Levinmeanwhile，inhistrousers，butwithouthiscoatandwaistcoat，waswalkingtoandfroinhisroomatthehotel，continuallyputtinghisheadoutofdoorandlookingupanddownthecorridor。Butinthecorridortherewasnosignofthepersonhewaslookingforandhecamebackindespair，andwavinghishandsaddressedStepanArkadyevich，whowassmokingserenely。
`Waseveramaninsuchafearfulfool’sposition？’hesaid。
`Yes，itisstupid，’StepanArkadyevichassented，smilingsoothingly。
`Butdon’tworry，it’llbebroughtdirectly。’
`No，whatistobedone！’saidLevin，withsmotheredfury。`Andthesefoolopenwaistcoats！Outofthequestion！’hesaid，lookingatthecrumpledfrontofhisshirt。`Andwhatifthethingshavebeentakenontotherailwaystation！’heroaredindesperation。
`Thenyoumustputonmine。’
`Ioughttohavedonesolongago，ifatall。’
`It’snotwelltolookridiculous……Waitabit！Itwillcomeround。’
ThepointwasthatwhenLevinaskedforhiseveningsuit，Kouzma，hisoldservant，hadbroughthimthecoat，waistcoat，andeverythingthatwaswanted。
`Buttheshirt！’criedLevin。
`You’vegotashirton，’Kouzmaanswered，withaplacidsmile。
Kouzmahadnotthoughtofleavingoutacleanshirt，andonreceivinginstructionstopackupeverythingandsenditroundtotheShcherbatskys’
house，fromwhichtheyoungpeopleweretosetoutthesameevening，hehaddoneso，packingeverythingbutthedresssuit。Theshirtwornsincethemorningwascrumpledandoutofthequestionwiththefashionableopenwaistcoat。ItwasalongwaytosendtotheShcherbatskys’。Theysentouttobuyashirt。Theservantcameback；everythingwasshutup-itwasSunday。TheysenttoStepanArkadyevich’sandbroughtashirt-itwasimpossiblywideandshort。TheysentfinallytotheShcherbatskys’tounpackthethings。Thebridegroomwasexpectedatthechurchwhilehewaspacingupanddownhisroomlikeawildbeastinacage，peepingoutintothecorridor，andwithhorroranddespairrecallingwhatabsurdthingshehadsaidtoKittyandwhatshemightbethinkingnow。
AtlasttheguiltyKouzmaflewpantingintotheroomwiththeshirt。
`Onlyjustintime。Theywerejustliftingitintothevan，’saidKouzma。
ThreeminuteslaterLevinranfullspeedintothecorridor，withoutlookingathiswatchforfearofaggravatinghissufferings。
`Youwon’thelpmatterslikethat，’saidStepanArkadyevichwithasmile，hurryingwithmoredeliberationafterhim。`Itwillcomeround，itwillcomeround-Itellyou。’
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter04[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter4`They’vecome！’`Hereheis！’`Whichone？’`Ratheryoung，eh？’`Why，mydearsoul，shelooksmoredeadthanalive！’werethecommentsinthecrowd，whenLevin，meetinghisbrideintheentrance，walkedwithherintothechurch。
StepanArkadyevichtoldhiswifethecauseofthedelay，andtheguestswerewhisperingitwithsmilestooneanother。Levinsawnothingandnoone；hedidnottakehiseyesoffhisbride。
Everyonesaidshehadlostherlooksdreadfullyoflate，andwasnotnearlyasprettyonherweddingdayasusual；butLevindidnotthinkso。Helookedatherhairdoneuphigh，withthelongwhiteveilandwhiteflowersandthehigh，scallopeddeMedicicollar，thatinsuchamaidenlyfashionhidherlongneckatthesidesandonlyshoweditinfront，andherstrikinglyslenderfigure，anditseemedtohimthatshelookedbetterthanever-notbecausetheseflowers，thisveil，thisgownfromParisaddedanythingtoherbeauty；butbecause，inspiteoftheelaboratesumptuousnessofherattire，theexpressionofhersweetface，ofhereyes，ofherlipswasstillherowncharacteristicexpressionofguilelesstruthfulness。
`Iwasbeginningtothinkyoumeanttorunaway，’shesaid，andsmiledtohim。
WhathappenedtomeissostupidI’mashamedtospeakofit！’
hesaid，reddening，andhewasobligedtoturntoSergeiIvanovich，whocameuptohim。
`Thisisaprettystoryofyoursabouttheshirt！’saidSergeiIvanovich，shakinghisheadandsmiling。
`Yes，yes！’answeredLevin，withoutanideaofwhattheyweretalkingabout。
`Now，Kostia，youhavetodecide，’saidStepanArkadyevichwithanairofmockdismay，`aweightyquestion。Youareatthismomentjustinthehumortoappreciateallitsgravity。Theyaskme，aretheytolightthecandlesthathavebeenlightedbeforeorcandlesthathaveneverbeenlighted？It’samatteroftenroubles，’headded，relaxinghislipsintoasmile。`Ihavedecided，butIwasafraidyoumightnotagree。’
Levinsawitwasajoke，buthecouldnotsmile。
`Well，how’sittobethen-unusedorusedcandles？-thatisthequestion。’
`Yes，yes，unusedones。’
`Oh，I’mveryglad。Thequestion’sdecided！’saidStepanArkadyevich，smiling。`Howsillymenbecome，though，inthissituation，’hesaidtoChirikov，whenLevin，afterlookingabsentlyathim，hadmovedbacktohisbride。
`Kitty，mindyou’rethefirsttosteponthecarpet，’saidCountessNordstone，comingup。`You’reafineperson！’shesaidtoLevin。
`Aren’tyoufrightened，eh？’saidMaryaDmitrievna，anoldaunt。
`Areyoucold？You’repale。Stopaminute，stoopdown，’saidKitty’ssister，MadameLvova，andwithherplump，prettyhandsshesmilinglysetstraighttheflowersonherhead。
Dollycameup，triedtosaysomething，butcouldnotspeak，cried，andthenlaughednaturally。
KittylookedatallofthemwiththesameabsenteyesasLevin。
Meanwhiletheofficiatingclergyhadgotintotheirvestments，andthepriestanddeaconcameouttothelectern，whichstoodintheporchofthechurch。ThepriestturnedtoLevinsayingsomething。Levindidnothearwhatthepriestsaid。
`Takethebride’shandandleadherup，’thebestmansaidtoLevin。
ItwasalongwhilebeforeLevincouldmakeoutwhatwasexpectedofhim。Foralongtimetheytriedtosethimrightandmadehimbeginagain-becausehekepttakingKittybythewrongarmorwiththewrongarm-tillheunderstoodatlastthatwhathehadtodowas，withoutchanginghisposition，totakeherrighthandinhisrighthand。Whenatlasthehadtakenthebride’shandinthecorrectway，thepriestwalkedafewpacesinfrontofthemandstoppedatthelectern。Thecrowdoffriendsandrelationsmovedafterthem，withabuzzoftalkandarustleoftrains。
Someonestoopeddownandstraightenedoutthebride’strain。Thechurchbecamesostillthatthedropsofwaxcouldbeheardfallingfromthecandles。
Thelittleoldpriestinhiscalotte，withhislongsilvery-graylocksofhairpartedbehindhisears，wasfumblingwithsomethingatthelectern，puttingouthislittleoldhandsfromundertheheavysilvervestmentwiththegoldcrossonthebackofit。
StepanArkadyevichapproachedhimcautiously，whisperedsomething，and，givingawinkatLevin，walkedbackagain。
Thepriestlightedtwocandles，wreathedwithflowers，andholdingthemsidewayssothatthewaxdroppedslowlyfromthemheturned，facingthebridalpair。ThepriestwasthesameoldmanwhohadconfessedLevin。
Helookedwithwearyandmelancholyeyesatthebrideandbridegroom，sighed，and，puttinghisrighthandoutfromunderhisvestment，blessedthebridegroomwithit，andalso，withashadeofsolicitoustenderness，laidhiscrossedfingersonthebowedheadofKitty。Thenhegavethemthecandles，and，takingthecenser，movedslowlyawayfromthem。
`Canitbetrue？’thoughtLevin，andhelookedroundathisbride。
Lookingdownatherhesawherfaceinprofile，andfromthescarcelyperceptiblequiverofherlipsandeyelashesheknewshewasawareofhiseyesuponher。Shedidnotlookround，butthehighscallopedcollar，thatreachedherlittlepinkear，trembledfaintly。Hesawthatasighwasheldbackinherthroat，andthelittlehandinthelonggloveshookasitheldthecandle。
Allthefussoftheshirt，ofbeinglate，allthetalkoffriendsandrelations，theirannoyance，hisludicrousposition-allsuddenlypassedawayandhewasfilledwithjoyanddread。
Thehandsome，statelyprotodeaconwearingasilverrobe，andhiscurlylocksstandingoutateachsideofhishead，steppedsmartlyforward，andliftinghisstoleontwofingers，stoodoppositethepriest。
`BlessedbethenameoftheLord，’thesolemnsyllablesrangoutslowlyoneafteranother，settingtheairquiveringwithwavesofsound。
`BlessedisthenameofourGod，fromthebeginning，asnow，andforeverandaye，’thelittleoldpriestansweredinasubmissive，pipingvoice，stillfingeringsomethingatthelectern。Andthefullchorusoftheunseenchoirroseup，fillingthewholechurch，fromthewindowstothevaultedroof，withbroadwavesofmelody。Itgrewstronger，restedforaninstant，andslowlydiedaway。
Theyprayed，astheyalwaysdo，forpeacefromonhighandforsalvation，fortheHolySynod，andfortheCzar；theyprayed，too，fortheservantsofGod，KonstantinandEkaterina，nowplightingtheirtroth。
`Vouchsafetothemlovemadeperfect，peace，andhelp，OLord，webeseechThee，’thewholechurchseemedtobreathewiththevoiceoftheprotodeacon。
Levinheardthewords，andtheyimpressedhim。`Howdidtheyguessthatitishelp，justhelpthatonewants？’hethought，recallingallhisfearsanddoubtsoflate。`WhatdoIknow？whatcanIdointhisfearfulbusiness，’hethought，`withouthelp？Yes，itishelpIwantnow。’
Whenthedeaconhadfinishedtheliturgicalprayer，thepriestturnedtothebridalpairwithhisbook:`EternalGod，whojoinesttogetherinlovethemthatwereseparate，’hereadinagentle，pipingvoice，`whohastordainedtheunionofholywedlockthatcannotbesetasunder，ThouwhodidstblessIsaacandRebeccaandtheirdescendants，accordingtoThyHolyCovenant，blessThouThyservants，KonstantinandEkaterina，leadingtheminthepathofallgoodworks。ForgraciousandmercifulartThou，ourLord，andglorybetoThee，theFather，theSon，andtheHolyGhost，nowandforeverandaye。’-`Amen！’theunseenchoirsentrollingagainthroughtheair。
`’Joinesttogetherinlovethemthatwereseparate。’Whatdeepmeaninginthosewords，andhowtheycorrespondwithwhatonefeelsatthismoment，’thoughtLevin。`IsshefeelingthesameasI？’
And，lookinground，hemethereyes。Andfromtheirexpressionheconcludedthatshewasunderstandingitjustashewas。Butthiswasamistake；shealmostcompletelymissedthemeaningofthewordsoftheservice；shehadnotheardthem，infact。Shecouldnotlistentothemandtakethemin，sostrongwastheonefeelingthatfilledherbreastandgrewstrongerandstronger。Thatfeelingwasjoyatthecompletionoftheprocessthatforthelastmonthandahalfhadbeengoingoninhersoul，andhadduringthosesixweeksbeenajoyandatorturetoher。
OnthedaywheninthedrawingroomofthehouseintheArbatstreetshehadgoneuptohiminherbrowndress，andhadgivenherselftohimwithoutaword-onthatday，atthathour，theretookplaceinherheartacompleteseverancefromallheroldlife，andaquitedifferent，new，utterlystrangelifehadbegunforher，whiletheoldlifewasactuallygoingonasbefore。
Thosesixweekshadforherbeenatimeoftheutmostblissandtheutmostmisery。Allherlife，allherdesiresandhopeswereconcentratedonthisoneman，stilluncomprehendedbyher，towhomshewasboundbyafeelingofalternateattractionandrepulsion，evenlesscomprehendedthanthemanhimself，andallthewhileshewasgoingonlivingintheoutwardconditionsofheroldlife。Livingtheoldlife，shewashorrifiedatherself，atherutterinsurmountablecallousnesstoallherownpast，tothings，tohabits，tothepeopleshehadloved，wholovedher-tohermother，whowaswoundedbyherindifference，toherkind，tenderfather，tillthendearerthanalltheworld。Atonemomentshewashorrifiedatthisindifference，atanothersherejoicedatwhathadbroughthertothisindifference。Shecouldnotframeathought，norawish，apartfromlifewiththisman；butthisnewlifewasnotyet，andshecouldnotevenpictureitclearlytoherself。Therewasonlyanticipation，thedreadandjoyofthenewandtheunknown。Andnowbeholdanticipationanduncertaintyandremorseattheabandonmentoftheoldlife-allthiswasending，andthenewwasbeginning。Thisnewlifecouldnotbuthaveterrorsforherbyitsobscurity；
but，terribleornot，thechangehadbeenwroughtsixweeksbeforeinhersoul，andthiswasmerelythefinalsanctionofwhathadlongbeencompletedinherheart。
Turningagaintothelectern，thepriestwithsomedifficultytookKitty’slittlering，and，askingLevinforhishand，putitonthefirstjointofhisfinger。`TheservantofGod，Konstantin，plightshistrothtotheservantofGod，Ekaterina。’AndputtinghisbigringonKitty’stouchinglyweak，pinktinyfinger，thepriestsaidthesamething。
Andthebridalpairtriedseveraltimestounderstandwhattheyhadtodo，andeachtimemadesomemistakeandwerecorrectedbythepriestinawhisper。Atlast，havingdulyperformedtheceremony，havingmadewiththeringsthesignofthecrossoverthem，thepriesthandedKittythebigring，andLevinthelittleone。Againtheywerepuzzled，andpassedtheringsfromhandtohand，stillwithoutdoingwhatwasexpected。
Dolly，Chirikov，andStepanArkadyevichsteppedforwardtosetthemright。Therewasanintervalofhesitation，whispering，andsmiles；
buttheexpressionofsolemnemotiononthefacesofthebetrothedpairdidnotchange:onthecontrary，intheirperplexityovertheirhandstheylookedmoregraveanddeeplymovedthanbefore，andthesmilewithwhichStepanArkadyevichwhisperedtothemthatnowtheywouldeachputontheirownringdiedawayonhislips。Hehadafeelingthatanysmilewouldjaronthem。
`Thouwhodidstfromthebeginningcreatemaleandfemale，’thepriestreadaftertheexchangeofrings，`fromTheewomanwasgiventomantobeahelpmeettohim，andfortheprocreationofchildren。OLord，ourGod，whohastpoureddowntheblessingsofThyTruthaccordingtoThyHolyCovenantuponThychosenservants，ourfathers，fromgenerationtogeneration，blessThyservantsKonstantinandEkaterina，andmaketheirtrothfastinfaith，andunionofhearts，andintruth，andinlove……’
Levinfeltmoreandmorethatallhisideasofmarriage，allhisdreamsofhowhewouldorderhislife，weremerechildishness，andthatitwassomethinghehadnotunderstoodhitherto，andnowunderstoodlessthanever，thoughitwasbeingperformeduponhim。Thelumpinhisthroatrosehigherandhigher；tearsthatwouldnotbecheckedcameintohiseyes。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter05[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter5InthechurchtherewasallMoscow，allthefriendsandrelations；andduringtheceremonyofplightingtroth，inthebrilliantlylightedchurch，therewasanincessantflowofdiscreetlysubduedtalkinthecircleofgailydressedwomenandgirls，andmeninwhiteties，eveningdress，anduniform。Thetalkwasprincipallykeptupbythemen，whilethewomenwereabsorbedinwatchingeverydetailoftheceremony，whichalwaystouchesthemsomuch。
Inthelittlegroupnearestthebridewerehertwosisters:Dolly，andtheyoungerone，theself-possessedbeauty，MadameLvova，whohadjustarrivedfromabroad。
`WhyisitMarie’sinlilac？It’sasbadasblackatawedding，’
saidMadameKorsunskaia。
`Withhercomplexion，it’sheronesalvation，’respondedMadameDrubetskaia。`Iwonderwhytheyhadtheweddingintheevening？It’slikeshoppeople……’
`Somuchprettier。Iwasmarriedintheeveningtoo……’answeredMadameKorsunskaia，andshesighed，rememberinghowcharmingshehadbeenthatday，andhowabsurdlyinloveherhusbandwas，andhowdifferentitallwasnow。
`Theysayifanyoneisbestmanmorethantentimes，he’llneverbemarried。Iwantedtobeoneforthetenthtime，butthepostwastaken，’
saidCountSiniavintotheprettyPrincessCharskaia，whohaddesignsonhim。
PrincessCharskaiaonlyansweredwithasmile。ShelookedatKitty，thinkinghowandwhenshewouldstandwithCountSiniavininKitty’splace，andhowshewouldremindhimthenofhisjoketoday。
ShcherbatskytoldtheoldHoffraulein，MadameNikoleva，thathemeanttoputthecrownonKitty’schignonforluck。
`Sheoughtnottohavewornachignon，’answeredMadameNikoleva，whohadlongagomadeuphermindthatiftheelderlywidowershewasanglingformarriedher，theweddingshouldbeofthesimplest。`Idon’tlikesuchfaste。’
SergeiIvanovichwastalkingtoDaryaDmitrievna，jestinglyassuringherthatthecustomofgoingawayaftertheweddingwasbecomingcommonbecausenewlymarriedpeoplealwaysfeltalittleashamedofthemselves。
`Yourbrothermayfeelproudofhimself。She’samarvelofsweetness。
Ibelieveyou’reenvious。’
`Oh，I’vegotoverthat，DaryaDmitrievna，’heanswered，andamelancholyandseriousexpressionsuddenlycameoverhisface。
StepanArkadyevichwastellinghissister-in-lawhisjokeaboutdivorce。
`Thewreathwantssettingstraight，’sheanswered，withoutlisteningtohim。
`Whatapityshe’slostherlooksso，’CountessNordstonesaidtoMadameLvova。`Still，he’snotworthherlittlefinger，ishe？’
`Oh，Ilikehimso-notbecausehe’smyfuturebeau-frere，’answeredMadameLvova。`Andhowwellhe’sbehaving！It’ssodifficult，too，tolookwellinsuchaposition，nottoberidiculous。Andhe’snotridiculous，andnotaffected；onecanseehe’smoved。’
`Youexpectedit，Isuppose？’
`Almost。Shealwayscaredforhim。’
`Well，weshallseewhichofthemwillstepontherugfirst。
IwarnedKitty。’
`Itwillmakenodifference，’saidMadameLvova，`we’reallobedientwives；it’sinourfamily。’
`Oh，IsteppedontherugbeforeVassiliionpurpose。Andyou，Dolly？’
Dollystoodbesidethem；sheheardthem，butshedidnotanswer。
Shewasdeeplymoved。Thetearsstoodinhereyes，andshecouldnothavespokenwithoutcrying。ShewasrejoicingoverKittyandLevin；goingbackinthoughttoherownwedding，sheglancedattheradiantfigureofStepanArkadyevich，forgotallthepresent，andrememberedonlyherowninnocentlove。Sherecallednotherselfonly，butallherwomenfriendsandacquaintances。
Shethoughtofthemontheonedayoftheirtriumph，whentheyhadstoodlikeKittyundertheweddingcrown，withloveandhopeanddreadintheirhearts，renouncingthepast，andsteppingforwardintothemysteriousfuture。
Amongthebridesthatcamebacktohermemory，shethoughttooofherdarlingAnna，ofwhoseproposeddivorceshehadjustbeenhearing。Andshehadstoodjustasinnocent，inorangeblossomsandbridalveil。Andnow？`It’sterriblystrange，’shesaidtoherself。
Itwasnotmerelythesisters，thewomenfriends，andthefemalerelationsofthebride，whowerefollowingeverydetailoftheceremony。
Womenwhowerequitestrangers，merespectators，werewatchingitexcitedly，holdingtheirbreath，infearoflosingasinglemovementorexpressionofthebrideandbridegroom，andangrilynotanswering，oftennothearing，theremarksofthecallousmen，whokeptmakingjokingorirrelevantobservations。
`Whyhasshebeencrying？Isshebeingmarriedagainstherwill？’
`Againstherwill-toafinefellowlikethat？APrince，isn’the？’
`Isthathersisterinthewhitesatin？Justlistenhowthedeaconboomsout，``andobey！’’
`ArethechoristersfromthechurchoftheMiracle？’
`No-fromtheSynodalschool。’
`I’mtold-he’sgoingtotakeherhometohiscountryplaceatonce。Iaskedthefootman。Awfullyrich，theysay。That’swhyshe’sbeingmarriedtohim。’
`No-they’reawell-matchedpair。’
`Isay，MaryaVassilyevna，youclaimedthoseflyawaycrinolineswerenotbeingworn。Justlookatherinthepucedress-anambassador’swife，theysaysheis-see，howherskirtbounces！……Soandso！’
`Whataprettydearthebrideis-likealambdeckedwithflowers！
Well，saywhatyouwill，wewomenfeelforoursister。’
Suchwerethecommentsinthecrowdofgazingwomenwhohadsucceededinslippinginatthechurchdoors。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter06[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter6Whentheceremonyofplightingtrothwasover，thesacristanspreadbeforethelecterninthemiddleofthechurchapieceofpinksilkenstuff，thechoirsangacomplicatedandelaboratepsalm，inwhichthebassandtenorsangresponsestooneanother，andthepriest，turninground，pointedthebridalpairtothepinksilkrug。Thoughbothhadoftenheardagreatdealaboutthesayingthattheonewhostepsfirstontherugwillbetheheadofthehouse，neitherLevinnorKittywerecapableofrecollectingit，astheytookthefewstepstowardit。Theydidnotheartheloudremarksanddisputesthatfollowed，somemaintaininghehadsteppedonitfirst，andothersthatbothhadsteppedonittogether。
Afterthecustomaryquestions，whethertheydesiredtoenteruponmatrimony，andwhethertheywerepledgedtoanyoneelse，andtheiranswers，whichsoundedstrangetothemselves，anewceremonybegan。Kittylistenedtothewordsoftheprayer，tryingtomakeouttheirmeaning，butshecouldnot。Thefeelingoftriumphandradianthappinessfloodedhersoulmoreandmoreastheceremonywenton，anddeprivedherofallpowerofattention。
Theyprayed:`Endowthemwithcontinenceandfruitfulness，andvouchsafethattheirheartsmayrejoicelookingupontheirsonsanddaughters。’
TheyalludedtoGod’screationofawifefromAdam’srib，`andforthiscauseamanshallleavefatherandmother，andcleaveuntohiswife，andtheytwoshallbeoneflesh，’andthat`thisisagreatmystery；’theyprayedthatGodwouldmakethemfruitfulandblessthem，likeIsaacandRebecca，Joseph，MosesandZipporah，andthattheymightlookupontheirchildren’schildren。`That’sallsplendid，’thoughtKitty，catchingthewords，`allthat’sjustasitshouldbe，’andasmileofhappiness，unconsciouslyreflectedineveryonewholookedather，beamedonherradiantface。
`Putitoncompletely！’voiceswereheardurgingwhen，afterthepriesthadputontheirweddingcrowns，andShcherbatsky，hishandshakinginitsthree-buttonglove，washoldingthecrownhighaboveherhead。
`Putiton！’shewhisperedsmiling。
Levinlookedroundather，andwasstruckbythejoyfulradianceonherface，andunconsciouslyherfeelinginfectedhim。Hetoo，likeher，feltjoyousandhappy。
TheyenjoyedhearingtheEpistleread，andtherolloftheprotodeacon’svoiceatthelastverse，awaitedwithsuchimpatiencebytheoutsidepublic。
Theyenjoyeddrinkingoutoftheshallowcupofwarmredwineandwater，andtheywerestillmorepleasedwhenthepriest，flingingbackhisstoleandtakingboththeirhandsinhis，ledthemroundthelecterntotheaccompanimentofbassvoiceschanting:`Isaiahrejoice！’ShcherbatskyandChirikov，supportingthecrownsandstumblingoverthebride’strain，smilingtooandseemingdelightedatsomething，wereatonemomentleftbehind，atthenexttreadingonthebridalpairasthepriestcametoahalt。ThesparkofjoykindledinKittyseemedtohaveinfectedeveryoneinthechurch。ItseemedtoLevinthatthepriestandthedeacontoowantedtosmile，justashedid。
Takingthecrownsofftheirheadsthepriestreadthelastprayerandcongratulatedtheyoungcouple。LevinlookedatKitty，andhehadneverbeforeseenherlookasshedid。Shewascharmingwiththenewradianceofhappinessinherface。Levinlongedtosaysomethingtoher，buthedidnotknowwhetheritwasallover。Thepriestgothimoutofhisdifficulty。
Hesmiledhiskindlysmileandsaidgently，`Kissyourwife-andyoukissyourhusband，’andtookthecandlesoutoftheirhands。
Levinkissedhersmilinglipswithtimidcare，gaveherhisarm，and，withanewstrangesenseofcloseness，walkedoutofthechurch。Hedidnotbelieve，hecouldnotbelieve，thatitwastrue。Itwasonlywhentheirwonderingandtimideyesmetthathebelievedinit，becausehefeltthattheywereone。
Aftersupper，thesamenight，theyoungpeopleleftforthecountry。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter07[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter7VronskyandAnnahadbeentravelingforthreemonthstogetherinEurope。
TheyhadvisitedVenice，RomeandNaples，andhadjustarrivedatasmallItaliantownwheretheymeanttostaysometime。
Ahandsomeheadwaiter，withthickpomadedhairpartedfromtheneckupward，wearinganeveningcoat，abroadwhitecambricshirtfront，andabunchofwatchcharmsdanglingabovehissmallbaywindow，stoodwithhishandsinhispockets，lookingcontemptuouslyfromunderhiseyelids，whilehegavesomefrigidreplytoagentlemanwhohadstoppedstill。Catchingthesoundoffootstepscomingfromtheothersideoftheentrytowardthestaircase，theheadwaiterturnedround，and，seeingtheRussianCount，whohadtakentheirbestrooms，hetookhishandsoutofhispocketsdeferentially，andwithabowinformedhimthatacourierhadcome，andthatthebusinessaboutthepalazzohadbeenarranged。Thestewardwaspreparedtosigntheagreement。
`Ah！I’mgladtohearit，’saidVronsky。`IsMadameathomeornot？’
`Madamehasbeenoutforawalkbuthasreturnednow，’answeredthewaiter。
Vronskytookoffhissoft，wide-brimmedhatandpassedhishandkerchiefoverhisheatedbrowandhair，whichhadgrownhalfoverhisears，andwasbrushedbackcoveringthebaldpatchonhishead。And，glancingcasuallyatthegentleman，whostillstoodtheregazingintentlyathim，hewouldhavegoneon。
`ThisgentlemanisaRussian，andwasinquiringafteryou，’saidtheheadwaiter。
Withmingledfeelingsofannoyanceatneverbeingabletogetawayfromacquaintancesanywhere，andlongingtofindsomesortofdiversionfromthemonotonyofhislife，Vronskylookedoncemoreatthegentleman，whohadretreatedandstoodstillagain，andatthesamemomentalightcameintotheeyesofboth。
`Golenishchev！’
`Vronsky！’
ItreallywasGolenishchev，acomradeofVronsky’sintheCorpsofPages。IntheCorpsGolenishchevhadbelongedtotheliberalparty；
helefttheCorpswithoutenteringthearmy，andhadnevertakenofficeunderthegovernment。VronskyandhehadgonecompletelydifferentwaysonleavingtheCorps，andhadonlymetoncesince。
AtthatmeetingVronskyperceivedthatGolenishchevhadtakenupasortofloftyintellectuallyliberalline，andwasconsequentlydisposedtolookdownuponVronsky’sinterestsandcallinginlife。HenceVronskyhadmethimwiththechillingandhaughtymannerhesowellknewhowtoassume，themeaningofwhichwas:`Youmaylikeordislikemywaysoflife，that’samatterofthemostperfectindifferencetome；youwillhavetotreatmewithrespectifyouwanttoknowme。’GolenishchevhadbeencontemptuouslyindifferenttothetonetakenbyVronsky。Thatmeetingmighthavebeenexpectedtoestrangethemstillmore。Butnowtheybeamedandexclaimedwithdelightonrecognizingoneanother。VronskywouldneverhaveexpectedtobesopleasedtoseeGolenishchev，butprobablyhewasnothimselfawarehowboredhewas。Heforgotthedisagreeableimpressionoftheirlastmeeting，andwithafaceoffrankdelightheldouthishandtohisoldcomrade。
ThesameexpressionofdelightreplacedthelookofuneasinessonGolenishchev’sface。
`HowgladIamtomeetyou！’saidVronsky，showinghisstrongwhiteteethinafriendlysmile。
`IheardthenameVronsky，butIdidn’tknowwhichone。I’mvery，veryglad！’
`Let’sgoin。Come，tellmewhatyou’redoing。’
`I’vebeenlivingherefortwoyears。I’mworking。’
`Ah！’saidVronsky，withsympathy。`Let’sgoin。’
AndwiththehabitcommonamongRussians，insteadofsayinginRussianwhathewantedtokeepfromtheservants，hebegantospeakinFrench。
`DoyouknowMadameKarenina？Wearetravelingtogether。Iamgoingtoseehernow，’hesaidinFrench，carefullyscrutinizingGolenishchev’sface。
`Ah，Ididnotknow’thoughhedidknow，Golenishchevansweredcarelessly。`Haveyoubeenherelong？’headded。
`Threedays，’Vronskyanswered，oncemorescrutinizinghisfriend’sfaceintently。
`Yes，he’sadecentfellow，andwilllookatthethingproperly，’
Vronskysaidtohimself，catchingthesignificanceofGolenishchev’sfaceandthechangeofsubject。`IcanintroducehimtoAnna-helooksatitproperly。’
DuringthethreemonthsthatVronskyhadspentabroadwithAnna，hehadalwaysonmeetingnewpeopleaskedhimselfhowthenewpersonwouldlookathisrelationswithAnna，andforthemostpart，inmen，hehadmetwiththe`proper’wayoflookingatit。Butifhehadbeenasked，andthosewholookedatit`properly’hadbeenaskedexactlyhowtheydidlookatit，bothheandtheywouldhavebeengreatlypuzzledtoanswer。
Inreality，thosewhoinVronsky’sopinionhadthe`proper’viewhadnosortofviewatall，butbehavedingeneralaswell-bredpersonsdobehaveinregardtoallthecomplexandinsolubleproblemswithwhichlifeisencompassedonallsides；theybehavedwithpropriety，avoidingallusionsandunpleasantquestions。Theyassumedanairoffullycomprehendingtheimportandforceofthesituation，ofacceptingandevenapprovingofit，butofconsideringitsuperfluousanduncalled-fortoputallthisintowords。
VronskyatoncedivinedthatGolenishchevwasofthisclass，andthereforewasdoublypleasedtoseehim。And，infact，Golenishchev’smannertoMadameKarenina，whenhewastakentocallonher，wasallthatVronskycouldhavedesired。Obviouslywithouttheslightestefforthesteeredclearofallsubjectswhichmightleadtoembarrassment。
HehadnevermetAnnabefore，andwasstruckbyherbeauty，and，stillmore，bythenaturalnesswithwhichsheacceptedherposition。SheblushedwhenVronskybroughtinGolenishchev，andhewasextremelycharmedbythischildishblushoverspreadinghercandidandhandsomeface。Butwhathelikedparticularlywasthewayinwhichatonce，asthoughonpurpose，sothattheremightbenomisunderstandingwithanoutsider，shecalledVronskysimplyAlexei，andsaidtheyweremovingintoahousetheyhadjusttaken-whatwasherecalledapalazzo。Golenishchevlikedthisdirectandsimpleattitudetoherownposition。LookingatAnna’smannerofsimplehearted，spiritedgaiety，andknowingAlexeiAlexandrovichandVronsky，Golenishchevfanciedthatheunderstoodherperfectly。Hefanciedthatheunderstoodwhatshewasutterlyunabletounderstand:howitwasthat，havingmadeherhusbandwretched，havingabandonedhimandhersonandlosthergoodname，sheyetfeltfullofspirits，gaiety，andhappiness。
`It’sintheguidebook，’saidGolenishchev，referringtothepalazzoVronskyhadtaken。`There’safirst-rateTintorettothere。Oneofhislatestperiod。’
`Itellyouwhat:it’salovelyday，let’sgoandhaveanotherlookatit，’saidVronsky，addressingAnna。
`Ishallbeverygladto；I’llgoandputonmyhat。Wouldyousayit’shot？’shesaid，stoppingshortinthedoorwayandlookinginquiringlyatVronsky。Andagainavividflushoverspreadherface。
VronskysawfromhereyesthatshedidnotknowonwhattermshecaredtobewithGolenishchev，andsowasafraidofnotbehavingashewouldwish。
Hebestowedalong，tenderlookather。
`No，notvery，’hesaid。
Anditseemedtoherthatsheunderstoodeverything-mostofall，thathewaspleasedwithher；and，smilingtohim，shewalkedwithherrapidstepoutofthedoor。
Thefriendsglancedatoneanother，andalookofhesitationcameintobothfaces，asthoughGolenishchev，unmistakablyadmiringher，wouldhavelikedtosaysomethingabouther，andcouldnotfindtherightthingtosay，whileVronskydesiredanddreadedhisdoingso。
`Wellthen，’Vronskybegan，tostartaconversationofsomesort，`soyou’resettledhere？You’restillatthesamework，then？’hewenton，recallingthathehadbeentoldGolenishchevwaswritingsomething。
`Yes，I’mwritingthesecondpartoftheTwoElements，’
saidGolenishchev，coloringwithpleasureatthequestion-`thatis，tobeexact，Iamnotwritingityet；Iampreparing，collectingmaterials。
Itwillbeoffarwiderscope，andwilltouchonalmostallquestions。
WeinRussiarefusetoseethatwearetheheirsofByzantium，’andhelaunchedintoalongandheatedexplanationofhisviews。
VronskyatthefirstmomentfeltembarrassedatnotevenknowingofthefirstpartoftheTwoElements，ofwhichtheauthorspokeassomethingwellknown。ButasGolenishchevbegantolaydownhisopinionsandVronskywasabletofollowthemevenwithoutknowingtheTwoElements，helistenedtohimwithsomeinterest，forGolenishchevspokewell。ButVronskywasstartledandannoyedbythenervousirascibilitywithwhichGolenishchevtalkedofthesubjectthatengrossedhim。Ashewentontalking，hiseyesglitteredmoreandmoreangrily；hewasmoreandmorehurriedinhisrepliestoimaginaryopponents，andhisfacegrewmoreandmoreexcitedandworried。RememberingGolenishchev，athin，lively，good-naturedandwell-bredboy，alwaysattheheadoftheclass，Vronskycouldnotmakeoutthereasonforhisirritability，andhedidnotlikeit。WhatheparticularlydislikedwasthatGolenishchev，amanbelongingtoagoodset，shouldputhimselfonalevelwithsomescribblingfellowswithwhomhewasirritatedandangry。Wasitworthit？Vronskydislikedit，yethefeltthatGolenishchevwasunhappy，andwassorryforhim。Unhappiness，almostmentalderangement，wasvisibleonhismobile，ratherhandsomeface，as，withoutevennoticingAnna’scomingin，hewentonhurriedlyandhotlyexpressinghisviews。
WhenAnnacameininherhatandcape，herlovelyhandrapidlyswingingherparasol，andstoodbesidehim，itwaswithafeelingofreliefthatVronskybrokeawayfromtheplaintiveeyesofGolenishchevwhichfastenedpersistentlyuponhim，andwithafreshrushoflovelookedathischarmingcompanion，fulloflifeandhappiness。Golenishchevrecoveredhimselfwithaneffort，andatfirstwasdejectedandgloomy，butAnna，disposedasshewasatthattimetofeelfriendlywitheveryone，soonrevivedhisspiritsbyherdirectandlivelymanner。Aftertryingvarioussubjectsofconversation，shegothimuponpainting，ofwhichhetalkedverywell，andshelistenedtohimattentively。Theywalkedtothehousetheyhadtakenandlookedoverit。
`Iamverygladofonething，’saidAnnatoGolenishchevwhentheywereontheirwayback，`Alexeiwillhaveacapitalatelier。Youmustcertainlytakethatroom，’shesaidtoVronskyinRussian，usingtheaffectionatelyfamiliarform，asthoughshesawthatGolenishchevwouldbecomeintimatewiththemintheirisolation，andthattherewasnoneedofreservebeforehim。
`Doyoupaint？’saidGolenishchevturningroundquicklytoVronsky。
`Yes，Iusedtostudylongago，andnowIhavebeguntodoalittle，’
saidVronsky，reddening。
`Hehasgreattalent，’saidAnnawithadelightedsmile。`I’mnojudge，ofcourse。Butgoodjudgeshavesaidthesame。’
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter08[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter8Anna，inthatfirstperiodofheremancipationandrapidreturntohealth，feltherselfunpardonablyhappyandfullofthejoyoflife。Thethoughtofherhusband’sunhappinessdidnotpoisonherhappiness。Ononesidethatmemorywastooawfultobethoughtof。Ontheothersideherhusband’sunhappinesshadgivenhertoomuchhappinesstoberegretted。Thememoryofallthathadhappenedafterherillness:herreconciliationwithherhusband，therupture，thenewsofVronsky’swound，hisvisit，thepreparationsfordivorce，thedeparturefromherhusband’shouse，thepartingfromherson-allthatseemedtoherlikeadeliriousdream，fromwhichshehadwakedupabroad，alonewithVronsky。Thethoughtoftheharmcausedtoherhusbandarousedinherafeelinglikerepulsion，andakintowhatadrowningmanmightfeelwhohasshakenoffanothermanclingingtohim。
Thatmandiddrown。Itwasanevilaction，ofcourse，butitwasthesolemeansofescape，andbetternottobroodoverthesefearfulfacts。
Oneconsolatoryreflectionuponherconducthadoccurredtoheratthefirstmomentofthefinalrupture，andwhennowsherecalledallthepast，sherememberedthatonereflection。`Ihaveinevitablymadethatmanwretched，’shethought；`butIdon’twanttoprofitbyhismisery。
I，too，amsuffering，andshallsuffer；IamlosingwhatIprizedaboveeverything-Iamlosingmygoodnameandmyson。Ihavedonewrong，andsoIdon’twanthappiness，Idon’twantadivorce，andshallsufferfrommyshameandtheseparationfrommychild。’But，howeversincerelyAnnahadmeanttosuffer，shewasnotsuffering。Shametherewasnone。Withthetactofwhichbothhadsuchalargeshare，theyhadsucceededinavoidingRussianladiesabroad，andsohadneverplacedthemselvesinafalseposition，andeverywheretheyhadmetpeoplewhopretendedthattheyperfectlyunderstoodtheirposition，farbetterindeedthantheydidthemselves。Separationfromthesonsheloved-eventhatdidnotcauseheranguishintheseearlydays。Thebabygirl-hischild-wassosweet，andhadsowonAnna’sheart，sinceshewasallthatwaslefther，thatAnnararelythoughtofherson。
Thedesireforlife，waxingstrongerwithrecoveredhealth，wassointense，andtheconditionsoflifeweresonewandpleasant，thatAnnafeltunpardonablyhappy。ThemoreshegottoknowVronsky，themoreshelovedhim。Shelovedhimforhimself，andforhisloveforher。Hercompleteownershipofhimwasacontinualjoytoher。Hispresencewasalwayssweettoher。Allthetraitsofhischaracter，whichshelearnedtoknowbetterandbetter，wereunutterablydeartoher。Hisappearance，changedbyhisciviliandress，wasasfascinatingtoherasthoughsheweresomeyounggirlinlove。Ineverythinghesaid，thought，anddid，shesawsomethingparticularlynobleandelevated。Heradorationofhimalarmedherindeed；
shesoughtandcouldnotfindinhimanythingnotfine。Shedarednotshowhimhersenseofherowninsignificancebesidehim。Itseemedtoherthat，knowingthis，hemightsoonerceasetoloveher；andshedreadednothingnowsomuchaslosinghislove，thoughshehadnogroundsforfearingit。
Butshecouldnothelpbeinggratefultohimforhisattitudetoher，andshowingthatsheappreciatedit。He，whohadinheropinionsuchamarkedaptitudeforapoliticalcareer，inwhichhewouldhavebeencertaintoplayaleadingpart-hehadsacrificedhisambitionforhersake，andneverbetrayedtheslightestregret。Hewasmorelovinglyrespectfultoherthanever，andtheconstantcarethatsheshouldnotfeeltheawkwardnessofherpositionneverdesertedhimforasingleinstant。He，somanlyaman，neveropposedher，hadindeed，withher，nowillofhisown，andwasanxious，itseemed，fornothingbuttoanticipateherwishes。Andshecouldnotbutappreciatethis，eventhoughtheveryintensityofhissolicitudeforher，theatmosphereofcarewithwhichhesurroundedher，sometimesweigheduponher。
Vronsky，meanwhile，inspiteofthecompleterealizationofwhathehadsolongdesired，wasnotperfectlyhappy。Hesoonfeltthattherealizationofhisdesiresgavehimnomorethanagrainofsandoutofthemountainofhappinesshehadexpected。Itshowedhimthemistakemenmakeinpicturingtothemselveshappinessastherealizationoftheirdesires。
Foratimeafterjoininghislifetohers，andputtingonciviliandress，hehadfeltallthedelightoffreedomingeneral，ofwhichhehadknownnothingbefore，andoffreedominhislove-andhewascontent，butnotforlong。Hewassoonawarethattherewasspringingupinhisheartadesirefordesires-longing。Withoutconsciousintentionhebegantoclutchateverypassingcaprice，takingitforadesireandanobject。Sixteenhoursofthedaymustbeoccupiedinsomeway，sincetheywerelivingabroadincompletefreedom，outsidetheconditionsofsociallifewhichfilleduptimeinPeterburg。Asfortheamusementsofbachelorexistence，whichhadprovidedVronskywithentertainmentonprevioustoursabroad，theycouldnotbethoughtof，sincethesoleattemptofthesorthadledtoasuddenattackofdepressioninAnna，quiteoutofproportionwiththecause-alatesupperwithbachelorfriends。Relationswiththesocietyoftheplace-foreignandRussian-wereequallyoutofthequestion，owingtotheirregularityoftheirposition。Theinspectionofobjectsofinterest，apartfromthefactthateverythinghadbeenseenalready，hadnotforVronsky，aRussianandasensibleman，theinexplicablesignificanceEnglishmenareabletoattachtothatpursuit。
And，justasthehungryanimaleagerlyclutcheseveryobjectitcanget，hopingtofindnourishmentinit，Vronskyquiteunconsciouslyclutchedfirstatpolitics，thenatnewbooks，andthenatpictures。
Ashehad，eversincehewasachild，atasteforpainting，andas，notknowingwhattospendhismoneyon，hehadbeguncollectingengravings，hecametoastopatpainting，begantotakeinterestinit，andconcentrateduponittheunoccupiedfundofdesireswhichdemandedsatisfaction。
Ashehadacapacityforunderstandingart，andfortrueandtastefulimitationintheartofpainting，hesupposedhimselftohavetherealthingessentialforanartist，andafterhesitatingforsometimewhichstyleofpaintingtoselect-religious，historical，realistic，orgenrepainting-hesettoworktopaint。Heappreciatedallkinds，andcouldhavefeltinspiredbyanyoneofthem；buthehadnoconceptionofthepossibilityofknowingnothingatallofanyschoolofpainting，andofbeinginspireddirectlybywhatiswithinthesoul，withoutcaringwhetherwhatispaintedwillbelongtoanyrecognizedschool。Sinceheknewnothingofthis，anddrewhisinspiration，notdirectlyfromlife，butindirectlyfromlifeembodiedinart，hisinspirationcameveryquicklyandeasily，andasquicklyandeasilycamehissuccessinpaintingsomethingverysimilartothesortofpaintinghewastryingtoimitate。
MorethananyotherstylehelikedtheFrench-gracefulandeffective-andinthatstylehebegantopaintAnna’sportraitinItaliancostume，andtheportraitseemedtohim，andtoeveryonewhosawit，extremelysuccessful。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter09[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter9Theoldneglectedpalazzo，withitsloftyplasticplafondsandfrescoesonthewalls，withitsfloorsofmosaic，withitsheavyyellowstuffcurtainsonthewindows，withitsvasesonpedestals，anditsopenfireplaces，itscarveddoorsandgloomyreceptionroomshungwithpictures-thispalazzodidmuch，byitsveryappearanceaftertheyhadmovedintoit，toconfirminVronskytheagreeableillusionthathewasnotsomuchaRussiancountrygentleman，aretiredofficerofthelifeguards，asanenlightenedamateurandpatronofthearts，himselfamodestartistwhohadrenouncedtheworld，hisconnections，andhisambitionforthesakeofthewomanheloved。
TheposechosenbyVronskywiththeirremovalintothepalazzowascompletelysuccessful，andhaving，throughGolenishchev，madetheacquaintanceofafewinterestingpeople，foratimehewassatisfied。HepaintedstudiesfromnatureundertheguidanceofanItalianprofessorofpainting，andstudiedmedievalItalianlife。MedievalItalianlifesofascinatedVronskythatevenhishat，andaplaidflungoverhisshoulder，wereworninthemedievalstyle，which，indeed，wasextremelybecomingtohim。
`Herewelive，andknownothingofwhat’sgoingon，’VronskysaidtoGolenishchev，whenthelattercametoseehimonemorning。`HaveyouseenMikhailov’spicture？’hesaid，handinghimaRussiangazettehehadreceivedthatmorning，andpointingtoanarticleonaRussianartist，livingintheverysametown，andjustfinishingapicturewhichhadlongbeentalkedabout，andhadbeenboughtbeforehand。Thearticlereproachedthegovernmentandtheacademyforlettingsoremarkableanartistbeleftwithoutencouragementandsupport。
`I’veseenit，’answeredGolenishchev。`Ofcourse，he’snotwithouttalent，butit’sallinawrongdirection。It’salltheIvanov-Strauss-RenanattitudetoChristandtoreligiouspainting。’
`Whatisthesubjectofthepicture？’askedAnna。
`ChristbeforePilate。ChristisrepresentedasaJewwithalltherealismofthenewschool。’
Andthequestionofthesubjectofthepicturehavingbroughthimtooneofhisfavoritetheories，Golenishchevlaunchedforthintoadisquisitiononit。
`Ican’tunderstandhowtheycanfallintosuchagrossmistake。
ChristalwayshasHisdefiniteembodimentintheartofthegreatmasters。
Andtherefore，iftheywanttodepict，notGod，butarevolutionistorasage，letthemtakefromhistoryaSocrates，aFranklin，aCharlotteCorday，butnotChrist。Theytaketheveryfigurewhichcannotbetakenfortheirart，andthen……’
`AndisittruethatthisMikhailovisinsuchpoverty？’askedVronsky，thinkingthat，asaRussianMaecenas，itwashisdutytoassisttheartistregardlessofwhetherthepictureweregoodorbad。
`Hardly。He’saremarkableportraitpainter。HaveyoueverseenhisportraitofMadameVassilkova？ButIbelievehedoesn’tcareaboutpaintinganymoreportraits，andso，likelyasnot，hemaybeinwant。
Imaintainthat……’
`Couldn’tweaskhimtopaintaportraitofAnnaArkadyevna？’
saidVronsky。
`Whymine？’saidAnna。`AfteryoursIdon’twantanotherportrait。
BetterhaveoneofAnnie’soshecalledherbabygirl。`Heresheis，’
sheadded，lookingoutofthewindowatthehandsomeItaliannurse，whowascarryingthechildoutintothegarden，andimmediatelyglancing，unperceived，atVronsky。Thehandsomenurse，fromwhomVronskywaspaintingaheadforhispicture，wastheonehiddengriefinAnna’slife。Hepaintedwithherashismodel，admiredherbeautyandmedievalism，andAnnadarednotconfesstoherselfthatshewasafraidofbecomingjealousofthisnurse，andwasforthatreasonparticularlygraciousandcondescendingbothtoherandherlittleson。
Vronsky，too，glancedoutofthewindowandintoAnna’seyes，and，turningatoncetoGolenishchev，hesaid:
`DoyouknowthisMikhailov？’
`Ihavemethim。Buthe’saqueerfish，andquitewithoutbreeding。
Youknow，oneofthosesavagenewpeopleoneisforevercomingacrossnowadays；
oneofthosefreethinkers，youknow，whoarerearedd’embleeintheoriesofatheism，negation，andmaterialism。Informerdays，’saidGolenishchev，notobserving，ornotwillingtoobserve，thatbothAnnaandVronskywantedtospeak，`informerdaysthefreethinkerwasamanwhohadbeenbroughtupinideasofreligion，law，andmorality，andonlythroughconflictandstrugglecametofreethought；butnowtherehassprungupanewtypeofnativefreethinkerwhogrowsupwithoutevenhavingheardofprinciplesofmoralityorofreligion，oftheexistenceofauthorities，whogrowsupdirectlyinideasofnegationineverything，thatistosay，asavage。
Well，he’softhatclass。He’stheson，itappears，ofsomeMoscowbutler，andhasneverhadanysortofbringing-up。Whenhegotintotheacademyandmadehisreputationhetried，ashe’snofool，toeducatehimself。
Andheturnedtowhatseemedtohimtheverysourceofculture-themagazines。
Inoldtimes，yousee，amanwhowantedtoeducatehimself-aFrenchman，forinstance-wouldhavesettoworktostudyalltheclassics:theologiansandtragediansandhistoriansandphilosophers，and，yousee，alltheintellectualworkthatcameinhisway。Butinourdayhegoesstraightfortheliteratureofnegation，veryquicklyassimilatesalltheextractsofthescienceofnegation，andhe’sallset。Andthat’snotall-twentyyearsagohewouldhavefoundinthatliteraturetracesofconflictwithauthorities，withthecreedsoftheages；hewouldhaveperceivedfromthisconflictthattherewassomethingelse；butnowhecomesatonceuponaliteratureinwhichtheoldcreedsdonotevenfurnishmatterfordiscussion，butitisstatedbaldlythatthereisnothingelse；justevolution，naturalselection，thestruggleforexistence-andthat’sall。InmyarticleI’ve……’
`Itellyouwhat，’saidAnna，whohadforalongwhilebeenexchangingwaryglanceswithVronsky，andknewthathewasnotintheleastinterestedintheeducationofthisartist，butwassimplyabsorbedbytheideaofassistinghim，andorderingaportraitofhim；`Itellyouwhat，’shesaid，resolutelyinterruptingGolenishchev，whowasstilltalkingaway，`let’sgoandseehim！’
Golenishchevrecoveredhisself-possessionandreadilyagreed。
But，astheartistlivedinaremotewardofthetown，itwasdecidedtotakeacarriage。
AnhourlaterAnna，withGolenishchevbyhersideandVronskyonthefrontseatofthecarriage，facingthem，droveuptoanuglynewhouseinaremoteward。Onlearningfromtheporter’swife，whocameouttothem，thatMikhailovsawvisitorsathisstudio，butthatatthatmomenthewasinhislodgingonlyacoupleofstepsoff，theysenthertohimwiththeircards，askingpermissiontoseehispictures。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]
TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter10[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter10TheartistMikhailovwas，asalways，atworkwhenthecardsofCountVronskyandGolenishchevwerebroughttohim。Inthemorninghehadbeenworkinginhisstudioathisbigpicture。Ongettinghomeheflewintoaragewithhiswifefornothavingmanagedtoputoffthelandlady，whohadbeenaskingformoney。
`I’vesaidittoyoutwentytimes，don’tenterintodetails。You’refoolenoughatalltimes，andwhenyoustartexplainingthingsinItalianyou’reatriplefool，’hesaidafteralongdispute。
`Don’tletitrunsolong；it’snotmyfault。IfIhadthemoney……’
`Leavemeinpeace，forGod’ssake！’Mikhailovshrieked，withtearsinhisvoice，and，stoppinghisears，hewentoffintohisworkingroom，ontheothersideofapartitionwall，andclosedthedoorafterhim。`There’snosenseinher！’hesaidtohimself，satdowntothetable，and，openingaportfolio，hesettoworkatoncewithpeculiarfervoratasketchhehadbegun。
Neverdidheworkwithsuchfervorandsuccessaswhenthingswentillwithhim，andespeciallywhenhequarreledwithhiswife。`Oh！
damnthemall！’hethoughtashewentonworking。Hewasmakingasketchforthefigureofamaninaviolentrage。Asketchhadbeenmadebefore，buthewasdissatisfiedwithit。`No，thatonewasbetter……Whereisit？’Hewentbacktohiswife，and，scowlingandnotlookingather，askedhiseldestlittlegirl:Wherewasthatpieceofpaperhehadgiventhem？
Thepaperwiththediscardedsketchonitwasfound，butitwasdirty，andspottedwithcandlegrease。Still，hetookthesketch，laiditonhistable，and，movingalittleaway，screwinguphiseyes，hefelltogazingatit。Allatoncehesmiledandgesticulatedgleefully。
`That’sit！That’sit！’hesaid，and，atoncepickingupthepencil，hebegandrawingrapidly。Thespotoftallowhadgiventhemananewpose。
Hehadsketchedthisnewpose，whenallatonceherecalledthefaceofashopkeeperofwhomhehadboughtcigars，avigorousfacewithaprominentchin，andhesketchedthisveryface，thischin，ontothefigureoftheman。Helaughedaloudwithdelight。Thefigurefromalifelessimaginedthinghadbecomeliving，andsuchthatitcouldneverbechanged。
Thatfigurelived，andwasclearlyandunmistakablydefined。Thesketchmightbecorrectedinaccordancewiththerequirementsofthefigure；thelegs，indeed，couldandmustbeputdifferently，andthepositionofthelefthandmustbequitealtered；thehair，too，mightbethrownback。Butinmakingthesecorrectionshewasnotalteringthefigurebutsimplygettingridofwhatconcealedthefigure。Hewas，asitwere，strippingofftheveilswhichhindereditfrombeingdistinctlyseen；eachnewfeatureonlybroughtoutthewholefigureinallitsforceandvigor，asithadsuddenlycometohimfromthespotoftallow。Hewascarefullyfinishingthefigurewhenthecardswerebroughthim。
`Coming，coming！’
Hewentintohiswife。
`Come，Sasha，don’tbecross！’hesaid，smilingtimidlyandaffectionatelyather。`Youweretoblame。Iwastoblame。I’llmakeitallright。’And，havingmadepeacewithhiswife，heputonanolive-greenovercoatwithavelvetcollarandahat，andwenttowardhisstudio。Thesuccessfulfigurehehadalreadyforgotten。Nowhewasdelightedandexcitedatthevisitofthesepeopleofconsequence，Russians，whohadcomeintheircarriage。
Ofhispicture，theonethatstoodnowonhiseasel，hehadatthebottomofhisheartoneconviction-thatnoonehadeverpaintedapicturelikeit。HedidnotbelievethatthispicturewasbetterthanallthepicturesofRaphael，butheknewthatwhathetriedtoconveyinthatpicturenooneeverhadconveyed。Thisheknewpositively，andhadknownalongwhile，eversincehehadbeguntopaintit。Butotherpeople’scriticisms，whatevertheymightbe，hadyetimmenseconsequenceinhiseyes，andtheyagitatedhimtothedepthsofhissoul。Anyremark，themostinsignificant，whichshowedthatthecriticsaweventhetiniestpartofwhathehimselfsawinthepicture，agitatedhimtothedepthsofhissoul。Healwaysattributedtohisjudgesamoreprofoundcomprehensionthanhehadhimself，andalwaysexpectedfromthemsomethinghedidnothimselfseeinthepicture。Andoftenintheircriticismshefanciedthathefoundthis。
Hewalkedrapidlytothedoorofhisstudio，andinspiteofhisexcitementhewasstruckbythesoftlightonAnna’sfigureasshestoodintheshadeoftheentrancelisteningtoGolenishchev，whowaseagerlytellinghersomething，whilesheevidentlywantedtolookroundattheartist。Hewashimselfunconscioushow，asheapproachedthem，heseizedonthisimpressionandabsorbedit，ashehadthechinoftheshopkeeperwhohadsoldhimthecigars，andputitawaysomewheretobebroughtoutwhenhewantedit。Thevisitors，notagreeablyimpressedbeforehandbyGolenishchev’saccountoftheartist，werestilllesssobyhispersonalappearance。Thicksetandofmiddleheight，withnimblemovements，withhisbrownhat，olive-greencoatandnarrowtrousers-thoughwidetrousershadbeenalongwhileinfashion-mostofall，withtheordinarinessofhisbroadface，andthecombinedexpressionoftimidityandanxietytokeepuphisdignity，Mikhailovmadeanunpleasantimpression。
`Pleasestepin，’hesaid，tryingtolookindifferent，andgoingintothepassagehetookakeyoutofhispocketandopenedthedoor。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter11[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter11Onenteringthestudio，MikhailovoncemorescannedhisvisitorsandnoteddowninhisimaginationVronsky’sexpressiontoo，andespeciallyhisjaws。
Althoughhisartisticsensewasunceasinglyatworkcollectingmaterials，althoughhefeltacontinuallyincreasingexcitementasthemomentofcriticizinghisworkdrewnearer，herapidlyandsubtlyformed，fromimperceptiblesigns，amentalimageofthesethreepersons。ThatfellowGolenishchev
wasaRussianlivinghere。Mikhailovdidnotrememberhissurnamenorwherehehadmethim，norwhathehadsaidtohim。Heonlyrememberedhisfaceasherememberedallthefaceshehadeverseen；butheremembered，too，thatitwasoneofthefaceslaidbyinhismemoryintheimmenseclassofthefalselyconsequentialandpoorinexpression。Theabundanthairandveryopenforeheadgaveanappearanceofconsequencetotheface，whichhadonlyoneexpression-apetty，childish，peevishexpression，concentratedjustabovethebridgeofthenarrownose。VronskyandMadameKareninamustbe，Mikhailovsupposed，distinguishedandwealthyRussians，knowingnothingaboutart，likeallthosewealthyRussians，butposingasamateursandconnoisseurs。`Mostlikelythey’vealreadylookedatalltheantiques，andnowthey’remakingtheroundofthestudiosofthenewpeople-theGermanhumbug，andthecrackedPre-RaphaeliteEnglishfellow-andhaveonlycometometomakethepointofviewcomplete，’hethought。Hewaswellacquaintedwiththewaydilettantihavethecleverertheyweretheworsehefoundthemoflookingattheworksofcontemporaryartistswiththesoleobjectofbeinginapositiontosaythatartislost，andthemoreoneseesofthenewmenthemoreoneseeshowinimitabletheworksofthegreatoldmastershaveremained。Heexpectedallthis；hesawitallintheirfaces，hesawitinthecarelessindifferencewithwhichtheytalkedamongthemselves，staredatthelayfiguresandbusts，andwalkedaboutinleisurelyfashion，waitingforhimtouncoverhispicture。Butinspiteofthis，whilehewasturningoverhisstudies，pullinguptheblindsandtakingoffthesheet，hewasinintenseexcitement，especiallyas，inspiteofhisconvictionthatalldistinguishedandwealthyRussianswerecertaintobebeastsandfools，helikedVronsky，andstillmoreAnna。
`Here，ifyouplease，’hesaid，movingononesidewithhisnimblegaitandpointingtohispicture，`it’stheexhortationbyPilate。Matthew，chapter27，’hesaid，feelinghislipswerebeginningtotremblewithemotion。
Hemovedawayandstoodbehindthem。
Forthefewsecondsduringwhichthevisitorsweregazingatthepictureinsilence，Mikhailovtoogazedatitwiththeindifferenteyeofanoutsider。Forthosefewsecondshewassureinanticipationthatahigher，justercriticismwouldbeutteredbythem，bythoseveryvisitorswhomhehadbeendespisingsoamomentbefore。Heforgotallhehadthoughtabouthispicturebefore，duringthethreeyearshehadbeenpaintingit；
heforgotallitsqualities，whichhadbeenabsolutelycertaintohim-
hesawthepicturewiththeirindifferent，new，outsideeyes，andsawnothinggoodinit。HesawintheforegroundPilate’sirritatedfaceandtheserenefaceofChrist，andinthebackgroundthefiguresofPilate’sretinueandthefaceofJohnwatchingwhatwashappening。Everyfacethat，withsuchexertion，suchblundersandcorrectionshadgrownupwithinhimwithitsspecialcharacter，everyfacethathadgivenhimsuchtormentsandsuchraptures，andallthesefacessomanytimestransposedforthesakeoftheharmonyofthewhole，alltheshadesofcolorandtonesthathehadattainedwithsuchlabor-allofthistogetherseemedtohimnow，lookingatitwiththeireyes，themerestvulgarity，somethingthathadbeendoneathousandtimesover。Thefacedearesttohim，thefaceofChrist，thecenterofthepicture，whichhadgivenhimsuchecstasyasitunfoldeditselftohim，wasutterlylosttohimwhenheglancedatthepicturewiththeireyes。Hesawawell-paintedno，noteventhat-hedistinctlysawnowamassofdefectsrepetitionofthoseendlessChristsofTitian，Raphael，Rubens，andthesamesoldiersandPilate。Itwasallcommon，poor，andstale，andbadlypainted-weakandmotley。Theywouldbejustifiedinrepeatinghypocriticallycourteousspeechesinthepresenceofthepainter，andpityinghimandlaughingathimwhentheywerealoneagain。
Thesilencethoughitlastednomorethanaminutebecametoointolerabletohim。Tobreakit，andtoshowhewasnotagitated，hemadeaneffortandaddressedGolenishchev。
`IthinkI’vehadthepleasureofmeetingyou，’hesaid，lookinguneasilyfirstatAnna，thenatVronsky，infearoflosinganyshadeoftheirexpression。
`Tobesure！WemetatRossi’s；doyouremember，atthatsoireewhenthatItalianladyrecited-thenewRachel？’Golenishchevansweredeasily，removinghiseyeswithouttheslightestregretfromthepictureandturningtotheartist。
Noticing，however，thatMikhailovwasexpectingacriticismofthepicture，hesaid:
`YourpicturehasgotonagreatdealsinceIsawitlasttime；
andwhatstrikesmeparticularlynow，asitdidthen，isthefigureofPilate。Onesoknowstheman:agood-natured，capitalfellow，butanofficialthroughandthrough，whoknowsnotwhathedoth。ButIfancy……’