Theyweremowingslowlyovertheuneven，low-lyingpartsofthemeadow，wheretherehadbeenanolddam。Levinrecognizedsomeofhisownmen。HerewasoldIermilinaverylongwhitesmock，bendingforwardtoswingascythe；therewasayoungfellow，Vaska，whohadbeenacoachmanofLevin’s，takingeveryswathwithawidesweep。Here，too，wasTit，Levin’spreceptorintheartofmowing，athinlittlepeasant。Hewentonahead，andcuthiswideswathwithoutbending，asthoughplayingwithhisscythe。
Levingotoffhismare，andfasteningherupbytheroadsidewenttomeetTit，whotookasecondscytheoutofabushandgaveithim。
`It’sready，sir；it’slikearazor-itcutsofitself，’saidTit，takingoffhiscapwithasmileandgivinghimthescythe。
Levintookthescythe，andbegantryingit。Astheyfinishedtheirswaths，themowers，hotandgood-humored，cameoutintotheroadoneafteranother，andsmirking，greetedthemaster。Theyallstaredathim，butnoonemadeanyremark，tillatalloldman，withawrinkled，beardlessface，wearingashortsheepskinjacket，cameoutintotheroadandaccostedhim。
`Look’eenow，master，oncetakeholdoftherope，there’snolettinggo！’hesaid，andLevinheardsmotheredlaughteramongthemowers。
`I’lltrynottoletitgo，’hesaid，takinghisstandbehindTit，andwaitingforthetimetobegin。
`Mind’ee，’repeatedtheoldman。
Titmaderoom，andLevinstartedbehindhim。Thegrasswasshortclosetotheroad，andLevin，whohadnotdoneanymowingforalongwhile，andwasdisconcertedbytheeyesfasteneduponhim，cutbadlyforthefirstmoments，thoughheswunghisscythevigorously。Behindhimheheardvoices:
`It’snotsetright；handle’stoohigh；seehowhehastostooptoit，’saidone。
`Pressmoreontheheelofthescythe，’saidanother。
`Nevermind，he’llgetonallright，’theoldmanresumed。`See，he’smadeastart……Youswingittoowide，you’lltireyourselfout……
Themaster，sure，doeshisbestforhimself！Butseethegrassmissedout！
Forsuchworkusfellowswouldcatchit！’
Thegrassbecamelusher，andLevin，listeningwithoutanswering，followedTit，tryingtodothebesthecould。Theymovedahundredpaces。
Titkeptmovingon，withoutstopping，norshowingtheslightestweariness，butLevinwasalreadybeginningtofearhewouldnotbeabletokeepitup-sotiredwashe。
Hefeltasheswunghisscythethathewasattheveryendofhisstrength，andwasmakinguphismindtoaskTittostop。ButatthatverymomentTitstoppedofhisownaccord，and，stoopingdown，pickedupsomegrass，rubbedhisscythe，andbeganwhettingit。Levinstraightenedhimself，anddrawingadeepbreathlookedround。Behindhimcameapeasant，andhetoowasevidentlytired，forhestoppedatoncewithoutwaitingtomowuptoLevin，andbeganwhettinghisscythe。TitsharpenedhisscytheandLevin’s，andtheywenton。
Thenexttimeitwasjustthesame。Titmovedonwithsweepaftersweepofhisscythe，withoutstoppingorshowingsignsofweariness。Levinfollowedhim，tryingnottogetleftbehind，andhefounditharderandharder:themomentcamewhenhefelthehadnostrengthleft，butatthatverymomentTitstoppedandwhettedthescythes。
Sotheymowedthefirstrow。AndthislongrowseemedparticularlyhardworktoLevin；butwhentheendwasreached，andTit，shoulderinghisscythe，beganwithdeliberatestridereturningonthetracksleftbyhisheelsinthecutgrass，andLevinwalkedbackinthesamewayoverthespacehehadcut，inspiteofthesweatthatraninstreamsoverhisfaceandfellindropsdownhisnose，anddrenchedhisbackasthoughhehadbeensoakedinwater，hefeltveryhappy。Whatdelightedhimparticularlywasthatnowheknewhewouldbeabletoholdout。
Hispleasurewasonlydisturbedbyhisswathnotbeingwellcut。
`Iwillswinglesswithmyarmandmorewithmywholebody，’hethought，comparingTit’sswath，whichlookedasifithadbeencutalongasurveyor’scord，withhisownscatteredandirregularlylyinggrass。
Thefirstswath，asLevinnoticed，Tithadmowedespeciallyquickly，probablywishingtoputhismastertothetest，andtheswathhappenedtobealongone。Thenextswathswereeasier，butstillLevinhadtostraineverynervenottodropbehindthepeasants。
Hethoughtofnothing，wishedfornothing，savenottobeleftbehindthepeasants，andtodohisworkaswellaspossible。Heheardnothingsavetheswishofscythes，andsawbeforehimTit’suprightfiguremowingaway，thecrescent-shapedcurveofthecutgrass，thegrassandflowersslowlyandrhythmicallyfallingbeforethebladeofhisscythe，andaheadofhimtheendoftheswath，wherewouldcometherest。
Suddenly，inthemidstofhistoil，withoutunderstandingwhatitwasorwhenceitcame，hefeltapleasantsensationofchillonhishot，moistshoulders。Heglancedattheskyintheintervalforwhettingthescythes。Aheavy，loweringstormcloudhadblownup，andbigraindropswerefalling。Someofthepeasantswenttotheircoatsandputthemon；
others-justlikeLevinhimself-merelyshruggedtheirshoulders，enjoyingthepleasantcoolnessofit。
Anotherswath，andyetanotherswathfollowed-longswathsandshortswaths，withgoodgrassandwithpoorgrass。Levinlostallsenseoftime，andcouldnothavetoldwhetheritwerelateorearlynow。Achangebegantocomeoverhiswork，whichgavehimimmensesatisfaction。Inthemidstofhistoilthereweremomentsduringwhichheforgotwhathewasdoing，anditallcameeasytohim，andatthosesamemomentshisswathwasalmostassmoothandwellcutasTit’s。Butassoonasherecollectedwhathewasdoing，andbegantryingtodobetter，hewasatonceconsciousofallthedifficultyofhistask，andtheswathwasbadlymown。
Onfinishingyetanotherswathhewouldhavegonebacktothetopofthemeadowagaintobeginthenext，butTitstopped，andgoinguptotheoldmansaidsomethinginalowvoicetohim。Theybothlookedatthesun。`Whataretheytalkingabout，andwhydoesn’thegoback？’thoughtLevin，withoutguessingthatthepeasantshadbeenmowingnolessthanfourhourswithoutstopping，andthatitwastimefortheirlunch。
`Lunch，sir，’saidtheoldman。
`Isitreallytime？Lunchitis，then。’
LevingavehisscythetoTit，and，togetherwiththepeasants，whowerecrossingthelongstretchofmowngrass，slightlysprinkledwithrain，togettheirbreadfromtheheapofcoats，hewenttowardhishorse。
Onlythendidhesuddenlyawaketothefactthathehadbeenwrongabouttheweatherandthattherainwasdrenchinghishay。
`Thehaywillbespoiled，’hesaid。
`Notabitofit，sir；mowintherain，andyou’llrakeinfineweather！’saidtheoldman。
Levinuntiedhishorseandrodehometohiscoffee。
SergeiIvanovichwasjustgettingup。Whenhehaddrunkhiscoffee，LevinrodebackagaintothemowingbeforeSergeiIvanovichhadhadtimetodressandcomedowntothediningroom。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]
TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter05[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter5AfterlunchLevinwasnotinthesameplaceinthestringofmowersasbefore，butstoodbetweentheoldmanwhohadaccostedhimjocosely，andnowinvitedhimtobehisneighbor，andayoungpeasant，whohadonlybeenmarriedintheautumn，andwhowasmowingthissummerforthefirsttime。
Theoldman，holdinghimselferect，movedinfront，withhisfeetturnedout，takinglong，regularstrides，andwithapreciseandregularactionwhichseemedtocosthimnomoreeffortthanswingingone’sarmsinwalking，asthoughitwereinplay，helaiddownthehigh，evenswathofgrass。Itwasasthoughitwerenothebutthesharpscytheofitselfswishingthroughthejuicygrass。
BehindLevincametheladMishka。Hiscomely，youthfulface，withatwistoffreshgrassboundroundhishair，wasallworkingwitheffort；
butwheneveranyonelookedathimhesmiled。Hewouldclearlyhavediedsoonerthanownitwashardworkforhim。
Levinkeptbetweenthem。Intheveryheatofthedaythemowingdidnotseemsuchhardworktohim。Theperspirationwithwhichhewasdrenchedcooledhim，whilethesun，thatburnedhisback，hishead，andhisarms，baretotheelbow，gaveavigoranddoggedenergytohislabor；
andmoreandmoreoftennowcamethosemomentsofunconsciousness，whenitwaspossiblenottothinkofwhatonewasdoing。Thescythecutofitself。
Thesewerehappymoments。Stillmoredelightfulwerethemomentswhentheyreachedthestreamwheretheswathsended，andtheoldmanrubbedhisscythewiththewet，thickgrass，rinseditsbladeinthefreshwaterofthestream，ladledoutalittleinawhetstonecase，andofferedLevinadrink。
`Whatdoyousaytomykvass，eh？Good，eh？’hewouldsay，winking。
AndtrulyLevinhadneverdrunkanyliquorasgoodasthiswarmwaterwithgreenbitsfloatinginit，andatasteofrustfromthetinwhetstonecase。Andimmediatelyafterthiscamethedelicious，slowsaunter，withhishandonthescythe，duringwhichhecouldwipeawaythestreamingsweat，takedeepbreathsofair，andlookaboutatthelongstringofmowers，andatwhatwashappeningaroundintheforestandthefield。
ThelongerLevinmowed，theoftenerhefeltthemomentsofunconsciousnessinwhichitseemedthatitwasnothishandswhichswungthescythe，butthatthescythewasmovingtogetherwithitselfabodyfulloflifeandconsciousnessofitsown；andasthoughbymagic，withoutthinkingofit，theworkturnedoutregularandwell-finishedofitself。Thesewerethemostblissfulmoments。
Itwasonlyhardworkwhenhehadtobreakoffthemotion，whichhadbecomeunconscious，andtothink；whenhehadtomowroundahummockoranunweededtuftofsorrel。Theoldmandidthiseasily。Whenahummockcamehechangedhisaction，andatonetimewiththeheel，andatanotherwiththetipofhisscythe，clippedthehummockroundbothsideswithshortstrokes。Andwhilehedidthishekeptlookingaboutandwatchingwhatcameintohisview:atonemomenthepickedawildberryandateitorofferedittoLevin，thenheflungawayatwigwiththebladeofthescythe，thenhelookedataquail’snest，fromwhichthebirdflewjustunderthescythe，orcaughtasnakethatcrossedhispath，andliftingitonthescytheasthoughonaforkshowedittoLevinandthrewitaway。
ForbothLevinandtheyoungpeasantbehindhim，suchchangesofpositionweredifficult。Bothofthem，repeatingoverandoveragainthesamestrainedmovement，wereinaperfectfrenzyoftoil，andwereincapableofshiftingtheirpositionandatthesametimewatchingwhatwasbeforethem。
Levindidnotnoticehowtimewaspassing。Ifhehadbeenaskedhowlonghehadbeenworkinghewouldhavesaidhalfanhour-yetitwasgettingontodinnertime。Astheywerewalkingbackoverthecutgrass，theoldmancalledLevin’sattentiontothelittlegirlsandboyswhowerecomingfromdifferentdirections，hardlyvisiblethroughthelonggrass，andalongtheroadtowardthemowers，carryingsacksofbreadthatstretchedtheirlittlearms，andluggingsmallpitchersofkvass，stoppedupwithrags。
`Look’eeatthelittledoodlebugscrawling！’hesaid，pointingtothem，andheshadedhiseyeswithhishandtolookatthesun。
Theymowedtwomoreswaths；theoldmanstopped。
`Come，master，dinnertime！’hesaiddecidedly。Andonreachingthestreamthemowersmovedoffacrosstheswathstowardtheirpileofcoats，wherethechildrenwhohadbroughttheirdinnersweresittingwaitingforthem。Thepeasantsgathered-thosewhocamefromafarundertheirtelegas，thosewholivednearunderawillowbush，coveredwithgrass。
Levinsatdownbythem；hefeltdisinclinedtogoaway。
Allconstraintwiththemasterhaddisappearedlongago。Thepeasantsgotreadyfordinner。Somewashed，theyoungladsbathedinthestream，othersmadeaplacecomfortableforarest，untiedtheirsacksofbread，anduncoveredthepitchersofkvass。Theoldmancrumbledupsomebreadinacup，stirreditwiththehandleofaspoon，pouredwateronitfromhiswhetstonecase，brokeupsomemorebread，andhavingseasoneditwithsalt，heturnedtotheeasttosayhisprayer。
`Come，master，tastemysop，’saidhe，kneelingdownbeforethecup。
ThesopwassogoodthatLevingaveuptheideaofgoinghomefordinner。Heatewiththeoldman，andtalkedtohimabouthisfamilyaffairs，takingthekeenestinterestinthem，andtoldhimabouthisownaffairsandallthecircumstancesthatcouldbeofinteresttotheoldman。Hefeltmuchnearertohimthantohisbrother，andcouldnothelpsmilingattheaffectionhefeltforthisman。Whentheoldmangotupagain，saidhisprayer，andlaydownunderabush，puttingsomegrassunderhisheadforapillow，Levindidthesame，and，inspiteoftheclingingfliesthatweresopersistentinthesunshine，andthemidgesthattickledhishotfaceandbody，hefellasleepatonceandonlywakedwhenthesunhadpassedtotheothersideofthebushandreachedhim。Theoldmanhadbeenawakealongwhile，andwassittingupwhettingthescythesoftheyoungerlads。
Levinlookedabouthimandhardlyrecognizedtheplace，everythingwassochanged。Theimmensestretchofmeadowhadbeenmownandwassparklingwithapeculiarfreshbrilliance，withitslinesofalreadysweet-smellinggrassintheslantingraysoftheeveningsun。Andthebushesabouttheriver，mowedaround，andtheriveritself，notvisiblebefore，nowgleaming，likesteelinitsbends，andthemoving，ascendingpeasants，andthesharpwallofgrassoftheunmownpartofthemeadow，andthehawkshoveringoverthestrippedmeadow-allwasperfectlynew。Raisinghimself，Levinbeganconsideringhowmuchhadbeencutandhowmuchmorecouldstillbedonethatday。
Theworkdonewasexceptionallygreatforforty-twomen。Theyhadcutthewholeofthebigmeadow，whichhad，intheyearsofcorvee，takenthirtyscythestwodaystomow。Onlythecornersremainedtodo，wheretheswathswereshort。ButLevinfeltalongingtogetasmuchmowingdonethatdayaspossible，andwasvexedwiththesunsinkingsoquicklyinthesky。Hefeltnoweariness；allhewantedwastogethisworkdonemoreandmorequickly，andasmuchofitaspossible。
`CouldwecuttheMashkinUplandtoo？-whatdoyouthink？’hesaidtotheoldman。
`AsGodwills-thesun’snothigh。Alittlevodkaforthelads？’
Attheafternoonrest，whentheyweresittingdownagain，andthosewhosmokedhadlightedtheirpipes，theoldmantoldthementhat`theMashkinUpland’stobecut-there’llbevodka。’
`Whynotcutit？Comeon，Tit！We’lllooksharp！Wecaneatatnight。Comeon！’voicescriedout，andeatinguptheirbread，themowerswentbacktowork。
`Come，lads，keepitup！’saidTit，andranonaheadalmostatatrot。
`Getalong，getalong！’saidtheoldman，hurryingafterhimandeasilyovertakinghim，`I’llmowtheedown，lookout！’
Andyoungandoldmowedaway，asthoughtheywereracingwithoneanother。Buthoweverfasttheyworked，theydidnotspoilthegrass，andtheswathswerelaidjustasneatlyandexactly。Thelittlepieceleftuncutinthecornerwasmowninfiveminutes。Thelastofthemowerswerejustendingtheirswathswhiletheforemostsnatcheduptheircoatsontotheirshoulders，andcrossedtheroadtowardtheMashkinUpland。
ThesunwasalreadysinkingamongthetreeswhentheywentwiththeirjinglingwhetstonecasesintothewoodedravineoftheMashkinUpland。
Thegrasswasuptotheirwaistsinthemiddleofthehollow，lush，tender，andfeathery，spottedhereandthereamongthetreeswithwildheartsease。
Afterabriefconsultation-whethertotaketheswathslengthwiseordiagonally-ProkhorIermilin，alsoadoughtymower，ahuge，black-hairedpeasant，wentonahead。Hewentuptothetop，turnedbackagainandstartedmowing，andtheyallproceededtoforminlinebehindhim，goingdownhillthroughthehollowanduphillrightuptotheedgeoftheforest。Thesunsankbehindtheforest。Thedewwasfallingbynow；themowerswereinthesunonlyonthehillside，butbelow，whereamistwasrising，andontheoppositeside，theymowedintothefresh，dewyshade。Theworkwentrapidly。
Thespicilyfragrantgrasscutwithasucculentsound，wasatoncelaidinhighswaths。Themowersfromallsides，broughtclosertogetherintheshortswath，kepturgingoneanotherontothesoundofjinglingwhetstonecases，andclangingscythes，andthehissofthewhetstonessharpeningthem，andgood-humoredshouts。
Levinstillkeptbetweentheyoungpeasantandtheoldman。Theoldman，whohadputonhisshortsheepskinjacket，wasjustasgood-humored，jocose，andfreeinhismovements。Amongthetreestheywerecontinuallycuttingwiththeirscythestheso-called`birchmushrooms，’swollenfatinthesucculentgrass。Buttheoldmanbentdowneverytimehecameacrossamushroom，pickeditupandputitinhisbosom。`Anotherpresentformyoldwoman，’hewouldsayashedidso。
Easyasitwastomowthewet，lushgrass，itwashardworkgoingupanddownthesteepsidesoftheravine。Butthisdidnottroubletheoldman。Swinginghisscythejustasever，andmovinghisfeetintheirbig，plaitedbastsandals，withfirmshortsteps，heclimbedslowlyupthesteepplace，andthoughhisbreecheshangingoutbelowhissmock，andhiswholeframe，trembledwitheffort，hedidnotmissonebladeofgrassoronemushroomonhisway，andkeptmakingjokeswiththepeasantsandLevin。Levinwalkedafterhimandoftenthoughthemustfall，asheclimbedwithascytheupasteephillock，whereitwouldhavebeenhardworktoclamberevenwithoutthescythe。Butheclimbedupanddidwhathehadtodo。Hefeltasthoughsomeexternalforceweremovinghim。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]
TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter06[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter6TheMashkinUplandwasmown，thelastswathsfinished，thepeasantshadputontheircoatsandweregailytrudginghome。Levingotonhishorse，and，partingregretfullyfromthepeasants，rodehomeward。Onthehillsidehelookedback；hecouldnotseetheminthemistthathadrisenfromthevalley；hecouldonlyheartheirrough，good-humoredvoices，theirlaughter，andthesoundofclankingscythes。
SergeiIvanovichhadlongagofinisheddinner，andwasdrinkingicedlemonadeinhisownroom，lookingthroughthereviewsandpaperswhichhehadjustreceivedbypost，whenLevinrushedintotheroom，talkingmerrily，withhiswetandmattedhairstickingtohisforehead，andhisbackandchestgrimedandmoist。
`Wemowedthewholemeadow！Oh，itisfine，wonderful！Andhowhaveyoubeengettingon？’saidLevin，completelyforgettingthedisagreeableconversationofthepreviousday。
`Dearme！Whatyoulooklike！’saidSergeiIvanovich，forthefirstmomentlookingroundwithsomedissatisfaction。`Andthedoor-doshutthedoor！’hecried。`Youmusthaveletinadozenatleast。’
SergeiIvanovichcouldnotendureflies，andinhisownroomheneveropenedthewindowexceptatnight，andcarefullykeptthedoorshut。
`Notone，onmyhonor。ButifIhave，I’llcatchthem。Youwouldn’tbelievewhatapleasuremowingis！Howhaveyouspenttheday？’
`Verywell。Buthaveyoureallybeenmowingthewholeday？Iexpectyou’reashungryasawolf。Kouzmahasgoteverythingreadyforyou。’
`No，Idon’tfeelhungryeven。Ihadsomethingtoeatthere。ButI’llgoandwash。’
`Yes，goalong，goalong，andI’llcometoyoudirectly，’saidSergeiIvanovich，shakinghisheadashelookedathisbrother。`Goalong，makehaste，’headdedsmiling，and，gatheringuphisbooks，hepreparedtogotoo。He，too，feltsuddenlygood-humoredanddisinclinedtoleavehisbrother’sside。`Butwhatdidyoudowhileitwasraining？’
`Rain？Why，therewasscarcelyadrop。I’llcomedirectly。Soyouhadagooddaytoo？That’sfirst-rate。’AndLevinwentofftochangehisclothes。
Fiveminuteslaterthebrothersmetinthediningroom。AlthoughitseemedtoLevinthathewasnothungry，andhesatdowntodinnersimplysoasnottohurtKouzma’sfeelings，yetwhenhebegantoeatthedinnerstruckhimasextraordinarilygood。SergeiIvanovichwatchedhimwithasmile。
`Oh，bytheway，there’saletterforyou，’saidhe。`Kouzma，bringitfrombelow，please。Andmindyoushutthedoors。’
TheletterwasfromOblonsky。Levinreaditaloud。OblonskywrotetohimfromPeterburg:`IhavehadaletterfromDolly；she’satErgushovo，andeverythingseemsgoingwrongthere。Dorideoverandseeher，please；
helpherwithadvice；youknowallaboutit。Shewillbesogladtoseeyou。She’squitealone，poorthing。Mymother-in-lawandallofthemarestillabroad。’
`That’scapital！Iwillcertainlyrideovertoher，’saidLevin。
`Orwe’llgotogether。She’ssuchagoodwoman，isn’tshe？’
`They’renotfarfromhere，then？’
`Thirtyverstas。Orperhapsforty。Butacapitalroad。Itwillbeacapitaldrive。’
`Ishallbedelighted，’saidSergeiIvanovich，stillsmiling。
Thesightofhisyoungerbrother’sappearancehadimmediatelyputhiminagoodhumor。
`Well，youhaveanappetite！’hesaid，lookingathisdark-red，sunburnedfaceandneckbentovertheplate。
`Splendid！Youcan’timaginewhataneffectiveremedyitisforeverysortoffoolishness。Iwanttoenrichmedicinewithanewword:Arbeitskur。’
`Well，butyoudon’tneedit，Ishouldfancy。’
`No-butforallsortsofnervousinvalids。’
`Yes，itoughttobetried。Ihadmeanttocometothemowingtolookatyou，butitwassounbearablyhotthatIgotnofurtherthantheforest。Isattherealittle，andwentonbytheforesttothevillage，metyouroldnurse，andsoundedherastothepeasant’sviewofyou。AsfarasIcanmakeout，theydon’tapproveofthis。Shesaid:``It’snotagentleman’swork。’Altogether，Ifancythatinthepeople’sideasthereareveryclearanddefinitenotionsofcertain，astheycallit，``gentlemanly’
linesofaction。Andtheydon’tsanctionthegentlefolk’smovingoutsideboundsclearlylaiddownintheirideas。’
`Maybeso；butanyway，it’sapleasuresuchasIhaveneverknowninmylife。Andthere’snoharminit，youknow。Isthere？’answeredLevin。
`Ican’thelpitiftheydon’tlikeit。ThoughIdobelieveit’sallright。
Eh？’
`Altogether，’pursuedSergeiIvanovich，`you’resatisfiedwithyourday？’
`Quitesatisfied。Wecutthewholemeadow。AndImadefriendswithsuchasplendidoldmanthere！Youcan’tfancyhowdelightfulhewas！’
`Well，soyou’resatisfiedwithyourday。AndsoamI。First，Isolvedtwochessproblems，andoneaveryprettyone-apawnopening。
I’llshowittoyou。Andthen-Ithoughtoverourconversationofyesterday。’
`Eh！Ourconversationofyesterday？’saidLevin，blissfullydroppinghiseyelidsanddrawingdeepbreathsafterfinishinghisdinner，andabsolutelyincapableofrecallingwhattheirconversationofyesterdayhadbeenabout。
`Ithinkyouarepartlyright。Ourdifferenceofopinionamountstothis:thatyoumakethemainspringself-interest，whileIcontendthatinterestinthecommonwealisboundtoexistineverymanofacertaindegreeofadvancement。Possiblyyouarerighttoo-thatactionfoundedonmaterialinterestwouldbemoredesirable。Youarealtogether，astheFrenchsay，tooprimesautiè；reanature；youmusthaveintense，energeticaction，ornothing。’
Levinlistenedtohisbrotheranddidnotunderstandasingleword，anddidnotwanttounderstand。Hewasonlyafraidhisbrothermightaskhimsomequestionwhichwouldmakeitevidenthehadnotheard。
`Sothat’swhatIthinkitis，mydearboy，’saidSergeiIvanovich，touchinghimontheshoulder。
`Yes，ofcourse。But，doyouknow？Iwon’tstandupformyview，’
answeredLevin，withaguilty，childlikesmile。`WhateverwasitIwasdisputingabout？’hewondered。`Ofcourse，I’mright，andhe’sright，andit’sallfirst-rate。OnlyImustgoroundtothecountinghouseandseetothings。’Hegotup，stretchingandsmiling。
SergeiIvanovichsmiledtoo。
`Ifyouwanttogoout，let’sgotogether，’hesaid，disinclinedtobepartedfromhisbrother，whoseemedpositivelybreathingoutfreshnessandenergy。`Come，we’llgotothecountinghouse，ifyouhavetogothere。’
`Oh，heavens！’shoutedLevin，soloudlythatSergeiIvanovichwasquitefrightened。
`What，whatisthematter？
`How’sAgathyaMikhailovna’shand？’saidLevin，slappinghimselfonthehead。`I’dpositivelyforgottenher。’
`It’smuchbetter。’
`Well，anyway，I’llrundowntoher。Beforeyou’vetimetogetyourhaton，I’llbeback。’
Andherandownstairs，clatteringwithhisheelslikeaspringrattle。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter07[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter7StepanArkadyevichhadgonetoPeterburgtoperformthemostnaturalandessentialofficialduty-sofamiliartoeveryoneinthegovernmentservice，thoughincomprehensibletooutsiders-thatdutybutforwhichonecouldhardlybeingovernmentservice:ofremindingtheministryofhisexistence；
andhaving，forthedueperformanceofthisrite，takenalltheavailablecashfromhome，wasgailyandagreeablyspendinghisdaysattheracesandinthesummervillas。MeanwhileDollyandthechildrenhadmovedintothecountry，tocutdownexpensesasmuchaspossible。ShehadgonetoErgushovo，theestatethathadbeenherdowry，andtheonewhereinspringtheforesthadbeensold。ItwasnearlyfiftyverstasfromLevin’sPokrovskoe。
ThebigoldhouseatErgushovohadbeenpulleddownlongago，andtheoldPrincehadhadthewingdoneupandaddedto。Twentyyearsbefore，whenDollywasachild，thewinghadbeenroomyandcomfortable，though，likeallwings，itstoodsidewaystotheentranceavenue，andtothesouth。Butbynowthiswingwasoldanddilapidated。WhenStepanArkadyevichhadgonedowninthespringtoselltheforest，Dollyhadbeggedhimtolookoverthehouseandorderwhatrepairsmightbeneeded。StepanArkadyevich，likeanunfaithfulhusbandsindeed，wasverysolicitousforhiswife’scomfort，andhehadhimselflookedoverthehouse，andgiveninstructionsabouteverythingthatheconsiderednecessary。Whatheconsiderednecessarywastocoverallthefurniturewithnewcretonne，toputupcurtains，toweedthegarden，tomakealittlebridgeonthepond，andtoplantflowers。
Butheforgotmanyotheressentialmatters，thewantofwhichgreatlydistressedDaryaAlexandrovnalateron。
InspiteofStepanArkadyevich’seffortstobeanattentivefatherandhusband，henevercouldkeepinhismindthathehadawifeandchildren。
Hehadbachelortastes，anditwasinaccordancewiththemthatheshapedhislife。OnhisreturntoMoscowheinformedhiswifewithpridethateverythingwasready，thatthehousewouldbeaprettytoy，andthathemostcertainlyadvisedhertogo。Hiswife’sstayingawayinthecountrywasveryagreeabletoStepanArkadyevichfromeverypointofview:itdidthechildrengood，itdecreasedexpenses，anditlefthimmoreatliberty。
DaryaAlexandrovnaregardedstayinginthecountryforthesummerasessentialforthechildren，especiallyforthelittlegirl，whohadnotsucceededinregainingherstrengthafterthescarlatina，andalsoasameansofescapingthepettyhumiliations，thelittlebillsowingtothewoodmerchant，thefishmonger，theshoemaker，whichmadehermiserable。Besidesthis，shewaspleasedtogoawaytothecountrybecauseshewasdreamingofgettinghersisterKittytostaywithherthere。Kittywastobebackfromabroadinthemiddleofthesummer，andbathinghadbeenprescribedforher。KittywrotethatnoprospectwassoalluringastospendthesummerwithDollyatErgushovo，fullofchildhoodassociationsforbothofthem。
ThefirstdaysofherexistenceinthecountrywereveryhardforDolly。Sheusedtostayinthecountryasachild，andtheimpressionshehadretainedofitwasthatthecountrywasarefugefromalltheunpleasantnessofthetown，thatlifethere，thoughnotluxurious-Dollycouldeasilymakeuphermindtothat-wascheapandcomfortable；thattherewasplentyofeverything，everythingwascheap，everythingcouldbegot，andchildrenwerehappy。Butnow，comingtothecountryastheheadofafamily，sheperceivedthatitwasallutterlyunlikewhatshehadfancied。
Thedayaftertheirarrivaltherewasaheavyfallofrainandinthenightthewatercamethroughinthecorridorandinthenursery，sothatthebedshadtobecarriedintothedrawingroom。Therewasnokitchenmaidtobefound；oftheninecows，itappearedfromthewordsofthecowherdwomanthatsomewereabouttocalve，othershadjustcalved，otherswereold，andothersagainhard-uddered；therewasneitherbutternormilkenoughevenforthechildren。Therewerenoeggs。Theycouldgetnofowls；old，purplish，stringyroosterswerealltheyhadforroastingandboiling。Impossibletogetwomentoscrubthefloors-allwerepotatohoeing。Drivingwasoutofthequestion，becauseoneofthehorseswasrestive，andboltedintheshafts。Therewasnoplacewheretheycouldbathe；thewholeoftheriverbankwastrampledbythecattleandopentotheroad；evenwalkswereimpossible，forthecattlestrayedintothegardenthroughagapinthehedge，andtherewasoneterriblebull，whobellowed，andthereforemightbeexpectedtogoresomebody。Therewerenopropercupboardsfortheirclothes；whatcupboardstherewereeitherwouldnotcloseatall，orflewopenwheneveranyonepassedbythem。Therewerenopotsandkettles；therewasnoboilerinthewashhouse，norevenanironingboardinthemaids’room。
Findinginsteadofpeaceandrestallthese，fromherpointofview，fearfulcalamities，DaryaAlexandrovnawasatfirstindespair。Sheexertedherselftotheutmost，feltthehopelessnessoftheposition，andwaseveryinstantsuppressingthetearsthatstartedintohereyes。Thebailiff，aretiredquartermaster，whomStepanArkadyevichhadtakenafancytoandhadappointedbailiffonaccountofhishandsomeandrespectfulappearanceasahallporter，showednosympathyforDaryaAlexandrovna’swoes。Hewouldsayrespectfully，`Nothingcanbedone，thepeasantsaresuchawretchedlot，’anddidnothingtohelpher。
Thepositionseemedhopeless。ButintheOblonskys’household，asinallfamiliesindeed，therewasoneinconspicuousbutmostvaluableandusefulperson-MatrionaPhilimonovna。Shesoothedhermistress，assuredherthateverythingwouldcomerounditwasherexpression，andMatveihadborroweditfromher，andwithoutfussorhurryproceededtosettoworkherself。
Shehadimmediatelymadefriendswiththebailiff’swife，andontheveryfirstdayshedrankteawithherandthebailiffundertheacacias，andreviewedallthecircumstancesoftheposition。VerysoonMatrionaPhilimonovnahadestablishedherclub，sotosay，undertheacacias，andthereitwas，inthisclub，consistingofthebailiff’swife，thevillageelder，andthecountinghouseclerk，thatthedifficultiesofexistenceweregraduallysmoothedaway，andinaweek’stimeeverythingactuallyhadcomeround。Theroofwasmended，akitchenmaidwasfound-acronyofthevillageelder’s-henswerebought，thecowsbegangivingmilk，thegardenhedgewasstoppedupwithstakes，thecarpentermadeamangle，hookswereputinthecupboards，andtheyceasedtoflyopenspontaneouslyandanironingboardcoveredwitharmyclothwasplacedacrossfromthearmofachairtothechestofdrawers，andtherewasasmellofflatironsinthemaids’room。
`Justsee，now，andyouwerequiteindespair，’saidMatrionaPhilimonovna，pointingtotheironingboard。
Theyevenriggedupabathingshedofstrawhurdles。Lilybegantobathe，andDaryaAlexandrovnabegantorealize，ifonlyinpart，herexpectations，ifnotofapeaceful，atleastofacomfortable，lifeinthecountry。PeacefulwithsixchildrenDaryaAlexandrovnacouldnotbe。
Onewouldfallill，anothermighteasilybecomeso，athirdwouldbewithoutsomethingnecessary，afourthwouldshowsymptomsofabaddisposition，andsoon。Rareindeedwerethebriefperiodsofpeace。ButthesecaresandanxietieswereforDaryaAlexandrovnathesolehappinesspossible。
Haditnotbeenforthem，shewouldhavebeenleftalonetobroodoverherhusbandwhodidnotloveher。Andbesides，hardthoughitwasforthemothertobearthedreadofillness，theillnessesthemselves，andthegriefofseeingsignsofevilpropensitiesinherchildren-thechildrenthemselveswereevennowrepayingherinsmalljoysforherpains。Thosejoysweresosmallthattheypassedunnoticed，likegoldinsand，andatbadmomentsshecouldseenothingbutthepain，nothingbutsand；butthereweregoodmomentstoowhenshesawnothingbutthejoy，nothingbutgold。
Now，inthesolitudeofthecountry，shebegantobemoreandmorefrequentlyawareofthosejoys。Often，lookingatthem，shewouldmakeeverypossibleefforttopersuadeherselfthatshewasmistaken，thatsheasamotherwaspartialtoherchildren。Allthesame，shecouldnothelpsayingtoherselfthatshehadcharmingchildren，allsixofthemindifferentways，butasetofchildrensuchasisnotoftentobemetwith-andshewashappyinthem，andproudofthem。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]
TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter08[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter8TowardtheendofMay，wheneverythinghadbeenmoreorlesssatisfactorilyarranged，shereceivedherhusband’sanswertohercomplaintsofthedisorganizedstateofthingsinthecountry。Hewrotebeggingherforgivenessfornothavingthoughtofeverythingbefore，andpromisedtocomedownatthefirstchance。Thischancedidnotpresentitself，andtillthebeginningofJuneDaryaAlexandrovnastayedaloneinthecountry。
OntheSundayinSt。Peter’sweekDaryaAlexandrovnadrovetomasstohaveallherchildrentakethesacrament。DaryaAlexandrovnainherintimate，philosophicaltalkswithhersister，hermother，andherfriendsveryoftenastonishedthembythefreedomofherviewsinregardtoreligion。Shehadastrangereligion，allherown，ofthetransmigrationofsouls，inwhichshehadfirmfaith，troublingherselflittleaboutthedogmasoftheChurch。ButinherfamilyshewasstrictincarryingoutallthatwasrequiredbytheChurch-andnotmerelyinordertosetanexample，butwithallherheart。Thefactthatthechildrenhadnotbeenatthesacramentfornearlyayearworriedherextremely，andwiththefullapprovalandsympathyofMatrionaPhilimonovnashedecidedthatthisshouldtakeplacenow，inthesummer。
ForseveraldaysbeforeDaryaAlexandrovnawasbusilydeliberatingonhowtodressallthechildren。Frocksweremade，oralteredandwashed，seamsandflounceswereletout，buttonsweresewnonandribbonsgotready。
Onedress，Tania’s，whichtheEnglishgovernesshadundertaken，costDaryaAlexandrovnamuchlossoftemper。TheEnglishgovernessinalteringithadmadetheseamsinthewrongplace，hadtakenupthesleevestoomuch，andaltogetherspoiledthedress。ItwassonarrowonTania’sshouldersthatitwasquitepainfultolookather。ButMatrionaPhilimonovnahadthehappythoughtofputtingingussets，andaddingalittleshoulder-cape。
Thedresswassetright，buttherewasnearlyaquarrelwiththeEnglishgoverness。Inthemorning，however，allwashappilyarranged，andaboutnineo’clock-thetimeatwhichtheyhadaskedthepriesttowaitforthemforthemass-thechildrenintheirnewdressesstoodwithbeamingfacesonthestepbeforethecarriage，waitingfortheirmother。
Inthecarriage，insteadoftherestiveRaven，theyhadharnessed，thankstotherepresentationsofMatrionaPhilimonovna，thebailiff’shorse，Brownie，andDaryaAlexandrovna，delayedbyanxietyoverherownattire，cameoutandgotin，dressedinawhitemuslingown。
DaryaAlexandrovnahaddoneherhair，anddressedwithcareandexcitement。Intheolddaysshehaddressedforherownsake，tolookprettyandbeadmired；lateron，asshegotolder，dressbecamemoreandmoredistastefultoher；shesawthatshewaslosinghergoodlooks。Butnowshebegantofeelpleasureandinterestindressagain。Nowshedidnotdressforherownsake，norforthesakeofherownbeauty，butsimplythat，asthemotherofthoseexquisitecreatures，shemightnotspoilthegeneraleffect。Andlookingatherselfforthelasttimeinthelookingglassshewassatisfiedwithherself。Shelookedwell。Notaswellasshewishedtolookintheolddays，ataball，butwellfortheobjectshenowhadinview。
Inthechurchtherewasnoonebutthepeasants，theservants，andtheirwomenfolk。ButDaryaAlexandrovnasaw，orfanciedshesaw，thesensationproducedbyherchildrenandherself。Thechildrenwerenotonlybeautifultolookatintheirsmartlittledresses，buttheywerecharminginthewaytheybehaved。Aliosha，itistrue，didnotstandquitecorrectly；
hekeptturninground，tryingtolookathislittlejacketfrombehind；
butallthesamehewaswonderfullysweet。Taniabehavedlikeagrown-upperson，andlookedafterthelittleones。Andthesmallest，Lily，wasbewitchinginhernaiveastonishmentateverything，anditwasdifficultnottosmilewhen，aftertakingthesacrament，shesaidinEnglish，`Please，somemore。’
Onthewayhomethechildrenfeltthatsomethingsolemnhadhappened，andwereverysedate。
Everythingwenthappilyathometoo；butatlunchGrishabeganwhistling，and，whatwasworse，wasdisobedienttotheEnglishgoverness，andwasforbiddentohaveanytart。DaryaAlexandrovnawouldnothaveletthingsgoasfarasthepunishmentonsuchadayhadshebeenpresent；
butshehadtosupporttheEnglishgoverness’sauthority，andsheupheldherdecisionthatGrishashouldhavenotart。Thisratherspoiledthegeneralgoodhumor。
Grishacried，declaringthatNikolinkahadwhistledtoo，yetwasnotpunished，andthathewasn’tcryingforthetart-hedidn’tcare-
butatbeingunjustlytreated。Thiswasreallytootragic，andDaryaAlexandrovnamadeuphermindtopersuadetheEnglishgovernesstoforgiveGrisha，andshewenttospeaktoher。Butonherway，asshepassedthedrawingroom，shebeheldascene，fillingherheartwithsuchpleasurethatthetearscameintohereyes，andsheforgavethedelinquentherself。
Theculpritwassittingatthewindowinthecornerofthedrawingroom；besidehimwasstandingTaniawithaplate。Onthepretextofwantingtogivesomedinnertoherdolls，shehadaskedthegoverness’spermissiontotakehershareoftarttothenursery，andhadtakenitinsteadtoherbrother。Whilestillweepingovertheinjusticeofhispunishment，hewaseatingthetart，andkeptsayingthroughhissobs，`Eatyourself；let’seatittogether……together。’
TaniahadatfirstbeenundertheinfluenceofherpityforGrisha，thenofasenseofhernobleaction，andtearswerestandinginhereyestoo；butshedidnotrefuse，andatehershare。
Oncatchingsightoftheirmothertheyweredismayed，but，lookingintoherface，theysawtheywerenotdoingwrong。Theyburstoutlaughing，and，withtheirmouthsfulloftart，theybeganwipingtheirsmilinglipswiththeirhands，andsmearingtheirradiantfacesalloverwithtearsandjam。
`Mercy！Yournewwhitefrock-Tania！Grisha！’saidtheirmother，tryingtosavethefrock，butwithtearsinhereyes，smilingablissful，rapturoussmile。
Thenewfrocksweretakenoff，andordersweregivenforthelittlegirlstohavetheirblousesputon，andtheboystheiroldjackets，andthewidedroshkytobeharnessed-withBrownie，tothebailiff’sannoyance，againintheshafts-todriveoutformushroompickingandbathing。A
roarofdelightedshrieksaroseinthenursery，andneverceasedtilltheyhadsetoffforthebathingplace。
Theygatheredawholebasketfulofmushrooms；evenLilyfoundabirchmushroom。IthadalwayshappenedbeforethatMissHoolefoundthemandpointedthemouttoher；butthistimeshefoundabigonequitebyherself，andtherewasageneralscreamofdelight；`Lilyhasfoundamushroom！’
Thentheyreachedtheriver，putthehorsesunderthebirchtrees，andwenttothebathingplace。Thecoachman，Terentii，hitchedthehorses，whokeptwhiskingawaythehorseflies，toatree，and，treadingdownthegrass，laydownintheshadeofabirchandsmokedhisshag，whilethenever-ceasingshrieksofdelightofthechildrenfloatedacrosstohimfromthebathingplace。
Thoughitwashardworktolookafterallthechildrenandrestraintheirpranks，thoughitwasdifficult，too，tokeepone’sheadandnotmixupallthestockings，littlebreeches，andshoesforthedifferentlegs，andtoundoandtodoupagainallthetapesandbuttons，DaryaAlexandrovna，whohadalwayslikedbathingherself，andbelievedittobeverygoodforthechildren，enjoyednothingsomuchasbathingwithallthechildren。
Togooverallthosefatlittlelegs，pullingontheirstockings，totakeinherarmsanddipthoselittlenakedbodies，andtoheartheirscreamsofdelightandalarm，toseethebreathlessfaceswithwide-open，scared，andhappyeyesofallhersplashingcherubs，wasagreatpleasuretoher。
Whenhalfthechildrenhadbeendressed，somepeasantwomeninholidaydress，outpickingherbs，cameuptothebathingshedandstoppedshyly。MatrionaPhilimonovnacalledoneofthemandhandedherasheetandashirtthathaddroppedintothewaterforhertodrythem，andDaryaAlexandrovnabegantotalktothewomen。Atfirsttheylaughedbehindtheirhandsanddidnotunderstandherquestions，butsoontheygrewbolderandbegantotalk，winningDaryaAlexandrovna’sheartatoncebythegenuineadmirationofthechildrenthattheyshowed。
`My，whatabeauty！Aswhiteassugar，’saidone，admiringTanechka，andshakingherhead，`butthin……’
`Yes，shehasbeenill。’
`Lookee，they’vebeenbathinghimtoo，’saidanother，pointingtothebreastbaby。
`No；he’sonlythreemonthsold，’answeredDaryaAlexandrovnawithpride。
`Yousee！’
`Andhaveyouanychildren？’
`I’vehadfour；I’vetwoliving-aboyandagirl。Iweanedherlastcarnival。’
`Howoldisshe？’
`Why，morethanoneyearold。’
`Whydidyounursehersolong？’
`It’sourcustom；forthreefasts……’
AndtheconversationbecamemostinterestingtoDaryaAlexandrovna。
Whatsortoftimedidshehave？Whatwasthematterwiththeboy？Wherewasherhusband？Diditoftenhappen？
DaryaAlexandrovnafeltdisinclinedtoleavethepeasantwomen，sointerestingtoherwastheirconversation，socompletelyidenticalwerealltheirinterests。Whatpleasedhermostofallwasthatshesawclearlywhatallthewomenadmiredmorethananythingwasherhavingsomanychildren，andsuchfineones。ThepeasantwomenevenmadeDaryaAlexandrovnalaugh，andoffendedtheEnglishgoverness，becauseshewasthecauseofthelaughtershedidnotunderstand。OneoftheyoungerwomenkeptstaringattheEnglishwoman，whowasdressingafteralltherest，andwhensheputonherthirdpetticoatshecouldnotrefrainfromtheremark，`My，shekeepsputtingonandputtingon，andshe’llneverhavedone！’shesaid，andtheyallwentoffintopealsoflaughter。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]
TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter09[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter9Onthedrivehome，asDaryaAlexandrovna，withallherchildrenroundher，theirheadsstillwetfromtheirbaths，andakerchieftiedoverherownhead，wasgettingnearthehouse，thecoachmansaid:`There’ssomegentlemancoming:themasterofPokrovskoe，Idobelieve。’
DaryaAlexandrovnapeepedoutinfront，andwasdelightedwhensherecognizedinthegrayhatandgraycoatthefamiliarfigureofLevinwalkingtomeetthem。Shewasgladtoseehimatanytime，butatthismomentshewasspeciallygladheshouldseeherinallherglory。NoonewasbetterabletoappreciatehergrandeurthanLevin。
Seeingher，hefoundhimselffacetofacewithoneofthepicturesofhisdaydreamoffamilylife。
`You’relikeahenwithyourbrood，DaryaAlexandrovna。’
`Ah，howgladIamtoseeyou！’shesaid，holdingoutherhandtohim。
`Gladtoseeme-butyoudidn’tletmeknow。Mybrother’sstayingwithme。IgotanotefromStivathatyouwerehere。’
`FromStiva？’DaryaAlexandrovnaaskedwithsurprise。
`Yes；hewritesthatyouarehere，andthathethinksyoumightallowmetobeofusetoyou，’saidLevin，andashesaidithebecamesuddenlyembarrassed，and，stoppingabruptly，hewalkedoninsilencebythedroshky，snappingoffthebudsofthelimetreesandnibblingthem。
HewasembarrassedthroughasensethatDaryaAlexandrovnawouldbeannoyedbyreceivingfromanoutsiderhelpthatshouldbyrightshavecomefromherownhusband。DaryaAlexandrovnacertainlydidnotlikethislittlewayofStepanArkadyevich’soffoistinghisdomesticdutiesonothers。
AndshewasatonceawarethatLevinwasawareofthis。Itwasjustforthisfinenessofperception，forthisdelicacy，thatDaryaAlexandrovnalikedLevin。
`Iknow，ofcourse，’saidLevin，`thatthissimplymeansthatyouwouldliketoseeme，andI’mexceedinglyglad。ThoughIcanfancythat，usedtotownhousekeepingasyouare，youmustfeelyouareinthewildshere，andifthere’sanythingwanted，I’maltogetheratyourdisposal。’
`Oh，no！’saidDolly。`Atfirstthingswereratheruncomfortable，butnowwe’vesettledeverythingcapitally-thankstomyoldnurse，’shesaid，indicatingMatrionaPhilimonovna，who，seeingthattheywerespeakingofher，smiledbrightlyandcordiallytoLevin。Sheknewhim，andknewthathewouldbeagoodmatchforheryounglady，andwasverykeentoseethemattersettled。
`Won’tyougetin，sir，we’llmakeroomonthisside！’shesaidtohim。
`No，I’llwalk。Children，who’dliketoracethehorseswithme？’
ThechildrenknewLevinverylittle，andcouldnotrememberwhentheyhadseenhim，buttheyexperiencedinregardtohimnoneofthatstrangefeelingofshynessandhostilitywhichchildrensooftenexperiencetowardhypocritical，grown-uppeople，andforwhichtheyaresooftenandmiserablypunished。Hypocrisyinanythingwhatevermaydeceivethecleverestandmostpenetratingman，buttheleastwide-awakeofchildrenrecognizesit，andisrevoltedbyit，howeveringeniouslyitmaybedisguised。WhateverfaultsLevinhad，therewasnotatraceofhypocrisyinhim，andsothechildrenshowedhimthesamefriendlinessthattheysawintheirmother’sface。Onhisinvitation，thetwoelderonesatoncejumpedouttohimandranwithhimassimplyastheywouldhavedonewiththeirnurse，orMissHoole，ortheirmother。Lily，too，beganbeggingtogotohim，andhermotherhandedherovertohim；hesatheronhisshoulderandranalongwithher。
`Don’tbeafraid，don’tbeafraid，DaryaAlexandrovna！’hesaid，smilinggood-humoredlytothemother；`there’snochanceofmyhurtingordroppingher。’
And，lookingathisstrong，agile，assiduouslycarefulandextremelystrainedmovements，themotherfelthermindatrest，andsmiledgailyandapprovinglyasshewatchedhim。
Here，inthecountry，withchildren，andwithDaryaAlexandrovna，withwhomhewasinsympathy，Levinwasinamoodnotinfrequentwithhim，ofchildlikelightheartednessthatsheparticularlylikedinhim。Asheranwiththechildren，hetaughtthemgymnasticfeats，setMissHoolelaughingwithhisqueerEnglishaccent，andtalkedtoDaryaAlexandrovnaofhispursuitsinthecountry。
Afterdinner，DaryaAlexandrovna，sittingalonewithhimonthebalcony，begantospeakofKitty。
`Youknow，Kitty’scominghere，andisgoingtospendthesummerwithme。’
`Really，’hesaid，flushing；andatonce，tochangetheconversation，hesaid:`ThenI’llsendyoutwocows，shallI？Ifyouinsistonabillyoushallpaymefiveroublesamonth-ifyouaren’tashamed。’
`No，thankyou。Wecanmanageverywellnow。’
`Oh，well，then，I’llhavealookatyourcows，andifyou’llallowme，I’llgivedirectionsabouttheirfood。Everythingdependsontheirfood。’
AndLevin，toturntheconversation，explainedtoDaryaAlexandrovnathetheoryofcowkeeping，basedontheprinciplethatthecowissimplyamachineforthetransformationoffoodintomilk，andsoon。
Hetalkedofthis，andpassionatelylongedtohearmoreofKitty，and，atthesametime，wasafraidofhearingit。Hedreadedthebreakingupoftheinwardpeacehehadgainedwithsucheffort。
`Yes，butstillallthishastobelookedafter，andwhoistheretolookafterit？’DaryaAlexandrovnarespondedreluctantly。
Shehadbynowgotherhouseholdmatterssosatisfactorilyarranged，thankstoMatrionaPhilimonovna，thatshewasdisinclinedtomakeanychangeinthem；besides，shehadnofaithinLevin’sknowledgeoffarming。Generalprinciples，astothecowbeingamachinefortheproductionofmilk，shelookedonwithsuspicion。Itseemedtoherthatsuchprinciplescouldonlybeahindranceinfarmmanagement。Itallseemedtoherafarsimplermatter:
allthatwasneeded，asMatrionaPhilimonovnahadexplained，wastogiveBrindleandWhitebreastmorefoodanddrink，andnottoletthecookcarryallthekitchenslopstothelaundrymaid’scow。Thatwasclear。Butgeneralpropositionsastofeedingonmealandongrassweredoubtfulandobscure。
And，whatwasmostimportant，shewantedtotalkaboutKitty。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]
TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter10[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter10`Kittywritestomethatthere’snothingshelongsforsomuchasquietandsolitude，’Dollysaidafterthesilencethathadfollowed。
`Andhowisshe-better？’Levinaskedinagitation。
`ThankGod，she’squitewellagain。Ineverbelievedherlungswereaffected。’
`Oh，I’mveryglad！’saidLevin，andDollyfanciedshesawsomethingtouching，helpless，inhisfaceashesaidthisandlookedsilentlyintoherface。
`Letmeaskyou，KonstantinDmitrievich，’saidDaryaAlexandrovna，smilingherkindlyandrathermockingsmile，`whyareyouangrywithKitty？’
`I？I’mnotangrywithher，’saidLevin。
`Yes，youare。WhywasityoudidnotcometoseeusorthemwhenyouwereinMoscow？’
`DaryaAlexandrovna，’hesaid，blushinguptotherootsofhishair，`Iwonderreallythatwithyourkindheartyoudon’tfeelthis。Howitisyoufeelnopityforme，ifnothingelse，whenyouknow……’
`WhatdoIknow？’
`YouknowthatIproposedandwasrefused，’saidLevin，andallthetendernesshehadbeenfeelingforKittyaminutebeforewasreplacedbyafeelingofangerfortheslighthehadsuffered。
`WhatmakesyousupposeIknow？’
`Becauseeverybodyknowsit……’
`That’sjustwhereyouaremistaken；Ididnotknowit，thoughIhadguesseditwasso。’
`Well，nowyouknowit。’
`AllIknewwasthatsomethinghadhappenedthatmadeherdreadfullymiserable，andthatshebeggedmenevertospeakofit。Andifshewouldnottellme，shewouldcertainlynotspeakofittoanyoneelse。Butwhatdidpassbetweenyou？Tellme。’
`Ihavetoldyou。’
`Whenwasit？’
`WhenIwasattheirhousethelasttime。’
`Doyouknow，’saidDaryaAlexandrovna，`Iamawfully，awfullysorryforher。Yousufferonlyfrompride……’
`Perhapsso，’saidLevin，`but……’
Sheinterruptedhim。
`Butshe，poorgirl……Iamawfully，awfullysorryforher。NowIseeitall。’
`Well，DaryaAlexandrovna，youmustexcuseme，’hesaid，gettingup。`Good-by，DaryaAlexandrovna，tillwemeetagain。’
`No，waitaminute，’shesaid，clutchinghimbythesleeve。`Waitaminute，sitdown。’
`Please，please，don’tletustalkofthis，’hesaid，sittingdown，andatthesametimefeelingriseupandstirwithinhisheartahopehehadbelievedtobeburied。
`IfIdidnotlikeyou，’shesaid，andtearscameintohereyes；
`ifIdidnotknowyou，asIdoknowyou……’
Thefeelingthathadseemeddeadrevivedmoreandmore，roseupandtookpossessionofLevin’sheart。
`Yes，Iunderstanditallnow，’saidDaryaAlexandrovna。`Youcan’tunderstandit；foryoumen，whoarefreeandmakeyourownchoice，it’salwaysclearwhomyoulove。Butagirl’sinapositionofsuspense，withallawoman’sormaiden’smodesty，agirlwhoseesyoumenfromafar，whotakeseverythingontrust-agirlmayhave，andoftenhas，suchafeelingthatshecannottellwhattosay。’
`Yes，iftheheartdoesnotspeak……’
`No，theheartdoesspeak；butjustconsider:youmenhaveviewsaboutagirl，youcometothehouse，youmakefriends，youcriticize，youwaittoseeifyouhavefoundwhatyoulove，andthen，whenyouaresureyouloveher，youpropose……’
`Well，that’snotquiteit。’
`Anywayyoupropose，whenyourloveisripe，orwhenthebalancehascompletelyturnedbetweenthetwoyouarechoosingfrom。Butagirlisnotasked。Sheisexpectedtomakeherchoice，andyetshecannotchoose-shecanonlyanswer``yes’or``no。’’
`Yes，tochoosebetweenmeandVronsky，’thoughtLevin，andthedeadthingthathadcometolifewithinhimdiedagain，andonlyweighedonhisheartandsetitaching。
`DaryaAlexandrovna，’hesaid，`that’showonechoosesanewdress，orsomepurchaseorother-notlove。Thechoicehasbeenmade，andsomuchthebetter……Andtherecanbenorepetition。’
`Ah，pride，pride！’saidDaryaAlexandrovna，asthoughdespisinghimforthebasenessofthisfeelingincomparisonwiththatotherfeelingwhichonlywomenknow。`AtthetimewhenyouproposedtoKittyshewasjustinapositioninwhichshecouldnotanswer。Shewasindoubt。DoubtbetweenyouandVronsky。Himshewasseeingeveryday，andyoushehadnotseenforalongwhile。Supposingshehadbeenolder……I，forinstance，inherplace，couldhavefeltnodoubt。Ialwaysdislikedhim，andmydislikeprovedtobejustified。’
LevinrecalledKitty’sanswer。Shehadsaid:`No，thatcannotbe……’
`DaryaAlexandrovna，’hesaiddryly，`Iappreciateyourconfidenceinme；Ibelieveyouaremakingamistake。ButwhetherIamrightorwrong，thatprideyousodespisemakesanythoughtofKaterinaAlexandrovnaoutofthequestionforme；youunderstand-utterlyoutofthequestion。’
`Iwillonlysayonethingmore:youknowthatIamspeakingofmysister，whomIloveasIlovemyownchildren。Idon’tsayshecaredforyou；allImeanttosayisthatherrefusalatthatmomentprovesnothing。’
`Idon’tknow！’saidLevin，jumpingup。`youonlyknewhowyouarehurtingme。It’sjustasifachildofyoursweredead，andtheyweretosaytoyou:Hewouldhavebeenlikethisandlikethat，andhemighthavelived，andhowhappyyouwouldhavebeeninhim。Buthe’sdead，dead，dead！……’
`Howabsurdyouare！’saidDaryaAlexandrovna，lookingwithmournfultendernessatLevin’sexcitement。`Yes，Iseeitallmoreandmoreclearly，’
shewentonmusingly。`Soyouwon’tcometoseeus，then，whenKitty’shere？’
`No，Ishan’tcome。OfcourseIwon’tavoidmeetingKaterinaAlexandrovna；
but，asfarasIcan，Iwilltrytosavehertheannoyanceofmypresence。’
`Youarevery，veryabsurd，’repeatedDaryaAlexandrovna，lookingwithtendernessintohisface。`Verywellthen，letitbeasthoughwehadnotspokenofthis。Whathaveyoucomefor，Tania？’shesaidinFrenchtothelittlegirlwhohadcomein。
`Where’smyspade，mamma？’
`IspeakFrench，andyoumusttoo。’
ThelittlegirltriedtosayitinFrench，butcouldnotremembertheFrenchforspade；themotherpromptedher，andthentoldherinFrenchwheretolookforthespade。AndthismadeadisagreeableimpressiononLevin。
EverythinginDaryaAlexandrovna’shouseandchildrenstruckhimnowasbynomeanssocharmingasalittlewhilebefore。
`AndwhydoesshetalkFrenchwiththechildren？’hethought。
`Howunnaturalandfalseitis！Andthechildrenfeelitso:LearningFrenchandunlearningsincerity，’hethoughttohimself，unawarethatDaryaAlexandrovnahadthoughtallthatovertwentytimesalready，andyet，evenatthecostofsomelossofsincerity，believeditnecessarytoteachherchildrenFrenchinthatway。
`Butwhyareyougoing？Dostayalittle。’
Levinstayedtotea；buthisgoodhumorhadvanished，andhefeltillatease。
Afterteahewentoutintothehalltoorderhishorsestobeputin，and，whenhecameback，hefoundDaryaAlexandrovnagreatlydisturbed，withatroubledface，andtearsinhereyes。WhileLevinhadbeenoutside，anincidenthadoccurredwhichhadallatonceshatteredallthehappinessshehadbeenfeelingthatday，andherprideinherchildren。GrishaandTaniahadbeenfightingoveraball。DaryaAlexandrovna，hearingascreaminthenursery，raninandsawaterriblesight。TaniawaspullingGrisha’shair，whilehe，withafacehideouswithrage，wasbeatingherwithhisfistswhereverhecouldgetather。SomethingsnappedinDaryaAlexandrovna’sheartwhenshesawthis。Itwasasifdarknesshadswoopeddownuponherlife；shefeltthatthesechildrenofhers，thatshewassoproudof，werenotmerelymostordinary，butpositivelybad，ill-bredchildren，withcoarse，brutalpropensities-wickedchildren。
Shecouldnottalkorthinkofanythingelse，andshecouldnothelpspeakingtoLevinofhermisery。
Levinsawshewasunhappyandtriedtocomforther，sayingthatitshowednothingbad，thatallchildrenfight；but，evenashesaidit，hewasthinkinginhisheart:`No，Iwon’tbeartificialandtalkFrenchwithmychildren；butmychildrenwon’tbelikethat。Allonehastodoisnotspoilchildren，nottodistorttheirnature，andthey’llbedelightful。
No，mychildrenwon’tbelikethat。’
Hesaidgood-byanddroveaway，andshedidnottrytodetainhim。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]
TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter11[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter11InthemiddleofJulytheelderofthevillageonLevin’ssister’sestate，abouttwentyverstasfromPokrovskoe，cametoLevintoreportaboutthehay，andhowthingsweregoingthere。Thechiefsourceofincomeonhissister’sestatewasfromthewatermeadows。Informeryearsthehayhadbeenboughtbythepeasantsfortwentyroublesthedessiatina。WhenLevintookoverthemanagementoftheestate，hethoughtonexaminingthegrasslandsthattheywereworthmore，andhefixedthepriceattwenty-fiveroublesthedessiatina。Thepeasantswouldnotgivethatprice，and，asLevinsuspected，keptoffotherpurchasers。ThenLevinhaddrivenoverhimself，andarrangedtohavethegrasscut，partlybyhiredlabor，partlyatapaymentofacertainproportionofthecrop。Thepeasantsofthisvillageputeveryhindrancetheycouldinthewayofthisnewarrangement，butitwascarriedout，andthefirstyearthemeadowshadyieldedaprofitalmostdouble。
Twoyearsagoandthepreviousyearthepeasantshadmaintainedthesameoppositiontothearrangement，andthehayhadbeencutonthesamesystem。
Thisyearthepeasantsweredoingallthemowingforathirdofthehaycrop，andthevillageelderhadcomenowtoannouncethatthehayhadbeencut，andthat，fearingrain，hehadinvitedthecountinghouseclerkover，haddividedthecropinhispresence，andhadrakedtogetherelevenstacksastheowner’sshare。Fromthevagueanswerstohisquestionhowmuchhayhadbeencutontheprincipalmeadow，fromthehurryofthevillageelderwhohadmadethedivision，withoutaskingleave，fromthewholetoneofthepeasant，Levinperceivedthattherewassomethingwronginthedivisionofthehay，andmadeuphismindtodriveoverhimselftolookintothematter。
Arrivingbydinnertimeatthevillage，andleavinghishorseatthecottageofanoldfriendofhis，thehusbandofhisbrother’swetnurse，Levinwenttoseetheoldmaninhisbeehouse，wantingtofindoutfromhimthetruthaboutthehay。Parmenich，atalkative，comelyoldman，gaveLevinaverywarmwelcome，showedhimallhewasdoing，toldhimeverythingabouthisbeesandtheswarmsofthatyear；butgavevagueandunwillinganswerstoLevin’sinquiriesaboutthemowing。ThisconfirmedLevinstillmoreinhissuspicions。Hewenttothehayfieldsandexaminedthestacks。
Thehaystackscouldnotpossiblycontainfiftywagonloadseach，andtoconvictthepeasantsLevinorderedthewagonsthathadcarriedthehaytobebroughtupdirectly，toliftonestack，andcarryitintothebarn。
Thereturnedouttobeonlythirty-twoloadsinthestack。Inspiteofthevillageelder’sassertionsaboutthecompressibilityofhay，anditshavingsettleddowninthestacks，andhisswearingthateverythinghadbeendoneinfearofGod，Levinstucktohispointthatthehayhadbeendividedwithouthisorders，andthat，therefore，hewouldnotacceptthathayasfiftyloadstoastack。Afteraprolongeddisputethematterwasdecidedbythepeasantstaking，astheirshare，theseelevenstacks，reckoningthemasfiftyloadseach，andapportioningtheowner’sshareanew。Theargumentsandthedivisionofthehaycockslastedthewholeafternoon。
Whenthelastofthehayhadbeendivided，Levin，entrustingthesuperintendenceoftheresttothecountinghouseclerk，satdownonahaycockmarkedoffbyastakeofwillow，andlookedadmiringlyatthemeadowswarmingwithpeasants。
Infrontofhim，inthebendoftheriverbeyondthelittlemarsh，movedabright-coloredlineofpeasantwomen，merrilychatteringwiththeirringingvoices，andthescatteredhaywasbeingrapidlyformedintograywindingrowsoverthepalegreenaftermath。Afterthewomencamethemenwithpitchforks，andfromthegrayrowsthereweregrowingupbroad，high，softhaycocks。Tothelefttelegaswererumblingoverthemeadowthathadbeenalreadycleared，andoneafteranotherthehaycocksvanished，flungupinhugeforkfuls，andintheirplacetherewererisingheavycartloadsoffragranthayhangingoverthehorses’hindquarters。
`Whatweatherforhaying！Whathayit’llbe！’saidanoldman，squattingdownbesideLevin。`It’stea，nothayIt’slikescatteringgraintotheducks，thewaytheypickitup！’headded，pointingtothegrowinghaycocks。`Sincedinnertimethey’vecarriedagoodhalfofit。’
`Thelastload，eh？’heshoutedtoayoungpeasant，whodroveby，standinginthefrontofanemptytelegabox，shakingthereinsofhemp。
`Thelast，dad！’theladshoutedback，pullinginthehorse，and，smiling，helookedroundatabright，rosy-cheekedpeasantgirlwhosatinthetelegabox，smilingtoo，anddroveon。
`Who’sthat？Yourson？’askedLevin。
`Mydearyoungest，’saidtheoldmanwithatendersmile。
`Whatafinefellow！’
`Thelad’sallright。’
`Marriedalready？’
`Yes，it’stwoyearslastSt。Philip’sday。’
`Anychildren？’
`Children，indeed！Why，foroverayearhewasinnocentasababehimself，andbashfultoo，’answeredtheoldman。`Whathaythisis！It’steaindeed！’herepeated，wishingtochangethesubject。