinsteadoftoMulhouse。Youshallseehowtobehappy。’
`No，I’vedonewithitall。It’stimeIwasdead。’
`Well，that’sagoodone！’saidShcherbatsky，laughing，`why，I’monlyjustgettingreadytobegin。’
`Yes，Ithoughtthesamenotlongago，butnowIknowIshallsoonbedead。’
Levinsaidwhathehadgenuinelybeenthinkingoflate。Hesawnothingbutdeath，oranapproachtodeathineverything。Buthischerishedschemeonlyengrossedhimthemore。Lifehadtobegotthroughsomehow，tilldeathdidcome。Darknesshadfallenuponeverythingforhim；butjustbecauseofthisdarknesshefeltthattheoneguidingclueinthedarknesswashiswork，andheclutchedit，andclungtoitwithallhisstrength。
TheKarenins，husbandandwife，continuedlivinginthesamehouse，meteveryday，butwerecompletestrangerstooneanother。AlexeiAlexandrovichmadeitaruletoseehiswifeeveryday，sothattheservantsmighthavenogroundsforsuppositions，butavoideddiningathome。VronskywasneveratAlexeiAlexandrovich’shouse，butAnnasawhimawayfromhome，andherhusbandwasawareofit。
Thepositionwasoneoftortureforallthree；andnotoneofthemwouldhavebeenequaltoenduringthispositionforasingleday，haditnotbeenfortheexpectationthatitwouldchange，thatitwasmerelyatemporarypainfuldifficultywhichwouldpassover。AlexeiAlexandrovichhopedthatthispassionwouldpass，aseverythingdoespass，thateveryonewouldforgetaboutit，andhisnamewouldremainunsullied。Anna，onwhomthepositiondepended，andforwhomitwasmorepoignantthanforanyother，endureditbecauseshenotmerelyhoped，butfirmlybelieved，thatitwouldallverysoonbesettledandcomeright。Shehadnottheleastideawhatwouldsettlethesituation，butshefirmlybelievedthatsomethingwouldnowverysoonturnup。Vronskyunaccountablyfollowedherlead，hopingtoothatsomething，independentofhim，wouldbesuretoclearupalldifficulties。
InthemiddleofthewinterVronskyspentaverytiresomeweek。AforeignPrince，whohadcomeonavisittoPeterburg，wasputunderhischarge，andhehadtoshowhimthesightsworthseeing。Vronskywasofdistinguishedappearance；hepossessed，moreover，theartofbehavingwithrespectfuldignity，andwasusedtohavingtodowithsuchgrandpersonages-thatwashowhecametobeputinchargeofthePrince。Buthefelthisdutiestobeveryirksome。ThePrincewasanxioustomissnothingaboutwhichhewouldbeaskedathome:HadheseenthisandthatinRussia？AndonhisownaccounthewasanxioustoenjoytotheutmostallRussianformsofamusement。Vronskywasobligedtobehisguideinsatisfyingboththeseinclinations。Themorningstheyspentdrivingtolookatplacesofinterest:theeveningstheypassedenjoyingthenationalamusements。TheprinceenjoyedahealthexceptionalevenamongPrinces。Bygymnasticsandcarefulattentiontohispersonhehadbroughthimselftosuchapointthatinspiteofhisexcessesinpleasurehelookedasfreshasabig，glossy，greenDutchcucumber。ThePrincehadtraveledagreatdeal，andconsideredoneofthechiefadvantagesofmodernfacilitiesofcommunicationtheaccessibilityofthepleasuresofallnations。HehadbeeninSpain，andtherehadindulgedinserenades，andhadmadefriendswithaSpanishgirlwhoplayedthemandolin。InSwitzerlandhehadkilledchamois。InEnglandhehadgallopedinaredcoatoverhedgesandkilledtwohundredpheasantsonabet。InTurkeyhehadgotintoaharem；inIndiahehadtraveledonanelephant；andnow，inRussia，hewishedtotasteallthepeculiarlyRussianformsofpleasure。
Vronsky，whowas，asitwere，chiefmasteroftheceremoniestohim，wasatgreatpainstodistributealltheRussianamusementssuggestedbyvariouspersonstothePrince。Theyhadracehorses，andRussianpancakesandbearhunts，andtroikas，andgypsychoruses，anddrinkingorgies，withtheRussianaccompanimentofbrokencrockery。AndthePrince，withsurprisingease，fellinwiththeRussianspirit；hesmashedtraysfullofcrockery，satwithagypsygirlonhisknee，andseemedtobeasking:Whatmore？OrdoesthewholeRussianspiritconsistinjustthis？
Inreality，ofalltheRussianentertainmentsthePrincelikedbestFrenchactresses，aballetdancer，andwhite-sealchampagne。VronskywasusedtoPrinces，but，eitherbecausehehadhimselfchangedoflate，orthathewasintoocloseproximitytothePrince，thatweekseemedfearfullywearisometohim。Thewholeofthatweekheexperiencedunceasinglyasensationsuchasamanmighthavewhohasbeenputinchargeofadangerousmadman，whoisafraidofthemadman，and，atthesametime，frombeingwithhim，fearsforhisownreason。Vronskywascontinuallyconsciousofthenecessityofneverforasecondrelaxingthetoneofsternofficialrespectfulness，sothathemightnothimselfbeinsulted。ThePrince’smanneroftreatingtheverypeoplewho，toVronsky’ssurprise，werereadytodescendtoanydepthstoprovidehimwithRussianamusements，wascontemptuous。HiscriticismsofRussianwomen，whomhewishedtostudy，morethanoncemadeVronskycrimsonwithindignation。ThechiefreasonwhythePrincewassoparticularlydisagreeabletoVronskywasthathecouldnothelpseeinghimselfinhim。Andwhathesawinthismirrordidnotgratifyhisself-esteem。Hewasaverystupidandaveryself-satisfiedandaveryhealthyandaverywell-washedman，andnothingelse。Hewasagentleman，itwastrue，andVronskycouldnotdenyit。Hewasequableandnotcringingwithhissuperiors，wasfreeandingratiatinginhisbehaviorwithhisequals，andwascontemptuouslyindulgentwithhisinferiors。Vronskywashimselfthesame，andregardeditasagreatmerittobeso。ButtothisPrincehewasaninferior，andhiscontemptuousandindulgentattitudetohimrevoltedhim。
`Brainlessbeef！CanIbelikethat？’hereflected。
Bethatasitmight，when，ontheseventhday，hepartedfromthePrince，whowasstartingforMoscow，andreceivedhisthanks，hewashappytoberidofhisuncomfortablepositionandtheunpleasantreflectionofhimself。Hesaidgood-bytohimatthestation，ontheirreturnfromabearhunt，atwhichtheyhadhadadisplayofRussianderring-dokeptupallnight。
Whenhegothome，VronskyfoundthereanotefromAnna。Shewrote:`Iamillandunhappy。Icannotcomeout，yetcannotgoonlongerwithoutseeingyou。Comeinthisevening。AlexeiAlexandrovichgoestotheCouncilatsevenandwillbetheretillten。’Afteraminute’sreflectiononthestrangenessofherbiddinghimcomestraighttoher，inspiteofherhusband’sinsistingonhernotreceivinghim，hedecidedtogo。
Vronskyhadthatwintergothispromotion，wasnowacolonel，hadlefttheregiment，andwaslivingalone。Afterhavingsomelunch，helaydownonthesofaimmediately，andinfiveminutesmemoriesofthehideoussceneshehadwitnessedduringthelastfewdayswerejumbledandjoinedtoamentalimageofAnnaandofthepeasant，oneoftheencompassingpeople，whohadplayedanimportantpartinthebearhunt，andVronskyfellasleep。Hewakedupinthedark，tremblingwithhorror，andmadehastetolightacandle。`Whatwasit？What？WhatwasthedreadfulthingIdreamed？Yes，yes；thepeasantbearhunter，Ithink；alittledirtymanwithadisheveledbeardwasstoopingdowndoingsomething，andallofasuddenhebegansayingsomestrangewordsinFrench。Yes，therewasnothingelseinthedream，’hesaidtohimself。`Butwhywasitsoawful？’HevividlyrecalledthepeasantagainandthoseincomprehensibleFrenchwordsthepeasanthaduttered，andachillofhorrorrandownhisspine。
`Whatnonsense！’thoughtVronsky，andglancedathiswatch。
Itwashalf-pasteightalready。Heranguphisservant，dressedinhaste，andwentoutonthesteps，completelyforgettingthedreamandonlyworriedatbeinglate。AshedroveuptotheKarenins’entrancehelookedathiswatchandsawitwastenminutestonine。Ahigh，narrowcarriagewithapairofgrayswasstandingattheentrance。HerecognizedAnna’scarriage。`Sheiscomingtome，’thoughtVronsky，`andbettersheshould。Idon’tlikegoingintothathouse。Butnomatter；Ican’thidemyself，’hethought，andwiththatmannerpeculiartohimfromchildhood，asofamanwhohasnothingtobeashamedof，Vronskygotoutofhissleighandwenttothedoor。Thedooropened，andthehallporterwitharugonhisarmcalledthecarriage。Vronsky，thoughhedidnotusuallynoticedetails，noticedatthismomenttheamazedexpressionwithwhichtheporterglancedathim。IntheverydoorwayVronskyalmostranupagainstAlexeiAlexandrovich。Thegasjetthrewitsfulllightonthebloodless，sunkenfaceundertheblackhat，andonthewhitecravat，brilliantagainstthebeaverofthecoat。Karenin’sfixed，dulleyeswerefasteneduponVronsky’sface。Vronskybowed，andAlexeiAlexandrovich，chewinghislips，liftedhishandtohishatandwenton。Vronskysawhimgetintothecarriagewithoutlookingback，receivetherugandtheoperaglassesthroughthewindow，anddisappear。Vronskywentintothehall。Hisbrowswerescowling，andhiseyesgleamedwithaproudandangrylightinthem。
`Whatasituation！’hethought。`Ifhewouldfight，wouldstandupforhishonor，Icouldact，couldexpressmyfeelings；butthisweaknessorbaseness……Heputsmeinthepositionofplayingfalse，whichInevermeantandnevermeantodo。’
Vronsky’sideashadchangedsincethedayofhisconversationwithAnnaintheVredegarden。UnconsciouslyyieldingtotheweaknessofAnna-whohadsurrenderedherselfuptohimutterly，andsimplylookedtohimtodecideherfate，readytosubmittoanything-hehadlongceasedtothinkthattheirliaisonmightendashehadthoughtthen。Hisambitiousplanshadretreatedintothebackgroundagain，andfeelingthathehadgotoutofthatcircleofactivityinwhicheverythingwasdefinite，hehadgivenhimselfupentirelytohispassion，andthatpassionwasbindinghimmoreandmorecloselytoher。
Hewasstillinthehallwhenhecaughtthesoundofherretreatingfootsteps。Herealizedshehadbeenexpectinghim，hadlistenedforhim，andwasnowgoingbacktothedrawingroom。
`No，’shecried，onseeinghim，andatthefirstsoundofhervoicethetearscameintohereyes。`No；ifthingsaretogoonlikethis，theendwillcomemuch，muchtoosoon。’
`Whatisit，dearone？’
`What？I’vebeenwaitinginagonyforanhour，twohours……No，Iwon’t……Ican’tquarrelwithyou。Ofcourseyoucouldn’tcome。No，Iwon’t。’
Shelaidhertwohandsonhisshoulders，andlookedalongwhileathimwithaprofound，passionate，and，atthesametime，searchinglook。Shewasstudyinghisfacetomakeupforthetimeshehadnotseenhim。Shewas，everytimeshesawhim，makingthepictureofhiminherimaginationincomparablysuperior，impossibleinrealityfitwithhimashereallywas。
`Youmethim？’sheasked，whentheyhadsatdownatthetableinthelamplight。`You’repunished，yousee，forbeinglate。’
`Yes；buthowwasit？Wasn’thetobeattheCouncil？’
`Hehadbeenandcomeback，andwasgoingoutsomewhereagain。Butthatdoesn’tmatter。Don’ttalkaboutit。Wherehaveyoubeen？WiththePrincestill？’
Shekneweverydetailofhisexistence。Hewasgoingtosaythathehadbeenupallnightandhaddroppedasleep，butlookingatherthrilledandrapturousface，hewasashamed。AndhesaidhehadhadtoreportonthePrince’sdeparture。
`Butit’sovernow？Heisgone？’
`ThankGodit’sover！Youwouldn’tbelievehowinsufferableit’sbeenforme。’
`Whyso？Isn’titthelifeallofyou-allyoungmen-alwayslead？’shesaid，knittingherbrows；and，takingupthecrochetworkthatwaslyingonthetable，shebegandrawingthehookoutofit，withoutlookingatVronsky。
`Igavethatlifeuplongago，’saidhe，wonderingatthechangeinherface，andtryingtodivineitsmeaning。`AndIconfess，’hesaid，withasmile，showinghisthick，whiteteeth，`thisweekI’vebeen，asitwere，lookingatmyselfinaglass，seeingthatlife，andIdidn’tlikeit。’
Sheheldtheworkinherhands，butdidnotcrochet，andlookedathimwithstrange，shining，andhostileeyes。
`ThismorningLizacametoseeme-they’renotafraidtocallonme，inspiteoftheCountessLidiaIvanovna，’sheputin-`andshetoldmeaboutyourAthenianevening。Howloathsome！’
`Iwasjustgoingtosay……’
Sheinterruptedhim。
`ItwasthatThérèseyouusedtoknow？’
`Iwasjustsaying……’
`Howdisgustingyouare，youmen！Howisityoucan’tunderstandthatawomancanneverforgetthat，’shesaid，gettingmoreandmoreangry，andsolettinghimseethecauseofherirritation，`especiallyawomanwhocannotknowyourlife？WhatdoIknow？WhathaveIeverknown？’shesaid。`Onlywhatyoutellme。AndhowdoIknowwhetheryoutellmethetruth？……’
`Anna，youhurtme。Don’tyoutrustme？Haven’tItoldyouthatIhaven’tathoughtIwouldn’tlaybaretoyou？’
`Yes，yes，’shesaid，evidentlytryingtosuppressherjealousthoughts。`ButifonlyyouknewhowwretchedIam！Ibelieveyou，Ibelieveyou……Whatwereyousaying？’
Buthecouldnotatoncerecallwhathehadbeengoingtosay。Thesefitsofjealousy，whichoflatehadbeenmoreandmorefrequentwithher，horrifiedhim，andhowevermuchhetriedtodisguisethefact，madehimfeelcoldtoher，althoughheknewthecauseofherjealousywasherloveforhim。Howoftenhehadtoldhimselfthatherlovewashappiness；andnowshelovedhimasawomancanlovewhenlovehasoutweighedforherallthegoodthingsoflife-andhewasmuchfurtherfromhappinessthanwhenhehadfollowedherfromMoscow。Thenhehadthoughthimselfunhappy，buthappinesswasbeforehim；nowhefeltthatthebesthappinesswasalreadyleftbehind。Shewasutterlyunlikewhatshehadbeenwhenhefirstsawher。Bothmorallyandphysicallyshehadchangedfortheworse。Shehadbroadenedoutallover，andinherfaceatthetimewhenshewasspeakingoftheactresstherewasanevilexpressionofhatredthatdistortedit。Helookedatherasamanlooksatafadedflowerhehasgathered，withdifficultyrecognizinginitthebeautyforwhichhepickedandruinedit。Andinspiteofthishefeltthatthen，whenhislovewasstronger，hecould，ifhehadgreatlywishedit，havetornthatloveoutofhisheart；butnowwhen，asatthismomentitseemedtohimhefeltnoloveforher，heknewthathisbondwithhercouldnotbebroken。
`Well，well，whatwasityouweregoingtosayaboutthePrince？Ihavedrivenawaythefiend，Ihave，’sheadded。Thefiendwasthenametheyhadgivenherjealousy。`WhatdidyoubegintotellmeaboutthePrince？Whydidyoufinditsotiresome？’
`Oh，itwasintolerable！’hesaid，tryingtopickupthethreadofhisinterruptedthought。`Hedoesnotimproveoncloseracquaintance。Ifyouwanthimdefined，hereheis:aprime，well-fedanimal，suchastakesmedalsatthecattleshows，andnothingmore，’hesaid，withatoneofvexationthatinterestedher。
`No；howso？’shereplied。`He’sseenagreatdeal，anyway；he’scultured？’
`It’sanutterlydifferentculture-theirculture。He’scultivated，onesees，simplytobeabletodespiseculture，astheydespiseeverythingbutanimalpleasures。’
`Butdon’tyouallcarefortheseanimalpleasures？’shesaid，andagainhenoticedadarklookinhereyesthatavoidedhim。
`Howisityou’redefendinghim？’hesaid，smiling。
`I’mnotdefendinghim，it’snothingtome；butIimagine，ifyouhadnotcaredforthosepleasuresyourself，youmighthavegotoutofthem。ButitaffordsyousatisfactiontogazeatThérèseintheattireofEve……’
`Again-againthedevil，’Vronskysaid，takingthehandshehadlaidonthetableandkissingit。
`Yes；butIcan’thelpit。Youdon’tknowwhatIhavesufferedwaitingforyou。IbelieveI’mnotjealous。I’mnotjealous:Ibelieveyouwhenyou’rehere，nearme；butwhenyou’reawaysomewhereleadingyourlifealone，soincomprehensibletome……’
Sheturnedawayfromhim，pulledthehookatlastoutofthecrochetwork，andrapidlywiththehelpofherforefinger，beganworkingloopafterloopofthewoolthatwasdazzlinglywhiteinthelamplight，whiletheslenderwristmovedswiftly，nervouslyinitsembroideredcuff。
`Howwasit，then？WheredidyoumeetAlexeiAlexandrovich？’Hervoicesoundedinanunnaturalandjarringtone。
`Weranagainsteachotherinthedoorway。’
`Andhebowedtoyoulikethis？’
Shedrewalongface，andhalf-closinghereyes，quicklytransformedherexpression，foldedherhands，andVronskysuddenlysawinherbeautifulfacetheveryexpressionwithwhichAlexeiAlexandrovichhadbowedtohim。Hesmiled，whileshelaughedgaily，withthatsweet，deeplaugh，whichwasoneofhergreatestcharms。
`Idon’tunderstandhimintheleast，’saidVronsky。`Ifafteryouravowaltohimatyoursummervillahehadbrokenwithyou，ifhehadchallengedme……ButthisIcan’tunderstand。Howcanheputupwithsuchaposition？Hefeelsit，that’sevident。’
`He？’shesaidsneeringly。`He’sperfectlysatisfied。’
`Whatareweallmiserablefor，wheneverythingmightbesowell？’
`Exceptforhim。Don’tIknowhim-thefalsityinwhichhe’sutterlysteeped？……Couldone，withanyfeeling，liveasheislivingwithme？Heunderstandsnothing，andfeelsnothing。Couldamanofanyfeelingliveinthesamehousewithhisunfaithfulwife？Couldhetalktoher，callher``mydear’？’
Andagainshecouldnothelpmimickinghim:`Anna，machère；Anna，dear！’
`He’snotaman，notahumanbeing-he’samannikin！Nooneknowshim；butIknowhim。Oh，ifI’dbeeninhisplace，I’dlongagohavekilled，havetorntopiecesawifelikeme。Iwouldn’thavesaid，``Anna，machère’！He’snotaman，he’saministerialmachine。Hedoesn’tunderstandthatI’myourwife，thathe’soutside，thathe’ssuperfluous……Don’tlet’stalkofhim！……’
`You’reunfair，veryunfair，dearest，’saidVronsky，tryingtosootheher。`Butnevermind，don’tlet’stalkofhim。Tellmewhatyou’vebeendoing。Whatisthematter？Whyareyouunwell，andwhatdidthedoctorsay？’
Shelookedathimwithmockingamusement。Evidentlyshehadhitonotherabsurdandgrotesqueaspectsinherhusbandandwasawaitingthemomenttogiveexpressiontothem。
Buthewenton:
`Iimaginethatit’snotillness，butyourcondition。Whenwillitbe？’
Theironicallightdiedawayinhereyes，butadifferentsmile，aconsciousnessofsomething，hedidnotknowwhat，andofquietmelancholy，cameoverherface。
`Soon，soon。Yousaythatourpositionismiserable，thatwemustputanendtoit。Ifyouknewhowterribleitistome-whatIwouldgivetobeabletoloveyoufreelyandunafraid！Ishouldnottorturemyselfandtortureyouwithmyjealousy……Anditwillcomesoon，butnotasweexpect。’
Andatthethoughtofhowitwouldcome，sheseemedsopitiabletoherselfthattearscameintohereyes，andshecouldnotgoon。Shelaidonhissleeveherhand，shiningwithitswhitenessanditsringsinthelamplight。
`Itwon’tcomeaswesuppose。Ididn’tmeantosaythistoyou，butyou’vemademe。Soon，soon，allwillbeover，andweshallall，allbeatpeace，andsuffernomore。’
`Idon’tunderstand，’hesaid，understandingher。
`Youaskedwhen？Soon。AndIshan’tlivethroughit。Don’tinterruptme！’andshemadehastetospeak。`Iknowit；Iknowforcertain。Ishalldie；andI’mverygladIshalldie，andreleasemyselfandyou。’
Tearsdroppedfromhereyes；hebentdownoverherhandandbegankissingit，tryingtohidehisemotion，which，heknew，hadnosortofgrounds，thoughhecouldnotcontrolit。
`Yes，it’sbetterso，’shesaid，tightlygrippinghishand。`That’stheonlyway-theonlywayleftus。’
Hehadrecoveredhimself，andliftedhishead。
`Howabsurd！Whatabsurdnonsenseyouaretalking！’
`No，it’sthetruth。’
`What-what’sthetruth？’
`ThatIshalldie。Ihavehadadream。’
`Adream？’repeatedVronsky，andinstantlyherecalledthepeasantofhisdream。
`Yes，adream，’shesaid。`It’salongwhilesinceIdreamedit。IdreamedthatIranintomybedroom，thatIhadtogetsomethingthere，tofindoutsomething；youknowhowitisindreams，’shesaid，hereyeswidewithhorror；`andinthebedroom，inthecorner，stoodsomething。’
`Oh，whatnonsense！Howcanyoubelieve……’
Butshewouldnotlethiminterrupther。Whatshewassayingwastooimportanttoher。
`Andthesomethingturnedround，andIsawitwasapeasantwithadisheveledbeard-alittleman，anddreadful。Iwantedtorunaway，buthebentdownoverasack，andwasfumblingtherewithhishands……’
Sheshowedhowhehadmovedhishands。Therewasterrorinherface。AndVronsky，rememberinghisdream，feltthesameterrorfillinghissoul。
`Hewasfumblingandkepttalkingquickly，quicklyinFrench，and，youknow，heburred:Ilfautlebattre，lefer，lebroyer，lepétrir……AndinmyhorrorItriedtowakeup，andwokeup……butwokeupinthedream。AndIbeganaskingmyselfwhatitmeant。AndKorneisaidtome:``Inchildbirthyou’lldie，ma’am，you’lldie……’AndIwokeup。’
`Whatnonsense，whatnonsense！’saidVronsky；buthefelthimselfthattherewasnoconvictioninhisvoice。
`Butdon’tlet’stalkofit。Ringthebell，I’llhavetea。Andstayalittle，now；it’snotlongIshall……’
Butallatonceshestopped。Theexpressionofherfaceinstantaneouslychanged。Horrorandexcitementweresuddenlyreplacedbyalookofsoft，solemn，blissfulattention。Hecouldnotcomprehendthemeaningofthechange。Shewaslisteningtothestirringofthenewlifewithinher。
AlexeiAlexandrovich，aftermeetingVronskyonhisownsteps，drove，ashehadintended，totheItalianopera。Hesatthroughtwoactsthere，andsaweveryonehewantedtosee。Onreturninghome，hecarefullyscrutinizedthehatstand，andnoticingthattherewasnotamilitaryovercoatthere，hewent，asusual，tohisownroom。But，contrarytohisusualhabit，hedidnotgotobed；hewalkedupanddownhisstudytillthreeo’clockinthemorning。Thefeelingoffuriousangerwithhiswife，whowouldnotobservetheproprietiesandkeeptotheonestipulationhehadlaidonher-nottoreceiveherloverinherownhouse-gavehimnopeace。Shehadnotcompliedwithhisrequest，andhewasboundtopunishherandcarryouthisthreat-obtainadivorceandtakeawayhisson。Heknewallthedifficultiesconnectedwiththiscourse，buthehadsaidhewoulddoit，andnowhemustcarryouthisthreat。CountessLidiaIvanovnahadhintedthatthiswasthebestwayoutofhisposition，andoflatetheobtainingofdivorceshadbeenbroughttosuchapitchofperfectionthatAlexeiAlexandrovichsawapossibilityofovercomingtheformaldifficulties。Misfortunesnevercomesingly，andtheaffairsofthereorganizationofthenativetribes，andoftheirrigationofthelandsoftheZaraiskyprovince，hadbroughtsuchofficialworriesuponAlexeiAlexandrovichthathehadbeenoflateinacontinualstateofextremeirritability。
Hedidnotsleepthewholenight，andhisfurygrowinginasortofvast，arithmeticalprogression，reacheditshighestlimitsinthemorning。Hedressedinhaste，and，asthoughcarryinghiscupfullofwrath，andfearingtospillanyover，fearingtolosewithhiswraththeenergynecessaryfortheinterviewwithhiswife，hewentintoherroomdirectlyheheardshewasup。
Anna，whohadthoughtsheknewherhusbandsowell，wasamazedathisappearancewhenhewentintoher。Hisbrowwasloweringandhiseyesstareddarklybeforehim，avoidinghereyes；hismouthwastightlyandcontemptuouslyshut。Inhiswalk，inhisgestures，inthesoundofhisvoicetherewasadeterminationandfirmnesssuchashiswifehadneverseeninhim。Hewentintoherroom，and，withoutgreetingher，walkedstraightuptoherwritingtable，and，takingherkeys，openedadrawer。
`Whatdoyouwant？’shecried。
`Yourlover’sletters，’hesaid。
`They’renothere，’shesaid，shuttingthedrawer；butfromthatactionhesawhehadguessedright，androughlypushingawayherhand，hequicklysnatchedaportfolioinwhichheknewsheusedtoputhermostimportantpapers。Shetriedtopulltheportfolioaway，buthepushedherback。
`Sitdown！Ihavetospeaktoyou，’hesaid，puttingtheportfoliounderhisarm，andsqueezingitsotightlywithhiselbowthathisshoulderstoodup。
Amazedandintimidated，shegazedathiminsilence。
`ItoldyouthatIwouldnotallowyoutoreceiveyourloverinthishouse。’
`Ihadtoseehimto……’
Shestopped，notfindingareason。
`Idonotenterintothedetailsofwhyawomanwantstoseeherlover。’
`Imeant，Ionly……’shesaid，flushinghotly。Thiscoarsenessofhisangeredher，andgavehercourage。`Surelyyoumustfeelhoweasyitisforyoutoinsultme？’shesaid。
`Anhonestmanandanhonestwomanmaybeinsulted，buttotellathiefhe’sathiefissimplylaconstatationd’unfait。’
`Thiscrueltyissomethingnew-Ididnotknowinyou。’
`Youcallitcrueltyforahusbandtogivehiswifeliberty，givingherthehonorableprotectionofhisname，simplyontheconditionofobservingtheproprieties:isthatcruelty？’
`It’sworsethatcruel-it’sbase，ifyouwanttoknow！’Annacried，inarushofhatred，and，gettingup，shewasabouttoleavetheroom。
`No！’heshriekedinhisshrillvoice，whichpitchedanoteevenhigherthanusual，andhisbighandsclutchingherbythearmsoviolentlythatredmarkswereleftfromthebracelethewassqueezing，heforciblymadehersitdowninherplace。`Base！Ifyoucaretousethatword，whatisbaseistoforsakehusbandandchildforalover，whileyoueatyourhusband’sbread！’
Shebowedherhead。Shedidnotsaywhatshehadsaidtheeveningbeforetoherlover，thathewasherhusband，andherhusbandwassuperfluous；shedidnoteventhinkofthat。Shefeltallthejusticeofhiswords，andonlysaidsoftly:
`YoucannotdescribemypositionasworsethanIfeelittobemyself；butwhatareyousayingallthisfor？’
`WhatamIsayingitfor？Whatfor？’hewenton，asangrily。`Sothatyoumayknowthat，sinceyouhavenotcarriedoutmywishesinregardtoobservingoutwarddecorum，Iwilltakemeasurestoputanendtothisstateofthings。’
`Soon，verysoon，itwillend，anyway，’shesaid；andagain，atthethoughtofdeathnearathandandnowdesired，tearscameintohereyes。
`Itwillendsoonerthanyouandyourloverhaveplanned！Ifyoumusthavethesatisfactionofanimalpassion……’
`AlexeiAlexandrovich！Iwon’tsayit’snotgenerous，butit’snotlikeagentlemantostrikeanyonewho’sdown。’
`Yes，youonlythinkofyourself！Butthesufferingsofamanwhowasyourhusbandhavenointerestforyou。Youdon’tcarethathiswholelifeisruined，thatheisseff……seff……’
AlexeiAlexandrovichwasspeakingsoquicklythathebegantostammer，andwasutterlyunabletoarticulatetheword`suffering’。Intheendhepronouncedit`saffering’。Shewantedtolaugh，andwasimmediatelyashamedthatanythingcouldamuseheratsuchamoment。Andforthefirsttime，foraninstant，shefeltforhim，putherselfinhisplace，andwassorryforhim。Butwhatcouldshesayordo？Herheadsank，andshesatsilent。Hetoowassilentforsometime，andthenbeganspeakinginafrigid，lessshrillvoice，emphasizingrandomwordsthathadnospecialsignificance。
Icametotellyou……’hesaid。
Sheglancedathim。`No；itwasmyfancy，’shethought，recallingtheexpressionofhisfacewhenhestumbledovertheword`suffering。’`No；canamanwiththosedulleyes，withthatself-satisfiedcomplacency，feelanything？’
`Icannotchangeanything，’shewhispered。
`IhavecometotellyouthatIamgoingtomorrowtoMoscow，andshallnotreturnagaintothishouse，andyouwillreceivenoticeofwhatIdecidethroughthelawyerintowhosehandsIshallentrustthetaskofgettingadivorce。Mysonisgoingtomysister’s，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，withaneffortrecallingwhathehadmeanttosayabouthisson。
`YoutakeSeriozhatohurtme，’shesaid，lookingathimfromunderherbrows。`Youdonotlovehim……LeavemeSeriozha！’
`Yes，Ihavelostevenmyaffectionformyson，becauseheisassociatedwiththerepulsionIfeelforyou。ButstillIshalltakehim。Good-by！’
Andhewasgoingaway，butnowshedetainedhim。
`AlexeiAlexandrovich，leavemeSeriozha！’shewhisperedoncemore。`Ihavenothingelsetosay。LeaveSeriozhatillmy……Ishallsoonbeconfined；leavehim！’
AlexeiAlexandrovichflaredup，and，snatchinghishandfromher，hewentoutoftheroomwithoutaword。
ThewaitingroomofthecelebratedPeterburglawyerwasfullwhenAlexeiAlexandrovichenteredit。Threeladies-anoldlady，ayounglady，andamerchant’swife，andthreegentlemen-oneaGermanbankerwitharingonhisfinger，thesecondamerchantwithabeard，andthethirdawrathful-lookinggovernmentclerkinofficialuniform，withacrossonhisneck-hadobviouslybeenwaitingalongwhilealready。Twoclerkswerewritingattableswithscratchingpens。Theappurtenancesofthewritingtables，aboutwhichAlexeiAlexandrovichwashimselfveryfastidious，wereexceptionallygood。Hecouldnothelpobservingthis。Oneoftheclerks，withoutgettingup，turnedfretfullytoAlexeiAlexandrovich，half-closinghiseyes。
`Whatisityouwish？’
`Mybusinesshastodowiththelawyer。’
`Heisengaged，’theclerkrespondedseverely，andhepointedwithhispenatthepersonswaiting，andwentonwriting。
`Can’thesparetimetoseeme？’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich。
`Hehasnotimefree；heisalwaysbusy。Kindlywaityourturn。’
`ThenImusttroubleyoutogivehimmycard，’AlexeiAlexandrovichsaidwithdignity，seeingtheimpossibilityofpreservinghisincognito。
Theclerktookthecardand，obviouslynotapprovingofwhathereadonit，wenttothedoor。
AlexeiAlexandrovichwasinprincipleinfavorofthepublicityoflegalproceedings，thoughforsomehigherofficialconsiderationshedislikedtheapplicationoftheprincipleinRussia，anddisapprovedofit，asfarashecoulddisapproveofanythinginstitutedbyauthorityoftheEmperor。Hiswholelifehadbeenspentinadministrativework，andconsequently，whenhedidnotapproveofanything，hisdisapprovalwassoftenedbytherecognitionoftheinevitabilityofmistakesandthepossibilityofreformineverydepartment。Inthenewpubliclawcourtshedislikedtherestrictionslaidonthelawyersconductingcases。Buttillthenhehadhadnothingtodowiththelawcourts，andsohaddisapprovedoftheirpublicitysimplyintheory；nowhisdisapprobationwasstrengthenedbytheunpleasantimpressionmadeonhiminthelawyer’swaitingroom。
`Hewillbeoutrightaway，’saidtheclerk；andtwominuteslatertheredidactuallyappearinthedoorwaythelargefigureofanoldstudentofjurisprudencewhohadbeenconsultingwiththelawyer，andthelawyerhimself。
Thelawyerwasalittle，squat，baldman，withadark，reddishbeard，light-coloredlongeyebrows，andbeetlingbrow。Hewasattiredasthoughforawedding，fromhiscravattohisdoublewatchchainandpatent-leathershoes。Hisfacewascleverandrustic，buthisdresswasdandifiedandinbadtaste。
`Praywalkin，’saidthelawyer，addressingAlexeiAlexandrovich；and，gloomilyusheringKarenininbeforehim，heclosedthedoor。`Won’tyousitdown？’Heindicatedanarmchairatawritingtablecoveredwithpapers。Hesatdownhimself，and，rubbinghislittlehandswithshortfingerscoveredwithwhitehairs，hebenthisheadononeside。Butassoonashewassettledinthispositionamothflewoverthetable。Thelawyer，withaswiftnessthatcouldneverhavebeenexpectedofhim，openedhishands，caughtthemoth，andresumedhisformerattitude。
`Beforebeginningtospeakofmybusiness，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，followingthelawyer’smovementswithwonderingeyes，`IoughttoobservethatthematteraboutwhichIhavetospeaktoyouistobeasecret。’
Thelawyer’sdroopingreddishmustacheswerestirredbyascarcelyperceptiblesmile。
`IshouldnotbealawyerifIcouldnotkeepthesecretsconfidedtome。Butifyouwouldlikeproof……’
AlexeiAlexandrovichglancedathisface，andsawthattheshrewd，grayeyeswerelaughing，andseemedtoknowallaboutitalready。
`Youknowmyname？’AlexeiAlexandrovichresumed。
`Iknowyouandthegood’-againhecaughtamoth-`workyouaredoing，likeeveryRussian，’saidthelawyer，bowing。
AlexeiAlexandrovichsighed，pluckinguphiscourage。But，havingoncemadeuphismind，hewentoninhisshrillvoice，withouttimidityorhesitation，accentuatingawordhereandthere。
`Ihavethemisfortune，’AlexeiAlexandrovichbegan，`tobeadeceivedhusband，andIdesiretobreakoffallrelationswithmywifebylegalmeans-thatis，tobedivorced；butdothissothatmysonmaynotremainwithhismother。’
Thelawyer’sgrayeyestriednottolaugh，buttheyweredancingwithirrepressibleglee，andAlexeiAlexandrovichsawthatitwasnotsimplythedelightofamanwhohasjustgotaprofitablejob:therewastriumphandjoy，therewasagleamlikethemalignantgleamhehadseeninhiswife’seyes。
`Youdesiremyassistanceinsecuringadivorce？’
`Yes，precisely；butIoughttowarnyouthatImaybewastingyourtimeandattention。Ihavecomesimplytoconsultyouasapreliminarystep。Iwantadivorce，buttheformwhichitmaytakeisofgreatconsequencetome。ItisverypossiblethatifthatformdoesnotcorrespondwithmyrequirementsImaygiveupalegalaction。’
`Oh，that’salwaysthecase，’saidthelawyer，`andthat’salwaysforyoutodecide。’
HelethiseyesrestonAlexeiAlexandrovich’sfeet，feelingthathemightoffendhisclientbythesightofhisirrepressibleamusement。Helookedatamoththatflewbeforehisnose，andmovedhishand，butdidnotcatchitfromregardforAlexeiAlexandrovich’ssituation。
`Thoughintheirgeneralfeaturesourlawsonthissubjectareknowntome，’pursuedAlexeiAlexandrovich，`Ishouldbegladtohaveanideaoftheformsinwhichsuchthingsaredone，inpractice。’
`Youwouldbeglad，’thelawyer，withoutliftinghiseyes，responded，adopting，withacertainsatisfaction，thetoneofhisclient’sremarks，`formetolaybeforeyouallthemethodsbywhichyoucouldsecurewhatyoudesire？’
AndonreceivinganassentingnodfromAlexeiAlexandrovich，hewenton，stealingaglancenowandthenatAlexeiAlexandrovich’sface，whichwasgrowingredinpatches。
`Divorcebyourlaws，’hesaid，withaslightshadeofdisapprobationofourlaws，`ispossible，asyouareaware，inthefollowingcases……Towait！’hecalledtoaclerkwhoputhisheadinatthedoor，buthegotupallthesame，saidafewwordstohim，andsatdownagain。`Inthefollowingcases:physicaldefectinthemarriedparties，desertionwithoutcommunicationforfiveyears，’hesaid，crookingashortfingercoveredwithhair，`adultery’thiswordhepronouncedwithobvioussatisfaction，`subdividedasfollows’hecontinuedtocrookhisfatfingers，thoughthecasesandtheirsubdivisionscouldobviouslynotbeclassifiedtogether:`physicaldefectofthehusbandorofthewife，adulteryofthehusbandorofthewife。’Asbynowallhisfingerswereusedup，hestraightenedthemandwenton:`Thisisthetheoreticalview；butIimagineyouhavedonemethehonortoapplytomeinordertolearnitsapplicationinpractice。Andtherefore，guidedbyprecedents，Imustinformyouthatinpracticecasesofdivorcemayallbereducedtothefollowing-there’snophysicaldefect，Imayassume，nordesertion？……’
AlexeiAlexandrovichbowedhisheadinassent。
`Theymaybereducedtothefollowing:adulteryofoneofthemarriedparties，andthedetectioninthefactoftheguiltypartybymutualagreement，and，failingsuchagreement，accidentaldetection。Itmustbeadmittedthatthelattercaseisrarelymetwithinpractice，’saidthelawyer，andstealingaglanceatAlexeiAlexandrovichhepaused，asamansellingpistols，afterenlargingontheadvantagesofeachweapon，mightawaithiscustomer’schoice。ButAlexeiAlexandrovichsaidnothing，andthereforethelawyerwenton:`Themostusualandsimple，thesensiblecourse，Iconsider，isadulterybymutualconsent。Ishouldnotpermitmyselftoexpressitso，speakingwithamanofnoeducation，’hesaid，`butIimaginethattoyouthisiscomprehensible。’
AlexeiAlexandrovichwas，however，soperturbedthathedidnotimmediatelycomprehendallthereasonablenessofadulterybymutualconsent，andhiseyesexpressedthisuncertainty；butthelawyerpromptlycametohisassistance。
`Peoplecannotgoonlivingtogether-hereyouhaveafact。Andifbothareagreedaboutit，thedetailsandformalitiesbecomeamatterofnoimportance。Andatthesametimethisisthesimplestandmostcertainmethod。’
AlexeiAlexandrovichunderstoodfullynow。Buthehadreligiousscruples，whichhinderedtheexecutionofsuchaplan。
`Thatisoutofthequestioninthepresentcase，’hesaid。`Onlyonealternativeispossible:involuntarydetection，supportedbyletterswhichIhave。’
Atthementionoflettersthelawyerpurseduphislips，andgaveutterancetoathinlittlecompassionateandcontemptuoussound。
`Kindlyconsider，’hebegan，`casesofthatkindare，asyouareaware，underecclesiasticaljurisdiction；thereverendfathersarefondofgoingintotheminutestdetailsincasesofthatkind，’hesaid，withasmilewhichbetrayedhissympathywiththetasteofthereverendfathers。`Lettersmay，ofcourse，beapartialconfirmation；butdetectionintheacttheremustbeofthemostdirectkind-thatis，byeyewitnesses。Infact，ifyoudomethehonortotrustmewithyourconfidence，youwilldowelltoleavemethechoiceofthemeasurestobeemployed。Ifonewantstheresult，onemustallowthemeans。’
`Ifitisso……’AlexeiAlexandrovichbegan，suddenlyturningwhite；butatthatmomentthelawyerroseandagainwenttothedoortospeaktotheintrudingclerk。
`Tellherwedon’thaggleoverfees！’hesaid，andreturnedtoAlexeiAlexandrovich。
Onhiswaybackhecaught，unobserved，anothermoth。`Nicestatemyrepcurtainswillbeinbythesummer！’hethought，frowning。
`Andsoyouweresaying？……’hesaid。
`Iwillcommunicatemydecisiontoyoubyletter，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，gettingup，andheclutchedatthetable。Afterstandingamomentinsilence，hesaid:`FromyourwordsImayconsequentlyconcludethatadivorcemaybeobtained？Iwouldaskyoutoletmeknowwhatyourtermsare。’
`Itmaybeobtainedifyougivemecompletelibertyofaction，’saidthelawyer，withoutansweringhisquestion。`WhencanIcountonreceivingwordfromyou？’heaskedmovingtowardthedoor，hiseyesandhispatent-leathershoesshining。
`Inaweek’stime。Youwillbekindenoughtocommunicatetomeyouranswerastowhetheryouwillundertaketoconductthecase，andonwhatterms。’
`Verygood，sir。’
Thelawyerbowedrespectfully，lethisclientoutofthedoor，and，leftalone，gavehimselfuptohissenseofamusement。Hefeltsomirthfulthat，contrarytohisrule，hemadeareductioninhistermstothehagglinglady，andgaveupcatchingmoths，finallydecidingthatnextwinterhemusthavethefurniturecoveredwithvelvet，likeSigonin’s。