Whentheprofessorhadgone，SergeiIvanovichturnedtohisbrother。
`Delightedthatyou’vecome。Forhowlong？How’syourfarminggettingon？’
Levinknewthathiselderbrothertooklittleinterestinfarming，andonlyputthequestionindeferencetohim，andthereforehetoldhimonlyaboutthesaleofhiswheatandmoneymatters。
Levinhadmeanttotellhisbrotherofhisdeterminationtogetmarried，andtoaskhisadvice；hehadindeedfirmlyresolvedtodoso。Butafterseeinghisbrother，listeningtohisconversationwiththeprofessor，hearingafterwardtheunconsciouslypatronizingtoneinwhichhisbrotherquestionedhimaboutagriculturalmatters(theirmother’spropertyhadnotbeendivided，andLevintookchargeofboththeirshares)，Levinfeltthathecouldnotforsomereasonbroachtohimhisintentionofmarrying。Hefeltthathisbrotherwouldnotlookonitashewouldhavewishedhim。
`Well，howisyourZemstvodoing？’askedSergeiIvanovich，whowasgreatlyinterestedinZemstvoestablishmentsandattachedgreatimportancetothem。
`Ireallydon’tknow。’
`What！Butsurely，you’reamemberoftheboard？’
`No，I’mnotamembernow；I’veresigned，’answeredLevin，`andInolongerattendthesessions。’
`Whatapity！’commentedSergeiIvanovich，frowning。
Levininself-defensebegantodescribewhattookplaceatthesessionsinhisdistrict。
`That’showitalwaysis！’SergeiIvanovichinterruptedhim。`WeRussiansarealwayslikethat。Perhapsit’sourstrongpoint，really-thisfacultyofseeingourownshortcomings；butweoverdoit，wecomfortourselveswithirony，whichwealwayshaveonthetipofourtongues。AllIsayis，givesuchrightsasourZemstvoestablishmentstoanyotherEuropeanpeople，and……Why，theGermansortheEnglishwouldhaveworkedtheirwaytofreedomwiththem，whilewesimplyturnthemintoridicule。’
`Buthowcanitbehelped？’saidLevinpenitently。`Itwasmylasttrial。AndIdidtrywithallmysoul。Ican’t。I’mnogoodatit。’
`It’snotthatyou’renogoodatit，’saidSergeiIvanovich，`itisthatyoudon’tlookatitasyoushould。’
`Perhapsnot，’Levinanswereddejectedly。
`Oh！doyouknowbrotherNikolai’sturnedupagain？’
ThisbrotherNikolaiwastheelderbrotherofConstantinLevin，andhalf-brotherofSergeiIvanovich；amanwhowasdonefor，whohaddissipatedthegreaterpartofhisfortune，waslivinginthestrangestandlowestcompany，andhadquarreledwithhisbrothers。
`Whatdidyousay？’Levincriedwithhorror。`Howdoyouknow？’
`Procophiisawhiminthestreet。’
`HereinMoscow？Whereishe？Doyouknow？’Levingotupfromhischair，asthoughonthepointofstartingoffatonce。
`I’msorryItoldyou，’saidSergeiIvanovich，shakinghisheadathisyoungerbrother’sexcitement。`Isenttofindoutwhereheisliving，andsenthimhisIOUtoTrubin，whichIpaid。Thisistheanswerhesentme。’
AndSergeiIvanovichtookanotefromunderapaperweightandhandedittohisbrother。
Levinreadinthequeer，familiarhandwriting:`Ihumblybegyoutoleavemeinpeace。That’stheonlyfavorIaskofmygraciousbrothers-NikolaiLevin。’
Levinreadit，andwithoutraisinghisheadstoodwiththenoteinhishandsoppositeSergeiIvanovich。
Therewasastruggleinhisheartbetweenthedesiretoforgethisunhappybrotherforthetime，andtheconsciousnessthatitwouldbebasetodoso。
`Heobviouslywantstooffendme，’pursuedSergeiIvanovich；`buthecannotoffendme，andIshouldhavewishedwithallmyhearttoassisthim，butIknowit’simpossibletodothat。’
`Yes，yes，’repeatedLevin。`Iunderstandandappreciateyourattitudetohim；butIshallgoandseehim。’
`Ifyouwantto，do；butIshouldn’tadviseit，’saidSergeiIvanovich。`Asregardsmyself，Ihavenofearofyourdoingso；hewillnotmakeyouquarrelwithme；butforyourownsake，Ishouldsayyouwoulddobetternottogo。Youcan’tdohimanygood；still，doasyouplease。’
`VerylikelyIcan’tdoanygood，butIfeel-especiallyatsuchamoment-butthat’sanotherthing-IfeelIcouldnotbeatpeace。’
`Well，that’ssomethingIdon’tunderstand，’saidSergeiIvanovich。`OnethingIdounderstand，’headded，`it’salessoninhumility。IhavecometolookverydifferentlyandmoreindulgentlyonwhatiscalledinfamysincebrotherNikolaihasbecomewhatheis……youknowwhathedid……’
`Oh，it’sawful，awful！’repeatedLevin。
Afterobtaininghisbrother’saddressfromSergeiIvanovich’sfootman，Levinwasonthepointofsettingoffatoncetoseehim，butonsecondthoughthedecidedtoputoffhisvisittilltheevening。ThethingtodotosethisheartatrestwastoaccomplishwhathehadcometoMoscowfor。Fromhisbrother’sLevinwenttoOblonsky’soffice，andongettingnewsoftheShcherbatskysfromhim，hedrovetotheplacewherehehadbeentoldhemightfindKitty。
Atfouro’clock，consciousofhisthrobbingheart，LevinsteppedoutofahiredsleighattheZoologicalGardensandturnedalongthepathtothefrozenmoundsandtheskatingground，knowingthathewouldcertainlyfindherthere，ashehadseentheShcherbatsky’scarriageattheentrance。
Itwasabright，frostyday。Rowsofcarriages，sleighs，driversandgendarmeswerestandingintheapproach。Crowdsofwell-dressedpeople，withhatsbrightinthesun，swarmedabouttheentranceandalongthewell-sweptpathsbetweenthelittlehousesadornedwithcarvingintheRussianstyle。Theoldcurlybirchesofthegardens，alltheirtwigsladenwithsnow，lookedasthoughfreshlydeckedinsacredvestments。
Hewalkedalongthepathtowardtheskatingground，andkeptsayingtohimself-`Youmustn’tbeexcited，youmustbecalm。What’sthematterwithyou？Whatdoyouwant？Bestill，foolishone，’heconjuredhisheart。Andthemorehetriedtocomposehimself，themorebreathlesshefoundhimself。Anacquaintancemethimandcalledhimbyhisname，butLevindidnotevenrecognizehim。Hewenttowardthemounds，whencecametheclankofthechainsofsleighsastheyslippeddownorweredraggedup，therumbleoftheslidingsleighsandthesoundsofmerryvoices。Hewalkedonafewsteps，andtheskatinggroundlayopenbeforehim，andatonce，amidalltheskaters，herecognizedher。
Heknewshewastherebytheraptureandtheterrorthatseizedhisheart。Shewasstandingtalkingtoaladyattheoppositeendoftheground。Therewasapparentlynothingstrikingeitherinherdressorherattitude，butforLevinshewasaseasytofindinthatcrowdasaroseamongnettles。Everythingwasmadebrightbyher。Shewasthesmilethatshedlightonallaroundher。`IsitpossibleIcangooverthereontheice-approachher？’hethought。Theplacewhereshestoodseemedtohimaholyshrine，unapproachable，andtherewasonemomentwhenhewasalmostretreating，sooverwhelmedwashewithterror。Hehadtomakeanefforttomasterhimself，andtoremindhimselfthatpeopleofallsortsweremovingabouther，andthathe，too，mighthavecometheretoskate。Hedescended，foralongwhileavoidinglookingatherasatthesun，yetseeingher，asonedoesthesun，withoutlooking。
Onthatdayoftheweek，andatthattimeofday，peopleofoneset，allacquaintedwithoneanother，usedtomeetontheice。Therewereskillfulskatersthere，showingofftheirskill，andbeginnersclingingtochairswithtimid，awkwardmovements，andboysandelderlypeopleskatingwithhygienicmotives。TheyseemedtoLevinanelectbandofblissfulbeingsbecausetheywerehere，nearher。Alltheskaters，itseemed，withperfectself-possession，skatedtowardher，skatedbyher，evenspoketoher，andwerehappy，quiteapartfromher，enjoyingthecapitaliceandthefineweather。
NikolaiShcherbatsky，Kitty’scousin，inashortjacketandtighttrousers，wassittingonabenchwithhisskateson。SeeingLevin，heshoutedtohim:
`Ah，thefirstskaterinRussia！Beenherelong？First-rateice-doputyourskateson。’
`Ihaven’tgotmyskates，’Levinanswered，marvelingatthisboldnessandeaseinherpresence，andnotforonesecondlosingsightofher，thoughhedidnotlookather。Hefeltasthoughthesunwerecomingnearhim。Shewasinacorner，andturningoutherslenderfeetintheirhighboots，she，withobvioustimidity，skatedtowardhim。AboyinRussiandress，desperatelywavinghisarmsandbendingdowntotheground，overtookher。Sheskatedalittleuncertainly；takingherhandsoutofthelittlemuffthathungonacord，sheheldthemreadyforemergency，andlookingtowardLevin，whomshehadrecognized，shesmiledathimandatherownfears。Whenshehadgotroundtheturn，shegotastartwithonefootandskatedstraightuptoShcherbatsky。Clutchingathisarm，shenoddedwithasmiletoLevin。Shewasmorebeautifulthanhehadimaginedher。
Whenhethoughtofher，hecouldcallupavividpictureofhertohimself，especiallythecharmofthatlittlefairhead，sofreelysetontheshapelygirlishshoulders，andsofullofchildishbrightnessandkindness。Herchildishcountenance，togetherwiththedelicatebeautyofherfigure，madeupthatspecialcharmofhers，whichheappreciatedsowell。Butwhatalwaysstruckhiminherassomethingunlookedforwastheexpressionofhereyes-soft，sereneandtruthful；and，aboveall，hersmile，whichalwaystransportedLevintoanenchantedworld，wherehefeltmovedandtender，asherememberedhimselfduringcertainraredaysofhisearlychildhood。
`Haveyoubeenherelong？’shesaid，givinghimherhand。`Thankyou，’sheadded，ashepickedupthehandkerchiefthathadfallenoutofhermuff。
`I？Notlongago……yesterday……ImeanIarrived……today……’answeredLevin，inhisemotionnotcomprehendingherquestionimmediately。`Imeanttocomeandseeyou，’hesaid；andthen，recollectingwhathisintentionwasinseekingher，hewaspromptlyovercomewithconfusion，andblushed。`Ididn’tknowyoucouldskate，andskatesowell。’
Shelookedathimattentively，asthoughwishingtomakeoutthecauseofhisconfusion。
`Yourpraiseisworthhaving。Thetraditioniskeptupherethatyouarethebestofskaters，’shesaid，withherlittleblack-glovedhandbrushingsomeneedlesofhoarfrostoffhermuff。
`Yes，Iusedtoskatewithpassiononceuponatime；Iwantedtoattainperfection。’
`Youdoeverythingwithpassion，Ithink，’shesaidsmiling。`Ishouldsoliketoseehowyouskate。Doputonskates，andlet’sskatetogether。’
`SkatetogetherCanthatbepossible？’thoughtLevin，gazingather。
`I’llputthemondirectly，’hesaid。
Andhewentofftogetskates。
`It’salongwhilesincewe’veseenyouhere，sir，’saidtheattendant，supportinghisfoot，andscrewingontheheeloftheskate。`Exceptyou，there’snoneofthegentlemenfirst-rateskaters。Willthatbeallright？’saidhe，tighteningthestrap。
`Oh，yes，yes；makehaste，please，’answeredLevin，withdifficultyrestrainingthesmileofrapturewhichwouldoverspreadhisface。`Yes，’hethought，`thisislife，thisishappiness！Together，shesaid；letusskatetogether！Speaktohernow？Butthat’sjustwhyI’mafraidtospeak-becauseI’mhappynow，happyeventhoughonlyinhope……Andthen？……ButImust！Imust！Imust！Away，faintheartedness！’
Levinrosetohisfeet，tookoffhisovercoat，and，gainingspeedovertheroughiceroundthepavilion，cameoutonthesmoothiceandskatedwithouteffort，asitwere，by，simpleexerciseofwill，increasingandslackeningspeedandturninghiscourse。Heapproachedherwithtimidity，butagainhersmilereassuredhim。
Shegavehimherhand，andtheysetoffsidebyside，goingfasterandfaster，andthemorerapidlytheymovedthemoretightlyshegraspedhishand。
`WithyouIshouldsoonlearn；Isomehowfeelconfidenceinyou，’shesaidtohim。
`AndIhaveconfidenceinmyselfwhenyouareleaningonme，’hesaid，butwasatoncefrightenedatwhathehadsaid，andblushed。Andindeed，nosoonerhadheutteredthesewords，thanallatonce，likethesungoingbehindacloud，herfacelostallitstenderness，andLevindetectedthefamiliarchangeinherexpressionthatdenotedmentalconcentration；atinywrinklecameuponhersmoothbrow。
`Isthereanythingtroublingyou？However，I’venorighttoasksuchaquestion，’hesaidhurriedly。
`Oh，whyso？……No，Ihavenothingtotroubleme，’sherespondedcoldly，andimmediatelyadded:`Youhaven’tseenMlle。Linon，haveyou？’
`Notyet。’
`Goandspeaktoher-shelikesyousomuch。’
`What’swrong？Ihaveoffendedher。Lordhelpme！’thoughtLevin，andheflewtowardstheoldFrenchwomanwiththegrayringlets，whowassittingonabench。Smilingandshowingherfalseteeth，shegreetedhimasanoldfriend。
`Yes，youseewe’regrowingup，’shesaidtohim，glancingtowardKitty，`andgrowingold。Tinybearhasgrownbignow！’pursuedtheFrenchwoman，laughing，andsheremindedhimofhisjokeaboutthethreeyoungladieswhomhehadcomparedtothethreebearsintheEnglishnurserytale。`Doyourememberthat’swhatyouusedtocallthem？’
Herememberedabsolutelynothing，butshehadbeenlaughingatthejokefortenyearsnowandwasfondofit。
`Now，goandskate，goandskate。OurKittyhaslearnedtoskatenicely，hasn’tshe？’
WhenLevindarteduptoKittyherfacewasnolongerstern；hereyeslookedathimwiththesamesincerityandtenderness，butLevinfanciedthatinhertendernesstherewasacertainnoteofdeliberatecomposure。Andhefeltdepressed。Aftertalkingalittleofheroldgovernessandherpeculiarities，shequestionedhimabouthislife。
`Surely，youmustfeeldullinthecountryinthewinter，’shesaid。
`No，I’mnotdull-Iamverybusy，’hesaid，feelingthatshewasmakinghimsubmittohercomposedtone，whichhewouldnothavethestrengthtobreakthrough-justashadbeenthecaseatthebeginningofthewinter。
`Areyougoingtostayintownlong？’Kittyquestionedhim。
`Idon’tknow，’heanswered，notthinkingofwhathewassaying。Thethoughtcameintohismindthatifhewereheldinsubmissionbyhertoneofquietfriendlinesshewouldendbygoingbackagainwithoutdecidinganything，andheresolvedtomutinyagainstit。
`Howisityoudon’tknow？’
`Idon’tknow。Itdependsuponyou，’hesaid，andwasimmediatelyhorror-strickenathisownwords。
Whetheritwasthatshedidnothearhiswords，orthatshedidnotwanttohearthem，shemadeasortofstumble，twicestruckout，andhurriedlyskatedawayfromhim。SheskateduptoMlle。Linon，saidsomethingtoher，andwenttowardthepavilionwheretheladiestookofftheirskates。
`MyGod！WhathaveIdone！MercifulGod！Helpme，guideme，’saidLevin，prayinginwardly，andatthesametime，feelinganeedofviolentexercise，heskatedabout，describingconcentricandeccentriccircles。
Atthatmomentoneoftheyoungmen，thebestoftheskatersoftheday，cameoutofthecoffeehouseonhisskates，withacigaretteinhismouth。Takingarunhedasheddownthestepsonhisskates，crashingandleaping。Heflewdown，andwithoutevenchangingthefree-and-easypositionofhishands，skatedawayovertheice。
`Ah，that’sanewtrick！’saidLevin，andhepromptlyranuptothetoptoperformthisnewtrick。
`Don’tbreakyourneck！Thisneedspractice！’NikolaiShcherbatskyshoutedafterhim。
Levinwenttothesteps，tookarunfromaboveasbesthecould，anddasheddown，preservinghisbalanceinthisunwontedmovementwithhishands。Onthelaststephestumbled，butbarelytouchingtheicewithhishand，withaviolenteffortrecoveredhimself，andskatedoff，laughing。
`Whatafine，darlingchapheis！’Kittywasthinkingatthatmoment，asshecameoutofthepavilionwithMlle。Linonandlookedtowardhimwithasmileofquietkindness，asthoughhewereafavoritebrother。`Andcanitbemyfault，canIhavedoneanythingwrong？Theytalkofcoquetry。Iknowit’snothethatIlove；butstillIamhappywithhim，andhe’ssonice。Only，whydidhesaythat？……’shemused。
CatchingsightofKittygoingaway，andhermothermeetingheratthesteps，Levin，flushedfromhisrapidexercise，stoodstillandponderedaminute。Hetookoffhisskates，andovertookthemotheranddaughterattheentranceofthegardens。
`Delightedtoseeyou，’saidPrincessShcherbatskaia。`OnThursdayswearehome，asalways。’
`Today，then？’
`Weshallbepleasedtoseeyou，’thePrincesssaidstiffly。
ThisstiffnesshurtKitty，andshecouldnotresistthedesiretosmoothoverhermother’scoldness。Sheturnedherhead，andwithasmilesaid:
`Good-bytillthisevening。’
AtthatmomentStepanArkadyevich，hishatcockedononeside，withbeamingfaceandeyes，strodeintothegardenlikeabuoyantconqueror。Butasheapproachedhismother-in-law，herespondedtoherinquiriesaboutDolly’shealthwithamournfulandguiltycountenance。Afteralittlesubduedanddejectedconversationwithherhesetstraighthischestagain，andtookLevinbythearm。
`Well，shallwesetoff？’heasked。`I’vebeenthinkingaboutyouallthistime，andI’mvery，verygladyou’vecome，’hesaid，lookinghiminthefacewithasignificantair。
`Yes，comealong，’answeredLevininecstasy，hearingunceasinglythesoundofthatvoicesaying，`Good-bytillthisevening，’andseeingthesmilewithwhichitwassaid。
`ToEnglandorTheHermitage？’
`It’sallthesametome。’
`Well，then，Englanditis，’saidStepanArkadyevich，selectingthatrestaurantbecauseheowedmoretherethanatTheHermitage，andconsequentlyconsidereditmeantoavoidit。`Haveyougotasleigh？That’sfine-forIsentmycarriagehome。’
Thefriendshardlyspokealltheway。LevinwaswonderingwhatthatchangeinKitty’sexpressionhadmeant，andalternatelyassuringhimselfthattherewashope，andfallingintodespair，seeingclearlythathishopeswereinsane，andyetallthewhilehefelthimselfquiteanotherman，utterlyunlikewhathehadbeenbeforehersmileandthosewords，`Good-bytillthisevening。’
StepanArkadyevichwasabsorbedduringthedriveincomposingthemenuofthedinner。
`Youliketurbot，don’tyou？’hesaidtoLevinastheywerearriving。
`Eh？’respondedLevin。`Turbot？Yes，I’mawfullyfondofturbot。’
WhenLevinwentintotherestaurantwithOblonsky，hecouldnothelpnoticingacertainpeculiarityofexpression，asitwere，arestrainedradiance，aboutthefaceandwholefigureofStepanArkadyevich。Oblonskytookoffhisovercoat，andwithhishatoveroneearwalkedintothediningroom，givingdirectionstotheTatarwaiters，whowereclusteredabouthimineveningcoats，andwithnapkinsundertheirarms。Bowingrightandlefttoacquaintanceswho，hereaseverywhere，greetedhimjoyously，hewentuptothebar，tookalittlewineglassofvodkaandasnackoffish，andsaidtothepaintedFrenchwomandeckedinribbons，laceandringlets，behindthedesk，somethingsoamusingthateventhatFrenchwomanwasmovedtogenuinelaughter。LevinforhispartrefrainedfromtakinganyvodkaonlybecausehefoundmostoffensivethisFrenchwoman，allmadeup，itseemed，offalsehair，poudrederizandvinaigredetoilette。Hemadehastetomoveawayfromher，asfromadirtyplace。HiswholesoulwasfilledwithmemoriesofKitty，andtherewasasmileoftriumphandhappinessshininginhiseyes。
`Thisway，YourExcellency，please。YourExcellencywon’tbedisturbedhere，’saidaparticularlypertinacious，white-headedoldTatarwithimmensehipsandcoattailsgapingwidelybehind。`Walkin，yourExcellency，’hesaidtoLevin-beingattentivetohisguestaswell，bywayofshowinghisrespecttoStepanArkadyevich。
Instantlyflingingafreshclothovertheroundtableunderthebronzesconce，thoughitalreadyhadatableclothonit，hepushedupvelvetchairsandcametoastandstillbeforeStepanArkadyevichwithanapkinandabilloffareinhishands，awaitinghiscommands。
`Ifyoupreferit，YourExcellency，aprivateroomwillbefreedirectly:PrinceGolitsinwithalady。Freshoystershavecomein。’
`Ah，oysters！’StepanArkadyevichbecamethoughtful。
`Howifweweretochangeourprogram，Levin？’hesaid，keepinghisfingeronthebilloffare。Andhisfaceexpressedserioushesitation。`Aretheoystersgood？Mind，now！’
`They’reFlensburg，YourExcellency。We’venoOstend。’
`Flensburgwilldo-butaretheyfresh？’
`Onlyarrivedyesterday。’
`Well，then，howifweweretobeginwithoysters，andsochangethewholeprogram？Eh？’
`It’sallthesametome。Ishouldlikecabbagesoupandporridgebetterthananything；butofcoursethere’snothinglikethathere。’
`PorridgeàlaRusse，YourHonorwouldlike？’saidtheTatar，bendingdowntoLevin，likeanursespeakingtoachild。
`No，jokingapart，whateveryouchooseissuretobegood。I’vebeenskating，andI’mhungry。Anddon’timagine，’headded，detectingalookofdissatisfactiononOblonsky’sface，`thatIshan’tappreciateyourchoice。Idon’tobjecttoagooddinner。’
`Ishouldhopeso！Afterall，it’soneofthepleasuresoflife，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Well，then，myfriend，yougiveustwo-orbettersaythree-dozenoysters，clearsoupwithvegetables……’
`Printaniere，’promptedtheTatar。ButStepanArkadyevichapparentlydidnotcaretoallowhimthesatisfactionofgivingtheFrenchnamesofthedishes。
`Withvegetablesinit，youknow。Thenturbotwiththicksauce，then……roastbeef；andmindit’sgood。Yes，andcapons，perhaps，andthenstewedfruit。’
TheTatar，recollectingthatitwasStepanArkadyevich’swaynottocallthedishesbythenamesintheFrenchbilloffare，didnotrepeatthemafterhim，butcouldnotresistrehearsingthewholemenutohimselfaccordingtothebill:`Soupeprintaniere，turbotsauceBeaumarchais，poulardàl’estragon，Macédoinedefruits……’andtheninstantly，asthoughworkedbysprings，layingdownoneboundbilloffare，hetookupanother，thelistofwines，andsubmittedittoStepanArkadyevich。
`Whatshallwedrink？’
`Whatyoulike，onlynottoomuch。Champagne，’saidLevin。
`What！tostartwith？You’rerightthough，Idaresay。Doyoulikethewhiteseal？’
`Cachetblanc，’promptedtheTatar。
`Verywell，then，giveusthatbrandwiththeoysters，andthenwe’llsee。’
`Yes，sir。Andwhattablewine？’
`YoucangiveusNuits。Oh，no-bettertheclassicChablis。’
`Yes，sir。Andyourcheese，YourExcellency？’
`Oh，yes，Parmesan。Orwouldyoulikeanother？’
`No，it’sallthesametome，’saidLevin，unabletosuppressasmile。
AndtheTatarranoffwithflyingcoattails，andinfiveminutesdartedinwithadishofopenedoystersintheirnacreousshells，andabottlebetweenhisfingers。
StepanArkadyevichcrushedthestarchynapkin，tuckeditintohiswaistcoat，and，settlinghisarmscomfortably，startedontheoysters。
`Notbad，’hesaid，detachingthejelliedoystersfromtheirpearlyshellswithasmallsilverfork，andswallowingthemoneafteranother。`Notbad，’herepeated，turninghisdewy，brillianteyesnowuponLevin，nowupontheTatar。
Levinatetheoysterstoo，thoughwhitebreadandcheesepleasedhimbetter。ButhewasadmiringOblonsky。EventheTatar，uncorkingthebottleandpouringthesparklingwineintothedelicatefunnel-shapedglasses，andadjustinghiswhitecravat，keptonglancingatStepanArkadyevichwithaperceptiblesmileofsatisfaction。
`Youdon’tcaremuchforoysters，doyou？’saidStepanArkadyevich，emptyinghiswineglass，`orareyouworriedaboutsomething。Eh？’
HewantedLevintobeingoodspirits。ButitwasnotthatLevinwasnotingoodspirits，hewasillatease。Withwhathehadinhissoul，hefelthardandawkwardintherestaurant，inthemidstofprivateroomswheremenwerediningwithladies，inallthisfussandbustle；thesurroundingsofbronzes，lookingglasses，gasandTatars-allofthiswasoffensivetohim。Hewasafraidofsullyingwhathissoulwasbrimfulof。
`I？Yes，Iamworried；butbesidesthat，allthisbothersme，’hesaid。`Youcan’tconceivehowqueeritallseemstoacountrymanlikeme，asqueerasthatgentleman’snailsIsawatyouroffice……’
`Yes，IsawhowmuchinterestedyouwereinpoorGrinevich’snails，’saidStepanArkadyevich，laughing。
`It’stoomuchforme，’respondedLevin。`Dotry，now，toputyourselfinmyplace-takethepointofviewofacountryman。Weinthecountrytrytobringourhandsintosuchastateaswillbemostconvenientforworkingwith。Sowecutournails；sometimeswetuckupoursleeves。Andherepeoplepurposelylettheirnailsgrowaslongaspossible，andlinkonsmallsaucersbywayofstuds，sothattheycandonothingwiththeirhands。’
StepanArkadyevichsmiledgaily。
`Oh，yes，that’sjustasignthathehasnoneedtodocoarsework。Hisworkiswiththemind……’
`Maybe。Butstillit’squeertome，justasatthismomentitseemsqueertomethatwecountryfolkstrytosatiateourselvesassoonaswecan，soastobereadyforwork，whileherearewetryingtodelaysatietyaslongaspossible，andwiththatobjectareeatingoysters……’
`Why，ofcourse，’objectedStepanArkadyevich。`Butthat’sjusttheaimofculture-tomakeeverythingasourceofenjoyment。’
`Well，ifthat’sitsaim，I’dratherbeasavage。’
`Youareasavage，asitis。AllyouLevinsaresavages。’
Levinsighed。HerememberedhisbrotherNikolai，andfeltashamedandpained，andhescowled；butOblonskybeganspeakingofasubjectwhichatoncedrewhisattention。
`Oh，Isay，areyougoingtonighttoourpeople-theShcherbatsky’s，Imean？’hesaid，hiseyessparklingsignificantlyashepushedawaytheemptyroughshells，anddrewthecheesetowardhim。
`Yes，Ishallcertainlygo，’repliedLevin；`thoughIfanciedthePrincesswasnotverywarminherinvitation。’
`Whatnonsense！That’shermanner……Come，boy，thesoup！……That’shermanner-grandedame，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`I’mcoming，too，butIhavetogototheCountessBonin’srehearsal。Come，isn’tittruethatyou’reasavage？HowdoyouexplainthesuddenwayinwhichyouvanishedfromMoscow？TheShcherbatskyswerecontinuallyaskingmeaboutyou，asthoughIoughttoknow。TheonlythingIknowisthatyoualwaysdowhatnooneelsedoes。’
`Yes，’saidLevin，slowlyandwithemotion，`you’reright。Iamasavage。Only，mysavagenessisnotinhavinggoneaway，butincomingnow。NowIhavecome……’
`Oh，whataluckyfellowyouare！’brokeinStepanArkadyevich，lookingintoLevin’seyes。
`Why？’
`Icantellthegallantsteeds，’bysome……Idon’tknowwhat……``pace’s；Icantellyouths``bytheirfaces，’’’declaimedStepanArkadyevich。`Everythingisbeforeyou。’
`Why，isitoverforyoualready？’
`No；notoverexactly，butthefutureisyours，andthepresentismine，andthepresent-well，it’sonlyfairtomiddling。’
`Howso？’
`Oh，thingsaren’tright。ButIdon’twanttotalkofmyself，besidesIcan’texplainitall，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Well，whyhaveyoucometoMoscow，then？……Hi！clearthetable！’hecalledtotheTatar。
`Areyoutryingtosurmise？’respondedLevin，hiseyes，gleamingintheirdepth，fixedonStepanArkadyevich。
`Iam，butIcan’tbethefirsttotalkaboutit。YoucanseebythatwhetherIsurmiserightorwrong，’saidStepanArkadyevich，gazingatLevinwithasubtlesmile。
`Well，andwhathaveyoutosaytome？’saidLevininaquiveringvoice，feelingthatallthemusclesofhisfacewerequiveringtoo。`Howdoyoulookatit？
StepanArkadyevichslowlyemptiedhisglassofChablis，nevertakinghiseyesoffLevin。
`I？’saidStepanArkadyevich。`There’snothingIdesiresomuchasthat-nothing！Itwouldbethebestthingthatcouldhappen。’
`Butyou’renotmakingamistake？Youknowwhatwe’respeakingof？’saidLevin，piercinghimwithhiseyes。`Youthinkit’spossible？’
`Ithinkit’spossible。Whynot？’
`No！Doyoureallythinkit’spossible？No-tellmeallyouthink！Oh，butif……Ifrefusal’sinstoreforme！……IndeedIfeelsure……’
`Whatmakesyouthinkso？’saidStepanArkadyevich，smilingathisexcitement。
`Itseemssotomesometimes。Thatwillbeawfulforme，andforhertoo。’
`Oh，well，anywaythere’snothingawfulinitforagirl。Everygirl’sproudofaproposal。’
`Yes，everygirl，butnotshe。’
StepanArkadyevichsmiled。HesowellknewthatfeelingofLevin’s，thatforhimallthegirlsintheworldweredividedintotwoclasses:oneclass-allthegirlsintheworldexcepther，andthosegirlswithallsortsofhumanfailings，andveryordinarygirls:theotherclass-shealone，havingnofailingsofanysortandhigherthanallhumanity。
`Stay，takesomesauce，’hesaid，holdingbackLevin’shand，whowaspushingthesauceaway。
Levinobedientlyhelpedhimselftosauce，butwouldnotletStepanArkadyevichgoonwithhisdinner。
`No，stopaminute，stopaminute，’hesaid。`Youmustunderstandthatit’saquestionoflifeanddeathforme。Ihaveneverspokentoanyoneofthis。Andthere’snoonetowhomIcouldspeakofit，exceptyourself。Youknowwe’reutterlyunlikeeachother，differentintastes，andviews，andeverything；butIknowyou’refondofmeandunderstandme，andthat’swhyIlikeyouawfully。ButforGod’ssake，bequitestraightforwardwithme。’
`ItellyouwhatIthink，’saidStepanArkadyevich，smiling。`ButI’llsaymore:mywifeisawonderfulwoman……’StepanArkadyevichsighed，recallinghisrelationswithhiswife，and，afteramoment’ssilence，resumed-`Shehasagiftofforeseeingthings。Sheseesrightthroughpeople；butthat’snotall；sheknowswhatwillcometopass，especiallyinthewayofmarriages。Sheforetold，forinstance，thatPrincessShahovskaiawouldmarryBrenteln。Noonewouldbelieveit，butitcametopass。Andshe’sonyourside。’
`Howdoyoumean？’
`It’snotonlythatshelikesyou-shesaysthatKittyiscertaintobeyourwife。’
AtthesewordsLevin’sfacesuddenlylightedupwithasmile，asmilenotfarfromtouchingtears。
`Shesaysthat！’criedoutLevin。`Ialwayssaidshewascharming，yourwife。There，that’senoughsaidaboutit，’hesaid，gettingupfromhisseat。
`Well，butdositdown。’
ButLevincouldnotsitdown。Hewalkedwithhisfirmtreadtwiceupanddownthelittlecageofaroom，blinkedhiseyelidsthathistearsmightnotfall，andonlythensatdowntothetable。
`Youmustunderstand，’saidhe，`it’snotlove。I’vebeeninlove，butit’snotthat。It’snotmyfeeling，butasortofforceoutsidemethathastakenpossessionofme。Iwentaway，yousee，becauseImadeupmymindthatitcouldneverbe-youunderstand，likeahappinesswhichisnotofthisearth；butI’vestruggledwithmyself，andIseethere’snolivingwithoutit。Anditmustbesettled。’
`Whatdidyougoawayfor？’
`Ah，stopaminute！Ah，thethoughtsthatcomecrowdingonone！Thequestionsonemustaskoneself！Listen。Youcan’timaginewhatyou’vedoneformebywhatyousaid。I’msohappythatI’vebecomepositivelyhateful；I’veforgotteneverything。IheardtodaythatmybrotherNikolai……youknow，he’shere……Ihadforgottenevenhim。Itseemstomethathe’shappytoo。It’sasortofmadness。Butonething’sawful……Here，you’vebeenmarried，youknowthefeeling……It’sawfulthatwe-fullymature-withapast……apastnotoflove，butofsins……arebroughtallatoncesoneartoacreaturepureandinnocent；it’sloathsome，andthat’swhyonecan’thelpfeelingoneselfunworthy。’
`Oh，well，youhaven’tmanysinsonyourconscience。’
`Ah，still，’saidLevin，```When，withloathing，Igoo’ermylife，IshudderandIcurseandbitterlyregret……’’Yes。’
`Whatwouldyouhave？That’sthewayoftheworld，’saidStepanArkadyevich。
`There’sonecomfort，likethatoftheprayerwhichIalwaysliked:``Forgivemenotaccordingtomydeeds，butaccordingtoThyloving-kindness。’’That’stheonlywayshecanforgiveme。’
Levinemptiedhisglass，andtheyweresilentforawhile。
`There’soneotherthingIoughttotellyou。DoyouknowVronsky？’StepanArkadyevichaskedLevin。
`No，Idon’t。Whydoyouask？’
`Giveusanotherbottle，’StepanArkadyevichdirectedtheTatar，whowasfillinguptheirglassesandfidgetingroundthemjustwhenhewasleastwanted。
`Why，yououghttoknowVronskybecausehe’soneofyourrivals。’
`Who’sVronsky？’saidLevin，andhisfacewassuddenlytransformedfromthelookofchildlikeecstasywhichOblonskyhadjustbeenadmiringtoanangryandunpleasantexpression。
`VronskyisoneofthesonsofCountKirillIvanovichVronsky，andoneofthefinestspecimensofthegildedyouthofPeterburg。ImadehisacquaintanceinTver，whenIwasthereonofficialbusiness，andhecamethereforthelevyofrecruits。Fearfullyrich，handsome，greatconnections，anaide-de-camp，andwithallthataveryfinegood-naturedfellow。Buthe’smorethansimplyagood-naturedfellow，asI’vefoundouthere-he’saculturedman，too，andveryintelligent；he’samanwho’llmakehismark。’
Levinscowledandkeptsilent。
`Well，heturnedupheresoonafteryou’dgone，and，asIcansee，he’soverheadandearsinlovewithKitty，andyouknowthathermother……’
`Excuseme，butIknownothing，’saidLevin，frowninggloomily。AndimmediatelyherecalledhisbrotherNikolai，andhowvilehewastohavebeenabletoforgethim。
`Youwaitabit-waitabit，’saidStepanArkadyevich，smilingandtouchinghishand。`I’vetoldyouwhatIknow，andIrepeatthatinthisdelicateandtendermatter，asfarasonecanconjecture，Ibelievethechancesareinyourfavor。’
Levindroppedbackinhischair；hisfacewaspale。
`ButIwouldadviseyoutosettlethethingassoonaspossible，’pursuedOblonsky，fillinguphisglass。
`No，thanks，Ican’tdrinkanymore，’saidLevin，pushingawayhisglass。`Ishallgetdrunk……Come，tellmehowareyougettingon？’hewenton，obviouslyanxioustochangetheconversation。
`Onewordmore:inanycaseIadviseyoutosettlethequestionsoon。TonightIdon’tadviseyoutospeak，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Goroundtomorrowmorning，makeaproposalinclassicform，andGodblessyou……’
`Oh，doyoustillthinkofcomingtomeforsomeshooting？Comenextspring，do，’saidLevin。
NowhiswholesoulwasfullofremorsethathehadbegunthisconversationwithStepanArkadyevich。HispeculiarfeelingwasprofanedbytalkoftherivalryofsomePeterburgofficer，ofthesuppositionsandthecounselsofStepanArkadyevich。
StepanArkadyevichsmiled。HeknewwhatwaspassinginLevin’ssoul。
`I’llcomesomeday，’hesaid。`Yes，mydear，women-they’rethepivoteverythingturnsupon。Thingsareinabadwaywithme，verybad。Andit’sallthroughwomen。Tellmefrankly，now，’hepursued，pickingupacigarandkeepingonehandonhisglass；`givemeyouradvice。’
`Why，whatisit？’
`I’lltellyou。Supposeyou’remarried；youloveyourwife，butarefascinatedbyanotherwoman……’
`Excuseme，butI’mabsolutelyunabletocomprehendhowjustasIcan’tcomprehendhowIcouldnow，aftermydinner，gostraighttoabaker’sshopandstealaloaf。’
StepanArkadyevich’seyessparkledmorethanusual。
`Whynot？Aloafwillsometimessmellsogoodthatonecan’tresistit。
`Himmlischist’swennichbezwungen
MeineirdischeBegier；
Aberdochwenn’snichtgelungen
Hatt’ichauchrechthübschPlaisir！’
Ashesaidthis，StepanArkadyevichsmiledsubtly。Levin，too，couldnothelpsmiling。
`Yes，butjokingapart，’resumedOblonsky，`youmustunderstandthatthewoman，asweet，gentle，lovingcreature，poorandlonely，hassacrificedeverything。Now，whenthething’sdone，don’tyousee，canonepossiblycastheroff？Evensupposingonepartsfromher，soasnottobreakupone’sfamilylife，still，canonehelpfeelingforher，settingheronherfeet，lighteningherlot？’
`Well，youmustexcusemethere。Youknowtomeallwomenaredividedintotwoclasses……Well，no……itwouldbetruertosay:therearewomen，andthereare……I’veneverseencharmingfallenbeings，andInevershallseethem，butsuchcreaturesasthatpaintedFrenchwomanatthecounterwiththeringletsarevermintomymind，andallfallenwomenarelikeher。’
`ButtheMagdalen？’
`Ah，dropthat！ChristwouldneverhavesaidthosewordsifHehadknownhowtheywouldbeabused。OfalltheGospelthosewordsaretheonlyonesremembered。However，I’mnotsayingsomuchwhatIthink，aswhatIfeel。Ihavealoathingforfallenwomen。You’reafraidofspiders，andIofthesevermin。Mostlikelyyou’venotmadeastudyofspidersanddon’tknowtheircharacter；andsoitiswithme。’
`It’sverywellforyoutotalklikethat；it’sverymuchlikethatgentlemaninDickenswhousedtoflingalldifficultquestionsoverhisrightshoulderwithhislefthand。Butdenyingthefactsisnoanswer。What’stobedone-youtellmethat；what’stobedone？Yourwifegetsolder，whileyou’refulloflife。Beforeyou’vetimetolookround，youfeelthatyoucan’tloveyourwifewithlove，howevermuchyoumayesteemher。Andthenallatonceloveturnsup-andyou’redonefor；you’redonefor，’StepanArkadyevichsaidwithwearydespair。
Levinsmiledslightly。
`Yes，you’redonefor，’resumedOblonsky。`Butwhat’stobedone？’
`Don’tstealloaves。’
StepanArkadyevichlaughedoutright。
`Oh，moralist！Butyoumustunderstand，therearetwowomen；oneinsistsonlyonherrights，andthoserightsareyourlove，whichyoucan’tgiveher；whiletheothersacrificeseverythingforyouandasksfornothing。Whatareyoutodo？Howareyoutoact？There’safearfultragedyinit。’
`Ifyoucareformyprofessionoffaithasregardsthat，I’lltellyouthatIdon’tbelievetherewasanytragedyaboutit。Andthisiswhy。Tomymind，love……bothsortsoflove，whichyourememberPlatodefinesinhisBanquet，serveasthetouchstoneofmen。Somemenonlyunderstandonesort，andsomeonlytheother。Andthosewhoonlyknowthenonplatoniclovetalkinvainoftragedy。Insuchlovetherecanbenosortoftragedy。``I’mmuchobligedforthegratification，myhumblerespects，’’-that’sallthetragedy。Andinplatoniclovetherecanbenotragedy，becauseinthatloveallisclearandpure，because……’
AtthatinstantLevinrecollectedhisownsinsandtheinnerconflicthehadlivedthrough。Andheaddedunexpectedly:
`Butperhapsyouareright。Verylikely……Idon’tknow-Ipositivelydon’tknow。’
`Yousee，’saidStepanArkadyevich，`you’reverymuchallofapiece。That’syourqualityandyourfailing。Youhaveacharacterthat’sallofapiece，andyouwantthewholeoflifetobeofapiecetoo-butthat’snothowitis。Youdespisepublicofficialworkbecauseyouwanttherealitytobeconstantlycorrespondingwiththeaim-andthat’snothowitis。Youwantaman’swork，too，alwaystohaveadefinedaim，andloveandfamilylifealwaystobeundivided-andthat’snothowitis。Allthevariety，allthecharm，allthebeautyoflifeismadeupoflightandshadow。’
Levinsighedandmadenoreply。Hewasthinkingofhisownaffairs，andwasnotlisteningtoOblonsky。
Andsuddenlybothofthemfeltthatthoughtheywerefriends，thoughtheyhadbeendiningtogether，anddrunkwinewhichshouldhavedrawnthemcloser，yeteachwasthinkingonlyofhisownaffairs，andtheyhadnothingtodowithoneanother。Oblonskyhadmorethanonceexperiencedthisextremesenseofaloofness，insteadofintimacy，comingonafterdinner，andheknewwhattodoinsuchcases。
`Let’shavethecheck！’hecalled，andhewentintothenextroom，wherehepromptlycameacrossanaide-de-campofhisacquaintanceanddroppedintoconversationwithhimaboutanactressandherprotector。Andatonce，inthisconversationwiththeaide-de-camp，OblonskyhadasenseofrelaxationandreliefafterhisconversationwithLevin，whichalwaysputhimtotoogreatamentalandspiritualstrain。
WhentheTatarappearedwithacheckoftwenty-sixroublesandsomekopecks，besidesatipforhimself，Levin，whowouldanothertimehavebeenhorrified，likeanyonefromthecountry，athisshareoffourteenroubles，didnotnoticeit，paid，andsetoffhomewardtodressandgototheShcherbatsky’s，wherehisfatewastobedecided。
TheyoungprincessKittyShcherbatskaiawaseighteen。Itwasthefirstwinterthatshehadbeenoutintheworld。Hersuccessinsocietyhadbeengreaterthanthatofeitherofhereldersisters，andgreatereventhanhermotherhadanticipated。TosaynothingoftheyoungmenwhodancedattheMoscowballsbeingalmostallinlovewithKitty，twoserioussuitorshadalready，thefirstwinter，madetheirappearance:Levin，and，immediatelyafterhisdeparture，CountVronsky。
Levin’sappearanceatthebeginningofthewinter，hisfrequentvisits，andevidentloveforKitty，hadledtothefirstseriousconversationsbetweenKitty’sparentsastoherfuture，andtodisputesbetweenthem。ThePrincewasonLevin’sside；hesaidhewishedfornothingbetterforKitty。ThePrincessforherpart，goingroundthequestioninthemannerpeculiartowomen，maintainedthatKittywastooyoung，thatLevinhaddonenothingtoprovethathehadseriousintentions，thatKittyfeltnogreatattractiontohim，andthereweresomeotherreasonstoo；butshedidnotstatetheprincipalpoint，whichwasthatshelookedforabettermatchforherdaughter，thatLevinwasnottoherliking，andthatshedidnotunderstandhim。WhenLevinhadabruptlydeparted，thePrincesswasdelighted，andsaidtoherhusbandtriumphantly:``Yousee，Iwasright。’’WhenVronskyappearedonthescene，shewasstillmoredelighted，confirmedinheropinionthatKittywastomakenotsimplyagood，butabrilliantmatch。
Inthemother’seyestherecouldbenocomparisonbetweenVronskyandLevin。ThemotherdislikedinLevinhisstrangeanduncompromisingopinionsandhisshynessinsociety，foundedonhispride，asshesupposed，andhisqueersortoflife，assheconsideredit，absorbedincattleandpeasants。Shedidnotverymuchlikeitthathe，whowasinlovewithherdaughter，hadkeptcomingtothehouseforsixweeks，asthoughhewerewaitingforsomething，inspecting，asthoughhewereafraidhemightbedoingthemtoogreatanhonorbymakingaproposal，anddidnotrealizethatamanwhocontinuallyvisitsatahousewherethereisayoungunmarriedgirl，isboundtomakehisintentionsclear。Andsuddenly，withoutdoingso，hedisappeared。`It’saswellhe’snotattractiveenoughforKittytohavefalleninlovewithhim，’thoughtthemother。
Vronskysatisfiedallthemother’sdesires。Verywealthy，clever，ofaristocraticfamily，onthehighroadtoabrilliantcareerinthearmyandatcourt，andafascinatingman。Nothingbettercouldbewishedfor。
VronskyopenlyflirtedwithKittyatballs，dancedwithher，andcamecontinuallytothehouse；consequentlytherecouldbenodoubtoftheseriousnessofhisintentions。But，inspiteofthat，themotherhadspentthewholeofthatwinterinastateofterribleanxietyandagitation。
PrincessShcherbatskaiahadherselfbeenmarriedthirtyyearsago，herauntarrangingthematch。Thewooer，aboutwhomeverythingwaswellknownbeforehand，hadcome，lookedathisintended，andbeenlookedat。Thematchmakingaunthadascertainedandcommunicatedtheirmutualimpression。Thatimpressionhadbeenfavorable。Afterward，onadayfixedbeforehand，theexpectedproposalwasmadetoherparents，andaccepted。Allhadpassedverysimplyandeasily。Soitseemed，atleast，tothePrincess。Butoverherowndaughtersshehadfelthowfarfromsimpleandeasyisthebusiness，apparentlysocommonplace，ofmarryingoffone’sdaughters。Thepanicsthathadbeenlivedthrough，thethoughtsthathadbeenbroodedover，themoneythathadbeenwasted，andthedisputeswithherhusbandovermarryingthetwoeldergirls，DaryaandNatalya！Now，sincetheyoungestbegantocomeoutintheworld，thePrincesswasgoingthroughthesameterrors，thesamedoubts，andstillmoreviolentquarrelswithherhusband，thanshehadovertheeldergirls。TheoldPrince，likeallfathersindeed，wasexceedinglyscrupulousonthescoreofthehonorandreputationofhisdaughters；hewasunreasonablyjealousoverhisdaughters，especiallyoverKitty，whowashisfavorite，andateveryturnhehadsceneswiththePrincessforcompromisingherdaughter。ThePrincesshadgrownaccustomedtothisalreadywithherotherdaughters，butnowshefeltthattherewasmoregroundforthePrince’sscrupulousness。Shesawthatoflateyearsmuchwaschangedinthemannersofsociety，thatamother’sdutieshadbecomestillmoredifficult。ShesawthatgirlsofKitty’sageformedsomesortofclubs，wenttosomesortoflectures，mixedfreelyinmen’ssociety，droveaboutthestreetsalone；manyofthemdidnotcurtsy；and，whatwasthemostimportantthing，allofthemwerefirmlyconvincedthattochoosetheirhusbandwastheirownaffair，andnottheirparent’s。`Marriagesaren’tmadenowadaysastheyusedtobe，’wasthoughtandsaidbyalltheseyounggirls，andevenbytheirelders。Butjusthowmarriagesweremadenowadays，thePrincesscouldnotlearnfromanyone。TheFrenchfashion-oftheparentsarrangingtheirchildren’sfuture-wasnotaccepted；itwascondemned。TheEnglishfashionofthecompleteindependenceofgirlswasalsonotaccepted，andnotpossibleinRussiansociety。TheRussianfashionofmatchmakingwasconsideredunseemly；itwasridiculedbyeveryone-evenbythePrincessherself。Buthowgirlsweretobemarried，andhowparentsweretomarrythem，nooneknew。EveryonewithwhomthePrincesshadchancedtodiscussthemattersaidthesamething:`Mercyonus，it’shightimeinourdaytocastoffallthatold-fashionedbusiness。It’stheyoungpeoplehavetomarry，andnottheirparents；andsoweoughttoleavetheyoungpeopletoarrangeitastheychoose。’Itwasveryeasyforanyonetosaywhohadnodaughters，butthePrincessrealizedthat，intheprocessofgettingtoknoweachother，herdaughtermightfallinlove，andfallinlovewithsomeonewhodidnotcaretomarryher，orwhowasquiteunfittobeherhusband。And，howevermuchitwasinstilledintothePrincessthatinourtimesyoungpeopleoughttoarrangetheirlivesforthemselves，shewasunabletobelieveit，justasshewouldhavebeenunabletobelievethat，atanytimewhatever，loadedpistolswerethemostsuitableplaythingsforchildrenfiveyearsold。AndsothePrincesswasmoreuneasyoverKittythanshehadbeenovertheelderdaughters。
NowshewasafraidthatVronskymightconfinehimselftosimplyflirtingwithherdaughter。Shesawthatherdaughterwasinlovewithhim，buttriedtocomfortherselfwiththethoughtthathewasanhonorableman，andwouldnotdothis。Butatthesametimesheknewhoweasyitis，withthefreedomofmannersoftoday，toturnagirl’shead，andhowlightlymengenerallyregardsuchacrime。Theweekbefore，KittyhadtoldhermotherofaconversationshehadwithVronskyduringamazurka。ThisconversationhadpartlyreassuredthePrincess；yetherassurancecouldnotbeperfect。VronskyhadtoldKittythatbothheandhisbrotherweresousedtoobeyingtheirmotherthattheynevermadeuptheirmindstoanyimportantundertakingwithoutconsultingher。`And，justnow，Iamimpatientlyawaitingmymother’scomingfromPeterburg，asapeculiarpieceofluck，’hehadtoldher。
Kittyhadrepeatedthiswithoutattachinganysignificancetothewords。Buthermothersawtheminadifferentlight。Sheknewthattheoldladywasexpectedfromdaytoday，thatshewouldbepleasedatherson’schoice，andshefeltitstrangethatheshouldnotmakehisproposalthroughfearofvexinghismother。However，shewassoanxiousforthemarriageitself，andstillmoreforrelieffromherfears，thatshebelieveditwasso。BitterasitwasforthePrincesstoseetheunhappinessofhereldestdaughter，Dolly，onthepointofleavingherhusband，heranxietyoverthedecisionofheryoungestdaughter’sfateengrossedallherfeelings。Today，withLevin’sreappearance，afreshsourceofanxietyarose。Shewasafraidthatherdaughter，whohadatonetime，asshefancied，afeelingforLevin，might，fromanextremesenseofhonesty，refuseVronsky，andthatLevin’sarrivalmightgenerallycomplicateanddelaytheaffair，nowsonearconclusion。
`Why，hashebeenherelong？’thePrincessaskedaboutLevin，astheyreturnedhome。
`Hecametoday，maman。’
`There’sonethingIwanttosay……’beganthePrincess，andfromherseriousandalertface，Kittyguessedwhatitwouldbe。
`Mamma，’shesaid，flushinghotlyandturningquicklytoher，`please，pleasedon’tsayanythingaboutthat。Iknow，Iknowallaboutit。’
Shewishedwhathermotherwishedfor，butthemotivesofhermother’swisheshurther。
`Ionlywanttosaythattoraisehopes……’
`Mamma，darling，forgoodnes’ssake，don’ttalkaboutit。It’ssohorribletotalkaboutit。’
`Iwon’t，’saidhermother，seeingthetearsinherdaughter’seyes；`butonething，mylove；youpromisedmeyouwouldhavenosecretsfromme。Youwon’t？’
`Never，mamma-none，’answeredKitty，flushingandlookinghermotherstraightintheface；`butIhavenothingtotellyounow，andI……I……IfIwantedto，Idon’tknowwhattosayorhow……Idon’tknow……’
`No，shecouldnottellanuntruthwiththoseeyes，’thoughtthemother，smilingatheragitationandhappiness。ThePrincesssmiled:soimmenseandsoimportantseemedtothepoorchildeverythingthatwastakingplacejustnowinhersoul。
Afterdinner，andtillthebeginningoftheevening，Kittywasexperiencingasensationakintothatofayoungmanbeforeabattle。Herheartthrobbedviolently，andherthoughtswouldnotrestonanything。
Shefeltthatthisevening，whenboththesemenwouldmeetforthefirsttime，wouldbeaturningpointinherlife。Andshewascontinuallypicturingthemtoherself，atonemomenteachindividually，andthenbothtogether。Whenshemusedonthepast，shedweltwithpleasure，withtenderness，onthememoriesofherrelationswithLevin。ThememoriesofchildhoodandofLevin’sfriendshipwithherdeadbrotherhaveaspecialpoeticcharmtoherrelationswithhim。Hisloveforher，ofwhichshefeltcertain，wasflatteringanddelightfultoher；anditwaseasyforhertothinkofLevin。InhermemoriesofVronskytherealwaysenteredacertainelementofawkwardness，thoughhewasinthehighestdegreeafashionableandeven-temperedman，asthoughthereweresomefalsenote-notinVronsky，hewasverysimpleandcharming-butinherself；whilewithLevinshefeltherselfperfectlysimpleandclear。But，ontheotherhand，directlyshethoughtofthefuturewithVronsky，therearosebeforeheraperspectiveofbrillianthappiness；withLevinthefutureseemedmisty。
Whenshewentupstairstodress，andlookedintothelookingglass，shenoticedwithjoythatitwasoneofhergooddays，andthatshewasincompletepossessionofallherforces-sheneededthissoforwhatlaybeforeher:shewasconsciousofexternalcomposureandfreegraceinhermovements。
Athalf-pastsevenshehadonlyjustgonedownintothedrawingroom，whenthefootmanannounced，`ConstantinDmitrievichLevin。’ThePrincesswasstillinherroom，andthePrincehadnotcomein。`Soitistobe，’thoughtKitty，andallthebloodseemedtorushtoherheart。Shewashorrifiedatherpaleness，assheglancedintothelookingglass。
Atthatmomentsheknewbeyonddoubtthathehadcomeearlyonpurposetofindheraloneandtoproposetoher。Andonlythenforthefirsttimethewholethingpresenteditselfinanew，differentaspect；onlythensherealizedthatthequestiondidnotaffectheronly-withwhomshewouldbehappy，andwhomsheloved-butthatshewouldhavethatmomenttowoundamanwhomsheliked。Andtowoundhimcruelly……Wherefore？Becausehe，dearfellow，lovedher，wasinlovewithher。Buttherewasnohelpforit；itmustbeso-itwouldhavetobeso。
`MyGod！shallImyselfreallyhavetosayittohim？’shethought。`CanItellhimIdon’tlovehim？Thatwillbealie。WhatamItosaytohim？ThatIlovesomeoneelse？No，that’simpossible。I’mgoingaway-I’mgoingaway。’
Shehadreachedthedoor，whensheheardhisstep。`NoIt’snothonest。WhathaveItobeafraidof？Ihavedonenothingwrong。Whatistobe，willbe！I’lltellthetruth。Andwithhimonecan’tbeillatease。Hereheis，’shesaidtoherself，seeinghispowerfulandtimidfigure，withhisshiningeyesfixedonher。Shelookedstraightintohisface，asthoughimploringhimtospareher，andgavehimherhand。
`It’snottimeyet；IthinkI’mtooearly，’hesaidglancingroundtheemptydrawingroom。Whenhesawthathisexpectationswererealized，thattherewasnothingtopreventhimfromspeaking，hisfacebecamesomber。
`Oh，no，’saidKitty，andsatdownatatable。
`ButthiswasjustwhatIwanted，tofindyoualone，’hebegan，withoutsittingdown，andnotlookingather，soasnottolosecourage。
`Mammawillbedowndirectly。Shewasverymuchtiredyesterday。Yesterday……’
Shetalkedon，notknowingwhatherlipswereuttering，andnottakinghersupplicatingandcaressingeyesoffhim。
Heglancedather；sheblushed，andceasedspeaking。
`ItoldyouIdidnotknowwhetherIshouldbeherelong……thatitdependedonyou……’
Shedroppedherheadlowerandlower，notknowingherselfwhatanswersheshouldmaketowhatwascoming。
`Thatitdependedonyou，’herepeated。`Imeanttosay……Imeanttosay……Icameforthis……Tohaveyoubemywife！’heblurtedout，notknowingwhathewassaying，butfeelingthatthemostterriblethingwassaid，hestoppedshortandlookedather。
Shewasbreathingheavily，withoutlookingathim。Shewasfeelingecstasy。Hersoulwasfloodedwithhappiness。Shehadneveranticipatedthathisutteranceoflovewouldproducesuchapowerfuleffectonher。Butitlastedonlyaninstant。SherememberedVronsky。Sheliftedherclear，truthfuleyes，and，seeingLevin’sdesperateface，sheansweredhastily:
`Thatcannotbe……Forgiveme。’
Amomentago，andhowcloseshehadbeentohim，ofwhatimportanceinhislife！Andhowaloofandremotefromhimshehadbecomenow！
`Itcouldnothavebeenotherwise，’hesaid，withoutlookingather。Hebowed，andwasabouttoleave。
ButatthatverymomentthePrincesscamein。Therewasalookofhorroronherfacewhenshebeheldthemalone，andsawtheirdisturbedfaces。Levinbowedtoher，andsaidnothing。Kittyneitherspokenorliftedhereyes。`ThankGod，shehasrefusedhim，’thoughtthemother，andherfacelightedupwiththehabitualsmilewithwhichshegreetedherguestsonThursdays。ShesatdownandbeganquestioningLevinabouthislifeinthecountry。Hesatdownagain，waitingforothervisitorstoarrive，inordertogooffunnoticed。
FiveminuteslatertherecameinafriendofKitty’s，marriedtheprecedingwinter-CountessNordstone。
Shewasathin，sallow，sicklyandnervouswoman，withbrilliantblackeyes。ShewasfondofKitty，andheraffectionforhershoweditself，astheaffectionofmarriedwomenforgirlsalwaysdoes，inthedesiretomakeamatchforKittyafterherownidealofmarriedhappiness；shewantedhertomarryVronsky。LevinshehadoftenmetattheShcherbatsky’searlyinthewinter，andshehadalwaysdislikedhim。Herinvariableandfavoritepursuit，whentheymet，consistedinmakingfunofhim。
`Idolikeitwhenhelooksdownatmefromtheheightofhisgrandeur，orbreaksoffhiswiseconversationwithmebecauseI’mafool，oriscondescendingtome。Ilikethatso-toseehimcondescending！Iamsogladhecan’tbearme，’sheusedtosayofhim。
Shewasright，forLevinactuallycouldnotbearher，anddespisedherforwhatshewasproudofandregardedasafinecharacteristic-hernervousness，herrefinedcontemptandindifferenceforeverythingcoarseandearthly。
TheCountessNordstoneandLevinhadgotintothatmutualrelationnotinfrequentlyseeninsociety，whentwopersons，whoremainexternallyonfriendlyterms，despiseeachothertosuchadegreethattheycannoteventakeeachotherseriously，andcannotevenbeoffendedbyeachother。
TheCountessNordstonepounceduponLevinatonce。
`Ah，ConstantinDmitrievich！Soyou’vecomebacktoourcorruptBabylon，’shesaid，givinghimhertiny，yellowhandandrecallingwhathehadchancedtosayearlyinthewinter，thatMoscowwasaBabylon。`Come，isBabylonreformed，orhaveyoudegenerated？’sheadded，glancingwithasimperatKitty。
`It’sveryflatteringforme，Countess，thatyouremembermywordssowell，’respondedLevin，whohadsucceededinrecoveringhiscomposure，andatoncefromhabitdroppedintohistoneofjokinghostilitytotheCountessNordstone。`Theymustcertainlymakeagreatimpressiononyou。’
`Oh，Ishouldthinkso！Ialwaysnoteeverythingdown。Well，Kitty，haveyoubeenskatingagain？……’
AndshebegantalkingtoKitty。AwkwardasitwasforLevintowithdrawnow，itwouldstillhavebeeneasierforhimtoperpetratethisawkwardnessthantoremainalltheeveningandseeKitty，whoglancedathimnowandthenandavoidedhiseyes。Hewasonthepointofgettingup，whenthePrincess，noticingthathewassilent，addressedhim。
`ShallyoubelonginMoscow？You’rebusywiththeZemstvo，though，aren’tyou，andcan’tbeawayforlong？’
`No，Princess，I’mnolongeramemberoftheboard，’hesaid。`Ihavecomeupforafewdays。’
`There’ssomethingthematterwithhim，’thoughtCountessNordstone，glancingathisstern，seriousface。`Heisn’tinhisoldargumentativemood。ButI’lldrawhimout。IdolovemakingafoolofhimbeforeKitty，andI’lldoit。’
`ConstantinDmitrievich，’shesaidtohim，`doexplaintomeplease，whatdoesitmean-youknowallaboutsuchthings-inourvillageofKalugaallthepeasantsandallthewomenhavedrunkupalltheypossessed，andnowtheycan’tpayusanyrent。What’sthemeaningofthat？Youalwayspraisethemouzhiksso。’
Atthatinstantanotherladycameintotheroom，andLevingotup。
`Excuseme，Countess，butIreallyknownothingaboutit，andcan’ttellyouanything，’hesaid，andlookedroundattheofficerwhocameinbehindthelady。
`ThatmustbeVronsky，’thoughtLevin，and，tobesureofit，glancedatKitty。ShehadalreadyhadtimetolookatVronsky，andlookedroundatLevin。And，simplyfromthelookinhereyes，thatgrewunconsciouslybrighter，Levinknewthatshelovedthisman-knewitassurelyasifshehadtoldhiminsomanywords。Butwhatsortofamanwashe？
Now，whetherforgoodorforill，Levincouldnotchoosebutremain；hemustfindoutwhatthemanwaslikewhomsheloved。
Therearepeoplewho，onmeetingasuccessfulrival，nomatterinwhat，areatoncedisposedtoturntheirbacksoneverythinggoodinhim，andtoseeonlywhatisbad。Therearepeoplewho，onthecontrary，desireabovealltofindinthatsuccessfulrivalthequalitiesbywhichhehasworstedthem，andseekwithathrobbingacheatheartonlywhatisgood。Levinbelongedtothesecondclass。ButhehadnodifficultyinfindingwhatwasgoodandattractiveinVronsky。Itwasapparentatthefirstglance。Vronskywasasquarelybuilt，darkman，notverytall，withagood-humored，handsomeandexceedinglycalmandfirmface。Everythingabouthisfaceandfigure，fromhisshort-croppedblackhairandfreshlyshavenchindowntohislooselyfitting，brand-newuniform，wassimpleandatthesametimeelegant。Makingwayfortheladywhohadcomein，VronskywentuptothePrincessandthentoKitty。
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