Itmakesmesick-sicktoseeit-andyou’vegoneontillyou’veturnedthepoorlas’sshead。Levin’sathousandtimesthebetterman。AsforthisPeterburgswell-they’returnedoutbymachinery，allononepattern，andallpreciousrubbish。Butifhewereaprinceoftheblood，mydaughterneednotrunafteranyone。’
`ButwhathaveIdone？’
`Why，you’ve……’ThePrincewasyellingwrathfully。
`Iknowifoneweretolistentoyou，’interruptedthePrincess，`weshouldnevermarryoffourdaughter。Ifit’stobeso，we’dbettergointothecountry。’
`Well，wehadbetter。’
`Butdowaitaminute。DoIwheedlethem？Idon’twheedlethemintheleast。Ayoungman，andaveryniceone，hasfalleninlovewithher，andshe，Ifancy……’
`Oh，yes，youfancy！Andhowifshereallyisinlove，andhe’snomorethinkingofmarriagethanIam！……Oh，thatIshouldlivetoseeit！……`Ah-spiritualism！Ah-Nice！Ah-theball！’’’AndthePrince，imaginingthathewasmimickinghiswife，madeamincingcurtsyateachword。`AndthisishowwepreparewretchednessforKatenka；andshe’sreallygotthenotionintoherhead……’
`Butwhatmakesyousupposeso？’
`Idon’tsuppose；Iknow。Forsuchthingswehaveeyes；womenfolkhaven’t。Iseeamanwhohasseriousintentions，that’sLevin:andIseeaquail，likethiscackler，who’sonlyamusinghimself。’
`Oh，well，whenonceyougetanideaintoyourhead！……’
`Well，you’llremembermywords，buttoolate，justaswithDashenka。’
`Well，well，wewon’ttalkofit，’thePrincessstoppedhim，recollectingherunluckyDolly。
`Byallmeans，andgoodnight！’
Andsigningeachotherwiththecross，thehusbandandwifepartedwithakiss，feelingthateachremainedofhisorherownopinion。
ThePrincesshadatfirstbeenquitecertainthatthateveninghadsettledKitty’sfortune，andthattherecouldbenodoubtofVronsky’sintentions，butherhusband’swordshaddisturbedher。Andreturningtoherownroom，interrorbeforetheunknownfuture，she，too，likeKitty，repeatedseveraltimesinherheart，`Lord，havepity；Lord，havepity；
Lord，havepity！’
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter16[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter16Vronskyhadneverhadarealhomelife。Hismotherhadbeeninheryouthabrilliantsocietywoman，whohadhadduringhermarriedlife，andstillmoreafterward，manyloveaffairsnotoriousinthewholefashionableworld。
Hisfatherhescarcelyremembered，andhehadbeeneducatedintheCorpsofPages。
Leavingtheschoolveryyoungasabrilliantofficer，hehadatoncegotintothecircleofwealthyPeterburgarmymen。AlthoughhedidgomoreorlessintoPeterburgsociety，hisloveaffairshadalwayshithertobeenoutsideit。
InMoscowhehadforthefirsttimefelt，afterhisluxuriousandcoarselifeatPeterburg，allthecharmofintimacywithasweetandinnocentgirlofhisownrank，whocaredforhim。ItneverevenenteredhisheadthattherecouldbeanyharminhisrelationswithKitty。Atballshedancedprincipallywithher。Hewasaconstantvisitoratherhouse。
Hetalkedtoheraspeoplecommonlydotalkinsociety-allsortsofnonsense，butnonsensetowhichhecouldnothelpattachingaspecialmeaninginhercase。Althoughhesaidnothingtoherthathecouldnothavesaidbeforeeverybody，hefeltthatshewasbecomingmoreandmoredependentuponhim，andthemorehefeltthis，thebetterhelikedit，andthetendererwashisfeelingforher。HedidnotknowthatthismodeofbehaviorinrelationtoKittyhadadefinitecharacter，thatitiscourtingyounggirlswithnointentionofmarriage，andthatsuchcourtingisoneoftheevilactionscommonamongbrilliantyoungmensuchashewas。Itseemedtohimthathewasthefirstwhohaddiscoveredthispleasure，andhewasenjoyinghisdiscovery。
Ifhecouldhaveheardwhatherparentsweresayingthatevening，ifhecouldhaveputhimselfatthepointofviewofthefamily，andhaveheardthatKittywouldbeunhappyifhedidnotmarryher，hewouldhavebeengreatlyastonished，andwouldnothavebelievedit。Hecouldnotbelievethatwhatgavesuchgreatanddelicatepleasuretohim，andabovealltoher，couldbewrong。Stilllesscouldhehavebelievedthatheoughttomarry。
Marriagehadneverpresenteditselftohimasapossibility。Henotonlydislikedfamilylife，butafamily，andespeciallyahusband，inaccordancewiththeviewsgeneralinthebachelorworldinwhichhelived，wereconceivedassomethingalien，repellent，and，aboveall，ridiculous。
ButthoughVronskyhadnottheleastsuspicionofwhattheparentsweresaying，hefeltoncomingawayfromtheShcherbatsky’sthatthesecretspiritualbondwhichexistedbetweenhimandKittyhadgrownsomuchstrongerthateveningthatsomestepmustbetaken。Butwhatstepcouldandshouldbetakenhecouldnotimagine。
`Whatissoexquisite，’hethought，ashereturnedfromtheShcherbatsky’s，carryingawaywithhim，ashealwaysdid，adeliciousfeelingofpurityandfreshness，arisingpartlyfromthefactthathehadnotbeensmokingforawholeevening，andwithitanewfeelingoftendernessatherloveforhim-`whatissoexquisiteisthatnotawordhasbeensaidbymeorbyher，yetweunderstandeachothersowellinthisunseenlanguageoflooksandtones，thatthiseveningmoreclearlythanevershetoldmeshelovesme。Andhowsweetly，simply，andmostofall，howtrustfully！
Ifeelmyselfbetter，purer。IfeelthatIhaveaheart，andthatthereisagreatdealofgoodinmeThosesweet，lovingeyes！Whenshesaid:
``IndeedIdo……’’’
`Well，whatthen？Oh，nothing。It’sgoodforme，andgoodforher。’Andhebeganwonderingwheretofinishtheevening。
Hepassedinreviewtheplaceshemightgoto。`Club？agameofbezique；champagnewithIgnatov？No，I’mnotgoing。ChateaudesFleurs；
thereIshallfindOblonsky，songs，thecancan。No，I’msickofit。That’swhyIliketheShcherbatsky’s，becauseI’mgrowingbetter。I’llgohome。’
HewentstraighttohisroomatDussot’sHotel，orderedsupper，andthenundressed，andassoonashisheadtouchedthepillow，fellintoasoundsleep。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter17[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter17Nextday，ateleveno’clockinthemorning，VronskydrovetothestationofthePeterburgrailwaytomeethismother，andthefirstpersonhecameacrossonthegreatflightofstepswasOblonsky，whowasexpectinghissisterbythesametrain。
`Ah！YourExcellency！’criedOblonsky，`Whomareyoumeeting？’
`Mymother，’Vronskyresponded，smiling，aseveryonedidwhometOblonsky。Heshookhandswithhim，andtogethertheyascendedthesteps。
`SheistobeherefromPeterburgtoday。’
`Iwaslookingoutforyoutilltwoo’clocklastnight。WheredidyougofromtheShcherbatsky’s？’
`Home，’answeredVronsky。`ImustownIfeltsowellcontentyesterdayaftertheShcherbatsky’sthatIdidn’tcaretogoanywhere。’
```Icantellthegallantsteed’sbysome……Idon’tknowwhat……
``pace’s；Icantellyouths``bytheirfaces，’’’declaimedStepanArkadyevich，justashehaddonebeforetoLevin。
Vronskysmiledwithalookthatseemedtosaythathedidnotdenyit，buthepromptlychangedthesubject。
`Andwhomareyoumeeting？’heasked。
`I？I’vecometomeetaprettywoman，’saidOblonsky。
`Sothat’sit！’
`Honisoitquimalypense！MysisterAnna。’
`Ah！that’sMadameKarenina，’saidVronsky。
`Youknowher，nodoubt？’
`IthinkIdo。Orperhapsnot……Ireallyamnotsure，’Vronskyansweredheedlessly，withavaguerecollectionofsomethingstiffandtediousevokedbythenameKarenina。
`ButAlexeiAlexandrovich，mycelebratedbrother-in-law，yousurelymustknow。Alltheworldknowshim。’
`Iknowhimbyreputationandbysight。Iknowthathe’sclever，learned，religioussomewhat……Butyouknowthat’snot……notinmyline，’saidVronskyinEnglish。
`Yes，he’saveryremarkableman；ratheraconservative，butaveryniceman，’observedStepanArkadyevich，`averyniceman。’
`Oh，well，somuchthebetterforhim，’saidVronskysmiling。
`Oh，you’vecome，’hesaid，addressingatalloldfootmanofhismother’sstandingatthedoor；`comehere。’
BesidesthecharmOblonskyhadingeneralforeveryone，VronskyhadfeltoflatespeciallydrawntohimbythefactthatinhisimaginationhewasassociatedwithKitty。
`Well，whatdoyousay？ShallwegiveasupperonSundayforthediva？’hesaidtohimwithasmile，takinghisarm。
`Ofcourse。I’mcollectingsubscriptions。Oh，didyoumaketheacquaintanceofmyfriendLevin？’askedStepanArkadyevich。
`Yes；butheleftratherearly。’
`He’sacapitalfellow，’pursuedOblonsky。`Isn’the？’
`Idon’tknowwhyitis，’respondedVronsky，`inallMoscowpeople-presentcompanyofcourseexcepted，’heputinjestingly，`there’ssomethinguncompromising。Theyareallonthedefensive，losetheirtempers，asthoughtheyallwanttomakeonefeelsomething……’
`Yes，that’strue，it’sso，’saidStepanArkadyevich，laughingcheerfully。
`Willthetrainbeinsoon？’Vronskyaskedarailwayofficial。
`Thetrain’ssignaled，’answeredtheman。
Theapproachofthetrainwasmoreandmoreevidentbythepreparatorybustleinthestation，therushofporters，themovementofgendarmesandattendants，andcrowdingpeoplemeetingthetrain。Throughthefrostyvaporcouldbeseenworkmeninshortsheepskinsandsoftfeltbootscrossingtherailsofthecurvingline。Thehissoftheboilercouldbeheardonthedistantrails，andtherumbleofsomethingheavy。
`No，’saidStepanArkadyevich，whofeltagreatinclinationtotellVronskyofLevin’sintentionsinregardtoKitty。`No，youhaven’tgotatrueimpressionofLevin。He’saverynervousman，andissometimesoutofhumor，it’strue，butthenheisoftenverycharming。Hehassuchatrue，honestnature，andaheartofgold。Butyesterdaytherewerespecialreasons，’pursuedStepanArkadyevich，withameaningsmile，totallyobliviousofthegenuinesympathyhehadfeltthedaybeforeforhisfriend，andfeelingthesamesympathynow，onlyforVronsky。`Yes，therewerereasonswhyhecouldnothelpbeingeitherparticularlyhappyorparticularlyunhappy。’
Vronskystoodstillandaskeddirectly:`Howso？Doyoumeanheproposedtoyourbelle-soeuryesterday？’
`Maybe，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Ifanciedsomethingofthesortyesterday。Yes，ifhewentawayearly，andwasoutofhumortoo，suchmustbethecase……He’sbeensolonginlove，andI’mverysorryforhim。’
`Sothat’sit！……Ishouldimagine，though，shemightreckononabettermatch，’saidVronsky，settinghischeststraightandwalkingaboutagain，`thoughIdon’tknowhim，ofcourse，’headded。`Yes，thatisahatefulposition！That’swhymostfellowsprefertohavetodowiththeClaras。Ifyoudon’tsucceedwiththemitonlyprovesthatyou’venotenoughcash，butinthiscaseone’sdignityisinthebalance。Buthere’sthetrain。’
Theenginehadalreadywhistledinthedistance。Afewinstantslatertheplatformbegantoshake，and，withpuffsofsteamhanginglowintheairfromthefrost，theenginerolledup，withtherodofthemiddlewheelrhythmicallymovingupanddown，andthebowed，muffledfigureoftheenginedrivercoveredwithhoarfrost。Behindthetender，settingtheplatformmoreandmoreslowlyandmorepowerfullyshaking，cametheluggagevanwithadogwhininginit。Atlastthepassengercarriagesrolledin，quiveringbeforecomingtoastandstill。
Asmartguardjumpedout，givingawhistle，andafterhimonebyonetheimpatientpassengersbegantogetdown:anofficeroftheguards，holdinghimselferect，andlookingseverelyabouthim；animbleyoungmerchantwithabag，smilinggaily；apeasantwithasackoverhisshoulder。
Vronsky，standingbesideOblonsky，watchedthecarriagesandthepassengers，totallyobliviousofhismother。WhathehadjustheardaboutKittyexcitedanddelightedhim。Unconsciouslyhestraightenedhischest，andhiseyesflashed。Hefelthimselfaconqueror。
`CountessVronskaiaisinthatcompartment，’saidthesmartguard，goinguptoVronsky。
Theguard’swordsrousedhim，andforcedhimtothinkofhismotherandhisapproachingmeetingwithher。Hedidnotinhisheartrespecthismother，and，withoutacknowledgingittohimself，hedidnotloveher，thoughinaccordancewiththeideasofthesetinwhichhelived，andwithhisownupbringing，hecouldnothaveconceivedofanybehaviortohismothernotinthehighestdegreerespectfulandobedient，andthemoreexternallyobedientandrespectful，thelessinhisheartherespectedandlovedher。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter18[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter18Vronskyfollowedtheguardtothecarriage，andatthedoorofthecompartmenthestoppedshorttomakeroomforaladywhowasgettingout。
Withthehabitualfeelingofamanoftheworld，fromoneglanceatthislady’sappearanceVronskyclassifiedherasbelongingtothebestsociety。Hebeggedpardon，andwasgettingintothecarriage，butfelthemustglanceatheroncemore；notbecauseshewasverybeautiful，notbecauseofthateleganceandmodestgracewhichwereapparentinherwholefigure，butbecauseintheexpressionofhercharmingface，asshepassedclosebyhim，therewassomethingpeculiarlycaressingandsoft。Ashelookedround，shetooturnedherhead。Hershininggrayeyes，thatlookeddarkbecauseofherthicklashes，restedwithfriendlyattentiononhisface，asthoughshewererecognizinghim，andthenpromptlyturnedawaytothepassingcrowd，asthoughseekingsomeone。InthatbrieflookVronskyhadtimetonoticethesuppressedanimationwhichplayedoverherface，andflittedbetweenthebrillianteyesandthefaintsmilethatcurvedherredlips。Itwasasthoughhernatureweresobrimmingoverwithsomethingthat，againstherwill，itshoweditselfnowintheflashofhereyes，andnowinhersmile。Deliberatelysheshroudedthelightinhereyes，butitshoneagainstherwillinherfaintlyperceptiblesmile。
Vronskysteppedintothecarriage。Hismother，adried-upoldladywithblackeyesandringlets，screweduphereyes，scanningherson，andsmiledslightlywithherthinlips。Gettingupfromtheseatandhandinghermaidahandbag，shegaveherlittlewrinkledhandtohersontokiss，andliftinghisheadfromherhand，kissedhimonthecheek。
`Yougotmytelegram？Quitewell？ThankGod。’
`Youhadagoodjourney？’saidherson，sittingdownbesideher，andinvoluntarilylisteningtoawoman’svoiceoutsidethedoor。Heknewitwasthevoiceoftheladyhehadmetatthedoor。
`AllthesameIdon’tagreewithyou，’saidthelady’svoice。
`It’sthePeterburgview，madame。’
`NotPeterburg，butsimplyfeminine，’sheresponded。
`Well，well，allowmetokissyourhand。’
`Good-by，IvanPetrovich。Andwouldyouseeifmybrotherishere，andsendhimtome？’saidtheladyinthedoorway，andsteppedbackagainintothecompartment。
`Well，haveyoufoundyourbrother？’saidCountessVronskaia，addressingthelady。
VronskyunderstoodnowthatthiswasMadameKarenina。
`Yourbrotherishere，’hesaid，standingup。`Excuseme，Ididnotknowyou，and，indeed，ouracquaintancewassoslight，’saidVronskybowing，`thatnodoubtyoudonotrememberme。’
`Oh，no，’saidshe，`IshouldhaveknownyoubecauseyourmotherandIhavebeentalking，Ithink，ofnothingbutyoualltheway。’Asshespokeshelettheanimationthatwouldinsistoncomingoutshowitselfinhersmile。`Andstillnosignofmybrother。’
`Docallhim，Aliosha，’saidtheoldcountess。
Vronskysteppedoutontotheplatformandshouted:`Oblonsky！
Here！’
MadameKarenina，however，didnotwaitforherbrother，butcatchingsightofhimshesteppedoutwithherlight，resolutestep。Andassoonasherbrotherhadreachedher，withagesturethatstruckVronskybyitsdecisionanditsgrace，sheflungherleftarmaroundhisneck，drewhimrapidlytoher，andkissedhimwarmly。Vronskylookedon，nevertakinghiseyesfromher，andsmiled，hecouldnothavesaidwhy。Butrecollectingthathismotherwaswaitingforhim，hewentbackagainintothecarriage。
`She’sverysweet，isn’tshe？’saidtheCountessofMadameKarenina。
`Herhusbandputherwithme，andIwasdelightedtohaveher。We’vebeentalkingalltheway。Andsoyou，Ihear……vousfilezleparfaitamour。
Tantmieux，moncher，tantmieux。’
`Idon’tknowwhatyouarereferringto，maman，’heansweredcoldly。`Come，maman，letusgo。’
MadameKareninaenteredthecarriageagaintosaygood-bytotheCountess。
`Well，Countess，youhavemetyourson，andImybrother，’shesaidgaily。`Andallmystoriesareexhausted；Ishouldhavenothingmoretotellyou。’
`Oh，no，’saidtheCountess，takingherhand。`Icouldgoallaroundtheworldwithyouandneverbedull。Youareoneofthosedelightfulwomeninwhosecompanyit’ssweeteithertobesilentortochat。Nowpleasedon’tfretoveryourson；youcan’texpectnevertobeparted。’
MadameKareninastoodquitestill，holdingherselfveryerect，andhereyesweresmiling。
`AnnaArkadyevna，’theCountesssaidinexplanationtoherson，`hasalittlesoneightyearsold，Ibelieve，andshehasneverbeenpartedfromhimbefore，andshekeepsfrettingoverleavinghim。’
`Yes，theCountessandIhavebeentalkingallthetime，Iofmysonandsheofhers，’saidMadameKarenina，andagainasmilelightedupherface-acaressingsmileintendedforhim。
`Iamafraidthatyoumusthavebeendreadfullybored，’hesaid，promptlycatchingtheballofcoquetryshehadflunghim。Butapparentlyshedidnotcaretopursuetheconversationinthatstrain，andsheturnedtotheoldCountess。
`Thankyousomuch。Thetimehaspassedsoquickly。Good-by，Countess。’
`Good-by，mylove，’answeredtheCountess。`Letmekissyourprettyface。Ispeakplainly，atmyage，andItellyousimplythatI’velostmyhearttoyou。’
Stereotypedasthephrasewas，MadameKareninaobviouslybelieveditandwasdelightedbyit。Sheflushed，bentdownslightly，andputhercheektotheCountes’sslips，drewherselfupagain，and，withthesamesmileflutteringbetweenherlipsandhereyes，shegaveherhandtoVronsky。
Hepressedthelittlehandshegavehim，andwasdelighted，asthoughatsomethingspecial，bytheenergeticsqueezewithwhichshefreelyandvigorouslyshookhishand。Shewentoutwiththerapidstepwhichboreherratherfullydevelopedfigurewithsuchstrangelightness。
`Verycharming，’saidtheCountess。
Thatwaspreciselywhathersonwasthinking。Hiseyesfollowedhertillhergracefulfigurewasoutofsight，andthenthesmileremainedonhisface。Hesawoutofthewindowhowshewentuptoherbrother，putherarminhis，andbegantellinghimsomethinganimatedly-obviouslysomethingthathadnothingtodowithhim，Vronsky，andatthathefeltannoyed。
`Well，maman，areyouperfectlywell？’herepeated，turningtohismother。
`Everythinghasbeendelightful。Alexandrehasbeenverygood，andMariehasgrownverypretty。She’sveryinteresting。’
Andshebegantellinghimagainofwhatinterestedhermost-
thechristeningofhergrandson，forwhichshehadbeenstayinginPeterburg，andthespecialfavorshownhereldersonbytheCzar。
`Here’sLavrentii，’saidVronsky，lookingoutofthewindow；`nowwecango，ifyoulike。’
TheoldbutlerwhohadtraveledwiththeCountesscametothecarriagetoannouncethateverythingwasready，andtheCountessgotuptogo。
`Come；there’snotsuchacrowdnow，’saidVronsky。
Themaidtookahandbagandthelapdog，thebutlerandaportertheotherbaggage。Vronskygavehismotherhisarm；butjustastheyweregettingoutofthecarriageseveralmenransuddenlybywithpanic-strickenfaces。Thestationmaster，too，ranbyinhisextraordinarilycoloredcap。
Obviouslysomethingunusualhadhappened。Thecrowdwasrunningtothetailendofthetrain。
`What？……What？……Where？……Flunghimself！……Crushed！……’washeardamongthecrowd。
StepanArkadyevich，withhissisteronhisarm，turnedback。Theytoolookedscared，andstoppedatthecarriagedoortoavoidthecrowd。
Theladiesgotin，whileVronskyandStepanArkadyevichfollowedthecrowdtofindoutdetailsofthedisaster。
Awatchman，eitherdrunkortoomuchmuffledupinthebitterfrost，hadnotheardthetrainmovingback，andhadbeencrushed。
BeforeVronskyandOblonskycamebacktheladiesheardthefactsfromthebutler。
OblonskyandVronskyhadbothseenthemutilatedcorpse。Oblonskywasevidentlydistressed。Hefrownedandseemedreadytocry。
`Ah，howawful！Ah，Anna，ifyouhadseenit！Ah，howawful！’
hekeptrepeating。
Vronskydidnotspeak；hishandsomefacewasserious，butperfectlycalm。
`Ah，ifyouhadseenit，Countess，’saidStepanArkadyevich。`Andhiswifewasthere……Itwasawfultoseeher！……Sheflungherselfonthebody。Theysayhewastheonlysupportofanimmensefamily。Howawful！’
`Couldn’tonedoanythingforher？’saidMadameKareninainanagitatedwhisper。
Vronskyglancedather，andimmediatelygotoutofthecarriage。
`I’llbebackdirectly，maman，’heremarked，turningroundinthedoorway。
Whenhecamebackafewminuteslater，StepanArkadyevichwasalreadyinconversationwiththeCountessaboutanewsinger，whileshewasimpatientlylookingtowardthedoor，waitingforherson。
`Nowletusbeoff，’saidVronsky，comingin。
Theywentouttogether。Vronskywasinfrontwithhismother。
BehindwalkedMadameKareninawithherbrother。JustastheyweregoingoutofthestationthestationmasterovertookVronsky。
`Yougavemyassistanttwohundredroubles。Wouldyoukindlyexplainforwhosebenefityouintendthem？’
`Forthewidow，’saidVronsky，shrugginghisshoulders。`Ishouldhavethoughttherewasnoneedtoask。’
`Yougavethat？’criedOblonskybehind，and，pressinghissister’shand，headded:`Mostcharming，mostcharming！Isn’theafinefellow？
Good-by，Countess。’
Andheandhissisterstoodstill，lookingforhermaid。
WhentheywentouttheVronsky’scarriagehadalreadydrivenaway。
Peoplecominginwerestilltalkingofwhathadhappened。
`Whatahorribledeath！’saidagentleman，passingby。`Theysayhewascutintwo。’
`Onthecontrary，Ithinkit’stheeasiest-instantaneous，’observedanother。
`Howisittheydon’ttakeproperprecautions？’athirdwassaying。
MadameKareninaseatedherselfinthecarriage，andStepanArkadyevichsawwithsurprisethatherlipswerequivering，andthatshewaswithdifficultyrestraininghertears。
`Whatisit，Anna？’heasked，whentheyhaddrivenafewhundredsagenes。
`It’sanomenofevil，’shesaid。
`Whatnonsense！’saidStepanArkadyevich。`You’vecome，that’sthechiefthing。Youcan’tconceivehowI’mrestingmyhopesonyou。’
`HaveyouknownVronskylong？sheasked。
`Yes。Youknowwe’rehopinghewillmarryKitty。’
`Yes？’saidAnnasoftly。`Comenow，letustalkofyou，’sheadded，tossingherhead，asthoughshewouldphysicallyshakeoffsomethingsuperfluousoppressingher。`Letustalkofyouraffairs。Igotyourletter，andhereIam。’
`Yes，allmyhopesareinyou，’saidStepanArkadyevich。
`Well，tellmeallaboutit。’
AndStepanArkadyevichbeganhisstory。
OnreachinghomeOblonskyhelpedhissisterout，sighed，pressedherhand，andsetofftohisoffice。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter19[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter19WhenAnnaenteredthetinydrawingroom，shefoundDollysittingtherewithawhite-headedplumplittleboy，alreadyresemblinghisfather；shewaslisteningtoalessoninFrenchreading。Astheboyread，hekepttwistingandtryingtotearoffabuttonthatwasnearlyoffhisjacket。Hismotherhadseveraltimestakenhishandfromit，buttheplumplittlehandwentbacktothebuttonagain。Hismotherpulledthebuttonoffandputitinherpocket。
`Keepyourhandsstill，Grisha，’shesaid，andshetookupherwork，acoverletshehadlongbeenmaking。Shealwayssettoworkonitatdepressedmoments，andnowsheknittedatitnervously，twitchingherfingersandcountingthestitches。Thoughshehadsentwordthedaybeforetoherhusbandthatitwasnothingtoherwhetherhissistercameornot，shehadmadeeverythingreadyforherarrival，andwasexpectinghersister-in-lawwithagitation。
Dollywascrushedbyhersorrow，utterlyswallowedupbyit。StillshedidnotforgetthatAnna，hersister-in-law，wasthewifeofoneofthemostimportantpersonagesinPeterburg，andwasaPeterburggrandedame。And，thankstothiscircumstance，shedidnotcarryoutherthreattoherhusband-thatistosay，shehadnotforgottenthathersister-in-lawwascoming。`And，afterall，Annaisinnowisetoblame，’thoughtDolly。
`Iknownothingsavetheverybestabouther，andIhaveseennothingbutkindnessandaffectionfromhertowardmyself。’ItwastruethatasfarasshecouldrecallherimpressionsatPeterburgattheKarenin’s，shedidnotliketheirhouseholditself；therewassomethingartificialaboutthewholearrangementoftheirfamilylife。`ButwhyshouldInotreceiveher？Ifonlyshedoesn’ttakeitintoherheadtoconsoleme！’thoughtDolly。`AllconsolationsandexhortationsandChristianforgiveness-I
havethoughtallthisoverathousandtimes，andit’sallnouse。’
AllthesedaysDollyhadbeenalonewithherchildren。Shedidnotwanttotalkofhersorrow，butwiththatsorrowinherheartshecouldnottalkofoutsidematters。
SheknewthatinonewayoranothershewouldtellAnnaeverything，andshewasalternatelygladatthethoughtofspeakingfreely，andangryatthenecessityofspeakingofherhumiliationwithher，hissister，andofhearingherready-madephrasesofexhortationandconsolation。
Shehadbeenonthelookoutforher，glancingatherwatcheveryminute，and，asoftenhappens，letslipthatpreciseminutewhenhervisitorarrived，sothatshedidnothearthebell。
Catchingthesoundofskirtsandoflightstepsatthedoor，shelookedround，andhercarewornfaceunconsciouslyexpressednotgladness，butwonder。Shegotupandembracedhersister-in-law。
`What，herealready？’shesaidasshekissedher。
`Dolly，howgladIamtoseeyou！’
`Iamglad，too，’saidDolly，faintlysmiling，andtryingbytheexpressionofAnna’sfacetofindoutwhethersheknew。`Mostlikelysheknows，’shethought，noticingthesympathyinAnna’sface。`Well，comealong，I’lltakeyoutoyourroom，’shewenton，tryingtodeferaslongaspossiblethetimeofexplanation。
`IsthisGrisha？Heavens，howhe’sgrown！’saidAnna；andkissinghim，nevertakinghereyesoffDolly，shestoodstillandflushed。`No，please，letusstayhere。’
Shetookoffhershawlandherhat，andcatchingitinalockofherblackhair，whichwasamassofcurls，shetossedherheadandshookherhairdown。
`Youareradiantwithhealthandhappiness！’saidDolly，almostwithenvy。
`I？……Yes，’saidAnna。`Mercifulheavens，Tania！You’rethesameageasmySeriozha，’sheadded，addressingthelittlegirlassheranin。
Shetookherinherarmsandkissedher。`Delightfulchild，delightful！
Showmethemall。’
Shementionedthem，notonlyrememberingthenames，buttheyears，months，characters，illnessesofallthechildren，andDollycouldnotbutappreciatethat。
`Verywell，wewillgotothem，’shesaid。`It’sapityVassia’sasleep。’
Afterseeingthechildren，theysatdown，alonenow，inthedrawingroom，tocoffee。Annatookthetray，andthenpusheditawayfromher。
`Dolly，’shesaid，`hehastoldme。’
DollylookedcoldlyatAnna；shewaswaitingnowforhypocriticallysympatheticphrases，butAnnasaidnothingofthesort。
`Dolly，darling，’shesaid，`Idon’twanttointercedeforhim，nortotrytocomfortyou-that’simpossible。But，mydearest，I’msimplysorry，sorryfrommyheartforyou！’
Underthethicklashesofhershiningeyestearssuddenlyglittered。
Shemovednearertohersister-in-lawandtookherhandinherown，vigorousandlittle。Dollydidnotshrinkaway，butherfacedidnotloseitsfrigidexpression。Shesaid:
`Tocomfortmeisimpossible。Everything’slostafterwhathashappened，everything’sover！’
Anddirectlyshehadsaidthis，herfacesuddenlysoftened。Annaliftedthewasted，thinhandofDolly，kisseditandsaid:
`But，Dolly，what’stobedone，what’stobedone？Howisitbesttoactinthisawfulposition-that’swhatyoumustthinkof。’
`All’sover，andthere’snothingmore，’saidDolly。`Andtheworstofitallis，yousee，thatIcan’tcasthimoff:therearethechildren-myhandsaretied。AndIcan’tlivewithhim！It’satortureformetoseehim。’
`Dolly，darling，hehasspokentome，butIwanttohearitfromyou:tellmeallaboutit。’
Dollylookedatherinquiringly。
SympathyandloveunfeignedwereapparentonAnna’sface。
`Verywell，’shesuddenlysaid。`ButIwillbeginatthebeginning。
YouknowhowIwasmarried。WiththeeducationmamangaveusIwasmorethaninnocent-Iwasfoolish。Iknewnothing。Theysay，Iknow，mentelltheirwivesoftheirformerlives，butStiva’-shecorrectedherself-
`StepanArkadyevichtoldmenothing。You’llhardlybelieveit，buttillnowIimaginedthatIwastheonlywomanhehadknown。SoIlivedeightyears。YoumustunderstandthatIwasnotonlyfarfromsuspectinginfidelity，butIregardeditasimpossible，andthen-trytoimagineit-withsuchconceptionstofindoutsuddenlyallthehorror，alltheloathsomeness……
Youmusttryandunderstandme。Tobefullyconvincedofone’shappiness，andallatonce……’continuedDolly，holdingbackhersobs，`Togetaletter……
Hislettertohismistress，agovernessinmyemploy。No，it’stooawful！’
Shehastilypulledoutherhandkerchiefandhidherfaceinit。`Icanunderstandifitwerepassion，’shewenton，afterabriefsilence，`buttodeceivemedeliberately，slyly……Andwithwhom？……Togoonbeingmyhusbandwhileheandshe……It’sawful！Youcan’tunderstand……’
`Oh，yes，Iunderstand！Iunderstand！Dolly，dearest，Idounderstand，’
saidAnna，pressingherhand。
`Anddoyouimagineherealizesalltheawfulnessofmyposition？
Dollyresumed。`Notintheslightest！He’shappyandcontented。’
`Oh，no！’Annainterposedquickly。`He’stobepitied，he’sweigheddownbyremorse……’
`Ishecapableofremorse？’Dollyinterrupted，gazingintentlyintohersister-in-law’sface。
`Yes。Iknowhim。Icouldnotlookathimwithoutfeelingsorryforhim。Webothknowhim。He’sgood-natured，buthe’sproud，andnowhe’ssohumiliated。Whattouchedmemost……’(AndhereAnnaguessedwhatwouldtouchDollymost。)`He’storturedbytwothings:thathe’sashamedforthechildren’ssake，andthat，lovingyou-yes，yes，lovingyoubeyondeverythingonearth，’shehurriedlyinterruptedDolly，whowouldhaverejoined-`hehashurtyou，piercedyoutotheheart。``No，no，shecannotforgiveme，’’hekeepsonsaying。’
Dollylookedpensivelypasthersister-in-lawasshelistenedtoherwords。
`Yes，Icanseethathispositionisawful；it’sworsefortheguiltythantheinnocent，’shesaid，`ifhefeelsthatallthemiserycomesfromhisfault。ButhowamItoforgivehim，howamItobehiswifeagainafterher？Formetolivewithhimnowwouldbetorture，justbecauseI
lovemypastloveforhim……’
Andsobscutshortherwords。
Butasthoughofsetdesign，eachtimeshewassoftenedshebegantospeakagainofwhatexasperatedher。
`She’syoung，yousee，she’spretty，’shewenton。`Doyouknow，Anna，myyouthandmybeautyaregone，takenbywhom？Byhimandhischildren。
Ihaveworkedforhim，andallIhadhasgoneinhisservice，andnowofcourseanyfresh，vulgarcreaturehasmorecharmforhim。Nodoubttheytalkedofmetogether，or，worsestill，theyweresilentaboutme……Doyouunderstand？’
Againhereyesglowedwithhatred。
`Andafterthathewilltellme……What！AmItobelievehim？
Never！No，everythingisover，everythingthatonceconstitutedmycomfort，therewardofmyworkandofmysufferings……Wouldyoubelieveit？IwasteachingGrishajustnow:oncethiswasajoytome，nowitisatorture。
WhathaveItostriveandtoilfor？Whytohavechildren？What’ssoawfulisthatallatoncemyheart’sturned，andinsteadofloveandtenderness，Ihavenothingbuthatredforhim；yes，hatred。Icouldkillhimand……’
`DarlingDolly，Iunderstand，butdon’ttortureyourselfYouaresoinsulted，soexcited，thatyoulookatmanythingsmistakenly。’
Dollygrewcalmer，andfortwominutesbothweresilent。
`What’stobedone？Thinkforme，Anna，helpme。Ihavethoughtovereverything，andIseenothing。’
Annacouldnotfindanything，butherheartechoedinstantlytoeachword，toeachchangeofexpressiononhersister-in-law’sface。
`OnethingIwouldsay，’beganAnna。`Iamhissister，Iknowhischaracter，thatfacultyofforgettingeverything，everything’(shewavedherhandbeforeherforehead)，`thatfacultyforbeingcompletelycarriedaway，butforcompletelyrepenting，too。Hecannotbelieveit，hecannotcomprehendnow，howhecouldhaveactedashedid。’
`No；heunderstands，andunderstood！’Dollybrokein。`ButI……
Youareforgettingme……Doesthatmakeiteasierforme？’
`Waitaminute。Whenhetoldme，IwillownIdidnotrealizeallthehorrorofyourposition。Isawnothingbuthim，andthatthefamilywasbrokenup。Ifeltsorryforhim，butaftertalkingtoyou，Iseeit，asawoman，quitedifferently。Iseeyouragony，andIcan’ttellyouhowsorryIamforyou！But，Dolly，darling，whileIfullyrealizeyoursufferings，thereisonethingIdon’tknow；Idon’tknow……Idon’tknowhowmuchlovethereisstillinyourheartforhim。Thatyouknow-whetherthereisenoughforyoutobeabletoforgivehim。Ifthereis-forgivehim！’
`No，’Dollywasbeginning，butAnnacuthershort，kissingherhandoncemore。
`Iknowmoreoftheworldthanyoudo，’shesaid。IknowhowmenlikeStivalookatit。Youspeakofhistalkingofyouwithher。Thatneverhappened。Suchmenareunfaithful，buttheirownhomeandwifearesacredtothem。Somehoworotherthesewomenarestilllookedonwithcontemptbythem，anddonottouchontheirfeelingfortheirfamily。Theydrawasortoflinethatcan’tbecrossedbetweenthemandtheirfamilies。I
don’tunderstandit，butitisso。’
`Yes，buthehaskissedher……’
`Dolly，hush，darling。IsawStivawhenhewasinlovewithyou。
Irememberthetimewhenhecametomeandcried，talkingofyou，andofwhatapoetryandloftinessyouwereforhim，andIknowthatthelongerhehaslivedwithyoutheloftieryouhavebeeninhiseyes。Youknowwehavesometimeslaughedathimforputtinginateveryword:`Dolly’samarvelouswoman。’havealwaysbeenadivinityforhim，andyouarethatstill，andthishasnotbeenapassionoftheheart……
`Butifitberepeated？’
`Itcannotbe，asIunderstandit……
`Yes，butcouldyouforgiveit？’
`Idon’tknow，Ican’tjudge……No，Icanjudge，’saidAnna，thinkingamoment；andgraspingthepositioninherthoughtandweighingitinherinnerbalance，sheadded:`Yes，Ican，Ican，Ican。Yes，Icouldforgive。
Icouldnotbethesame，no；butIcouldforgive，andforgiveasthoughithadneverbeen，neverbeenatall……’
`Oh，ofcourse，’Dollyinterposedquickly，asthoughsayingwhatshehadmorethanoncethought，`elseitwouldnotbeforgiveness。Ifoneforgives，itmustbecompletely，completely。Come，letusgo；I’lltakeyoutoyourroom，’shesaid，gettingup，andonthewaysheembracedAnna。
`Mydear，howgladIamyoucame。Ithasmadethingsbetter，eversomuchbetter。’
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter20[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter20ThewholeofthatdayAnnaspentathome-thatis，attheOblonsky’s，andreceivednoone，thoughsomeofheracquaintanceshadalreadyheardofherarrival，andcametocallthesameday。AnnaspentthewholemorningwithDollyandthechildren。Shemerelysentabriefnotetoherbrothertotellhimthathemustnotfailtodineathome。`Come，Godismerciful，’
shewrote。
Oblonskydiddineathome:theconversationwasgeneral，andhiswife，speakingtohim，addressedhimas`Stiva，’asshehadnotdoneforsometimepast。Intherelationsofhusbandandwifethesameestrangementstillremained，buttherewasnotalkofseparation，andStepanArkadyevichsawthepossibilityofexplanationandreconciliation。
ImmediatelyafterdinnerKittycamein。SheknewAnnaArkadyevna，butonlyveryslightly，andshecamenowtohersister’swithsometrepidation，attheprospectofmeetingthisfashionablePeterburglady，ofwhomeveryonespokesohighly。ButshemadeafavorableimpressiononAnnaArkadyevna-sheperceivedthatatonce。Annawasunmistakablyadmiringherlovelinessandheryouth:beforeKittyknewwhereshewasshefoundherselfnotmerelyunderAnna’ssway，butinlovewithher，asyounggirlsdofallinlovewitholderandmarriedwomen。Annadidnotresembleafashionablelady，orthemotherofaboyeightyearsold。Intheelasticityofhermovements，thefreshnessandtheanimationwhichpersistedinherfaceandbrokeoutinhersmileandherglance，shewouldratherhavepassedforagirloftwenty，haditnotbeenforaseriousand，attimes，amournfullookinhereyes，whichstruckandattractedKitty。KittyfeltthatAnnawasperfectlysimpleandwasconcealingnothing，butthatshehadanotherhigherworldofinterests，complexandpoetic，whichwereinaccessibletoKitty。
Afterdinner，whenDollywithdrewtoherownroom，Annarosequicklyandwentuptoherbrother，whowasjustlightingacigar。
`Stiva，’shesaidtohim，winkinggaily，makingthesignofthecrossoverhim，andglancingtowardthedoor，`go，andGodhelpyou。
Hetossedawayhiscigar，havingunderstoodher，anddepartedthroughthedoorway。
WhenStepanArkadyevichhaddisappeared，shewentbacktothesofawhereshehadbeensitting，surroundedbythechildren。Eitherbecausethechildrensawthattheirmotherwasfondofthisaunt，orthattheythemselvessensedaspecialcharminher，thetwoelderones，andtheyoungerfollowingtheirlead，aschildrensooftendo，hadclungabouttheirnewauntsincebeforedinner，andwouldnotleaveherside。Andithadbecomeasortofgameamongthemtositascloseaspossibletotheiraunt，totouchher，holdherlittlehand，kissit，playwithherring，oreventouchtheflounceofherskirt。
`Come，come，asweweresittingbefore，’saidAnnaArkadyevna，sittingdowninherplace。
AndagainGrishapokedhislittlefaceunderherarm，andnestledwithhisheadonhergown，beamingwithprideandhappiness。
`Andwhenisyournextball？’sheaskedKitty。
`Nextweek-andasplendidball。Oneofthoseballswhereonealwaysenjoysoneself。’
`Why，arethereballswhereonealwaysenjoysoneself？’Annasaid，withtenderirony。
`It’sstrange，butthereare。AttheBobrishchev’sonealwaysenjoysoneself，andattheNikitin’stoo，whileattheMezhkov’sit’salwaysdull。Haven’tyounoticedit？’
`No，mydear，formetherearenoballsnowwhereoneenjoysoneself，’
saidAnna，andKittydetectedinhereyesthatpeculiarworldwhichwasnotrevealedtoher。`Formetherearesomewhicharelessdullandtiresomethanothers。’
`Howcanyoubedullataball？’
`WhyshouldnotIbedullataball？’inquiredAnna。
KittyperceivedthatAnnaknewwhatanswerwouldfollow。
`Becauseyoualwayslooktheloveliestofall。’
Annahadthefacultyofblushing。Sheblushed，andsaid:
`Inthefirstplaceit’sneverso；andsecondly，ifitwere，whatdifferencewoulditmaketome？’
`Areyoucomingtothisball？askedKitty。
`Iimagineitwon’tbepossibletoavoidgoing。Here，takeit，’
shesaidtoTania，whowaspullingthelooselyfittingringoffherwhite，slender-tippedfinger。
`Ishallbesogladifyougo。Ishouldsoliketoseeyouataball。’
`Anyway，ifIdogo，Ishallcomfortmyselfwiththethoughtthatit’sapleasuretoyou……Grisha，don’tpullmyhair。It’suntidyenoughwithoutthat，’shesaid，puttingupastrayinglock，whichGrishahadbeenplayingwith。
`Iimagineyouattheballinlilac。’
`Andwhyinlilac，precisely？’askedAnna，smiling。`Now，children，runalong，runalong。Doyouhear？MissHooleiscallingyoutotea，’shesaidtearingthechildrenfromher，andsendingthemofftothediningroom。
`Iknowwhyyoupressmetocometotheball。Youexpectagreatdealofthisball，andyouwanteveryonetobethereandtakepartinit。’
`Howdoyouknow？Yes！’
`Oh！Whatahappytimeyouareat，’pursuedAnna。`Iremember，andIknowthisbluehaze，likethemistonthemountainsinSwitzerland。
Thismist，whichcoverseverythinginthatblissfultimewhenchildhoodisjustending，andoutofthatvastcircle，happyandgay，thereisapathgrowingnarrowerandnarrower，anditisdelightfulandalarmingtoentertheballroom，brightandsplendidasitis……Whohasnotbeenthroughit？’
Kittysmiledwithoutspeaking。`Buthowdidshegothroughit？
HowIshouldliketoknowallherlovestory！’thoughtKitty，recallingtheunromanticappearanceofAlexeiAlexandrovich，herhusband。
`Iknowsomething。Stivatoldme，andIcongratulateyou。Ilikedhimsomuch，’Annacontinued。`ImetVronskyattherailwaystation。’
`Oh，washethere？’askedKitty，blushing。`WhatwasitStivatoldyou？’
`Stivablabbedaboutitall。AndIshouldbesoglad。ItraveledyesterdaywithVronsky’smother，’shewenton；`andhismothertalkedwithoutapauseofhim；he’sherfavorite。Iknowmothersarepartial，but……’
`Whatdidhismothertellyou？’
`Oh，agreatdeal！AndalthoughIknowthathe’sherfavorite，onecanstillseehowchivalrousheis……Well，forinstance，shetoldmethathehadwantedtogiveupallhispropertytohisbrother；thathehaddonesomethingextraordinarywhenhewasquiteachild-savedawomanfromthewater。He’sahero，infact，’saidAnna，smilingandrecollectingthetwohundredroubleshehadgivenatthestation。
ButshedidnottellKittyaboutthetwohundredroubles。Forsomereasonitwasdisagreeabletohertothinkofit。Shefeltthattherewassomethingthathadtodowithherinit，andsomethingthatoughtnottohavebeen。
`Shepressedmeverymuchtogoandseeher，’Annawenton；`andIshallbegladtogotoseehertomorrow。StivaisstayingalongwhileinDolly’sroom，thankGod，’Annaadded，changingthesubject，andgettingup，Kittyfancied，displeasedwithsomething。
`No，I’mfirst！No，I！’screamedthechildren，whohadfinishedtea，runninguptotheirAuntAnna。
`Alltogether，’saidAnna，andsheranlaughingtomeetthem，and，embracingthem，threwallthechildren，shriekingwithdelight，intoaswarmingheap。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter21[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter21Dollycameoutofherroomtotheteaofthegrownups。StepanArkadyevichdidnotcomeout。Hemusthavelefthiswife’sroombyabackdoor。
`Iamafraidyou’llbecoldupstairs，’observedDolly，addressingAnna；`Iwanttomoveyoudownstairs，andweshallbenearer。’
`Oh，please，don’ttroubleaboutme，’answeredAnna，lookingintentlyintoDolly’sface，tryingtomakeoutwhethertherehadbeenareconciliationornot。
`Itwillbelighterforyouhere，’answeredhersister-in-law。
`IassureyouthatIcansleeplikeamarmotanywhereandanytime。’
`What’sallthis？’inquiredStepanArkadyevich，comingoutofhisroomandaddressinghiswife。
FromhistonebothKittyandAnnaatoncegatheredthatareconciliationhadtakenplace。
`IwanttomoveAnnadownstairs，butwemusthangupblinds。Nooneknowshowtodoit；Imustseetoitmyself，’answeredDollyaddressinghim。
`Godknowswhethertheyarefullyreconciled，’thoughtAnna，hearinghertone，coldandcomposed。
`Come，Dolly，whybealwaysmakingdifficulties，’answeredherhusband。`There，I’lldoitall，ifyoulike……’
`Iknowhowyoudoeverything，’answeredDolly。`YoutellMatveitodowhatcan’tbedone，andgoawayyourself，leavinghimtomakeamuddleofeverything，’andherhabitual，mockingsmilecurvedthecornersofDolly’slipsasshespoke。
`Full，fullreconciliation-full，’thoughtAnna，`thankGod！’
andrejoicingthatshewasthecauseofit，shewentuptoDollyandkissedher。
`Notatall。WhydoyoualwayslookdownonmeandMatvei？’saidStepanArkadyevich，smilinghardlyperceptibly，andaddressinghiswife。
ThewholeeveningDollywas，asalways，alittlemockinginhertonetoherhusband，whileStepanArkadyevichwashappyandcheerful，yetnotsoastoseemasif，havingbeenforgiven，hehadforgottenhisfault。
Athalf-pastnineo’clockaparticularlyjoyfulandpleasantfamilyconversationovertheteatableattheOblonsky’swasbrokenupbyanapparentlysimpleincident。Butthissimpleincidentforsomereasonstruckeveryoneasstrange。HavingbeguntalkingaboutcommonacquaintancesinPeterburg，Annagotupquickly。
`Sheisinmyalbum，’shesaid；`and，bytheway，I’llshowyoumySeriozha，’sheadded，withamother’ssmileofpride。
Towardteno’clock，whensheusuallysaidgoodnighttoherson，andoften，beforegoingtoaballputhimtobedherself，shefeltdepressedatbeingsofarfromhim；andwhatevershewastalkingabout，shekeptcomingbackinthoughttohercurly-headedSeriozha。Shelongedtolookathisphotographandtalkofhim。Seizingthefirstpretext，shegotup，andwithherlight，resolutestepwentforheralbum。Thestairsuptoherroomcameoutonthelandingofthegreatwarmmainstaircase。
Justasshewasleavingthedrawingroom，aringwasheardinthehall。
`Whocanthatbe？’saidDolly。
`It’stooearlyformetobefetched，andforanyoneelseit’stoolate，’observedKitty。
`It’ssuretobesomeonewithpapersforme，’putinStepanArkadyevich。
WhenAnnawaspassingthetopofthestaircase，aservantwasrunninguptoannouncethevisitor，whilethevisitorhimselfwasstandingunderalamp。Anna，glancingdown，atoncerecognizedVronsky，andastrangefeelingofpleasureand，atthesametime，ofsomedread，stirredinherheart。
Hestoodthere，withouttakingoffhiscoat，andpullingsomethingoutofhispocket。Attheinstantwhenshewasjusthalfwayupthestairsheraisedhiseyes，caughtsightofher，andtheexpressionofhisfacechangedtoembarrassmentanddismay。Withaslightinclinationofherheadshepassed，hearingbehindherStepanArkadyevich’sloudvoicecallinghimtocomeup，andthequiet，soft，andcalmvoiceofVronskyrefusing。
WhenAnnareturnedwiththealbumhewasalreadygone，andStepanArkadyevichwastellingthemthathehadcalledtoinquireaboutthedinnertheyweregivingnextdaytoaforeigncelebrity。
`Andnothingwouldinducehimtocomeup。Whataqueerfellowheis！’addedStepanArkadyevich。
Kittyblushed。Shethoughtthatshewastheonlypersonwhoknewwhyhehadcome，andwhyhewouldnotcomeup。`Hehasbeenathome，’shethought，`anddidn’tfindme，andthoughtIshouldbehere，buthedidnotcomeupbecausehethoughtitlate，andAnna’shere。’
Allofthemlookedateachother，sayingnothing，andbegantolookatAnna’salbum。
Therewasnothingeitherexceptionalorstrangeinaman’scallingathalf-pastnineonafriendtoinquiredetailsofaproposeddinnerpartyandnotcomingin，yetitseemedstrangetoallofthem。AndtoAnnaitseemedstrangerandmoreunpleasantthantoanyoftheothers。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter22[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter22TheballwasonlyjustbeginningasKittyandhermotherwalkedupthegreatstaircase，floodedwithlight，andlinedwithflowersandfootmeninpowderandredcoats。Fromtheroomscameaconstant，steadynoise，likethatofahiveaswarm；andastheyweregivingthefinallittletouchestohairanddressesbeforeamirroronthelandingbetweenpottedtrees，theyheard，comingfromtheballroom，thegentlydistinctnotesofthefiddlesoftheorchestra，beginningthefirstwaltz。Alittleancientinciviliandress，arranginghisgraycurlsbeforeanothermirror，anddiffusinganodorofscent，stumbledagainstthemonthestairs，andstoodaside，evidentlyadmiringKitty，whomhedidnotknow。Abeardlessyouth，oneofthosesocietyyouthswhomtheoldPrinceShcherbatskycalledwhelps，inanexceedinglyopenwaistcoat，straighteninghiswhitetieashewent，bowedtothemandafterrunningby，camebacktoaskKittyforaquadrille。
AsthefirstquadrillehadalreadybeengiventoVronsky，shehadtopromisethisyouththesecond。Anofficer，buttoninghisglove，stoodasideinthedoorway，and，strokinghismustache，admiredtherosyKitty。
Althoughherdress，hercoiffure，andallthepreparationsfortheballhadcostKittymuchtroubleandplanning，atthismomentshewalkedintotheballroomintheelaboratetulledressoverapinkslipasunconcernedlyandsimplyasthoughalltherosettesandlace，alltheminutedetailsofherattire，hadnotcostherorherfamilyamoment’sattention，asthoughshehadbeenborninthistulleandlace，withthistoweringcoiffure，surmountedbyaroseandtwosmallleaves。
When，justbeforeenteringtheballroom，theoldPrincesstriedtoadjustasashribbonthathadbecometwisted，Kittyhaddrawnbackalittle。Shefeltthateverythingmustberightofitself，andgraceful，andthatnothingcouldneedsettingstraight。
Kittyhadoneofhergooddays。Herdresswasnotuncomfortableanywhere；herlaceberthadidnotdroopanywhere；herrosetteswereneithercrushednortornoff；herpinkslipperswithhigh，curvingheelsdidnotpinch，butgladdenedhertinyfeet；andthethickbandeauxoffairhairkeptuponherhead。Allthethreebuttonsbuttonedupwithouttearingonthelongglovethatcoveredherhandwithoutconcealingitslines。Theblackvelvetribbonofherlocketnestledwithspecialtendernessroundherneck。Thisvelvetribbonwasadarling；athome，regardingherneckinthelookingglass，Kittyhadfeltthatthatvelvetwasspeaking。Aboutalltheresttheremightbeadoubt，butthevelvetribbonwasadarling。
Kittysmiledheretoo，attheball，whensheglancedatitintheglass。
HerbareshouldersandarmsgaveKittyasensationofchillmarble-asensationsheparticularlyliked。Hereyessparkled，andherrosylipscouldnothelpbutsmilefromtheconsciousnessoftheirownattractiveness。
Shehadscarcelyenteredtheballroomandreachedthetulle-ribbon-lace-coloredthrongofladies，waitingtobeaskedtodance-Kittywasneveroneofthatthrong-whenshewasaskedforawaltz，andaskedbythebestpartner，thefirststarinthehierarchyoftheballroom，arenownedconductorofthedancesandmasterofceremonies，marriedman，handsomeandwellbuilt，IegorushkaKorsunsky。HehadonlyjustlefttheCountessBanina，withwhomhehaddancedthefirstturnofthewaltz，and，scanninghisdemesne-
thatistosay，afewcoupleswhohadstarteddancing-hecaughtsightofKittyentering，andflewuptoherwiththatpeculiar，easyamblewhichisconfinedtoconductorsofthedances。Bowingandwithoutevenaskingherifshecaredtodance，heputouthisarmtoencircleherslenderwaist。
Shelookedroundforsomeonetogiveherfanto，andtheirhostess，smilingtoher，tookit。
`Howgoodofyoutocomeingoodtime，’hesaidtoher，embracingherwaist；`suchabadhabittobelate。’
Bendingherleftarm，shelaiditonhisshoulder，andherlittlefeetintheirpinkslippersbeganswiftly，lightly，andrhythmicallymovingovertheslipperyfloorintimetothemusic。
`It’saresttowaltzwithyou，’hesaidtoher，astheyfellintothefirstslowstepsofthewaltz。`It’scharming-suchlightness，precision。’Hesaidtoherthesamethinghesaidtoalmostallhispartnerswhomheknewwell。
Shesmiledathispraise，andcontinuedtolookabouttheroomoverhisshoulder。Shewasnotlikeagirlatherfirstball，forwhomallfacesintheballroommeltintoonevisionoffairyland。Andshewasnotagirlwhohadgonethestaleroundofballstilleveryfaceintheballroomwasfamiliarandtiresome。Butshewasinthemiddlestagebetweenthesetwo；shewasexcited，andatthesametimeshehadsufficientself-possessiontobeabletoobserve。Intheleftcorneroftheballroomshesawtheveryflowerofsocietygroupedtogether。There-impossiblynaked-wasthebeautyLiddy，Korsunsky’swife；therewastheladyofthehouse；thereshonethebaldpateofKrivin，alwaystobefoundwhereverthebestpeoplewere；inthatdirectiongazedtheyoungmen，notventuringtoapproach；
there，too，shedescriedStiva，andthereshesawthecharmingfigureandheadofAnnainablackvelvetgown。Andhewasthere。KittyhadnotseenhimsincetheeveningsherefusedLevin。Withherfarsightedeyes，knewhimatonce，andwasevenawarethathewaslookingather。
`Anotherturn，eh？You’renottired？’saidKorsunsky，alittleoutofbreath。
`No，thankyou！’
`WhereshallItakeyou？’
`MadameKarenina’shere，Ithink……Takemetoher。’
`Whereveryoucommand。’
AndKorsunskybeganwaltzingwithmeasuredstepsstraighttowardthegroupintheleftcorner，continuallysaying，`Pardon，mesdames，pardon，pardon，mesdames，’andsteeringhiscoursethroughtheseaoflace，tulleandribbon，andnotdisarrangingafeather，heturnedhispartnersharplyround，sothatherslimankles，inlight，transparentstockings，wereexposedtoview，andhertrainfloatedoutinfanshapeandcoveredKrivin’sknees。Korsunskybowed，setstraighthisopenshirtfront，andgaveherhisarmtoconducthertoAnnaArkadyevna。Kitty，flushed，tookhertrainfromKrivin’sknees，and，alittlegiddy，lookedround，seekingAnna。Annawasnotinlilac，asKittyhadsourgentlywished，butinablack，low-cut，velvetgown，showingherfullshouldersandbosom，thatlookedasthoughcarvedinoldivory，andherroundedarms，withtiny，slenderhands。ThewholegownwastrimmedwithVenetianguipure。Onherhead，amongherblackhair-herown，withnofalseadditions-wasalittlewreathofpansies，andasimilaroneontheblackribbonofhersash，amongwhitelace。Hercoiffurewasnotstriking。Allthatwasnoticeablewasthelittlewillfultendrilsofhercurlyhairthatpersistedinescapingonthenapeofherneck，andonhertemples。Encirclinghersculptured，strongneckwasathreadofpearls。
KittyhadbeenseeingAnnaeveryday；sheadoredher，andhadpicturedherinvariablyinlilac。Butnow，seeingherinblack，shefeltthatshehadnotfullyperceivedhercharm。Shesawhernowassomeonequitenewandsurprisingtoher。NowsheunderstoodthatAnnacouldnothavebeeninlilac，andthathercharmwaspreciselyinthatshealwaysstoodoutagainstherattire，thatherdresscouldneverbenoticeableonher。Andherblackdress，withitssumptuouslace，wasnotnoticeableonher；itwasonlytheframeandallthatwasseenwasshe-simple，natural，elegant，andatthesametimegayandanimated。
Shewasstanding，asalways，veryerect，andwhenKittydrewnearthegroupshewasspeakingtothemasterofthehouse，herheadslightlyturnedtowardhim。
`No，Iwon’tcastastone，’shewassaying，inanswertosomething，`thoughIcan’tunderstanditshewenton，shrugginghershoulders，andsheturnedatoncewithasoftsmileofprotectiontowardKitty。Withacursoryfeminineglanceshescannedherattire，andmadeamovementofherhead，hardlyperceptible，butunderstoodbyKitty，signifyingapprovalofherdressandherlooks。`Youcameintotheroomdancing，’sheadded。
`Thisisoneofmymostfaithfulsupporters，’saidKorsunsky，bowingtoAnnaArkadyevna，whomhehadnotyetseen。`ThePrincesshelpstomakeanyballfestiveandsuccessful。AnnaArkadyevna，awaltz？’hesaid，bendingdowntoher。
`Why，haveyoumet？’inquiredtheirhost。
`Isthereanyonewehavenotmet？MywifeandIarelikewhitewolves-everyoneknowsus，’answeredKorsunsky。`Awaltz，AnnaArkadyevna？’
`Idon’tdancewheneverit’spossiblenotto，’shesaid。
`Buttonightit’simpossible，’answeredKorsunsky。
DuringtheconversationVronskywasapproachingthem。
`Well，sinceit’simpossibletonight，letusstart，’shesaid，notnoticingVronsky’sbow，andhastilyputherhandonKorsunsky’sshoulder。
`Whatisshevexedwithhimabout？’thoughtKitty，discerningthatAnnahadintentionallynotrespondedtoVronsky’sbow。VronskywentuptoKitty，remindingherofthefirstquadrille，andexpressinghisregretatnothavingseenherallthistime。KittygazedinadmirationatAnnawaltzing，asshelistenedtohim。Sheexpectedhimtoaskherforawaltz，buthedidnot，andsheglancedwonderinglyathim。Heflushed，andhurriedlyaskedhertowaltz，buthehadbarelyputhisarmroundherslenderwaistandtakenthefirststepwhenthemusicsuddenlystopped。Kittylookedintohisface，whichwassoclosetoherown，andlongafterward-forseveralyears-thislook，fulloflove，towhichhemadenoresponse，cuthertotheheartwithanagonyofshame。
`Pardon！Pardon！Waltz！Waltz！’shoutedKorsunskyfromtheothersideoftheroom，and，seizingthefirstyoungladyhecameacrosshebegandancing。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]
TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart1，Chapter23[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter23VronskyandKittywaltzedseveraltimesroundtheroom。AfterthewaltzKittywenttohermother，andshehadhardlytimetosayafewwordstoCountessNordstonewhenVronskycameupagainforthefirstquadrille。
Duringthequadrillenothingofanysignificancewassaid:therewasdisjointedtalkbetweenthemoftheKorsunskys，husbandandwife，whomhedescribedveryamusingly，asdelightfulchildrenatforty，andofthefuturepopulartheater；andonlyoncedidtheconversationtouchhertothequick-whenheaskedherwhetherLevinwerehere，andaddedthathelikedhimverymuch。ButKittydidnotexpectmuchfromthequadrille。Shelookedforwardwithasinkinghearttothemazurka。Shefanciedthatthemazurkawoulddecideeverything。Thefactthathedidnotduringthequadrilleaskherforthemazurkadidnottroubleher。Shefeltsureshewoulddanceitwithhim，asshehaddoneatformerballs，andrefusedfiveyoungmen，sayingshewasengagedforthemazurka。ThewholeballuptothelastquadrillewasforKittyanenchantedvisionofdelightfulcolors，soundsandmotions。
Sheonlysatdownwhenshefelttootiredandbeggedforarest。Butasshewasdancingthelastquadrillewithoneofthetiresomeyoungmenwhomshecouldnotrefuse，shechancedtobevis-à；-viswithVronskyandAnna。ShehadnotbeennearAnnasincethebeginningoftheevening，andnowsheagainsuddenlysawherasquitenewandsurprising。Shesawinherthesignsofthatexcitementofsuccesssheknewsowellinherself；
shesawthatshewasintoxicatedwiththedelightedadmirationshewasexciting。Sheknewthatfeelingandknewitssigns，andsawtheminAnna；
sawthequivering，flashinglightinhereyes，andthesmileofhappinessandexcitementunconsciouslycurvingherlips，andthedistinctgrace，precisionandlightnessofhermovements。
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