TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter06[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter6`Perhapsthey’renotathome？’saidLevin，ashewentintothehallofCountessBol’shouse。
`Athome；pleasewalkin，’saidtheporter，resolutelyremovinghisovercoat。
`Howannoying！’thoughtLevinwithasigh，takingoffonegloveandstrokinghishat。`WhatdidIcomefor？WhathaveItosaytothem？’
AshepassedthroughthefirstdrawingroomLevinmetinthedoorwayCountessBol，withacarewornandsevereface，givingsomeordertoaservant。
OnseeingLevinshesmiled，andaskedhimtocomeintothenextlittledrawingroomwhereheheardvoices。InthisroomthereweresittinginarmchairsthetwodaughtersoftheCountess，andaMoscowcolonel，whomLevinknew。Levinwalkedup，greetedthem，andsatdownbesidethesofa，withhishatonhisknees。
`Howisyourwife？Haveyoubeenattheconcert？Wecouldn’tgo。
Mammahadtobeattherequiem。’
`Yes，Iheard……Whatasuddendeath！’saidLevin。
TheCountesscamein，satdownonthesofa，andshetooaskedafterhiswifeandinquiredabouttheconcert。
Levinanswered，andrepeatedaninquiryaboutMadameApraksina’ssuddendeath。
`Butshewasalwaysinpoorhealth。’
`Wereyouattheoperayesterday？’
`Yes，Iwas。’
`Luccawasverygood。’
`Yes，verygood，’hesaid，and，asitwasutterlyofnoconsequencetohimwhattheythoughtofhim，hebeganrepeatingwhattheyhadheardahundredtimesaboutthecharacteristicsofthesinger’stalent。CountessBolpretendedtobelistening。Then，whenhehadsaidenoughandhadpaused，thecolonel，whohadbeensilenttillthen，begantotalk。Thecoloneltootalkedoftheoperaandillumination。Atlast，afterspeakingoftheproposedfollejourné；eatTurin’s，thecolonellaughed，gotupnoisily，andwentaway。Levintoorose，buthesawbythefaceoftheCountessthatitwasnotyettimeforhimtogo。Hemuststaytwominuteslonger。Hesatdown。
Butashewasthinkingallthewhilehowstupiditwas，hecouldnotfindasubjectforconversation，andsatsilent。
`Youarenotgoingtothepublicmeeting？Theysayitwillbeveryinteresting，’begantheCountess。
`No，Ipromisedmybelle-soeurtofetchherfromit，’saidLevin。
Asilencefollowed。Themotheroncemoreexchangedglanceswithoneofthedaughters。
`Well，nowIthinkthetimehascome，’thoughtLevin，andhegotup。Theladiesshookhandswithhim，andbeggedhimtosaymillechosestohiswifeforthem。
Theporteraskedhim，ashegavehimhiscoat:`WhereisYourHonorstaying？’andimmediatelywrotedownhisaddressinabighandsomelyboundbook。
`OfcourseIdon’tcare，butstillIfeelashamedandawfullystupid，’thoughtLevin，consolinghimselfwiththereflectionthateveryonedoesit。Hedrovetothepublicmeeting，wherehewastofindhissister-in-law，soastodrivehomewithher。
Atthepublicmeetingofthecommitteetherewereagreatmanypeople，andalmostallthehighestsociety。Levinwasintimeforthereportwhich，aseveryonesaid，wasveryinteresting。Whenthereadingofthereportwasover，peoplemovedabout，andLevinmetSviiazhsky，whoinvitedhimverypressinglytocomethateveningtoameetingoftheSocietyofAgriculture，whereacelebratedreportwastobedelivered，andStepanArkadyevich，whohadonlyjustcomefromtheraces，andmanyotheracquaintances；
andLevinheardandutteredvariouscriticismsonthemeeting，onthenewplay，andonapublictrial。But，probablyfromthementalfatiguehewasbeginningtofeel，hemadeablunderinspeakingofthetrial，andthisblunderherecalledseveraltimeswithvexation。SpeakingofthesentenceuponaforeignerwhohadbeencondemnedinRussia，andofhowunfairitwouldbetopunishhimbyexileabroad，Levinrepeatedwhathehadheardthedaybeforeinconversationfromanacquaintance。
`Ithinksendinghimabroadismuchthesameaspunishingacarpbyputtingitintothewater，’saidLevin。Thenherecollectedthatthisidea，whichhehadheardfromanacquaintanceandutteredashisown，camefromafableofKrilov’s，andthattheacquaintancehadpickeditupfromanewspaperarticle。
Afterdrivinghomewithhissister-in-law，andfindingKittyingoodspiritsandquitewell，Levindrovetotheclub。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter07[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter7Levinreachedtheclubjustattherighttime。Membersandvisitorsweredrivingupashearrived。Levinhadnotbeenattheclubforaverylongwhile-notsincehelivedinMoscow，whenhewasleavingtheuniversityandgoingintosociety。Herememberedtheclub，theexternaldetailsofitsarrangement，buthehadcompletelyforgottentheimpressionithadmadeonhiminolddays。Butassoonas，drivingintothewidesemicircularcourtandgettingoutofthecab，hemountedthesteps，andthehallporter，adornedwithacrossbelt，noiselesslyopenedthedoortohimwithabow；
assoonashesawintheporter’sroomthecloaksandgaloshesofmemberswhothoughtitlesstroubletotakethemoffdownstairs；assoonasheheardthemysteriousringingbellthatprecededhimasheascendedthelow-stepped，carpetedstaircase，andsawthestatueonthelanding，andthethirdporteratthetopdoors，afamiliarfiguregrownolder，intheclublivery，openingthedoorwithouthasteordelay，andscanningthevisitorsastheypassedin-Levinfelttheoldimpressionoftheclubcomebackinarush，animpressionofrepose，comfort，andpropriety。
`Yourhat，please，’theportersaidtoLevin，whoforgottheclubruleofcheckinghishatintheporter’sroom。`Longtimesinceyou’vebeenhere。ThePrinceputyournamedownyesterday。PrinceStepanArkadyevichisnothereyet。’
TheporternotonlyknewLevin，butalsoallhisconnectionsandrelationships，andsoimmediatelymentionedhisintimatefriends。
Passingthroughtheouterhall，dividedupbyscreens，andtheroompartitionedontheright，whereamansitsatthefruitbuffet，Levinpassedbyashufflingoldman，andenteredthediningroom，fullofnoiseandpeople。
Hewalkedalongthetables，almostallfull，andscrutinizedthevisitors。Hesawpeopleofallsorts，oldandyoung；someheknewalittle；
somewereintimatefriends。Therewasnotasinglecrossorworried-lookingface。Allseemedtohavecheckedtheircaresandanxietiesintheporter’sroomwiththeirhats，andwerealldeliberatelygettingreadytoenjoythematerialblessingsoflife。SviiazhskywashereandShcherbatsky，NeviedovskyandtheoldPrince，andVronskyandSergeiIvanovich。
`Ah！Whyareyoulate？’thePrincesaidsmiling，andgivinghimhishandoverhisownshoulder。`How’sKitty？’headded，smoothingoutthenapkinhehadtuckedinathiswaistcoatbuttons。
`Verywell；theyarediningathome，allthreeofthem。’
`Ah，``Alines-Nadines’tobesure！There’snoroomwithus。Gotothattable，andmakehasteandtakeaseat，’saidthePrince，andturningawayhecarefullytookaplateofburbotsoup。
`Levin，thisway！’agood-naturedvoiceshoutedalittlefartheron。ItwasTurovtsin。Hewassittingwithayoungofficer，andbesidethemweretwochairstippedover。Levingladlywentuptothem。Hehadalwayslikedthegoodheartedrake，Turovtsin-hewasassociatedinhismindwithmemoriesofhiscourtship-andatthatmoment，afterthestrainofintellectualconversation，thesightofTurovtsin’sgood-naturedfacewasparticularlywelcome。
`ForyouandOblonsky。He’llbeheredirectly。’
Theyoungman，holdinghimselfveryerect，witheyesforevertwinklingwithenjoyment，wasanofficerfromPeterburg，Gaghin。Turovtsinintroducedthem。
`Oblonsky’salwayslate。’
`Ah，hereheis！
`Haveyouonlyjustcome？’saidOblonsky，comingquicklytowardthem。`Goodday。Hadsomevodka？Well，comealongthen。’
Levingotupandwentwithhimtothebigtablespreadwithspiritsandappetizersofthemostvariedkinds。Onewouldhavethoughtthatoutoftwodozendelicaciesonemightfindsomethingtoone’staste，butStepanArkadyevichaskedforsomethingspecial，andoneoftheliveriedwaitersstandingbyimmediatelybroughtwhatwasrequired。Theydrankaponyeachandreturnedtotheirtable。
Atonce，whiletheywerestillattheirsoup，Gaghinwasservedwithchampagne，andtoldthewaitertofillfourglasses。Levindidnotrefusethewine，andaskedforasecondbottle。Hewasveryhungry，andateanddrankwithgreatenjoyment，andwithstillgreaterenjoymenttookpartinthelivelyandsimpleconversationofhiscompanions。Gaghin，droppinghisvoice，toldthelastgoodstoryfromPeterburg，andthestory，thoughimproperandstupid，wassoludicrousthatLevinbrokeintoroarsoflaughtersoloudthatthosenearlookedround。
`That’sinthesamestyleas，``that’sathingIcan’tendure！’
Youknowthestory？’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Ah，that’sexquisite！Anotherbottle，’hesaidtothewaiter，andhebegantorelatehisgoodstory。
`PiotrIllyichVinovskyinvitesyoutodrinkwithhim，’alittleoldwaiterinterruptedStepanArkadyevich，bringingtwodelicateglassesofsparklingchampagne，andaddressingStepanArkadyevichandLevin。StepanArkadyevichtooktheglass，andlookingtowardabaldmanwithredmustachesattheotherendofthetable，henoddedtohim，smiling。
`Who’sthat？’askedLevin。
`Youmethimonceatmyplace，don’tyouremember？Agood-naturedfellow。’
LevindidthesameasStepanArkadyevichandtooktheglass。
StepanArkadyevich’sanecdotetoowasveryamusing。Levintoldhisstory，andthattoowassuccessful。Thentheytalkedofhorses，oftheraces，ofwhattheyhadbeendoingthatday，andofhowsmartlyVronsky’sAtlashadwonthefirstprize。Levindidnotnoticehowthetimepassedatdinner。
`Ah！Andheretheyare！’StepanArkadyevichsaidtowardtheendofdinner，leaningoverthebackofhischairandholdingouthishandtoVronsky，whocameupwithatallcoloneloftheGuards。Vronsky’sfacetoobeamedwiththelookofgood-humoredenjoymentthatwasgeneralintheclub。HeproppedhiselbowplayfullyonStepanArkadyevich’sshoulder，whisperingsomethingtohim，andheheldouthishandtoLevinwiththesamegood-humoredsmile。
`Verygladtomeetyou，’hesaid。`Ilookedoutforyouattheelection，butIwastoldyouhadgoneaway。’
`Yes，Ileftthesameday。We’vejustbeentalkingofyourhorse。
Icongratulateyou，’saidLevin。`Itwasruninveryfasttime。’
`Yes；you’veracehorsestoo，haven’tyou？’
`No，myfatherhad；butIrememberandknowsomethingaboutthem。’
`Wherehaveyoudined？’askedStepanArkadyevich。
`Wewereatthesecondtable，behindthecolumns。’
`We’vebeencelebratinghissuccess，’saidthetallcolonel。`It’shissecondImperialprize。IwishImighthavetheluckatcardshehaswithhorses。’
`Well，whywasteprecioustime？I’mgoingtothe``infernalregions，’’
addedthecolonel，andhewalkedaway。
`That’sIashvin，’VronskysaidinanswertoTurovtsin，andhesatdowninthevacatedseatbesidethem。Hedranktheglassofferedhim，andorderedabottleofwine。Undertheinfluenceoftheclubatmosphereorthewinehehaddrunk，LevinchattedawaytoVronskyofthebestbreedsofcattle，andwasverygladnottofeeltheslightesthostilitytothisman。Heeventoldhim，amongotherthings，thathehadheardfromhiswifethatshehadmethimatPrincessMaryaBorissovna’s。
`Ah，PrincessMaryaBorissovna-she’sexquisite！’saidStepanArkadyevich，andhetoldananecdoteaboutherwhichsetthemalllaughing。
VronskyinparticularlaughedwithsuchsimpleheartedamusementthatLevinfeltquitereconciledtohim。
`Well，havewefinished？’saidStepanArkadyevich，gettingupwithasmile。`Letusgo。’
[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter08[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter8Gettingupfromthetable，LevinwalkedwithGaghinthroughtheloftyroomstothebilliardroom，feelinghisarmsswingashewalkedwithapeculiarlightnessandease。Ashecrossedthebigroom，hecameuponhisfather-in-law。
`Well，howdoyoulikeourTempleofIndolence？’saidthePrince，takinghisarm。`Comealong，comealong！’
`Yes，Iwantedtowalkaboutandlookateverything。It’sinteresting。’
`Yes，it’sinterestingforyou。Butitsinterestformeisquitedifferent。Youlookatsuchlittleancients，now，’hesaid，pointingtoaclubmemberwithbentbackandpendulouslip，shufflingtowardtheminhissoftboots，`andimaginethattheywereshlupikslikethatfromtheirbirthup。’
`Shlupiks？’
`Iseeyoudon’tknowthatname。That’sourclubdesignation。
Youknowthegameofrollingeggs:whenone’srolledalongwhileitbecomesashlupik。Soitiswithus；onegoesoncomingandcomingtotheclub，andendsbybecomingashlupik。Ah，youlaugh！butwelookout，forfearofdroppingintoitourselves。YouknowPrinceChechensky？’inquiredthePrince；andLevinsawbyhisfacethathewasjustgoingtorelatesomethingfunny。
`No，Idon’tknowhim。’
`Youdon’tsayso！Well，PrinceChechenskyisawell-knownfigure。
Nomatter，though。He’salwaysplayingbilliardshere。Onlythreeyearsagohewasnotashlupik，andkeptuphisspirits，andevenusedtocallotherpeopleshlupiks。Butonedayheturnsup，andourporter……YouknowVassilii？Why，thatfatone；he’sfamousforhisbonsmots。AndsoPrinceChechenskyaskshim，``Come，Vassiliiwho’shere？Anyshlupikshereyet？’
Andhesays:``You’rethethird。’Yes，mydearboy，thathedid！’
Talkingandgreetingthefriendstheymet，LevinandthePrincewalkedthroughalltherooms:thegreatroomwheretableshadalreadybeenset，andtheusualpartnerswereplayingforsmallstakes；thedivanroom，wheretheywereplayingchess，andSergeiIvanovichwassittingtalkingtosomebody；thebilliardroom，where，aboutthesofainarecess，therewasalivelypartydrinkingchampagne-Gaghinwasoneofthem。Theypeepedintothe`infernalregions，’whereagoodmanymenwerecrowdingroundonetable，atwhichIashvinwassitting。Tryingnottomakeanoise，theywalkedintothedarkreadingroom，whereundertheshadedlampstheresatayoungmanwithawrathfulcountenance，turningoveronejournalafteranother，andabaldgeneralburiedinabook。Theywent，too，intowhatthePrincecalledtheintellectualroom，wherethreegentlemenwereengagedinaheateddiscussionofthelatestpoliticalnews。
`Prince，pleasecome，we’reready，’saidoneofhiscardparty，whohadcometolookforhim，andthePrincewentoff。Levinsatdownandlistened，butrecallingalltheconversationofthemorninghefeltallofasuddenfearfullybored。Hegotuphurriedly，andwenttolookforOblonskyandTurovtsin，withwhomithadbeensopleasant。
Turovtsinwasoneofthecircledrinkinginthebilliardroom，andStepanArkadyevichwastalkingwithVronskynearthedooratthefarthercorneroftheroom。
`It’snotthatshe’sdull；butthisundefined，thisunsettledposition，’Levincaught，andhewasgoingtohurryaway，butStepanArkadyevichcalledhim。
`Levin！’saidStepanArkadyevich；andLevinnoticedthathiseyeswerenotfulloftearsexactly，butmoist，whichalwayshappenedwhenhehadbeendrinking，orwhenhewastouched。Todayitwasduetobothcauses。
`Levin，don’tgo，’hesaid，andhewarmlysqueezedhisarmabovetheelbow，obviouslynotatallwishingtolethimgo。
`Thisisatruefriendofmine-almostmygreatestfriend，’hesaidtoVronsky。`Youalsoarestillcloseranddearertome。AndIwantyou，andIknowyouought，tobefriends，andgreatfriends，becauseyou’rebothsplendidfellows。’
`Well，there’snothingforusnowbuttokissandbefriends，’
Vronskysaid，withgood-naturedplayfulness，holdingouthishand。
Levinquicklytooktheofferedhand，andsqueezeditwarmly。
`I’mvery，veryglad，’saidLevin。
`Waiter，abottleofchampagne，’saidStepanArkadyevich。
`AndI’mveryglad，’saidVronsky。
ButinspiteofStepanArkadyevich’sdesire，andtheirowndesire，theyhadnothingtotalkabout，andbothfeltit。
`Doyouknow，hehasnevermetAnna？’StepanArkadyevichsaidtoVronsky。`AndIwantaboveeverythingtotakehimtoseeher。Letusgo，Levin！’
`Really？’saidVronsky。`Shewillbeverygladtoseeyou。Ishouldbegoinghomeatonce，’headded，`butI’mworriedaboutIashvin，andI
wanttostayontillhefinishes。’
`Why，ishelosing？’
`Hekeepslosing，andI’mtheonlyfriendthatcanrestrainhim。’
`Well，whatdoyousaytopyramids？Levin，willyouplay？Capital！’
saidStepanArkadyevich。`Getthetableready，’hesaidtothemarker。
`Ithasbeenreadyalongwhile，’answeredthemarker，whohadalreadysettheballsinatriangle，andwasknockingtheredoneaboutforhisowndiversion。
`Well，letusbegin。’
AfterthegameVronskyandLevinsatdownatGaghin’stable，andatStepanArkadyevich’ssuggestionLevintookahandinthegame。Vronskysatdownatthetable，surroundedbyfriends，whowereincessantlycominguptohim。Everynowandthenhewenttothe`infernal’tokeepaneyeonIashvin。Levinwasenjoyingadelightfulsenseofreposeafterthementalfatigueofthemorning。HewasgladthatallhostilitywasatanendwithVronsky，andthesenseofpeace，decorumandcomfortneverlefthim。
Whenthegamewasover，StepanArkadyevichtookLevin’sarm。
`Well，letusgotoAnna’s，then。Atonce？Eh？Sheisathome。
Ipromisedherlongagotobringyou。Wherewereyouintendingtospendtheevening？’
`Oh，nowherespecially。IpromisedSviiazhskytogototheSocietyofAgriculture。Byallmeans，letusgo，’saidLevin。
`Verygood；comealong。Findoutifmycarriageishere，’StepanArkadyevichsaidtothewaiter。
Levinwentuptothetable，paidthefortyroubleshehadlost；
paidhisbill，theamountofwhichwasinsomemysteriouswayascertainedbythelittleoldwaiterwhostoodatthecounter，and，swinginghisarms，hewalkedthroughalltheroomstotheexit。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter09[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter9`Oblonsky’scarriage！’theportershoutedinanangrybass。Thecarriagedroveupandbothgotin。Itwasonlyforthefirstfewmoments，whilethecarriagewasdrivingoutoftheclubhousegates，thatLevinwasstillundertheinfluenceoftheclubatmosphereofrepose，comfort，andunimpeachablegoodform。Butassoonasthecarriagedroveoutintothestreet，andhefeltitjoltingovertheunevenroad，heardtheangryshoutofadrivercomingtowardthem，sawintheuncertainlighttheredblindofatavernandtheshops，thisimpressionwasdissipated，andhebegantothinkoverhisactions，andtowonderwhetherhewasdoingrightingoingtoseeAnna。
WhatwouldKittysay？ButStepanArkadyevichgavehimnotimeforreflection，and，asthoughdivininghisdoubts，hedispersedthem。
`HowgladIam，’hesaid，`thatyoushouldknowher！YouknowDollyhaslongwishedforit。AndLvov’sbeentoseeher，andoftengoes。
Thoughsheismysister，’StepanArkadyevichpursued，`Idon’thesitatetosaythatshe’saremarkablewoman……Butyouwillsee。Herpositionisverypainful，especiallynow。’
`Whyespeciallynow？’
`Wearecarryingonnegotiationswithherhusbandaboutadivorce。
Andhe’sagreed；buttherearedifficultiesinregardtotheson，andthebusiness，whichoughttohavebeenarrangedlongago，hasbeendraggingonforthreemonthspast。Assoonasthedivorceisover，shewillmarryVronsky。Howstupidtheseoldritualformsare-``Isaiah，rejoice！’-
whichnoonebelievesin，andwhichonlypreventpeoplebeingcomfortable！’
StepanArkadyevichputin。`Well，thentheirpositionwillbeasregularasmine，asyours。’
`Whatisthedifficulty？’saidLevin。
`Oh，it’salongandtediousstoryThewholebusinessisinsuchanindefinitestatewithus。Butthepointis，shehasbeenforthreemonthsinMoscow，whereeveryoneknowsher，waitingforthedivorce；shegoesoutnowhere，seesnowomanexceptDolly，because，doyouunderstand，shedoesn’tcaretohavepeoplecomeasafavor。ThatfoolPrincessVarvara，evenshehaslefther，consideringthisabreachofpropriety。Well，yousee，insuchapositionanyotherwomanwouldnothavefoundresourcesinherself。Butyou’llseehowshehasarrangedherlife-howcalm，howdignifiedsheis。Totheleft，inthealleyoppositethechurch！’shoutedStepanArkadyevich，leaningoutofthewindowofthecarriage。`Phew！Howhotitis！’hesaid，inspiteoftwelvedegreesoffrost，flingingopenhisunbuttonedovercoatstillmore。
`Butshehasadaughter:nodoubtshe’sbusylookingafterher？’
saidLevin。
`Ibelieveyoupictureeverywomansimplyasafemale，unecouveuse，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Ifshe’soccupied，itmustbewithherchildren。No，shebringsherupcapitally，Ibelieve，butonedoesn’thearabouther。She’sbusy，inthefirstplace，withwhatshewrites。
Iseeyou’resmilingironically，butyou’rewrong。She’swritingachildren’sbook，anddoesn’ttalkaboutittoanyone，butshereadittomeandI
gavethemanuscripttoVorkuev……youknow，thepublisher……Andhe’sanauthorhimselftoo，Ifancy。Heunderstandsthosethings，andhesaysit’saremarkablepieceofwork。Butareyoufancyingshe’sawritingwoman？
Notabitofit。She’sawomanwithaheart，beforeeverything，butyou’llsee。NowshehasalittleEnglishgirlwithher，andawholefamilyshe’slookingafter。’
`Oh，somethinginaphilanthropicway？’
`Why，youwilllookateverythingintheworstlight。It’snotfromphilanthropy，it’sfromtheheart。They-thatis，Vronsky-hadatrainer，anEnglishman，first-rateinhisownline，butadrunkard。He’scompletelygivenuptodrink-deliriumtremens-andthefamilywerecastontheworld。Shesawthem，helpedthem，gotmoreandmoreinterestedinthem，andnowthewholefamilyisonherhands。Butnotbywayofpatronage，youknow，helpingwithmoney；she’sherselfpreparingtheboysinRussianforthehighschool，andshe’stakenthelittlegirltolivewithher。
Butyou’llseeherforyourself。’
Thecarriagedroveintothecourtyard，andStepanArkadyevichrangloudlyattheentrancewhereasleighwasstanding。
And，withoutaskingtheservantwhoopenedthedoorwhethertheladywereathome，StepanArkadyevichwalkedintothehall。Levinfollowedhim，moreandmoredoubtfulwhetherheweredoingrightorwrong。
Lookingathimselfintheglass，Levinnoticedthathewasredintheface，buthefeltcertainhewasnotdrunk，andhefollowedStepanArkadyevichupthecarpetedstairs。AtthetopStepanArkadyevichinquiredofthefootman，whobowedtohimastoanintimatefriend，whowaswithAnnaArkadyevna，andreceivedtheanswerthatitwasM。Vorkuev。
`Wherearethey？’
`Inthestudy。’
Passingthroughthediningroom，aroomnotverylarge，withdarkpaneledwalls，StepanArkadyevichandLevinwalkedoverthesoftcarpettothehalf-darkstudy，lightedupbyasinglelampwithabigdarkshade。
Anotherlampwithareflectorwashangingonthewall，lightingupabigfull-lengthportraitofawoman，whichLevincouldnothelplookingat。
ItwastheportraitofAnna，paintedinItalybyMikhailov。WhileStepanArkadyevichwentbehindthetreillage，andtheman’svoicewhichhadbeenspeakingpaused，Levingazedattheportrait，whichstoodoutfromtheframeinthebrilliantlightthrownonit，andhecouldnottearhimselfawayfromit。Hepositivelyforgotwherehewas，andnotevenhearingwhatwassaid，hecouldnottakehiseyesoffthemarvelousportrait。Itwasnotapicture，butaliving，charmingwoman，withblackcurlinghair，withbarearmsandshoulders，withapensivesmileonthelips，coveredwithsoftdown；triumphantlyandsoftlyshelookedathimwitheyesthatbaffledhim。Shewasnotliving，onlybecauseshewasmorebeautifulthananylivingwomancanbe。
`Iamdelighted。’Heheardsuddenlynearhimavoice，unmistakablyaddressinghim，thevoiceoftheverywomanhehadbeenadmiringintheportrait。Annahadcomefrombehindthetreillagetomeethim，andLevinsawinthedimlightofthestudytheverywomanoftheportrait，inadark-bluegownofchangeableblue，notinthesamepositionnorwiththesameexpression，butwiththesameperfectionofbeautywhichtheartisthadcaughtintheportrait。Shewaslessdazzlinginreality，but，ontheotherhand，therewassomethingfreshandseductiveinthelivingwomanwhichwasnotintheportrait。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter10[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter10Shehadrisentomeethim，withoutconcealingherpleasureatseeinghim；
andinthequieteasewithwhichsheheldoutherlittleandvigoroushand，introducedhimtoVorkuev，andindicatedared-haired，prettylittlegirlwhowassittingatwork，callingherherpupil，Levinrecognizedandlikedthemannersofawomanofthegreatworld，alwaysself-possessedandnatural。
`Iamdelighted，delighted，’sherepeated，andonherlipsthesesimplewordstookforLevin’searsaspecialsignificance。`Ihaveknownyouandlikedyouforalongwhile，bothfromyourfriendshipwithStivaandforyourwife’ssake……Iknewherforaveryshorttime，butsheleftonmetheimpressionofanexquisiteflower-justaflower。Andtothinkshewillsoonbeamother！’
Shespokeeasilyandwithouthaste，lookingnowandthenfromLevintoherbrother，andLevinfeltthattheimpressionhewasmakingwasgood，andhefeltimmediatelyathome，ateaseandhappywithher，asthoughhehadknownherfromchildhood。
`IvanPetrovichandIsettledinAlexei’sstudy，’shesaidinanswertoStepanArkadyevich’squestionwhetherhemightsmoke，`justsoastobeabletosmoke’-andglancingatLevin，insteadofaskingwhetherhewouldsmoke，shepulledcloseratortoise-shellcigarettecaseandtookacorn-leafcigarette。
`Howareyoufeelingtoday？’herbrotheraskedher。
`Oh，nothing。Nerves，asusual。’
`Yes，isn’titextraordinarilyfine？’saidStepanArkadyevich，noticingthatLevinwasglancingatthepicture。
`Ihaveneverseenabetterportrait。’
`Andextraordinarilylike，isn’tit？’saidVorkuev。
Levinlookedfromtheportraittotheoriginal。ApeculiarbrilliancelightedupAnna’sfacewhenshefelthiseyesonher。Levinflushed，andtocoverhisconfusionwouldhaveaskedwhethershehadseenDaryaAlexandrovnalately；butatthatmomentAnnaspoke:
`Wewerejusttalking，IvanPetrovichandI，ofVashchenkov’slastpictures。Haveyouseenthem？’
`Yes，Ihaveseenthem，’answeredLevin。
`But，Ibegyourpardon，Iinterruptedyou……Youweresaying？……’
LevinaskedifshehadseenDollylately。
`Shewashereyesterday。ShewasveryindignantwiththehighschoolpeopleonGrisha’saccount。TheLatinteacher，itseems，hadbeenunfairtohim。’
`Yes，Ihaveseenhispictures。Ididn’tcareforthemverymuch，’
Levinwentbacktothesubjectshehadstarted。
Levintalkednownotatallwiththatpurelybusinesslikeattitudetothesubjectwithwhichhehadbeentalkingallthemorning。Everywordinhisconversationwithherhadaspecialsignificance。Andtalkingtoherwaspleasant；stillpleasanterwasittolistentoher。
Annatalkednotmerelynaturallyandcleverly，butcleverlyandcarelessly，attachingnovaluetoherownideasandgivinggreatweighttotheideasofthepersonshewastalkingto。
Theconversationturnedonthenewmovementinart，onthenewillustrationsoftheBiblebyaFrenchartist。Vorkuevattackedtheartistforarealismcarriedtothepointofcoarseness。LevinsaidthattheFrenchhadcarriedconventionalityfurtherthananyone，andthatconsequentlytheyseeagreatmeritinthereturntorealism。Inthefactofnotlyingtheyseepoetry。
NeverhadanythingcleversaidbyLevingivenhimsomuchpleasureasthisremark。Anna’sfacelightedupatonce，assheimmediatelyappreciatedthethought。Shelaughed。
`Ilaugh，’shesaid，`asonelaughswhenoneseesaverytrueportrait。WhatyousaidsoperfectlyhitsoffFrenchartnow，painting-andliteraturetoo，indeed-Zola，Daudet。Butperhapsitisalwaysso，thatmenformtheirconceptionsfromfictitious，conventionaltypes，andthen-allthecombinaisonsmade-theyaretiredofthefictitiousfiguresandbegintoinventmorenatural，truefigures。’
`That’sperfectlytrue，’saidVorkuev。
`Soyou’vebeenattheclub？’shesaidtoherbrother。
`Yes，yes，thisawoman！’Levinthought，forgettinghimselfandstaringpersistentlyatherlovely，mobileface，whichatthatmomentwasallatoncecompletelytransformed。Levindidnothearwhatshewastalkingofassheleanedovertoherbrother，buthewasstruckbythechangeofherexpression。Herface-sohandsomeamomentbeforeinitsrepose-
suddenlyworealookofstrangecuriosity，anger，andpride。Butthislastedonlyaninstant。Shehalf-closedhereyes，asthoughrecollectingsomething。
`Oh，well，butthat’sofnointeresttoanyone，’shesaid，andsheturnedtotheEnglishgirl。
`Pleaseordertheteainthedrawingroom，’shesaidinEnglish。
Thegirlgotupandwentout。
`Well，howdidshegetthroughherexamination？’askedStepanArkadyevich。
`Splendidly！She’saverygiftedchildandasweetcharacter。’
`Itwillendinyourlovinghermorethanyourown。’
`Thereamanspeaks。Inlovethere’snosuchthingasmoreorless。Ilovemydaughterwithonelove，andherwithanother。’
`IwasjusttellingAnnaArkadyevna，’saidVorkuev，`thatifsheweretoputahundredthpartoftheenergyshedevotestothisEnglishgirltothepublicquestionoftheeducationofRussianchildren，shewouldbedoingagreatandusefulwork。’
`Yes，butIcan’thelpit；Icouldn’tdoit。CountAlexeiKirillovichurgedmeverymuch’assheutteredthewordsCountAlexeiKirillovichsheglancedwithappealingtimidityatLevin，andheunconsciouslyrespondedwitharespectfulandreassuringlook，`heurgedmetotakeuptheschoolinthevillage。Ivisiteditseveraltimes。Thechildrenwereverydear，butIcouldnotfeeldrawntothework。Youspeakofenergy。Energyrestsuponlove；and，comeasitwill，there’snoforcingit。Itooktothischild-Icouldnotmyselfsaywhy。’
AndsheglancedagainatLevin。Andhersmileandherglance-
alltoldhimthatitwastohimonlyshewasaddressingherwords，valuinghisgoodopinion，andatthesametimesurebeforehandthattheyunderstoodoneanother。
`Iquiteunderstandthat，’Levinanswered。`It’simpossibletogiveone’shearttoaschoolorsuchinstitutionsingeneral，andIbelievethatthat’sjustwhyphilanthropicinstitutionsalwaysgivesuchpoorresults。’
Shewassilentforawhile，thenshesmiled。`Yes，yes，’sheagreed；
`Inevercould。Jen’aipaslecoeurassezlargetoloveawholeasylumofhorridlittlegirls。Celanem’ajamaisré；ussi。
Therearesomanywomenwhohavemadethemselvesunepositionsocialeinthatway。Andnowmorethanever，’shesaidwithamournful，confidingexpression，ostensiblyaddressingherbrother，butunmistakablyintendingherwordsonlyforLevin，`nowwhenIhavesuchneedofsomeoccupation，Icannot。’AndsuddenlyfrowningLevinsawthatshewasfrowningatherselffortalkingaboutherselfshechangedthesubject。`Iknowaboutyou，’
shesaidtoLevin；`thatyou’renotapublic-spiritedcitizen，andIhavedefendedyoutothebestofmyability。’
`Howhaveyoudefendedme？’
`Oh，accordingtotheattacksmadeonyou。Butwon’tyouhavesometea？’Sheroseandtookupabookboundinmorocco。
`Giveittome，AnnaArkadyevna，’saidVorkuev，indicatingthebook。`It’swellworthtakingup。’
`Oh，no，it’sallsosketchy。’
`Itoldhimaboutit，’StepanArkadyevichsaidtohissister，noddingatLevin。
`Youshouldn’thave。MywritingissomethingafterthefashionofthoselittlebasketsandcarvingswhichLizaMertsalovausedtosellmefromtheprisons。Shehadthedirectionoftheprisondepartmentinthatsociety，’sheturnedtoLevin；`andtheyweremiraclesofpatience，theworkofthosepoorwretches。’
AndLevinsawanewtraitinthiswoman，whoattractedhimsoextraordinarily。Besideswit，grace，andbeauty，shehadtruth。Shehadnowishtohidefromhimallthebitternessofherposition。Asshesaidthatshesighed，andherface，suddenlyassumingahardexpression，looked，asitwere，turnedtostone。Withthatexpressiononherfaceshewasmorebeautifulthanever；buttheexpressionwasnew；itwasutterlyunlikethatexpression，radiantwithhappinessandcreatinghappiness，whichhadbeencaughtbythepainterinherportrait。Levinlookedmorethanonceattheportraitandatherfigure，astakingherbrother’sarmshewalkedwithhimtothehighdoors，andhefeltforheratendernessandpityatwhichhewonderedhimself。
SheaskedLevinandVorkuevtogointothedrawingroom，whileshestayedbehindtosayafewwordstoherbrother。`Aboutherdivorce，aboutVronsky，andwhathe’sdoingattheclub，aboutme？’wonderedLevin。
AndhewassokeenlyinterestedbythequestionofwhatshewassayingtoStepanArkadyevich，thathescarcelyheardwhatVorkuevwastellinghimofthequalitiesofthestoryforchildrenAnnaArkadyevnahadwritten。
Atteathesamepleasantsortoftalk，fullofinterestingmatter，continued。Therewasnotasingleinstantwhenasubjectforconversationwastoseek；onthecontrary，itwasfeltthatonehadhardlytimetosaywhatonehadtosay，andeagerlyheldbacktohearwhattheothersweresaying。Andallthatwassaid，notonlybyher，butbyVorkuevandStepanArkadyevich-all，soitseemedtoLevin，gainedpeculiarsignificancefromherattentiontohimandhercriticism。
Whilehefollowedthisinterestingconversation，Levinwasallthetimeadmiringher-herbeauty，herintelligence，herculture，andatthesametimeherdirectnessandhercordiality。Helistenedandtalked，andallthewhilehewasthinkingofherinnerlife，tryingtodivineherfeelings。Andthoughhehadjudgedhersoseverelyhitherto，nowbysomestrangechainofreasoninghewasjustifyingherandalsowassorryforher，andafraidthatVronskydidnotfullyunderstandher。Atteno’clock，whenStepanArkadyevichgotuptogoVorkuevhadleftearlier，itseemedtoLevinthathehadonlyjustcome。RegretfullyLevintoorose。
`Good-by，’shesaid，holdinghishandandglancingintohisfacewithawinninglook。`Iamverygladquelaglaceestrompue。’
Shedroppedhishand，andhalf-closedhereyes。
`TellyourwifethatIloveherasbefore，andthatifshecannotpardonmemyposition，thenmywishforheristhatshemayneverpardonme。Topardonit，onemustgothroughwhatIhavegonethrough，andmayGodspareherthat。’
`Certainly，yes，Iwilltellher……’Levinsaid，blushing。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter11[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter11`Whatamarvelous，sweetandunhappywoman！’hewasthinking，ashesteppedoutintothefrostyairwithStepanArkadyevich。
`Well，didn’tItellyou？’saidStepanArkadyevich，seeingthatLevinhadbeencompletelywonover。
`Yes，’saidLevinpensively，`anextraordinarywoman！It’snothercleverness，butshehassuchwonderfuldepthoffeeling。I’mawfullysorryforher！’
`Now，pleaseGodeverythingwillsoonbesettled。Well，well，don’tbehardonpeopleinfuture，’saidStepanArkadyevich，openingthecarriagedoor。`Good-by；wedon’tgothesameway。’
StillthinkingofAnna，ofeverything，eventhesimplestphraseintheirconversationwithher，andrecallingtheminutestchangesinherexpression，enteringmoreandmoreintoherposition，andfeelingsympathyforher，Levinreachedhome。
AthomeKouzmatoldLevinthatKaterinaAlexandrovnawasquitewell，andthathersistershadjustgone，andhehandedhimtwoletters。
Levinreadthematonceinthehall，thathemightnotoverlookthemlater。
OnewasfromSokolov，hisbailiff。Sokolovwrotethatthewheatcouldnotbesold，thatthepricewasonlyfiveandahalfroubles，andthathedidnotknowwherehehadtogetthemoney。Theotherletterwasfromhissister。
Shescoldedhimforherbusinessbeingstillunsettled。
`Well，wemustsellitatfiveandahalfifwecan’tgetmore，’
Levindecidedonthespotthefirstquestionwhichhadalwaysbeforeseemedsuchaweightyone，withextraordinaryfacility。`It’sextraordinaryhowallone’stimeistakenuphere，’hethought，consideringthesecondletter。
Hefelthimselftoblamefornothavinggotdonewhathissisterhadaskedhimtodoforher。`Today，again，I’venotbeentocourt，buttodayI’vecertainlynothadtime。’Andresolvingthathewouldnotfailtodoitnextday，hewentuptohiswife。Ashewentin，Levinmentallyranrapidlythroughthedayhehadspent。Alltheeventsofthedaywereconversations:
conversationshehadheardandtakenpartin。Alltheconversationswereuponsubjectswhich，ifhehadbeenaloneinthecountry，hewouldneverhavetakenup，butheretheywereveryinteresting。Andalltheseconversationswererightenough，onlyintwoplacestherewassomethingnotquiteright。
Onewaswhathehadsaidaboutthecarp，theotherwassomethingnotquitethethinginthetendersympathyhewasfeelingforAnna。
Levinfoundhiswifelow-spiritedanddull。Thedinnerofthethreesistershadgoneoffverywell，butthentheyhadwaitedandwaitedforhim，allofthemhadfeltdull，thesistershaddeparted，andshehadbeenleftalone。
`Well，andwhathaveyoubeendoing？’sheaskedhim，lookingstraightintohiseyes，whichshonewithratherasuspiciousbrightness。Butthatshemightnotpreventhistellinghereverything，sheconcealedherclosescrutinyofhim，andwithanapprovingsmilelistenedtohisaccountofhowhehadspenttheevening。
`Well，I’mverygladImetVronsky。Ifeltquiteateaseandnaturalwithhim。Youunderstand，Ishalltrynottoseehim，butI’mgladthatthisawkwardnessisallover，’hesaid，andrememberingthat，bywayoftryingnottoseehim，hehadimmediatelygonetocallonAnna，heblushed。
`Wetalkaboutthepeasantsdrinking；Idon’tknowwhodrinksmost，thepeasantryorourownclass；thepeasantsdoitonholidays，but……’
ButKittytooknottheslightestinterestindiscussingthedrinkinghabitsofthepeasants。Shesawthatheblushed，andshewantedtoknowwhy。
`Well，andthenwheredidyougo？’
`StivaurgedmeawfullytogoandseeAnnaArkadyevna。’
Andashesaidthis，Levinblushedevenmore，andhisdoubtsastowhetherhehaddonerightingoingtoseeAnnaweresettledonceforall。Heknewnowthatheoughtnottohavedoneso。
Kitty’seyesopenedinacuriouswayandgleamedatAnna’sname，butcontrollingherselfwithaneffort，sheconcealedheremotionanddeceivedhim。
`Oh！’wasallshesaid。
`I’msureyouwon’tbeangryatmygoing。Stivabeggedmeto，andDollywishedit，’Levinwenton。
`Oh，no！’shesaid，buthesawinhereyesaconstraintthatbodedhimnogood。
`Sheisaverysweet，avery，veryunhappy，goodwoman，’hesaid，tellingheraboutAnna，heroccupations，andwhatshehadtoldhimtosaytoher。
`Yes，ofcourse，sheisverymuchtobepitied，’saidKitty，whenhehadfinished。`Whomwasyourletterfrom？’
Hetoldher，andbelievinginhercalmtone，hewenttochangehiscoat。
Comingback，hefoundKittyinthesameeasychair。Whenhewentuptoher，sheglancedathimandbrokeintosobs。
`What？Whatisit？’heasked，knowingbeforehandwhat。
`You’reinlovewiththathatefulwoman；shehasbewitchedyou！
Isawitinyoureyes。Yes，yes！Whatcanitallleadto？Youweredrinkingattheclub，drinkingandgambling，andthenyouwent……Where？No，wemustgoaway……Ishallgoawaytomorrow。’
ItwasalongwhilebeforeLevincouldsoothehiswife。Atlasthesucceededincalmingher，onlybyconfessingthatafeelingofpity，inconjunctionwiththewinehehaddrunk，hadbeentoomuchforhim；thathehadsuccumbedtoAnna’sartfulinfluence，andthathewouldavoidher。
OnethinghedidwithmoresincerityconfesstowasthatlivingsolonginMoscow，alifeofnothingbutconversation，eatinganddrinking，hewasgrowingcrazy。Theytalkedtillthreeo’clockinthemorning。Onlyatthreeo’clockweretheysufficientlyreconciledtobeabletogotosleep。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter12[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter12Aftertakingleaveofherguests，Annadidnotsitdown，butbeganwalkingupanddowntheroom。ShehadunconsciouslythewholeeveningdoneherutmosttoarouseinLevinafeelingoflove-asoflateshehadfallenintodoingwithallyoungmen-andsheknewshehadattainedheraim，asfaraswaspossibleinoneevening，withamarriedandconscientiousman。Shelikedhimverymuchindeed，and，inspiteofthestrikingdifference，fromthemasculinepointofview，betweenVronskyandLevin，asawomanshesawsomethingtheyhadincommon，whichhadmadeKittyabletoloveboth。Yetassoonashewasoutoftheroom，sheceasedtothinkofhim。
Onethought，andoneonly，pursuedherindifferentforms，andrefusedtobeshakenoff。`IfIhavesomucheffectonothers，onthisman，wholoveshishomeandhiswife，whyisitheissocoldtome？……
Notcoldexactly-helovesme，Iknowthat！Butsomethingnewisdrawingusapartnow。Whywasn’theherealltheevening？HetoldStivatosayhecouldnotleaveIashvin，andmustwatchoverhisplay。IsIashvinachild？Butsupposingit’strue。Henevertellsahe。Butthere’ssomethingelseinitifit’strue。Heisgladofanopportunityofshowingmethathehasotherduties；Iknowthat，Isubmittothat。Butwhyprovethattome？Hewantstoshowmethathisloveformeisnottointerferewithhisfreedom。ButIneednoproofs-Ineedlove。HeoughttounderstandallthebitternessofthislifeformehereinMoscow。Isthislife？I
amnotliving，butwaitingforanevent，whichiscontinuallyputoffandputoff。Noansweragain！AndStivasayshecannotgotoAlexeiAlexandrovich。
AndIcan’twriteagain。Icandonothing，canbeginnothing，canalternothing；Iholdmyselfin，Iwait，inventingamusementsformyself-theEnglishfamily，writing，reading-butit’sallnothingbutasham，it’sallthesameasmorphine。Heoughttofeelforme，’shesaid，feelingtearsofself-pitycomingintohereyes。
SheheardVronsky’sabruptringandhurriedlydriedhertears-notonlydriedhertears，butsatdownbyalampandopenedabook，affectingcomposure。Shewantedtoshowhimthatshewasdispleasedthathehadnotcomehomeashehadpromised-displeasedonly，andnotonanyaccounttolethimseeherdistress，and，leastofall，herself-pity。Shemightpityherself，buthemustnotpityher。Shedidnotwantstrife，sheblamedhimforwantingtoquarrel，butunconsciouslyputherselfintoanattitudeofantagonism。
`Well，you’venotbeendull？’hesaid，eagerlyandgood-humoredly，goinguptoher。`Whataterriblepassionitis-gambling！’
`No，I’venotbeendull；I’velearnedlongagonottobedull。
Stivahasbeenhere，andLevin。’
`Yes，theymeanttocomeandseeyou。Well，howdidyoulikeLevin？’
hesaid，sittingdownbesideher。
`Verymuch。Theyhavenotbeengonelong。WhatwasIashvindoing？’
`Hewaswinning-seventeenthousand。Igothimaway。Hehadreallystartedhome，buthewentbackagain，andnowhe’slosing。’
`Thenwhatdidyoustayfor？’sheasked，suddenlyliftinghereyestohim。Theexpressionofherfacewascoldandungracious。`YoutoldStivayouwerestayingontogetIashvinaway。Andyouhavelefthimthere。’
Thesameexpressionofcoldreadinessfortheconflictappearedonhisfacetoo。
`Inthefirstplace，Ididnotaskhimtogiveyouanymessage；
andsecondly，Inevertelllies。Butthechiefpointis，Iwantedtostay，andIstayed，’hesaid，frowning。`Anna，whatisitfor，whywillyoudothis？’hesaidafteramoment’ssilence，bendingovertowardher；andheopenedhishand，hopingshewouldlayhersinit。
Shewasgladofthisappealfortenderness。Butsomestrangeforceofevilwouldnotlethergiveherselfuptoherfeelings，asthoughtherulesofwarfarewouldnotpermithertosurrender。
`Ofcourseyouwantedtostay，andyoustayed。Youdoeverythingyouwantto。Butwhatdoyoutellmethatfor？Withwhatobject？’shesaid，gettingmoreandmoreexcited。`Doesanyonecontestyourrights？Butyouwanttoberight，andyou’rewelcometoberight。’
Hishandclosed，heturnedaway，andhisfaceworeastillmoreobstinateexpression。
`Foryouit’samatterofobstinacy，’shesaid，watchinghimintentlyandsuddenlyfindingtherightwordforthatexpressionthatirritatedher，`simplyobstinacy。Foryouit’saquestionofwhetheryoukeeptheupperhandofme，whileforme……’Againshefeltsorryforherself，andshealmostburstintotears。`Ifyouknewwhatitisforme！WhenIfeelasIdonow，thatyouarehostile-yes，hostiletome-ifyouknewwhatthismeansforme！IfyouknewhowIfeelonthebrinkofcalamityatthisinstant，howafraidIamofmyself！’Andsheturnedaway，hidinghersobs。
`Butwhatareyoutalkingabout？’hesaid，horrifiedatherexpressionofdespairandagainbendingoverher，hetookherhandandkissedit。
`Whatisitfor？DoIseekamusementsoutsideourhome？Don’tIavoidthesocietyofwomen？’
`Well，yes！Ifthatwereall！’shesaid。
`Come，tellmewhatIoughttodotogiveyoupeaceofmind？I
amreadytodoanythingtomakeyouhappy，’hesaid，touchedbyherexpressionofdespair；`whatwouldn’tIdotosaveyoufromdistressofanysort，asnow，Anna！’hesaid。
`It’snothing，nothing！’shesaid。`Idon’tknowmyselfwhetherit’sthesolitarylife，mynerves……Come，don’tletustalkofit。Whatabouttherace？Youhaven’ttoldme！’sheinquired，tryingtoconcealhertriumphatthevictory，whichhadbeenonhersideafterall。
Heaskedforsupper，andbegantellingherabouttheraces；butinhistone，inhiseyes，whichbecamemoreandmorecold，shesawthathedidnotforgiveherforhervictory，thatthefeelingofobstinacywithwhichshehadbeenstrugglinghadasserteditselfagaininhim。Hewascoldertoherthanbefore，asthoughhewereregrettinghissurrender。
Andshe，rememberingthewordsthathadgivenherthevictory，`howIfeelonthebrinkofcalamity，howafraidIamofmyself，’sawthatthisweaponwasadangerousone，andthatitcouldnotbeusedasecondtime。Andshefeltthatbesidethelovethatboundthemtogethertherehadgrownupbetweenthemsomeevilspiritofstrife，whichshecouldnotexorcisefromhisheart，andstilllessfromherown。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter13[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter13Therearenoconditionstowhichamancannotbecomeused，especiallyifheseesthatallaroundhimarelivinginthesameway。Levincouldnothavebelievedthreemonthsbeforethathecouldhavegonequietlytosleepinthestateinwhichhewasthatday-thatleadinganaimless，irrationallife，alsolivingbeyondhismeans，afterdrinkingtoexcesshecouldnotcallwhathappenedattheclubanythingelse，forminginappropriatelyfriendlyrelationswithamanwithwhomhiswifehadoncebeeninlove，andafterastillmoreinappropriatecalluponawomanwhocouldonlybecalledalostwoman，afterbeingfascinatedbythatwomanandcausinghiswifedistress-hecouldstillgoquietlytosleep。Butundertheinfluenceoffatigue，asleeplessnight，andthewinehehaddrunk，hissleepwassoundanduntroubled。
Atfiveo’clockthecreakofadooropeningwakedhim。Hejumpedupandlookedround。Kittywasnotinbedbesidehim。Buttherewasalightmovingbehindthescreen，andheheardhersteps。
`Whatisit？……Whatisit？’hesaid，half-asleep。`Kitty！Whatisit？’
`Nothing，’shesaid，comingfrombehindthescreenwithacandleinherhand。`Ifeltunwell，’shesaid，smilingaparticularlysweetandmeaningsmile。
`What？Hasitbegun？’hesaidinterror。`Weoughttosend……’
andhurriedlyhereachedafterhisclothes。
`No，no，’shesaid，smilingandholdinghishand。`It’ssuretobenothing。Iwasratherunwell，onlyalittle。It’sallovernow。’
And，gettingintobed，sheblewoutthecandle，laydownandwasstill。Thoughhethoughtherstillnesssuspicious，asthoughshewereholdingherbreath，andstillmoresuspicioustheexpressionofpeculiartendernessandexcitementwithwhich，asshecamefrombehindthescreen，shehadsaid`Nothing，’hewassosleepythathefellasleepatonce。Onlylaterherememberedthestillnessofherbreathing，andunderstoodallthatmusthavebeenpassinginhersweet，preciousheartwhileshelaybesidehim，notstirring，inanticipationofthegreatesteventinawoman’slife。
Atseveno’clockhewaswakedbythetouchofherhandonhisshoulder，andagentlewhisper。Sheseemedstrugglingbetweenregretatwakinghim，andthedesiretotalktohim。
`Kostia，don’tbefrightened。It’sallright。ButIfancy……WeoughttosendforLizavetaPetrovna。’
Thecandlewaslightedagain。Shewassittingupinbed，holdingsomeknitting，whichshehadbeenbusyuponduringthelastfewdays。
`Please，don’tbefrightened，it’sallright。I’mnotabitafraid，’
shesaid，seeinghisscaredface，andshepressedhishandtoherbosomandthentoherlips。
Hehurriedlyjumpedup，hardlyawake，andkepthiseyesfixedonher，asheputonhisdressinggown；thenhestopped，stilllookingather。Hehadtogo，buthecouldnottearhimselfawayfromhereyes。
Hethoughthelovedherface，knewherexpression，hereyes，butneverhadheseenitlikethis。Howhatefulandhorribleheseemedtohimself，thinkingofthedistresshehadcausedheryesterday。Herflushedface，fringedwithsoftcurlinghairunderhernightcap，wasradiantwithjoyandcourage。
ThoughtherewassolittlethatwasartificialorpretendedinKitty’scharacteringeneral，Levinwasstruckbywhatwasrevealednow，whensuddenlyalldisguiseswerethrownoffandtheverykernelofhersoulshoneinhereyes。Andinthissimplicityandnakednessofhersoul，she，theverywomanhelovedinher，wasmoremanifestthanever。Shelookedathim，smiling；butallatonceherbrowstwitched，shethrewupherhead，and，goingquicklyuptohim，clutchedhishandandpressedcloseuptohim，breathingherhotbreathuponhim。Shewasinpainandwas，asitwere，complainingtohimofhersuffering。Andforthefirstminute，fromhabit，itseemedtohimthathewastoblame。Butinhereyestherewasatendernessthattoldhimthatshewasfarfromreproachinghim，thatshelovedhimforhersufferings。`IfnotI，whoistoblameforit？’hethoughtunconsciously，seekingsomeoneresponsibleforthissufferingforhimtopunish；buttherewasnooneresponsible。Shewassuffering，complaining，andtriumphinginhersufferings，andrejoicinginthem，andlovingthem。
Hesawthatsomethingsublimewasbeingaccomplishedinhersoul，butwhat？
Hecouldnotmakeitout。Itwasbeyondhisunderstanding。
`Ihavesenttomamma。YougoquicklytofetchLizavetaPetrovna……
Kostia！……Nevermind-it’sover。’
Shemovedawayfromhimandrangthebell。
`Well，gonow；Pasha’scoming。Iamallright。’
AndLevinsawwithastonishmentthatshehadtakenuptheknittingshehadbroughtininthenight，andhadbegunworkingatitagain。
AsLevinwasgoingoutofonedoor，heheardthemaidservantcomeinattheother。HestoodatthedoorandheardKittygivingexactdirectionstothemaid，andbeginningtohelphermovethebedstead。
Hedressed，andwhiletheywereputtinginhishorse，astherewerenohacksaboutasyet，heranagainuptothebedroom，notontiptoe，itseemedtohim，butonwings。Twomaidservantswerecarefullyshiftingsomethingaboutinthebedroom。Kittywaswalkingaboutknittingrapidlyandgivingdirections。
`I’mgoingforthedoctor。TheyhavesentforLizavetaPetrovna，butI’llgoontheretoo。Isn’tthereanythingwanted？Yes-shallIgotoDolly’s？’
Shelookedathim，obviouslynothearingwhathewassaying。
`Yes，yes。Dogo，’shesaidquickly，frowningandwavingherhandtohim。
Hehadjustgoneintothedrawingroom，whensuddenlyaplaintivemoansoundedfromthebedroom，smotheredinstantly。Hestoodstill，andforalongwhilehecouldnotunderstand。
`Yes，thatisshe，’hesaidtohimself，and，clutchingathishead，herandownstairs。
`Lordhavemercyonus！Forgiveus！Helpus！’herepeatedthewordsthatforsomereasoncamesuddenlytohislips。Andhe，anunbeliever，repeatedthesewordsnotwithhislipsonly。Atthatinstantheknewthatallhisdoubts，eventheimpossibilityofbelievingwithhisreason，ofwhichhewasawareinhimself，didnotintheleasthinderhisturningtoGod。Allofthatnowfloatedoutofhissoullikedust。TowhomwashetoturnifnottoHiminwhosehandshefelthimself，hissoul，andhislove？
Thehorsewasnotyetready，butfeelingapeculiarconcentrationofhisphysicalforcesandhisintellectonwhathehadtodo，he，losingnominute，startedoffonfootwithoutwaitingforthehorse，andtoldKouzmatoovertakehim。
Atthecornerhemetanighthackdrivinghurriedly。Inthelittlesleigh，wrappedinavelvetcloak，satLizavetaPetrovnawithakerchiefroundherhead。`ThankGod！thankGod！’hesaid，overjoyedtorecognizeherlittlefairfacewhichworeapeculiarlyserious，evensternexpression。
Tellingthedrivernottostop，heranalongbesideher。
`Fortwohours，then？Notmore？’sheinquired。`YoushouldletPiotrDmitrievichknow，butdon’thurryhim。Andgetsomeopiumatthechemist’s。’
`Soyouthinkthatitwillgowell？Lordhavemercyonusandhelpus！’Levinsaid，seeinghisownhorsedrivingoutofthegate。JumpingintothesleighbesideKouzma，hetoldhimtodrivetothedoctor’s。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart7，Chapter14[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter14Thedoctorwasnotyetup，andthefootmansaidthat`hehadbeenuplate，andhadgivenordersnottobewaked，butwouldgetupsoon。’Thefootmanwascleaningthelampchimneys，andseemedverybusyaboutthem。Thisconcentrationofthefootmanuponhislamps，andhisindifferencetowhatwaspassinginLevin，atfirstastoundedhim，butimmediatelyonconsideringthequestionherealizedthatnoonekneworwasboundtoknowhisfeelings，andthatitwasallthemorenecessarytoactcalmly，sensibly，andresolutelytogetthroughthiswallofindifferenceandattainhisaim。`Don’tbeinahurryorletanythingslip，’Levinsaidtohimself，feelingagreaterandgreaterflowofphysicalenergyandattentiontoallhehadyettodo。
Havingascertainedthatthedoctorwasnotgettingup，Levinconsideredvariousplans，anddecidedonthefollowingone；thatKouzmashouldgoforanotherdoctor，whilehehimselfshouldgotothechemist’sforopium，andif，whenhecameback，thedoctorhadnotyetbeguntogetup，hewould，eitherbytippingthefootman，orbyforce，wakethedoctoratallhazards。
Atthechemist’sthelankpharmacistwaferedapacketofpowdersforacoachmanwhostoodwaiting，andrefusedhimopiumwiththesamecallousnesswithwhichthedoctor’sfootmanhadcleanedhislampchimneys。Tryingnottogetflusteredoroutoftemper，Levinmentionedthenamesofthedoctorandmidwife，andexplainingwhattheopiumwasneededfor，triedtopersuadehim。TheassistantinquiredinGermanwhetherheshouldgiveit，andreceivinganaffirmativereplyfrombehindthepartition，hetookoutabottleandafunnel，deliberatelypouredtheopiumfromabiggerbottleintoalittleone，stuckonalabel，sealeditup，inspiteofLevin’srequestthathewouldnotdoso，andwasabouttowrapituptoo。ThiswasmorethanLevincouldstand；hetookthebottlefirmlyoutofhishands，andrantothebigglassdoors。Thedoctorwasnotevennowgettingup，andthefootman，busynowinputtingdowntherugs，refusedtowakehim。Levindeliberatelytookoutaten-roublenote，andcarefultospeakslowly，thoughlosingnotimeoverthebusiness，hehandedhimthenote，andexplainedthatPiotrDmitrievichwhatagreatandimportantpersonageheseemedtoLevinnow，thisPiotrDmitrievich，whohadbeenofsolittleconsequenceinhiseyesbeforehadpromisedtocomeatanytime；thathewouldcertainlynotbeangry！Andthathemustthereforewakehimatonce。
Thefootmanagreed，andwentupstairs，takingLevinintothewaitingroom。
Levincouldhearthroughthedoorthedoctorcoughing，movingabout，washing，andsayingsomething。Threeminutespassed；itseemedtoLevinthatmorethananhourhadgoneby。Hecouldnotwaitanylonger。
`PiotrDmitrievich，PiotrDmitrievich？’hesaidinanimploringvoiceattheopendoor。`ForGod’ssake，forgiveme！Seemeasyouare。
It’sbeengoingonmorethantwohoursalready。’
`Inaminute；inaminute！’answeredavoice，andtohisamazementheardthatthedoctorwassmilingashespoke。
`Foroneinstant！’……
`Inaminute。’
Twominutesmorepassedwhilethedoctorwasputtingonhisboots，andtwominutesmorewhilethedoctorputonhiscoatandcombedhishair。
`PiotrDmitrievich！’Levinwasbeginningagaininaplaintivevoice，justasthedoctorcamein，dressedandready。`Thesepeoplehavenoconscience，’thoughtLevin。`Combinghishair，whilewe’redying！’
`Goodmorning！’thedoctorsaidtohim，shakinghands，and，asitwere，teasinghimwithhiscomposure。`There’snohurry。Well，now？’
Tryingtobeasaccurateaspossible，Levinbegantotellhimeveryunnecessarydetailofhiswife’scondition，interruptinghisaccountrepeatedlywithentreatiesthatthedoctorwouldcomewithhimatonce。
`Oh，youneedn’tbeinanyhurry。Youdon’tunderstand，youknow。
I’mcertainI’mnotwanted；stillI’vepromised，and，ifyoulike，I’llcome。Butthere’snohurry。Pleasesitdown；won’tyouhavesomecoffee？’
Levinstaredathimwitheyesthataskedwhetherhewaslaughingathim；butthedoctorhadnonotionofmakingfunofhim。
`Iknow，Iknow，’thedoctorsaid，smiling；`I’mamarriedmanmyself；andatthesemomentswehusbandsareverymuchtobepitied。I’veapatientwhosehusbandalwaystakesrefugeinthestablesonsuchoccasions。’
`Butwhatdoyouthink，PiotrDmitrievich？Doyousupposeitwillgoallright？’
`Everythingpointstoafavorableissue。’
`Soyou’llcomeimmediately？’saidLevin，lookingwrathfullyattheservantwhowasbringinginthecoffee。
`Injustanhour。’
`Oh，forGod’ssake！’
`Well，letmedrinkmycoffee，anyway。’
Thedoctorstarteduponhiscoffee。Bothweresilent。
`TheTurksarereallygettingbeaten，though。Didyoureadyesterday’stelegrams？’saidthedoctor，thoroughlymasticatingaroll。
`No，Ican’tstandit！’saidLevin，jumpingup。`Soyou’llbewithusinaquarterofanhour？’
`Inhalfanhour。’
`Onyourhonor？’
WhenLevingothome，hedroveupatthesametimeasthePrincess，andtheywentuptothebedroomtogether。ThePrincesshadtearsinhereyes，andherhandswereshaking。SeeingLevin，sheembracedhim，andburstintotears。
`Well，mydearLizavetaPetrovna？’shequeried，claspingthehandofthemidwife，whocameouttomeetthemwithabeamingandanxiousface。
`Everythingisgoingonwell，’shesaid；`persuadehertoliedown。Shewillfeeleasierthatway。’
Fromthemomentwhenhehadwakedupandunderstoodwhatwasgoingon，Levinhadpreparedhismindtobearresolutelywhatwasbeforehim，andwithoutconsideringoranticipatinganything，toavoidupsettinghiswife，and，onthecontrary，tosootheherandkeepuphercourage。Withoutallowinghimselfeventothinkofwhatwastocome，ofhowitwouldend，judgingfromhisinquiriesastotheusualdurationoftheseordeals，Levinhadinhisimaginationbracedhimselftobearupandtokeepatightreinonhisfeelingsforfivehours，andithadseemedtohimhecoulddothis。
Butwhenhecamebackfromthedoctor’sandsawhersufferingsagain，hefelltorepeatingmoreandmorefrequently:`Lord，havemercyonus，andsuccorus！’Hesighed，andflunghisheadup，andbegantofeelafraidhecouldnotbearit，thathewouldburstintotearsorrunaway-suchagonyitwastohim。Yetonlyonehourhadpassed。
Butafterthathourtherepassedanotherhour，twohours，three，thefullfivehourshehadfixedasthefurthestlimitofhissufferings，andthesituationwasstillunchanged；andhewasstillbearingitbecausetherewasnothingtobedonebutbearit-everyinstantfeelingthathehadreachedtheutmostlimitsofhisendurance，andthathisheartwouldbreakwithsympathyandpain。
Butstilltheminutespassedby，andthehours，andstillmorehours，andhismiseryandhorrorgrewandweremoreandmoreintense。
Alltheordinaryconditionsoflife，withoutwhichonecanformnoconceptionofanything，hadceasedtoexistforLevin。Helostallsenseoftime。Minutes-thoseminuteswhenshesentforhimandheheldhermoisthand，thatwouldsqueezehishandwithextraordinaryviolenceandthenpushitaway-seemedtohimhours，andhoursseemedtohimminutes。
HewassurprisedwhenLizavetaPetrovnaaskedhimtolightacandlebehindascreen，andhefoundthatitwasfiveo’clockintheafternoon。Ifhehadbeentolditwasonlyteno’clockinthemorninghewouldnothavebeensurprised。Wherehewasallthistime，heknewaslittleasthetimeofanything。Hesawherswollenface，sometimesbewilderedandinagony，sometimessmilingandtryingtoreassurehim。HesawtheoldPrincesstoo，flushedandoverwrought，withhergraycurlsindisorder，forcingherselftogulpdownhertears，bitingherlips；hesawDollytoo，andthedoctor，smokingthickcigarettes，andLizavetaPetrovnawithafirm，resolute，reassuringface，andtheoldPrincewalkingupanddownthehallwithafrowningface。Butwhytheycameinandwentout，wheretheywere，hedidnotknow。ThePrincesswaswiththedoctorinthebedroom，theninthestudy，whereatablesetfordinnersuddenlyappeared；thenshewasnotthere，butDollywas。ThenLevinrememberedhehadbeensentsomewhere。
Oncehehadbeensenttomoveatableandsofa。Hehaddonethiseagerly，thinkingithadtobedoneforhersake，andonlylateronhefounditwashisownbedhehadbeengettingready。Thenhehadbeensenttothestudytoaskthedoctorsomething。Thedoctorhadansweredandthenhadsaidsomethingabouttheirregularitiesinthemunicipalcouncil。ThenhehadbeensenttothebedroomtohelptheoldPrincessmovetheholyimageinitssilver-giltsetting，andwiththePrincess’soldwaitingmaidhehadclamberedonashelftoreachitandhadbrokenthelampad，andtheoldservanthadtriedtoreassurehimaboutthelampadandabouthiswife，andhecarriedtheholyimageinandsetitattheheadofKitty’sbed，carefullytuckingtheimageinbehindthepillow。Butwhere，when，andwhyallthishadhappened，hecouldnottell。HedidnotunderstandwhytheoldPrincesstookhishand，andlookingcompassionatelyathim，beggedhimnottoworryhimself，andDollypersuadedhimtoeatsomethingandledhimoutoftheroom，andeventhedoctorlookedseriouslyandwithcommiserationathim，andofferedhimadropofsomething。
AllheknewandfeltwasthatwhatwashappeningwaswhathadhappenednearlyayearbeforeinthehotelofthecountrytownatthedeathbedofhisbrotherNikolai。Butthathadbeengrief-thiswasjoy。Yetthatgriefandthisjoywerealikeoutsidealltheordinaryconditionsoflife；
theywereloopholes，asitwere，inthatordinarylife，throughwhichtherecameglimpsesofsomethingsublime。Andinthecontemplationofthissublimesomethingthesoulwasexaltedtoinconceivableheightsofwhichithadbeforehadnoconception，whilereasonlaggedbehind，unabletokeepupwithit。
`Lord，havemercyonus，andsuccorus！’herepeatedtohimselfincessantly，feeling，inspiteofhislongand，asitseemed，completealienationfromreligion，thatheturnedtoGodjustastrustfullyandsimplyashehadinhischildhoodandfirstyouth。
Allthistimehehadtwodistinctmoods。Onewasawayfromher，withthedoctor，whokeptsmokingonethickcigaretteafteranotherandextinguishingthemontheedgeofafullashtray；withDolly，andwiththeoldPrince，wheretherewastalkaboutdinner，aboutpolitics，aboutMariaPetrovna’sillness，andwhereLevinsuddenlyforgotforaminutewhatwashappening，andfeltasthoughhehadwakedupfromsleep；theothermoodwasinherpresence，atherpillow，wherehisheartseemedbreaking，andstilldidnotbreak，fromsympatheticsuffering，andheprayedtoGodwithoutceasing。Andeverytimehewasbroughtbackfromamomentofoblivionbyascreamreachinghimfromthebedroom，hefellintothesamestrangeterrorthathadcomeuponhimthefirstminute。Everytimeheheardashriek，hejumpedup，rantojustifyhimself，rememberedonthewaythathewasnottoblame，andhelongedtodefendher，tohelpher。Butashelookedather，hesawagainthathelpwasimpossible，andhewasfilledwithterrorandprayed:`Lord，havemercyonus，andhelpus！’Andastimewenton，boththesemoodsbecamemoreintense；thecalmerhebecameawayfromher，completelyforgettingher，themoreagonizingbecamebothhersufferingsandhisfeelingofhelplessnessbeforethem。Hejumpedup，wouldhavelikedtorunaway，butrantoher。
Sometimes，whenagainandagainshecalleduponhim，heblamedher；butseeinghersubmissive，smilingface，andhearingthewords`I
amworryingyou，’hethrewtheblameonGod；butthinkingofGod，atoncehefellbeseechingGodtoforgivehimandhavemercy。
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