StepanArkadyevich，withthesamesomewhatsolemnexpressionwithwhichheusedtotakehispresidentialchairathisboard，walkedintoAlexeiAlexandrovich’sroom。AlexeiAlexandrovichwaswalkingabouthisroomwithhishandsbehindhisback，thinkingofjustwhatStepanArkadyevichhadbeendiscussingwithhiswife。
　　`I’mnotinterruptingyou？’saidStepanArkadyevich，onthesightofhisbrother-in-lawbecomingsuddenlyawareofasenseofembarrassmentunusualwithhim。Toconcealthisembarrassmenthetookoutanewlypurchasedcigarettecasethatopenedinanewway，and，sniffingtheleather，tookacigaretteoutofit。
　　`No。Doyouwantanything？’AlexeiAlexandrovichsaidreluctantly。
　　`Yes，Iwished……Iwanted……Yes，Iwantedtotalktoyou，’saidStepanArkadyevich，withsurpriseawareofanunaccustomedtimidity。
　　Thisfeelingwassounexpectedandsostrangethathedidnotbelieveitwasthevoiceofconsciencetellinghimthatwhathemeanttodowaswrong。StepanArkadyevichmadeaneffortandstruggledwiththetimiditythathadcomeoverhim。
　　`Ihopeyoubelieveinmyloveformysisterandmysincereaffectionandrespectforyou，’hesaid，reddening。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichstoodstillandsaidnothing，buthisfacestruckStepanArkadyevichbyitsexpressionofanunresistingsacrifice。
　　`Iintended……Iwantedtohavealittletalkwithyouaboutmysisterandyourmutualposition，’hesaid，stillstrugglingwithanunaccustomedconstraint。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichsmiledmournfully，lookedathisbrother-in-law，and，withoutanswering，wentuptothetable，tookfromitanunfinishedletter，andhandedittohisbrother-in-law。
　　`Ithinkunceasinglyofthesamething。AndhereiswhatIhadbegunwriting，thinkingIcouldsayitbetterbyletter，andthatmypresenceirritatesher，’hesaid，ashegavehimtheletter。
　　StepanArkadyevichtooktheletter，lookedwithincreduloussurpriseatthelusterlesseyesfixedsoimmovablyonhim，andbegantoread:
　　`Iseethatmypresenceisirksometoyou。Painfulasitistometobelieveit，Iseethatitisso，andcannotbeotherwise。Idon’tblameyou，andGodismywitnessthatonseeingyouatthetimeofyourillnessIresolvedwithmywholehearttoforgetallthathadpassedbetweenus，andtobeginanewlife。Idonotregret，andshallneverregret，whatIhavedone；butIhavedesiredonething-yourgood，thegoodofyoursoul-andnowIseeIhavenotattainedthat。Tellmeyourselfwhatwillgiveyoutruehappinessandpeacetoyoursoul。Iputmyselfentirelyinyourhands，andtrusttoyourfeelingofwhatisright。’
　　StepanArkadyevichhandedbacktheletter，and，withthesamesurprise，continuedlookingathisbrother-in-law，notknowingwhattosay。ThissilencewassoawkwardforbothofthemthatStepanArkadyevich’slipsbegantwitchingnervously，whilehestillgazedwithoutspeakingatKarenin’sface。
　　`That’swhatIwantedtosaytoher，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich，turningaway。
　　`Yes，yes……’saidStepanArkadyevich，notabletoanswerforthetearsthatwerechokinghim。`Yes，yes，Iunderstandyou，’hebroughtoutatlast。
　　`Iwanttoknowwhatshewouldlike，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　`Iamafraidshedoesnotunderstandherownposition。Sheisnotajudge，’saidStepanArkadyevich，recoveringhimself。`Sheiscrushed，simplycrushedbyyourgenerosity。Ifsheweretoreadthisletter，shewouldbeincapableofsayinganything-shewouldonlyhangherheadlowerthanever。’
　　`Yes，butwhat’stobedoneinthatcase？Howexplain……howfindoutherwishes？’
　　`Ifyouwillallowmetogivemyopinion，Ithinkthatitlieswithyoutopointoutdirectlythestepsyouconsidernecessarytoendthesituation。’
　　`Soyouconsideritmustbeended？’AlexeiAlexandrovichinterruptedhim。`Buthow？’headded，withagestureofhishandsbeforehiseyes，notusualwithhim。`Iseenopossiblewayoutofit。’
　　`Thereissomewayofgettingoutofeverysituation，’saidStepanArkadyevich，standingupandbecomingmorecheerful。`Therewasatimewhenyouthoughtofbreakingoff……Ifyouareconvincednowthatyoucannotmakeeachotherhappy……’
　　`Happinessmaybevariouslyunderstood。ButsupposethatIagreetoeverything，thatIwantnothing:whatwayisthereofgettingoutofoursituation？’
　　`Ifyoucaretoknowmyopinion，’-saidStepanArkadyevich，withthesamesmileofsoftening，almond-oiltendernesswithwhichhehadbeentalkingtoAnna。HiskindlysmilewassowinningthatAlexeiAlexandrovich，feelinghisownweaknessandunconsciouslyswayedbyit，wasreadytobelievewhatStepanArkadyevichwassaying。`Shewillneverspeakoutaboutit。Butonethingispossible，onethingshemightdesire，’hewenton；`thatisthecessationofyourrelations，andallmemoriesassociatedwiththem。Tomythinking，inyoursituationtheessentialthingistheformationofanewattitudetooneanother。Andthatcanonlyrestonabasisoffreedomonbothsides。’
　　`Divorce，’AlexeiAlexandrovichinterrupted，inatoneofaversion。
　　`Yes，Iimaginethatdivorce……Yes，divorce，’StepanArkadyevichrepeated，reddening。`Thatisfromeverypointofviewthemostrationalcourseformarriedpeoplewhofindthemselvesinthesituationyouarein。Whatcanbedoneifmarriedpeoplefindthatlifeisimpossibleforthemtogether？Thatmayalwayshappen。’
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichsighedheavilyandclosedhiseyes。
　　`There’sonlyonepointtobeconsidered:iseitherofthepartiesdesirousofformingnewties？Ifnot，itisverysimple，’saidStepanArkadyevich，feelingmoreandmorefreefromconstraint。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovich，scowlingwithemotion，mutteredsomethingtohimself，andmadenoanswer。AllthatseemedsosimpletoStepanArkadyevich，AlexeiAlexandrovichhadthoughtoverthousandsoftimes。And，sofarfrombeingsimple，itallseemedtohimutterlyimpossible:divorce，thedetailsofwhichheknewbythistime，seemedtohimnowoutofthequestion，becausethesenseofhisowndignityandrespectforreligionforbadehistakinguponhimselfafictitiouschargeofadultery，andstillmore，sufferinghiswife，pardonedandbelovedbyhim，tobecaughtinthefactandputtopublicshame。Divorceappearedtohimimpossiblealsoonother，stillmoreweightygrounds。
　　Whatwouldbecomeofhissonincaseofadivorce？Toleavehimwithhismotherwasoutofthequestion。Thedivorcedmotherwouldhaveherownillegitimatefamily，inwhichhisstatusasastepson，andhiseducation，wouldbeprobablybad。Keephimwithhim？Heknewthatwouldbeanactofvengeanceonhispart，andthathedidnotdesire。But，apartfromthis，whatmorethanallmadedivorceseemimpossibletoAlexeiAlexandrovichwasthat，byconsentingtoadivorce，hewouldbecompletelyruiningAnna。ThesayingofDaryaAlexandrovnaatMoscow，thatindecidingonadivorcehewasthinkingofhimself，andnotconsideringthatbythishewouldberuiningherirrevocably，hadsunkintohisheart。Andconnectingthissayingwithhisforgivenessofher，withhisdevotiontothechildren，heunderstooditnowinhisownway。Toconsenttoadivorce，togiveherherfreedom，meantinhisthoughtstotakefromhimselfthelasttiethatboundhimtolife-thechildrenwhomheloved；andtotakefromherthelastpropthatkeptheronthepathofright，tothrustherdowntoherruin。Ifsheweredivorced，heknewshewouldjoinherlifetoVronsky’s，andtheirtiewouldbeanillegitimateandcriminalone，sinceawife，bytheinterpretationoftheecclesiasticallaw，couldnotmarrywhileherhusbandwasliving。`Shewilljoinhim，andinayearortwohewillthrowherover，orshewillformanewtie，’thoughtAlexeiAlexandrovich。`AndI，byagreeingtoanunlawfuldivorce，shallbetoblameforherruin。’Hehadthoughtitalloverhundredsoftimes，andwasconvincedthatadivorcewasnotatallsimple，asStepanArkadyevichhadsaid，butwasutterlyimpossible。HedidnotbelieveasinglewordStepanArkadyevichsaidtohim；toeverywordhehadathousandobjectionstomake，buthelistenedtohim，feelingthathiswordsweretheexpressionofthatmightybrutalforcewhichcontrolledhislife，andtowhichhewouldhavetosubmit。
　　`Theonlyquestionisonwhattermsyouagreetogiveheradivorce。Shedoesnotwantanything，doesnotdareaskyouforanything-sheleavesitalltoyourmagnanimity。’
　　`MyGod，myGod！Whatfor？’thoughtAlexeiAlexandrovich，rememberingthedetailsofdivorceproceedingsinwhichthehusbandtooktheblameonhimself，andwithjustthesamegesturewithwhichVronskyhaddoneit，hehidhisfaceinhishandsinshame。
　　`Youaretroubled，Iunderstandthat。Butifyouthinkitover……’
　　`’Anduntohimthatsmiteththeeontheonecheekofferalsotheother；andhimthattakethawaythycloakforbidnottotakethycoatalso，’’thoughtAlexeiAlexandrovich。
　　`Yes，yes！’hecriedinashrillvoice。`Iwilltakethedisgraceonmyself，Iwillgiveupevenmyson，but……Butwouldn’titbebettertoletitalone？Still，youmaydoasyoulike……’
　　And，turningawaysothathisbrother-in-lawcouldnotseehim，hesatdownonachairatthewindow。Therewasbitterness，therewasshameinhisheart，butwithbitternessandshamehefeltjoyandemotionattheheightofhisownmeekness。
　　StepanArkadyevichwastouched。Hewassilentforaspace。
　　`AlexeiAlexandrovich，believeme，sheappreciatesyourmagnanimity，’hesaid。`ButitseemsitwasthewillofGod，’headded，andashesaiditfelthowfoolisharemarkitwas，andwithdifficultyrepressedasmileathisownfoolishness。
　　AlexeiAlexandrovichwouldhavemadesomereply，buttearsstoppedhim。
　　`Thisisanunhappyfatality，andonemustacceptitassuch。Iacceptthecalamityasanaccomplishedfact，andamdoingmybesttohelpbothherandyou，’saidStepanArkadyevich。
　　Whenhewentoutofhisbrother-in-law’sroomhewastouched，butthatdidnotpreventhimfrombeinggladhehadsuccessfullybroughtthemattertoaconclusion，forhefeltcertainAlexeiAlexandrovichwouldnotgobackonhiswords。Tothissatisfactionwasaddedthefactthatanideahadjuststruckhimforaconundrumturningonhissuccessfulachievement-whentheaffairwasoverhewouldputittohiswifeandmostintimatefriends。Hetriedthisconundrumintwoorthreedifferentways。`ButI’llworkitoutbetterthanthat，’hesaidtohimselfwithasmile。
　　Vronsky’swoundhadbeenadangerousone，thoughitdidnottouchtheheart，andforseveraldayshehoveredbetweenlifeanddeath。Thefirsttimehewasabletospeak，Varia，hisbrother’swife，wasaloneintheroom。
　　`Varia，’hesaid，lookingsternlyather，`Ishotmyselfbyaccident。Andpleaseneverspeakofit，andtelleveryoneso。Orelseit’stooridiculous。’
　　Withoutansweringhiswords，Variabentoverhim，andwithadelightedsmilegazedintohisface。Hiseyeswereclear，notfeverish；buttheirexpressionwasstern。
　　`ThankGod！’shesaid。`You’renotinpain？’
　　`Alittlehere，’hepointedtohisbreast。
　　`Thenletmechangeyourbandages。’
　　Insilence，stiffeninghisbroadjaws，helookedatherwhileshebandagedhimup。Whenshehadfinishedhesaid:
　　`I’mnotdelirious。Pleasemanagethattheremaybenotalkofmyhavingshotmyselfonpurpose。’
　　`Noonesaysso。OnlyIhopeyouwon’tshootyourselfbyaccidentanymore，’shesaid，withaquestioningsmile。
　　`IthinkIwon’t，butitwouldhavebeenbetter……’
　　Andhesmiledgloomily。
　　Inspiteofthesewordsandthissmile，whichsofrightenedVaria，whentheinflammationwasoverandhebegantorecover，hefeltthathewascompletelyfreefromonepartofhismisery。Byhisactionhehad，asitwere，washedawaytheshameandhumiliationhehadfeltbefore。HecouldnowthinkcalmlyofAlexeiAlexandrovich。Herecognizedallhismagnanimity，buthedidnotnowfeelhimselfhumiliatedbyit。Besides，hegotbackagainintothebeatentrackofhislife。Hesawthepossibilityoflookingmeninthefaceagainwithoutshame，andhecouldliveinaccordancewithhisownhabits。Onethinghecouldnotpluckoutofhisheart，thoughheneverceasedstrugglingwithit-theregret，amountingtodespair，athavinglostherforever。That，havingexpiatedhissinagainstthehusband，hewasnowboundtorenounceher，andneverinfuturetostandbetweenherwithherrepentanceandherhusband，hehadfirmlydecidedinhisheart；buthecouldnottearoutofhishearthisregretatthelossofherlove；hecouldnoterasefromhismemorythosemomentsofhappinesswhichhehadknownwithherandhadsolittleprizedatthetime，andwhichhauntedhimwithalltheircharm。
　　SerpukhovskoyhadplannedhisappointmentatTashkend，andVronskyagreedtotheproposalwithouttheslightesthesitation。Butthenearerthetimeofdeparturecame，thebittererwasthesacrificehewasmakingtowhathethoughthisduty。
　　Hiswoundhadhealed，andhewasdrivingaboutmakingpreparationsforhisdepartureforTashkend。
　　`Toseeheronce，andthentoburymyself，todie，’hethought，and，ashewaspayingfarewellvisits，heutteredthisthoughttoBetsy。Chargedwiththiscommission，BetsyhadgonetoAnna，andbroughthimbackanegativereply。
　　`Somuchthebetter，’thoughtVronsky，whenhereceivedthenews。`ItwasaweaknesswhichwouldhaveshatteredwhatstrengthIhaveleft。’
　　NextdayBetsyherselfcametohiminthemorning，andannouncedthatshehadheardthroughOblonsky，asapositivefact，thatAlexeiAlexandrovichhadagreedtoadivorce，andthatthereforeVronskycouldseeAnna。
　　WithouteventroublinghimselftoseeBetsyoutofhisflat，forgettingallhisresolutions，withoutaskingwhenhecouldseeherorwhereherhusbandwas，VronskydrovestraighttotheKarenins’。Heranupthestairs，seeingnooneandnothing，andwitharapidstep，almostbreakingintoarun，hewentintoherroom。Andwithoutconsidering，withoutnoticingwhethertherewasanyoneintheroomornot，heflunghisarmsroundher，andbegantocoverwithkissesherface，herhands，herneck。
　　Annahadbeenpreparingherselfforthismeeting，hadthoughtwhatshewouldsaytohim，butshedidnotsucceedinsayinganything；hispassionmasteredher。Shetriedtocalmhim，tocalmherself，butitwastoolate。Hisfeelinginfectedher。Herlipstrembledsothatforalongwhileshecouldsaynothing。
　　`Yes，youhaveconqueredme，andIamyours，’shesaidatlast，pressinghishandstoherbosom。
　　`Soithadtobe，’hesaid。`Solongaswelive，itmustbeso。Iknowitnow。’
　　`That’strue，’shesaid，gettingwhiterandwhiter，andembracinghishead。`Still，thereissomethingterribleinitafterallthathashappened。’
　　`Itwillallpass，itwillallpass；weshallbesohappy。Ourlove，ifitonlycouldbestronger，willbestrengthenedbytherebeingsomethingterribleinit，’hesaid，liftinghisheadandshowinghisstrongteethinasmile。
　　Andshecouldnotbutrespondwithasmile-nottohiswords，buttotheloveinhiseyes。Shetookhishandandstrokedherchilledcheeksandcroppedheadwithit。
　　`Idon’tknowyouwiththisshorthair。You’vegrownsopretty。Aboy。Buthowpaleyouare！’
　　`Yes，I’mveryweak，’shesaid，smiling。Andherlipsbegantremblingagain。
　　`We’llgotoItaly；youwillgetstrong，’hesaid。
　　`Canitbepossiblewecouldbelikehusbandandwife，alone，ourownfamily？’shesaid，lookingcloseintohiseyes。
　　`Itonlyseemsstrangetomethatitcaneverhavebeenotherwise。’
　　`Stivasaysthathehasagreedtoeverything，butIcan’taccepthismagnanimity，’shesaid，lookingdreamilypastVronsky’sface。`Idon’twantadivorce；it’sallthesametomenow。OnlyIdon’tknowwhathewilldecideaboutSeriozha。’
　　Hecouldnotconceivehowatthismomentoftheirmeetingshecouldrememberandthinkofherson，ofdivorce。Whatdiditallmatter？
　　`Don’tspeakofthat，don’tthinkofit，’hesaid，turningherhandinhis，andtryingtodrawherattentiontohim；butstillshedidnotlookathim。
　　`Oh，whydidn’tIdie！Itwouldhavebeenbetter，’shesaid，and，withoutsobbing，tearsfloweddownbothhercheeks；butshetriedtosmile，soasnottowoundhim。
　　TodeclinetheflatteringanddangerousappointmentatTashkendwouldhavebeen，Vronskyhadtillthenconsidered，disgracefulandimpossible。Butnow，withoutaninstant’sconsideration，hedeclinedit，andobservingdissatisfactionintheupperquartersatthisstep，heimmediatelyretiredfromthearmy。
　　AmonthlaterAlexeiAlexandrovichwasleftalonewithhissoninhishouseatPeterburg，whileAnnahadgoneabroadwithVronsky，withouthavingobtainedadivorce，andhavingabsolutelydeclinedallideaofone。
　　PrincessShcherbatskaiaconsideredthatitwasoutofthequestionfortheweddingtotakeplacebeforeLent，justfiveweeksoff，sincenothalfthetrousseaucouldpossiblybereadybythattime。ButshecouldnotbutagreewithLevinthattofixitforafterLentwouldbeputtingitofftoolate，asanoldauntofPrinceShcherbatsky’swasseriouslyillandmightdie，andthenthemourningwoulddelaytheweddingstilllonger。Andtherefore，decidingtodividethetrousseauintotwoparts-alargerandasmallertrousseau-thePrincessconsentedtohavetheweddingbeforeLent。Shedeterminedthatshewouldgetthesmallerpartofthetrousseauallreadynow，andthelargerpartshouldbesentonlater，andshewasmuchvexedwithLevinbecausehewasincapableofgivingheraseriousanswertothequestionwhetherheagreedtothisarrangementornot。Thearrangementwasthemoresuitableas，immediatelyafterthewedding，thenewlymarriedcoupleweretogotothecountry，wherethebelongingsofthelargertrousseauwouldnotbewanted。
　　Levinstillcontinuedinthesamedeliriouscondition，inwhichitseemedtohimthatheandhishappinessconstitutedthechiefandsoleaimofallexistence，andthatheneednotnowthinkorcareaboutanything，thateverythingwasbeingdoneandwouldbedoneforhimbyothers。Hehadnotevenplansandaimsforthefuture，heleftitsarrangementtoothers，knowingthateverythingwouldbedelightful。Hisbrother，SergeiIvanovich，andStepanArkadyevich，andthePrincess，guidedhimindoingwhathehadtodo。Allhedidwastoagreeentirelywitheverythingsuggestedtohim。Hisbrotherraisedmoneyforhim，thePrincessadvisedhimtoleaveMoscowafterthewedding。StepanArkadyevichadvisedhimtogoabroad。Heagreedtoeverything。`Dowhatyouchoose，ifitamusesyou，I’mhappy，andmyhappinesscanbenogreaterandnolessbecauseofanythingyoudo，’hethought。WhenhetoldKittyofStepanArkadyevich’sadvicethattheyshouldgoabroad，hewasmuchsurprisedthatshedidnotagreetothis，andhadsomedefiniterequirementsofherowninregardtotheirfuture。SheknewLevinhadworkhelovedinthecountry。Shedidnot，ashesaw，understandthiswork-shedidnotevencaretounderstandit。Butthatdidnotpreventherfromregardingitasamatterofgreatimportance。Andthereforesheknewtheirhomewouldbeinthecountry，andshewantedtogonotabroadwhereshewasnotgoingtolive，buttotheplacewheretheirhomewouldbe。ThisdefinitelyexpressedpurposeastonishedLevin。Butsincehedidnotcareeitherway，heimmediatelyaskedStepanArkadyevich，asthoughitwerehisduty，togodowntothecountryandtoarrangeeverythingtheretothebestofhisability，withthattasteofwhichhehadsomuch。
　　`But，Isay，’StepanArkadyevichsaidtohimonedayafterhehadcomebackfromthecountry，wherehehadgoteverythingreadyfortheyoungpeople’sarrival，`haveyouacertificateofhavingbeenatconfession？’
　　`No。Butwhatofit？’
　　`Youcan’tbemarriedwithoutit。’
　　`My，my，my！’criedLevin。`Why，Ibelieveit’snineyearssinceI’vetakenthesacrament！Ineverthoughtofit。’
　　`You’reaprettyfellow！’saidStepanArkadyevichlaughing，`andyoucallmeaNihilist！Butthiswon’tdo，youknow。Youmusttakethesacrament。’
　　`When？Therearefourdaysleftnow。’
　　StepanArkadyevicharrangedthisalso，andLevinhadtopreparehimselfforthesacrament。ToLevin，astoanyunbelieverwhorespectsthebeliefsofothers，itwasexceedinglydisagreeabletobepresentatandtotakepartinchurchceremonies。Atthismoment，inhispresentsoftenedstateoffeeling，sensitivetoeverything，thisinevitableactofhypocrisywasnotmerelypainfultoLevin，itseemedtohimutterlyimpossible。Now，intheheydayofhishighestglory，hisfullestflower，hewouldhavetobealiarorablasphemer。Hefeltincapableofbeingeither。ButthoughherepeatedlypliedStepanArkadyevichwithquestionsastothepossibilityofobtainingacertificatewithoutactuallycommunicating，StepanArkadyevichmaintainedthatitwasoutofthequestion。
　　`Besides，whatisittoyou-twodays？Andhe’sanawfullyfine，cleveroldfellow。He’llpullthetoothoutforyousogentlyyouwon’tnoticeit。’
　　Standingatthefirstmass，Levinattemptedtoreviveinhimselfhisyouthfulrecollectionsoftheintensereligiousemotionhehadpassedthroughbetweentheagesofsixteenandseventeen。Buthewasatonceconvincedthatitwasutterlyimpossibletohim。Heattemptedtolookatitallasanemptycustom，havingnosortofmeaning，likethecustomofpayingcalls；buthefeltthathecouldnotdothateither。Levinfoundhimself，likethemajorityofhiscontemporaries，inthevaguestpositioninregardtoreligion。Believehecouldnot，andatthesametimehehadnofirmconvictionthatitwasallwrong。Andconsequently，notbeingabletobelieveinthesignificanceofwhathewasdoing，nortoregarditwithindifferenceasanemptyformality，duringthewholeperiodofpreparingforthesacramenthewasconsciousofafeelingofdiscomfortandshameatdoingwhathedidnothimselfunderstand，andwhat，asaninnervoicetoldhim，wasthereforefalseandwrong。
　　Duringtheservicehewouldfirstlistentotheprayers，tryingtoattachsomemeaningtothemnotdiscordantwithhisownviews；thenfeelingthathecouldnotunderstandandmustcondemnthem，hetriednottolistentothem，buttoattendtothethoughts，observations，andmemorieswhichfloatedthroughhisbrainwithextremevividnessduringthisidletimeofstandinginchurch。
　　Hehadstoodthroughthemass，theeveningservice，andthemidnightservice，andthenextdayhegotupearlierthanusual，and，withouthavingtea，wentateighto’clockinthemorningtothechurchforthemorningserviceandtheconfession。
　　Therewasnooneinchurchbutabeggarsoldier，twooldwomen，andthechurchmen。Ayoungdeacon，whoselongbackshowedintwodistincthalvesthroughhisthinundercassock，methim，and，atoncegoingtoalittletableatthewall，readtheexhortations。Duringthereading，especiallyatthefrequentandrapidrepetitionofthesamewords，`Lord，havemercyonus！’whichsoundedlike`mercynuslor！’Levinfeltthathisthoughtwasshutandsealedup，andthatitmustnotbetouchedorstirrednow，orelseconfusionwouldbetheresult；andsostandingbehindthedeaconhewentonthinkingofhisownaffairs，neitherlisteningnorexaminingwhatwassaid。`It’swonderfulwhatexpressionthereisinherhand，’hethought，rememberinghowtheyhadbeensittingthedaybeforeatacornertable。Theyhadnothingtotalkabout，aswasalmostalwaysthecaseatthistime，andlayingherhandonthetableshekeptopeningandshuttingit，andlaughedherselfasshewatchedheraction。Herememberedhowhehadkissedherhandandthenhadexaminedthelinesonthepinkpalm。`Another``mercynuslor！’’thoughtLevin，crossinghimself，bowing，andlookingatthesupplespringofthedeacon’sbackbowingbeforehim。`Shetookmyhandthenandexaminedthelines。``You’vegotasplendidhand，’shesaid。’Andhelookedathisownhandandtheshorthandofthedeacon。`Yes，nowitwillsoonbeover，’hethought。`No，itseemstobestartingupagain，’hethought，listeningtotheprayers。`No，it’sjustending:thereheisbowingdowntotheground。That’salwaysattheend。’
　　Thedeacon’shandinaplushcuffunobtrusivelyacceptedathree-roublenote，andthedeaconsaidhewouldputLevin’snamedownintheregister，and，hisnewbootscreakingjauntilyovertheflagstonesoftheemptychurch，hewenttothealtar。AmomentlaterhepeepedoutthenceandbeckonedtoLevin。Thought，tillthenlockedup，begantostirinLevin’shead，buthemadehastetodriveitaway。`Itwillcomerightsomehow，’hethought，andwenttowardtheambo。Hewentupthesteps，andturningtotheright，sawthepriest。Thepriest，alittleancientwithascantygrizzledbeardandweary，good-naturedeyes，wasstandingatthelectern，turningoverthepagesofamissal。WithaslightbowtoLevinhebeganimmediatelyreadingprayersinanaccustomedvoice。Whenhehadfinishedthemheboweddowntothegroundandturned，facingLevin。
　　`Christispresenthereunseen，receivingyourconfession，’hesaid，pointingtothecrucifix。`DoyoubelieveinallthedoctrinesoftheHolyApostolicChurch？’thepriestwenton，turninghiseyesawayfromLevin’sfaceandfoldinghishandsunderhisstole。
　　`Ihavedoubted-Idoubteverything，’saidLevininavoicethatjarredonhimself，andheceasedspeaking。
　　Thepriestwaitedafewsecondstoseeifhewouldnotsaymore，andclosinghiseyeshesaidquickly，withabroad，Vladimirskyaccent:
　　`Doubtisnaturaltotheweaknessofmankind，butwemustpraythatGodinHismercywillstrengthenus。Whatareyourspecialsins？’headded，withouttheslightestinterval，asthoughanxiousnottowastetime。
　　`Mychiefsinisdoubt。Ihavedoubtsofeverything，andforthemostpartIamindoubt。’
　　`Doubtisnaturaltotheweaknessofmankind，’thepriestrepeatedthesamewords。`Whatdoyoudoubtaboutprincipally？’
　　`Idoubteverything。IsometimesevenhavedoubtsoftheexistenceofGod，’Levincouldnothelpsaying，andhewashorrifiedattheimproprietyofwhathewassaying。ButLevin’swordsdidnot，itseemed，makemuchimpressiononthepriest。
　　`WhatsortofdoubtcantherebeoftheexistenceofGod？’hesaidhurriedly，withabarelyperceptiblesmile。
　　Levindidnotspeak。
　　`WhatdoubtcanyouhaveoftheCreatorwhenyoubeholdHiscreation？’thepriestwentonintherapidcustomaryrecitative。`Whohasdeckedtheheavenlyfirmamentwithitslights？Whohasclothedtheearthinitsbeauty？HowexplainitwithouttheCreator？’hesaid，lookinginquiringlyatLevin。
　　Levinfeltthatitwouldbeimpropertoenteruponametaphysicaldiscussionwiththepriest，andsohesaidinreplymerelywhatwasadirectanswertothequestion。
　　`Idon’tknow，’hesaid。
　　`Youdon’tknow！ThenhowcanyoudoubtthatGodcreatedall？’thepriestsaid，withgood-humoredperplexity。
　　`Idon’tunderstanditatall，’saidLevin，blushing，andfeelingthathiswordswerestupid，andthattheycouldnotbeanythingbutstupidinsuchaposition。
　　`PraytoGodandbeseechHim。Eventheholyfathershaddoubts，andprayedtoGodtostrengthentheirfaith。Thedevilhasgreatpower，andwemustresisthim。PraytoGod，beseechHim。PraytoGod，’herepeatedhurriedly。
　　Thepriestpausedforsometime，asthoughmeditating。
　　`You，Ihear，areabouttomarrythedaughterofmyparishionerandsoninthespirit，PrinceShcherbatsky？’heresumed，withasmile。`Anexcellentyounglady。’
　　`Yes，’answeredLevin，blushingforthepriest。`Whatdoeshewanttoaskmeaboutthisatconfessionfor？’hethought。
　　And，asthoughansweringhisthought，thepriestsaidtohim:
　　`Youareabouttoenterintoholymatrimony，andGodmayblessyouwithoffspring。Areyou？-Well，whatsortofbringing-upcanyougiveyourbabesifyoudonotovercomethetemptationofthedevil，enticingyoutoinfidelity？’hesaid，withgentlereproachfulness。`Ifyouloveyourchildasagoodfather，youwillnotdesireonlywealth，luxury，honorforyourinfant；youwillbeanxiousforhissalvation，hisspiritualenlightenmentwiththelightoftruth。Eh？Whatanswerwillyoumakehimwhentheinnocentbabeasksyou:``Papa！Whomadeallthatenchantsmeinthisworld-theearth，thewaters，thesun，theflowers，thegrass？’Canyousaytohim:``Idon’tknow？’Youcannotbutknow，sincetheLordGodinHisinfinitemercyhasrevealedittous。Oryourchildwillaskyou:``Whatawaitsmeinthelifebeyondthegrave？’Whatwillyousaytohimwhenyouknownothing？Howwillyouanswerhim？Willyouleavehimtotheallurementsoftheworldandthedevil？That’snotright，’hesaid，andhestopped，puttinghisheadononesideandlookingatLevinwithhiskindly，gentleeyes。
　　Levinmadenoanswerthistime，notbecausehedidnotwanttoenteruponadiscussionwiththepriest，butbecausenoonehadeveraskedhimsuchquestions-andwhenhisbabesdidaskhimthosequestions，itwouldbetimeenoughtothinkaboutansweringthem。
　　`Youareenteringuponatimeoflife，’pursuedthepriest，`whenyoumustchooseyourpathandkeeptoit。PraytoGodthatHemayinHismercyaidyouandhavemercyonyou！’heconcluded。`OurLordandGod，JesusChrist，intheabundanceandrichesofHisloving-kindness，forgivesthischild……’and，finishingtheprayerofabsolution，thepriestblessedhimanddismissedhim。
　　Ongettinghomethatday，Levinhadadelightfulsenseofreliefattheawkwardpositionbeingoverandhavingbeengotthroughwithouthishavingtotellalie。Apartfromthis，thereremainedavaguememorythatwhatthekind，fineoldfellowhadsaidhadnotbeenatallasstupidashehadfanciedatfirst，andthattherewassomethinginitthatmustbeclearedup。
　　`Ofcourse，notnow，’thoughtLevin，`butatsomelaterday。’Levinfeltmorethanevernowthattherewassomethingnotclearandnotcleaninhissoul，andthat，inregardtoreligion，hewasinthesamepositionwhichheperceivedsoclearlyanddislikedinothers，andforwhichheblamedhisfriendSviiazhsky。
　　LevinspentthateveningwithhisbetrothedatDolly’s，andwasinveryhighspirits。ToexplaintoStepanArkadyevichthestateofexcitementinwhichhefoundhimself，hesaidthathewashappy，likeadogbeingtrainedtojumpthroughahoop，who，havingatlastcaughttheidea，anddonewhatwasrequiredofhim，whinesandwagsitstail，andjumpsuptothetableandthewindowsillsinitsdelight。
　　Onthedayofthewedding，accordingtotheRussiancustomthePrincessandDaryaAlexandrovnainsistedonstrictlykeepingallthecustoms，Levindidnotseehisbetrothed，anddinedathishotelwiththreebachelorfriends，casuallybroughttogetherathisrooms。ThesewereSergeiIvanovich，Katavassov，auniversityfriend，nowprofessorofnaturalscience，whomLevinhadmetinthestreetandinsistedontakinghomewithhim，andChirikov，hisbestman，aMoscowjusticeofthepeace，Levin’scompanioninhisbearhunts。Thedinnerwasaverymerryone:SergeiIvanovichwasinhishappiestmood，andwasmuchamusedbyKatavassov’soriginality。Katavassov，feelinghisoriginalitywasappreciatedandunderstood，madethemostofit。Chirikovalwaysgavealivelyandgood-humoredsupporttoconversationofanysort。
　　`See，now，’saidKatavassov，drawlinghiswordsfromahabitacquiredinthelectureroom，`whatacapablefellowwasourfriendKonstantinDmitrievich。I’mspeakingofabsentcompany-hedoesn’texistforusnow。Atthetimehelefttheuniversityhewasfondofscience，tookaninterestinhumanity；nowone-halfofhisabilitiesisdevotedtodeceivinghimself，andtheothertojustifyingthedeceit。’
　　`AmoredeterminedenemyofmatrimonythanyouIneversaw，’saidSergeiIvanovich。
　　`Oh，no，I’mnotanenemyofmatrimony。I’minfavorofdivisionoflabor。Peoplewhocandonothingelseoughttorearpeople，whiletherestworkfortheirhappinessandenlightenment。That’showIlookatit。Tomuddleuptwotradestherearetoomanyamateurs；I’mnotoneoftheirnumber。’
　　`HowhappyIshallbewhenIhearthatyou’reinlove！’saidLevin。`Pleaseinvitemetothewedding。’
　　`I’minlovenow。’
　　`Yes，withacuttlefish！Youknow，’Levinturnedtohisbrother，`MikhailSemionovichiswritingaworkonthedigestiveorgansofthe……’
　　`Now，makeamuddleofit！Itdoesn’tmatterwhatabout。Andthefactis，Icertainlydolovecuttlefish。’
　　`Butthat’snohindrancetoyourlovingyourwife。’
　　`Thecuttlefishisnohindrance。Thewifeisthehindrance。’
　　`Whyso？’
　　`Oh，you’llsee！Youcareaboutfarming，hunting-well，you’llsee！……’
　　`Arkhipwasheretoday；hesaidtherewerenoendofelkinPrudnoe，andtwobears，’saidChirikov。
　　`Well，youmustgoandgetthemwithoutme。’
　　`Ah，that’sthetruth，’saidSergeiIvanovich。`Andyoumaysaygood-bytobearhuntingforthefuture-yourwifewon’tallowit！’
　　Levinsmiled。Thepictureofhiswifenotlettinghimgowassopleasantthathewasreadytorenounceforeverthedelightsoflookinguponbears。
　　`Still，it’sapitytheyshouldgetthosetwobearswithoutyou。DoyourememberlasttimeatKhapilovo？Andnowitwouldbeadelightfulhunt！’saidChirikov。
　　Levinhadnotthehearttodisillusionhimofthenotionthattherecouldbesomethingdelightfulapartfromher，andsosaidnothing。
　　`There’ssomesenseinthiscustomofsayinggood-bytobachelorlife，’saidSergeiIvanovich。`Howeverhappyyoumaybe，youmustregretyourfreedom。’
　　`Andconfessthereisafeelingthatyouwanttojumpoutofthewindow，likeGogol’sbridegroom？’
　　`Ofcoursethereis，buthewon’tconfess，’saidKatavassov，andhebrokeintoloudlaughter。
　　`Oh，well，thewindow’sopen……Let’sstartoffthisinstanttoTver！There’sabigshe-bear；onecangorightuptothelair。Seriously，let’sgobythefiveo’clock！Andhereletthemdowhattheylike，’saidChirikovsmiling。
　　`Well，now，onmyhonor，’saidLevinsmiling，`Ican’tfindinmyheartthatfeelingofregretformyfreedom。’
　　`Yes，there’ssuchachaosinyourheartjustnowthatyoucan’tfindanythingthere，’saidKatavassov。`Waitabit，whenyousetittorightsalittle，you’llfindit！’
　　`No；ifso，Ishouldhavefeltalittle，apartfrommyfeeling’hecouldnotsay`love’beforethem`andhappiness，acertainregretatlosingmyfreedom……Onthecontrary，Iamgladattheverylossofmyfreedom。’
　　`Awful！It’sahopelesscase！’saidKatavassov。`Well，let’sdrinktohisrecovery，orwishthatahundredthpartofhisdreamsmayberealized-andthatwouldbehappinesssuchasneverhasbeenseenonearth！’
　　Soonafterdinnertheguestswentawaytodressintimeforthewedding。
　　Whenhewasleftalone，andrecalledtheconversationofthesebachelorfriends，Levinaskedhimself:Hadheinhisheartthatregretforhisfreedomofwhichtheyhadspoken？Hesmiledatthequestion。`Freedom！Whatisfreedomfor？Happinessisonlyinlovingandwishingherwishes，thinkingherthoughts；thatistosay，notfreedomatall-that’shappiness！’
　　`ButdoIknowherthoughts，herwishes，herfeelings？’somevoicesuddenlywhisperedtohim。Thesmilediedawayfromhisface，andhegrewthoughtful。Andsuddenlyastrangefeelingcameuponhim。Therecameoverhimadreadanddoubt-doubtofeverything。
　　`Whatifshedoesnotloveme？Whatifshe’smarryingmesimplytobemarried？Whatifshedoesn’tseeherselfwhatshe’sdoing？’heaskedhimself。`Shemaycometohersenses，andonlywhensheisbeingmarriedrealizethatshedoesnotandcannotloveme。’Andstrange，mostevilthoughtsofherbegantocometohim。HewasjealousofVronsky，ashehadbeenayearago，asthoughtheeveninghehadseenherwithVronskyhadbeenyesterday。Hesuspectedshehadnottoldhimeverything。
　　Hejumpedupquickly。`No，thiscan’tgoon！’hesaidtohimselfindespair。`I’llgotoher；I’llaskher；I’llsayforthelasttime:Wearefree，andhadn’twebetterstayso？Anything’sbetterthanendlessmisery，disgrace，unfaithfulness！’Withdespairinhisheartandbitterangeragainstallmen，againsthimself，againsther，hewentoutofthehotelanddrovetoherhouse。
　　Hefoundherinoneoftherearrooms。Shewassittingonachestandmakingsomearrangementswithhermaid，sortingoverheapsofdressesofdifferentcolors，spreadonthebacksofchairsandonthefloor。
　　`Ah！’shecried，seeinghim，andbeamingwithdelight。`Kostia！KonstantinDmitrievich！’Theselatterdayssheusedthesenamesalmostalternately。`Ididn’texpectyou！I’mgoingthroughmygirlishwardrobetoseewhat’sforwhom……’
　　`Oh！That’sverylovely！’hesaidgloomily，lookingatthemaid。
　　`Youcango，Duniasha，I’llcallyoupresently，’saidKitty。`Kostia，what’sthematter？’sheasked，definitelyadoptingthisfamiliarnameassoonasthemaidhadgoneout。Shenoticedhisstrangeface，agitatedandgloomy，andapaniccameoverher。
　　`Kitty！I’mintorture。Ican’tbeintorturealone，’hesaidwithdespairinhisvoice，standingbeforeherandlookingimploringlyintohereyes。Hesawalreadyfromherloving，truthfulface，thatnothingcouldcomeofwhathehadmeanttosay，butyethewantedhertoreassurehimherself。`I’vecometosaythatthere’sstilltime。Thiscanallbestoppedandsetright。’
　　`What？Idon’tunderstand。Whatisthematter？’
　　`WhatIhavesaidathousandtimesover，andcan’thelpthinking……thatI’mnotworthyofyou。Youcouldn’tconsenttomarryme。Thinkalittle。You’vemadeamistake。Thinkitoverthoroughly。Youcan’tloveme……if……Bettersayso，’hesaid，withoutlookingather。`Ishallbewretched。Letpeoplesaywhattheylike；anything’sbetterthanmisery……Farbetternowwhilethere’sstilltime……’
　　`Idon’tunderstand，’sheanswered，panic-stricken；`youmeanyouwanttogiveitup……thatyoudon’twantit？’
　　`Yes-ifyoudon’tloveme。’
　　`You’reoutofyourmind！’shecried，turningcrimsonwithvexation。Buthisfacewassopiteousthatsherestrainedhervexation，andflingingsomeclothesoffanarmchair，shesatdownbesidehim。`Whatareyouthinking？Tellmeall。’
　　`Iamthinkingyoucan’tloveme。Whatcanyoulovemefor？’
　　`MyGod！WhatcanIdo？……’shesaid，andburstintotears。
　　`Oh！WhathaveIdone？’hecried，andkneelingbeforeher，hefelltokissingherhands。
　　WhentheoldPrincesscameintotheroomfiveminuteslater，shefoundthemcompletelyreconciled。Kittyhadnotsimplyassuredhimthatshelovedhim，buthadgonesofar-inanswertohisquestion，whatshelovedhimfor-astoexplainwhatfor。Shetoldhimthatshelovedhimbecausesheunderstoodhimcompletely，becausesheknewwhathewouldlike，andbecauseeverythinghelikedwasgood。Andthisseemedtohimperfectlyclear。WhenthePrincesscametothem，theyweresittingsidebysideonthechest，sortingthedressesanddisputingoverKitty’swantingtogiveDuniashathebrowndressshehadbeenwearingwhenLevinproposedtoher，whileheinsistedthatthatdressmustneverbegivenaway，butthatDuniashashouldhavetheblueone。
　　`Howisityoudon’tsee？She’sabrunette，anditwon’tsuither……I’veworkeditallout。’
　　Hearingwhyhehadcome，thePrincesswashalf-humorously，half-seriouslyangrywithhim，andsenthimhometodressandnottohinderKitty’shairdressing，asCharlesthecoiffeurwasjustcoming。
　　`Asitis，she’sbeeneatingnothinglatelyandislosingherlooks，andthenyoumustcomeandupsetherwithyournonsense，’shesaidtohim。`Getalongwithyou，mydear！’
　　Levin，guiltyandshamefaced，butpacified，wentbacktohishotel。Hisbrother，DaryaAlexandrovna，andStepanArkadyevich，allinfulldress，werewaitingforhimtoblesshimwithanicon。Therewasnotimetolose。DaryaAlexandrovnahadtodrivehomeagaintofetchhercurledandpomadedson，whowastocarrytheiconinthebride’scarriage。Thenacarriagehadtobesentforthebestman，andanother，thatwouldtakeSergeiIvanovichaway，wouldhavetobesentback……Altogethertherewereagreatmanymostcomplicatedmatterstobeconsideredandarranged。Onethingwasunmistakable-thattheremustbenodelay，asitwasalreadyhalf-pastsix。
　　Nothingspecialhappenedattheceremonyofbenedictionwiththeicon。StepanArkadyevichstoodinacomicallysolemnposebesidehiswife，tooktheicon，and，tellingLevintobowdowntotheground，heblessedhimwithhiskindly，ironicalsmile，andkissedhimthreetimes；DaryaAlexandrovnadidthesame，andimmediatelywasinahurrytogetoff，andagainplungedintotheintricatequestionofthedueorderofthevariouscarriages。
　　`Come，I’lltellyouhowwe’llmanage:youdriveinourcarriagetofetchhim，andSergeiIvanovich，ifhe’llbesogood，willdrivethereandthensendhiscarriage。’
　　`Ofcourse；Ishallbedelighted。’
　　`We’llcomeondirectlywithhim。Areyourthingssentoff？’askedStepanArkadyevich。
　　`Yes，’answeredLevin，andhetoldKouzmatolayouthisclothesforhimtodress。
　　Acrowdofpeople，principallywomen，wasthrongingroundthechurchlightedupforthewedding。Thosewhohadnotsucceededingettingintothemainentrancewerecrowdingaboutthewindows，pushing，wrangling，andpeepingthroughthegratings。
　　Morethantwentycarriageshadalreadybeendrawnupinranksalongthestreetbythepolice。Apoliceofficer，regardlessofthefrost，stoodattheentrance，gorgeousinhisuniform。Morecarriageswerecontinuallydrivingup，andladieswearingflowersandcarryingtheirtrains，andmentakingofftheirkepisorblackhats，keptwalkingintothechurch。Insidethechurchbothlusterswerealreadylighted，andallthecandlesbeforetheicons。Thegoldennimbusontheredgroundoftheikonostasis，andthegiltreliefontheiconsandthesilverofthelustersandcandlesticks，andthefloor-flags，andtherugs，andthebannersaboveinthechoir，andthestepsoftheambo，andtheoldblackenedbooks，andthecassocksandsurplices-allwerefloodedwithlight。Ontherightsideofthewarmchurch，inthecrowdofeveningdressesandwhiteties，ofuniforms，andofsilk，velvet，satin，hairandflowers，ofbareshouldersandarmsandlonggloves，therewasdiscreetbutlivelyconversationthatechoedstrangelyinthehighcupola。Everytimetherewasheardthecreakoftheopeneddoortheconversationinthecrowddiedaway，andeverybodylookedroundexpectingtoseethebrideandbridegroomcomein。Butthedoorhadopenedmorethantentimes，andeachtimeitwaseitherabelatedguestorguests，whojoinedthecircleoftheinvitedontheright，orsomespectator，whohadeludedorsoftenedthepoliceofficer，andwenttojointhecrowdofoutsidersontheleft。Boththeguestsandtheoutsidepublichadbynowpassedthroughallthephasesofanticipation。
　　Atfirsttheyimaginedthatthebrideandbridegroomwouldarriveimmediately，andattachednoimportanceatalltotheirbeinglate。Thentheybegantolookmoreandmoreoftentowardthedoor，andtotalkofwhetheranythingcouldhavehappened。Thenthelongdelaybegantobepositivelydiscomforting，andrelationsandgueststriedtolookasiftheywerenotthinkingofthebridegroomatall，butwereengrossedinconversation。
　　Theprotodeacon，asthoughtoremindthemofthevalueofhistime，coughedimpatiently，makingthewindowpanesrattleintheirframes。Inthechoirtheboredchoristerscouldbeheardtryingtheirvoicesandblowingtheirnoses。Thepriestwascontinuallysendingfirstthechurchclerkandthenthedeacontofindoutwhetherthebridegroomhadnotcome，moreandmoreoftenhewenthimself，inalilacvestmentandanembroideredsash，tothesidedoor，expectingtoseethebridegroom。Atlastoneoftheladies，glancingatherwatch，said，`Itreallyisstrange，though！’andalltheguestsbecameuneasyandbeganloudlyexpressingtheirwonderanddissatisfaction。Oneofthebridegroom’sbestmenwenttofindoutwhathadhappened。Kittymeanwhilehadlongagobeenquiteready，and，inherwhitedressandlongveilandwreathoforangeblossoms，wasstandinginthedrawingroomoftheShcherbatskys’housewithhersister，MadameLvova，whowasherbridalmother。Shewaslookingoutofthewindow，andhadbeenforoverhalfanhouranxiouslyexpectingtohearfromherbestmanthatherbridegroomwasatthechurch。
　　Levinmeanwhile，inhistrousers，butwithouthiscoatandwaistcoat，waswalkingtoandfroinhisroomatthehotel，continuallyputtinghisheadoutofdoorandlookingupanddownthecorridor。Butinthecorridortherewasnosignofthepersonhewaslookingforandhecamebackindespair，andwavinghishandsaddressedStepanArkadyevich，whowassmokingserenely。
　　`Waseveramaninsuchafearfulfool’sposition？’hesaid。
　　`Yes，itisstupid，’StepanArkadyevichassented，smilingsoothingly。`Butdon’tworry，it’llbebroughtdirectly。’
　　`No，whatistobedone！’saidLevin，withsmotheredfury。`Andthesefoolopenwaistcoats！Outofthequestion！’hesaid，lookingatthecrumpledfrontofhisshirt。`Andwhatifthethingshavebeentakenontotherailwaystation！’heroaredindesperation。
　　`Thenyoumustputonmine。’
　　`Ioughttohavedonesolongago，ifatall。’
　　`It’snotwelltolookridiculous……Waitabit！Itwillcomeround。’
　　ThepointwasthatwhenLevinaskedforhiseveningsuit，Kouzma，hisoldservant，hadbroughthimthecoat，waistcoat，andeverythingthatwaswanted。
　　`Buttheshirt！’criedLevin。
　　`You’vegotashirton，’Kouzmaanswered，withaplacidsmile。
　　Kouzmahadnotthoughtofleavingoutacleanshirt，andonreceivinginstructionstopackupeverythingandsenditroundtotheShcherbatskys’house，fromwhichtheyoungpeopleweretosetoutthesameevening，hehaddoneso，packingeverythingbutthedresssuit。Theshirtwornsincethemorningwascrumpledandoutofthequestionwiththefashionableopenwaistcoat。ItwasalongwaytosendtotheShcherbatskys’。Theysentouttobuyashirt。Theservantcameback；everythingwasshutup-itwasSunday。TheysenttoStepanArkadyevich’sandbroughtashirt-itwasimpossiblywideandshort。TheysentfinallytotheShcherbatskys’tounpackthethings。Thebridegroomwasexpectedatthechurchwhilehewaspacingupanddownhisroomlikeawildbeastinacage，peepingoutintothecorridor，andwithhorroranddespairrecallingwhatabsurdthingshehadsaidtoKittyandwhatshemightbethinkingnow。
　　AtlasttheguiltyKouzmaflewpantingintotheroomwiththeshirt。
　　`Onlyjustintime。Theywerejustliftingitintothevan，’saidKouzma。
　　ThreeminuteslaterLevinranfullspeedintothecorridor，withoutlookingathiswatchforfearofaggravatinghissufferings。
　　`Youwon’thelpmatterslikethat，’saidStepanArkadyevichwithasmile，hurryingwithmoredeliberationafterhim。`Itwillcomeround，itwillcomeround-Itellyou。’
　　`They’vecome！’`Hereheis！’`Whichone？’`Ratheryoung，eh？’`Why，mydearsoul，shelooksmoredeadthanalive！’werethecommentsinthecrowd，whenLevin，meetinghisbrideintheentrance，walkedwithherintothechurch。
　　StepanArkadyevichtoldhiswifethecauseofthedelay，andtheguestswerewhisperingitwithsmilestooneanother。Levinsawnothingandnoone；hedidnottakehiseyesoffhisbride。
　　Everyonesaidshehadlostherlooksdreadfullyoflate，andwasnotnearlyasprettyonherweddingdayasusual；butLevindidnotthinkso。Helookedatherhairdoneuphigh，withthelongwhiteveilandwhiteflowersandthehigh，scallopeddeMedicicollar，thatinsuchamaidenlyfashionhidherlongneckatthesidesandonlyshoweditinfront，andherstrikinglyslenderfigure，anditseemedtohimthatshelookedbetterthanever-notbecausetheseflowers，thisveil，thisgownfromParisaddedanythingtoherbeauty；butbecause，inspiteoftheelaboratesumptuousnessofherattire，theexpressionofhersweetface，ofhereyes，ofherlipswasstillherowncharacteristicexpressionofguilelesstruthfulness。
　　`Iwasbeginningtothinkyoumeanttorunaway，’shesaid，andsmiledtohim。
　　WhathappenedtomeissostupidI’mashamedtospeakofit！’hesaid，reddening，andhewasobligedtoturntoSergeiIvanovich，whocameuptohim。
　　`Thisisaprettystoryofyoursabouttheshirt！’saidSergeiIvanovich，shakinghisheadandsmiling。
　　`Yes，yes！’answeredLevin，withoutanideaofwhattheyweretalkingabout。
　　`Now，Kostia，youhavetodecide，’saidStepanArkadyevichwithanairofmockdismay，`aweightyquestion。Youareatthismomentjustinthehumortoappreciateallitsgravity。Theyaskme，aretheytolightthecandlesthathavebeenlightedbeforeorcandlesthathaveneverbeenlighted？It’samatteroftenroubles，’headded，relaxinghislipsintoasmile。`Ihavedecided，butIwasafraidyoumightnotagree。’
　　Levinsawitwasajoke，buthecouldnotsmile。
　　`Well，how’sittobethen-unusedorusedcandles？-thatisthequestion。’
　　`Yes，yes，unusedones。’
　　`Oh，I’mveryglad。Thequestion’sdecided！’saidStepanArkadyevich，smiling。`Howsillymenbecome，though，inthissituation，’hesaidtoChirikov，whenLevin，afterlookingabsentlyathim，hadmovedbacktohisbride。
　　`Kitty，mindyou’rethefirsttosteponthecarpet，’saidCountessNordstone，comingup。`You’reafineperson！’shesaidtoLevin。
　　`Aren’tyoufrightened，eh？’saidMaryaDmitrievna，anoldaunt。
　　`Areyoucold？You’repale。Stopaminute，stoopdown，’saidKitty’ssister，MadameLvova，andwithherplump，prettyhandsshesmilinglysetstraighttheflowersonherhead。
　　Dollycameup，triedtosaysomething，butcouldnotspeak，cried，andthenlaughednaturally。
　　KittylookedatallofthemwiththesameabsenteyesasLevin。
　　Meanwhiletheofficiatingclergyhadgotintotheirvestments，andthepriestanddeaconcameouttothelectern，whichstoodintheporchofthechurch。ThepriestturnedtoLevinsayingsomething。Levindidnothearwhatthepriestsaid。
　　`Takethebride’shandandleadherup，’thebestmansaidtoLevin。
　　ItwasalongwhilebeforeLevincouldmakeoutwhatwasexpectedofhim。Foralongtimetheytriedtosethimrightandmadehimbeginagain-becausehekepttakingKittybythewrongarmorwiththewrongarm-tillheunderstoodatlastthatwhathehadtodowas，withoutchanginghisposition，totakeherrighthandinhisrighthand。Whenatlasthehadtakenthebride’shandinthecorrectway，thepriestwalkedafewpacesinfrontofthemandstoppedatthelectern。Thecrowdoffriendsandrelationsmovedafterthem，withabuzzoftalkandarustleoftrains。Someonestoopeddownandstraightenedoutthebride’strain。Thechurchbecamesostillthatthedropsofwaxcouldbeheardfallingfromthecandles。
　　Thelittleoldpriestinhiscalotte，withhislongsilvery-graylocksofhairpartedbehindhisears，wasfumblingwithsomethingatthelectern，puttingouthislittleoldhandsfromundertheheavysilvervestmentwiththegoldcrossonthebackofit。
　　StepanArkadyevichapproachedhimcautiously，whisperedsomething，and，givingawinkatLevin，walkedbackagain。
　　Thepriestlightedtwocandles，wreathedwithflowers，andholdingthemsidewayssothatthewaxdroppedslowlyfromthemheturned，facingthebridalpair。ThepriestwasthesameoldmanwhohadconfessedLevin。Helookedwithwearyandmelancholyeyesatthebrideandbridegroom，sighed，and，puttinghisrighthandoutfromunderhisvestment，blessedthebridegroomwithit，andalso，withashadeofsolicitoustenderness，laidhiscrossedfingersonthebowedheadofKitty。Thenhegavethemthecandles，and，takingthecenser，movedslowlyawayfromthem。
　　`Canitbetrue？’thoughtLevin，andhelookedroundathisbride。Lookingdownatherhesawherfaceinprofile，andfromthescarcelyperceptiblequiverofherlipsandeyelashesheknewshewasawareofhiseyesuponher。Shedidnotlookround，butthehighscallopedcollar，thatreachedherlittlepinkear，trembledfaintly。Hesawthatasighwasheldbackinherthroat，andthelittlehandinthelonggloveshookasitheldthecandle。
　　Allthefussoftheshirt，ofbeinglate，allthetalkoffriendsandrelations，theirannoyance，hisludicrousposition-allsuddenlypassedawayandhewasfilledwithjoyanddread。
　　Thehandsome，statelyprotodeaconwearingasilverrobe，andhiscurlylocksstandingoutateachsideofhishead，steppedsmartlyforward，andliftinghisstoleontwofingers，stoodoppositethepriest。
　　`BlessedbethenameoftheLord，’thesolemnsyllablesrangoutslowlyoneafteranother，settingtheairquiveringwithwavesofsound。
　　`BlessedisthenameofourGod，fromthebeginning，asnow，andforeverandaye，’thelittleoldpriestansweredinasubmissive，pipingvoice，stillfingeringsomethingatthelectern。Andthefullchorusoftheunseenchoirroseup，fillingthewholechurch，fromthewindowstothevaultedroof，withbroadwavesofmelody。Itgrewstronger，restedforaninstant，andslowlydiedaway。
　　Theyprayed，astheyalwaysdo，forpeacefromonhighandforsalvation，fortheHolySynod，andfortheCzar；theyprayed，too，fortheservantsofGod，KonstantinandEkaterina，nowplightingtheirtroth。
　　`Vouchsafetothemlovemadeperfect，peace，andhelp，OLord，webeseechThee，’thewholechurchseemedtobreathewiththevoiceoftheprotodeacon。
　　Levinheardthewords，andtheyimpressedhim。`Howdidtheyguessthatitishelp，justhelpthatonewants？’hethought，recallingallhisfearsanddoubtsoflate。`WhatdoIknow？whatcanIdointhisfearfulbusiness，’hethought，`withouthelp？Yes，itishelpIwantnow。’
　　Whenthedeaconhadfinishedtheliturgicalprayer，thepriestturnedtothebridalpairwithhisbook:`EternalGod，whojoinesttogetherinlovethemthatwereseparate，’hereadinagentle，pipingvoice，`whohastordainedtheunionofholywedlockthatcannotbesetasunder，ThouwhodidstblessIsaacandRebeccaandtheirdescendants，accordingtoThyHolyCovenant，blessThouThyservants，KonstantinandEkaterina，leadingtheminthepathofallgoodworks。ForgraciousandmercifulartThou，ourLord，andglorybetoThee，theFather，theSon，andtheHolyGhost，nowandforeverandaye。’-`Amen！’theunseenchoirsentrollingagainthroughtheair。
　　`’Joinesttogetherinlovethemthatwereseparate。’Whatdeepmeaninginthosewords，andhowtheycorrespondwithwhatonefeelsatthismoment，’thoughtLevin。`IsshefeelingthesameasI？’
　　And，lookinground，hemethereyes。Andfromtheirexpressionheconcludedthatshewasunderstandingitjustashewas。Butthiswasamistake；shealmostcompletelymissedthemeaningofthewordsoftheservice；shehadnotheardthem，infact。Shecouldnotlistentothemandtakethemin，sostrongwastheonefeelingthatfilledherbreastandgrewstrongerandstronger。Thatfeelingwasjoyatthecompletionoftheprocessthatforthelastmonthandahalfhadbeengoingoninhersoul，andhadduringthosesixweeksbeenajoyandatorturetoher。OnthedaywheninthedrawingroomofthehouseintheArbatstreetshehadgoneuptohiminherbrowndress，andhadgivenherselftohimwithoutaword-onthatday，atthathour，theretookplaceinherheartacompleteseverancefromallheroldlife，andaquitedifferent，new，utterlystrangelifehadbegunforher，whiletheoldlifewasactuallygoingonasbefore。Thosesixweekshadforherbeenatimeoftheutmostblissandtheutmostmisery。Allherlife，allherdesiresandhopeswereconcentratedonthisoneman，stilluncomprehendedbyher，towhomshewasboundbyafeelingofalternateattractionandrepulsion，evenlesscomprehendedthanthemanhimself，andallthewhileshewasgoingonlivingintheoutwardconditionsofheroldlife。Livingtheoldlife，shewashorrifiedatherself，atherutterinsurmountablecallousnesstoallherownpast，tothings，tohabits，tothepeopleshehadloved，wholovedher-tohermother，whowaswoundedbyherindifference，toherkind，tenderfather，tillthendearerthanalltheworld。Atonemomentshewashorrifiedatthisindifference，atanothersherejoicedatwhathadbroughthertothisindifference。Shecouldnotframeathought，norawish，apartfromlifewiththisman；butthisnewlifewasnotyet，andshecouldnotevenpictureitclearlytoherself。Therewasonlyanticipation，thedreadandjoyofthenewandtheunknown。Andnowbeholdanticipationanduncertaintyandremorseattheabandonmentoftheoldlife-allthiswasending，andthenewwasbeginning。Thisnewlifecouldnotbuthaveterrorsforherbyitsobscurity；but，terribleornot，thechangehadbeenwroughtsixweeksbeforeinhersoul，andthiswasmerelythefinalsanctionofwhathadlongbeencompletedinherheart。
　　Turningagaintothelectern，thepriestwithsomedifficultytookKitty’slittlering，and，askingLevinforhishand，putitonthefirstjointofhisfinger。`TheservantofGod，Konstantin，plightshistrothtotheservantofGod，Ekaterina。’AndputtinghisbigringonKitty’stouchinglyweak，pinktinyfinger，thepriestsaidthesamething。
　　Andthebridalpairtriedseveraltimestounderstandwhattheyhadtodo，andeachtimemadesomemistakeandwerecorrectedbythepriestinawhisper。Atlast，havingdulyperformedtheceremony，havingmadewiththeringsthesignofthecrossoverthem，thepriesthandedKittythebigring，andLevinthelittleone。Againtheywerepuzzled，andpassedtheringsfromhandtohand，stillwithoutdoingwhatwasexpected。
　　Dolly，Chirikov，andStepanArkadyevichsteppedforwardtosetthemright。Therewasanintervalofhesitation，whispering，andsmiles；buttheexpressionofsolemnemotiononthefacesofthebetrothedpairdidnotchange:onthecontrary，intheirperplexityovertheirhandstheylookedmoregraveanddeeplymovedthanbefore，andthesmilewithwhichStepanArkadyevichwhisperedtothemthatnowtheywouldeachputontheirownringdiedawayonhislips。Hehadafeelingthatanysmilewouldjaronthem。
　　`Thouwhodidstfromthebeginningcreatemaleandfemale，’thepriestreadaftertheexchangeofrings，`fromTheewomanwasgiventomantobeahelpmeettohim，andfortheprocreationofchildren。OLord，ourGod，whohastpoureddowntheblessingsofThyTruthaccordingtoThyHolyCovenantuponThychosenservants，ourfathers，fromgenerationtogeneration，blessThyservantsKonstantinandEkaterina，andmaketheirtrothfastinfaith，andunionofhearts，andintruth，andinlove……’
　　Levinfeltmoreandmorethatallhisideasofmarriage，allhisdreamsofhowhewouldorderhislife，weremerechildishness，andthatitwassomethinghehadnotunderstoodhitherto，andnowunderstoodlessthanever，thoughitwasbeingperformeduponhim。Thelumpinhisthroatrosehigherandhigher；tearsthatwouldnotbecheckedcameintohiseyes。
　　InthechurchtherewasallMoscow，allthefriendsandrelations；andduringtheceremonyofplightingtroth，inthebrilliantlylightedchurch，therewasanincessantflowofdiscreetlysubduedtalkinthecircleofgailydressedwomenandgirls，andmeninwhiteties，eveningdress，anduniform。Thetalkwasprincipallykeptupbythemen，whilethewomenwereabsorbedinwatchingeverydetailoftheceremony，whichalwaystouchesthemsomuch。
　　Inthelittlegroupnearestthebridewerehertwosisters:Dolly，andtheyoungerone，theself-possessedbeauty，MadameLvova，whohadjustarrivedfromabroad。
　　`WhyisitMarie’sinlilac？It’sasbadasblackatawedding，’saidMadameKorsunskaia。
　　`Withhercomplexion，it’sheronesalvation，’respondedMadameDrubetskaia。`Iwonderwhytheyhadtheweddingintheevening？It’slikeshoppeople……’
　　`Somuchprettier。Iwasmarriedintheeveningtoo……’answeredMadameKorsunskaia，andshesighed，rememberinghowcharmingshehadbeenthatday，andhowabsurdlyinloveherhusbandwas，andhowdifferentitallwasnow。
　　`Theysayifanyoneisbestmanmorethantentimes，he’llneverbemarried。Iwantedtobeoneforthetenthtime，butthepostwastaken，’saidCountSiniavintotheprettyPrincessCharskaia，whohaddesignsonhim。
　　PrincessCharskaiaonlyansweredwithasmile。ShelookedatKitty，thinkinghowandwhenshewouldstandwithCountSiniavininKitty’splace，andhowshewouldremindhimthenofhisjoketoday。
　　ShcherbatskytoldtheoldHoffraulein，MadameNikoleva，thathemeanttoputthecrownonKitty’schignonforluck。
　　`Sheoughtnottohavewornachignon，’answeredMadameNikoleva，whohadlongagomadeuphermindthatiftheelderlywidowershewasanglingformarriedher，theweddingshouldbeofthesimplest。`Idon’tlikesuchfaste。’
　　SergeiIvanovichwastalkingtoDaryaDmitrievna，jestinglyassuringherthatthecustomofgoingawayaftertheweddingwasbecomingcommonbecausenewlymarriedpeoplealwaysfeltalittleashamedofthemselves。
　　`Yourbrothermayfeelproudofhimself。She’samarvelofsweetness。Ibelieveyou’reenvious。’
　　`Oh，I’vegotoverthat，DaryaDmitrievna，’heanswered，andamelancholyandseriousexpressionsuddenlycameoverhisface。
　　StepanArkadyevichwastellinghissister-in-lawhisjokeaboutdivorce。
　　`Thewreathwantssettingstraight，’sheanswered，withoutlisteningtohim。
　　`Whatapityshe’slostherlooksso，’CountessNordstonesaidtoMadameLvova。`Still，he’snotworthherlittlefinger，ishe？’
　　`Oh，Ilikehimso-notbecausehe’smyfuturebeau-frere，’answeredMadameLvova。`Andhowwellhe’sbehaving！It’ssodifficult，too，tolookwellinsuchaposition，nottoberidiculous。Andhe’snotridiculous，andnotaffected；onecanseehe’smoved。’
　　`Youexpectedit，Isuppose？’
　　`Almost。Shealwayscaredforhim。’
　　`Well，weshallseewhichofthemwillstepontherugfirst。IwarnedKitty。’
　　`Itwillmakenodifference，’saidMadameLvova，`we’reallobedientwives；it’sinourfamily。’
　　`Oh，IsteppedontherugbeforeVassiliionpurpose。Andyou，Dolly？’
　　Dollystoodbesidethem；sheheardthem，butshedidnotanswer。Shewasdeeplymoved。Thetearsstoodinhereyes，andshecouldnothavespokenwithoutcrying。ShewasrejoicingoverKittyandLevin；goingbackinthoughttoherownwedding，sheglancedattheradiantfigureofStepanArkadyevich，forgotallthepresent，andrememberedonlyherowninnocentlove。Sherecallednotherselfonly，butallherwomenfriendsandacquaintances。Shethoughtofthemontheonedayoftheirtriumph，whentheyhadstoodlikeKittyundertheweddingcrown，withloveandhopeanddreadintheirhearts，renouncingthepast，andsteppingforwardintothemysteriousfuture。Amongthebridesthatcamebacktohermemory，shethoughttooofherdarlingAnna，ofwhoseproposeddivorceshehadjustbeenhearing。Andshehadstoodjustasinnocent，inorangeblossomsandbridalveil。Andnow？`It’sterriblystrange，’shesaidtoherself。
　　Itwasnotmerelythesisters，thewomenfriends，andthefemalerelationsofthebride，whowerefollowingeverydetailoftheceremony。Womenwhowerequitestrangers，merespectators，werewatchingitexcitedly，holdingtheirbreath，infearoflosingasinglemovementorexpressionofthebrideandbridegroom，andangrilynotanswering，oftennothearing，theremarksofthecallousmen，whokeptmakingjokingorirrelevantobservations。
　　`Whyhasshebeencrying？Isshebeingmarriedagainstherwill？’
　　`Againstherwill-toafinefellowlikethat？APrince，isn’the？’
　　`Isthathersisterinthewhitesatin？Justlistenhowthedeaconboomsout，``andobey！’’
　　`ArethechoristersfromthechurchoftheMiracle？’
　　`No-fromtheSynodalschool。’
　　`I’mtold-he’sgoingtotakeherhometohiscountryplaceatonce。Iaskedthefootman。Awfullyrich，theysay。That’swhyshe’sbeingmarriedtohim。’
　　`No-they’reawell-matchedpair。’
　　`Isay，MaryaVassilyevna，youclaimedthoseflyawaycrinolineswerenotbeingworn。Justlookatherinthepucedress-anambassador’swife，theysaysheis-see，howherskirtbounces！……Soandso！’
　　`Whataprettydearthebrideis-likealambdeckedwithflowers！Well，saywhatyouwill，wewomenfeelforoursister。’
　　Suchwerethecommentsinthecrowdofgazingwomenwhohadsucceededinslippinginatthechurchdoors。