`Now，it’sallover-Godbepraised！’wasthefirstthoughtthatcametoAnnaArkadyevna，whenshehadsaidgood-byforthelasttimetoherbrother，whohadstoodblockinguptheentrancetothecarriagetillthethirdbellrang。ShesatdownonherloungebesideAnnushka，andlookedaboutherinthetwilightofthesleepingcarriage。`ThankGod！tomorrowIshallseeSeriozhaandAlexeiAlexandrovich，andmylife，goodandfamiliar，willgoonintheoldway。’
Stillinthesameanxiousframeofmindinwhichshehadbeenallthatday，Annatookameticulouspleasureinmakingherselfcomfortableforthejourney。Withhertiny，defthandssheopenedandshutherlittleredbag，tookoutacushion，laiditonherknees，and，carefullywrappingupherfeet，settledherselfcomfortably。Aninvalidladyhadalreadylaindowntosleep。TwootherladiesbegantalkingtoAnna，andastoutelderlyladytuckedupherfeet，andmadeobservationsabouttheheatingofthetrain。Annaansweredtheladiesinafewwords，butnotforeseeinganyentertainmentfromtheconversation，sheaskedAnnushkatogetasmalllantern，hookeditonthearmofherseat，andtookfromherbagapaperknifeandanEnglishnovel。Atfirstshecouldnotgetinterestedinherreading。Thefussandstirweredisturbing；then，whenthetrainhadstarted，shecouldnothelplisteningtothenoises；thenthesnowbeatingontheleftwindowandstickingtothepane，andthesightofthemuffledguardpassingby，coveredwithsnowononeside，andtheconversationsabouttheterribleblizzardragingoutside，distractedherattention。Andafterthateverythingwasthesameandthesame:thesamejouncingandrattling，thesamesnowlashingthewindow，thesamerapidtransitionsfromsteamingheattocold，andbackagaintoheat，thesameflittingofthesamefacesinthehalf-murk，andthesamevoices；andthenAnnabegantoread，andtograspwhatsheread。Annushkawasalreadydozing，theredbagonherlap，clutchedbyherbroadhands，ingloves，ofwhichonewastorn。AnnaArkadyevnareadandgraspedthesense，yetitwasannoyingtohertoread-thatis，tofollowthereflectionofotherpeople’slives。Shehadtoogreatadesiretoliveherself。Ifshereadthattheheroineofthenovelwerenursingasickman，shelongedtomovewithnoiselessstepsabouthissickroom；ifshereadofamemberofParliamentdeliveringaspeech，shelongedtodeliverit；ifshereadofhowLadyMaryhadriddenafterthehounds，andhadprovokedhersister-in-law，andhadsurprisedeveryonebyherdaring-she，too，longedtobedoingthesame。Buttherewasnochanceofdoinganything；and，herlittlehandstoyingwiththesmoothpaperknife，sheforcedherselftoread。
TheheroofthenovelwasalreadybeginningtoattainhisEnglishhappiness，abaronetcy，andanestate，andAnnawasfeelingadesiretogowithhimtohisestate，whenshesuddenlyfeltthatheoughttofeelashamed，andthatshewasashamedofthesamething。Butwhatwasithewasashamedof？`WhathaveItobeashamedof？’sheaskedherselfininjuredsurprise。Sheabandonedthebookandsankagainstthebackofherchair，tightlygrippingthepaperknifeinbothhands。Therewasnothingtobeashamedof。ShewentoverallherMoscowrecollections。Allwerefine，pleasant。Sherecalledtheball，recalledVronskyandhisenamored，submissiveface；sherecalledallherconductwithhim-therewasnothingshameful。Yet，withallthat，atthisverypointinherreminiscences，thefeelingofshamewasintensified，asthoughsomeinnervoice，preciselyhere，whensherecalledVronsky，weresayingtoher:`Warm，verywarm-hot！’`Well，whatisit？’shesaidtoherselfresolutely，shiftingonherseat。`Whatdoesitmean？AmIafraidtolookatthiswithoutblinking？Well，whatisit？Canitbethatbetweenmeandthisboy-officerthereexist，orcanexist，anyotherrelationsthansuchasarecommonwitheveryacquaintance？’Shelaughedcontemptuouslyandtookupherbookagain；butnowshewasabsolutelyunabletomakesenseofwhatsheread。Shepassedthepaperknifeoverthewindowpane，thenlaiditssmooth，coolsurfacetohercheek，andalmostlaughedaloudattheunreasoningjoythatallatoncepossessedher。Shefeltthathernerves，likestrings，werebeingtautenedmoreandmoreuponsomekindoftighteningpeg。Shefelthereyesopeningwiderandwider，herfingersandtoestwitchingnervously，somethingwithinstoppingherbreathing，whileallimagesandsoundsseemedintheswayinghalf-murktostrikeherwithextraordinaryvividness。Momentsofdoubtwerecontinuallybesettingher:wasthecargoingforward，orback，orwasitstandingabsolutelystill？WasitreallyAnnushkaatherside，orastranger？`What’sthatonthearmofthechair-afurcloakorsomebeast？AndwhatamImyself:isitI，orsomeotherwoman？’Shewasafraidofyieldingtothistrance-butsomethingwasdrawingherintoit，and，atwill，shecouldyieldtoitorresistit。Shegotuptorouseherself，andslippedoffherplaidandthecapeofwarmdress。Foramomentsheregainedherself-possession，andrealizedthatthethinpeasantwhohadcomeinwearingalongnankeenovercoat，withabuttonmissingfromit，wasthefireman，thathewaslookingatthethermometer，thatthewindandsnowhadburstinafterhimthroughthedoor；buttheneverythinggrewconfusedagain……Thatpeasantwiththelongwaisttooktognawingsomethingwithinthewall；thelittlecronestartedstretchingherlegsthewholelengthofthecarandfilleditwithablackcloud；thentherewasadreadfulscreechingandbanging，asthoughsomeonewerebeingrentintopieces；thenaredblazeblindedhereyes，and，atlast，everythingwasscreenedbyawall。Annafeltthatshehadplungeddownward。Yetallthiswasnotterrible，butjoyful。Thevoiceofamanmuffledupandcoveredwithsnowshoutedsomethinginherveryear。Shearoseandcameto，realizingthattheyhadcometoastation，andthatthiswastheconductor。SherequestedAnnushkatohandherthecapeshehadtakenoff，andhershawl，putthemon，andwenttowardthedoor。
`Doyouwishtogetout？’askedAnnushka。
`Yes，Iwanttogetabreathofair。It’sveryhotinhere。’
Andsheopenedthedoor。Theblizzardandthewindrushedtomeetherandbegantocontendwithherforthedoor。Andeventhisseemedjoyfultoher。Sheopenedthedoorandsteppedout。Thisseemedtobeallthatthewindhadbeenlyinginwaitfor；itsetupagleefulwhistleandwasabouttosnatchherupandwhirlheraway，butsheclutchedthecolddoorpostand，holdingontohershawl，descendedtotheplatformandtheshelterofthecar。Thewindhadbeenmightyonthesteps，butontheplatform，intheleeofthetrain，therewasalull。Withenjoymentshedrewdeepbreathsofthesnowy，frostyairand，standingnearthecar，lookedabouttheplatformandthelightedstation。
Thefrightfulstormragedandwhistledbetweenthewheelsofthecars，alongtheposts，aroundthecornerofthestation。Thecars，posts，people-everythinginsight-werecoveredwithsnowononeside，andweregettingmoreandmoresnowedunder。Foramomenttherewouldcomealullinthestorm，butthenitwouldagainswoopdownwithsuchguststhatitseemedimpossibletowithstandit。Meanwhilesomemenorotherweredashingabout，gailytalkingtooneanother，makingtheboardsoftheplatformcreakandceaselesslyopeningandshuttingthebigdoors。Astoopinghumanshadowglidedbyatherfeet，andsheheardahammertappinguponiron。`Let’shavethetelegram！’cameanangryvoiceoutofthestormymurkontheotherside。`Thisway！No。28！’othervoiceswerealsoshouting，andmuffledfiguresscurriedby，plasteredwithsnow。Twogentlemenpassedbyher，cigarettesglowingintheirmouths。Shedrewinonemoredeepbreath，andhadjusttakenherhandoutofhermufftograspthedoorpostandenterthecar，whenstillanothermaninamilitaryovercoat，quiteclosebesideher，steppedbetweenherandtheflickeringlightofalantern。Shelookedround，andthesameinstantrecognizedVronsky’sface。Puttinghishandtothepeakofhiscap，hebowedtoherandaskedifthereweren’tanythingshewanted，whetherhecouldnotbeofsomeservicetoher？Shegazedratherlongathim，withoutanyanswer，and，inspiteoftheshadowinwhichhewasstanding，shesaworfanciedshesawtheexpressionbothofhisfaceandhiseyes。Itwasagainthatexpressionofreverentrapturewhichhadaffectedhersoyesterday。Morethanonceshehadtoldherselfduringthepastfewdays，andonlyjustnow，thatVronskywasforheronlyoneofthehundredsofyoungmen，foreverexactlythesame，thatonemeetseverywhere；thatshewouldneverpermitherselfeventothinkofhim；yetnowatthefirstflushofmeetinghim，shewasseizedbyanemotionofjoyouspride。Shehadnoneedtoaskwhyhewashere。Sheknew，assurelyasifhehadtoldher，thathewashereonlytobewhereshewas。
`Ididn’tknowyouweregoing。Andwhyareyougoing？’shesaid，lettingfallthehandwhichhadgraspedthedoorpost。Andirrepressiblejoyandanimationshoneinherface。
`WhyamIgoing？’herepeated，lookingstraightintohereyes。`YouknowthatIamgoingtobewhereyouare，’hesaid；`Icannotdootherwise。’
Andatthisverypoint，asthoughithadovercomeallobstacles，thewindscatteredthesnowfromthecarroofs，andbegantofluttersomesheetofironithadtornoff，whilethelow-pitchedwhistleoftheenginesetuparoarinfront，dismalandlamenting。Alltheawesomenessoftheblizzardnowseemedstillmoresplendidtoher。Hehadutteredpreciselywhathersoulyearnedfor，butwhichherreasondreaded。Shemadenoanswer，andinherfacehebeheldastruggle。
`Forgiveme，ifwhatIhavesaiddispleasesyou，’hesaidhumbly。
Hehadspokencourteously，deferentially，yetsofirmly，soobduratelythat，forlong，shecouldfindnoanswer。
`Whatyousayiswrong，andIbegofyou，ifyouareagoodman，toforgetwhatyouhavesaid，evenasIshallforgetit，’shesaidatlast。
`Notasinglewordofyours，norasinglegesture，shallIeverforget-norcouldIforget……’
`Enough，enough！’shecried，vainlyattemptingtogiveasternexpressiontoherface，whichhewasavidlyscrutinizing。Clutchingatthecolddoorpost，sheclamberedupthestepsandquicklyenteredthecorridorofthecar。Butinthislittlecorridorshepaused，reviewinginherimaginationallthathadoccurred。Withoutrecallingherownwordsorhis，sherealizedinstinctivelythatthatconversationhadbroughtthemfearfullycloser；andshewasbothfrightenedandmadehappythereby。Afterstandingthusafewseconds，shewentintothecarandsatdowninherplace。Thattensedstatewhichhadtormentedheratfirstwasnotonlyrenewed，butgrewgreaterandreachedsuchapitchthatshewasafraidthat，atanymoment，somethingwouldsnapwithinherfromtheexcessivetension。Shedidnotsleepallnight。Butinthatnervoustension，andinthereveriesthatfilledherimagination，therewasnothingunpleasantorgloomy；onthecontrary，therewassomethingjoyous，glowingandexhilarating。TowardmorningAnnadozedoffasshesat，andwhensheawokeitwasalreadylight，andthetrainwasnearingPeterburg。Atoncethoughtsofhome，ofherhusbandandson，andthedetailsofthedayahead，anddaystofollow，camethronginguponher。
AtPeterburg，assoonasthetrainstoppedandshegotout，thefirstfacethatattractedherattentionwasthatofherhusband。`Oh，myGod！Whathashappenedtohisears？’shethoughtlookingathisfrigidandimposingfigure，andespeciallytheears，thatstruckhersonow，astheyproppedupthebrimofhisroundhat。Catchingsightofherhewenttomeether，pursinghislipsintotheirhabitualmockingsmile，andfixingherwithhisbig，tiredeyes。Someunpleasantsensationcontractedherheartasshemethisobdurateandtiredglance，asthoughshehadexpectedtoseehimadifferentman。Shewasparticularlystruckbythatfeelingofdissatisfactionwithherselfwhichsheexperiencedonmeetinghim。Thiswasanintimate，familiarfeeling，likethatstateofdissimulationwhichsheexperiencedinherrelationswithherhusband；buthithertoshehadnottakennoteofthefeeling；nowshewasclearlyandpainfullyawareofit。
`Yes，asyousee，yourtenderspouse，asdevotedashewasduringthesecondyearaftermarriage，wasconsumedbythedesireofseeingyou，’hesaidinhisdilatory，high-pitchedvoice，andinthattonewhichhealmostalwaysusedtoher-atoneofbanteringatanyonewhoshouldspeakthusinearnest。
`IsSeriozhaquitewell？’sheasked。
`Andisthisallthereward，’saidhe，`formyardor？He’swell-quitewell……’
Vronskyhadnotevenattemptedtofallasleepallthatnight。Hesatinhisarmchair，hiseyesfixedbeforehimorscanningthepeoplewhogotinandout，andifhehadindeed，onpreviousoccasions，struckandarousedpeoplewhodidnotknowhimbyhisairofunshakablecalmness，henowseemedprouderandmoreself-sufficientthanever。Heregardedpeopleasiftheywerethings。Anervousyoungman，aclerkinalawcourt，whohadtheseatoppositehis，conceivedahatredforhimbecauseofthisair。Theyoungmanaskedhimforalight，andenteredintoconversationwithhim，andevenjostledhim，tomakehimfeelthathewasnotathing，butaman。ButVronskykeptonregardinghimasifhewerealamppost，andtheyoungmangrimaced，feelingthathewaslosinghisself-possessionundertheoppressivenessofthisrefusaltorecognizehimasahumanbeing。
Vronskysawnothingandnoone。Hefelthimselfaking，notbecausehebelievedthathehadmadeanyimpressiononAnna-hedidnotyetbelievethat-butbecausetheimpressionshehadmadeonhimaffordedhimhappinessandpride。
Whatwouldcomeofitallhedidnotknow，oreventhink。Hefeltthatallhisforces，hithertodissolute，scattered，werecenteredononething，andbentwithfearfulenergytowardoneblissfulgoal。Andthereinlayhishappiness。Hedidbutknowthathehadtoldherthetruth，thathehadcomewhereshewas，thatallthehappinessoflife，thesolemeaninginlifeforhim，nowlayinseeingherandhearinghervoice。AndwhenhegotoutofhiscaratBologovotogetsomeseltzerwater，andhadcaughtsightofAnna，hisveryfirstwordhadinvoluntarilytoldherhisverythoughts。Andhewasgladhehadtoldher，thatsheknewnow，andwasthinkingofit。Hedidnotsleepallnight。Backinhiscompartment，heincessantlykeptruminatinguponeverypostureinwhichhehadseenher，everywordshehaduttered；and，inhisimagination，makinghisheartswoon，floatedpicturesofapossiblefuture。
WhenhegotoutofthetrainatPeterburg，hefeltafterhissleeplessnightaslivelyandfreshasafteracoldbath。Hepausednearhiscar，waitingforhertoemerge。`Oncemore，’hesaidtohimself，smilingunconsciously，`oncemoreIshallseeherwalk，herface；shemaysaysomething，turnherhead，glance，smile，perhaps。’Butbeforehecaughtsightofher，hesawherhusband，whomthestationmasterwasdeferentiallyescortingthroughthecrowd。`Ah，yes。Thehusband。’Onlynow，forthefirsttime，didVronskyrealizeclearlythefactthattherewassomeoneattachedtoher-ahusband。Hehadknownthatshehadahusband，buthadhardlybelievedinhisexistence，andonlynow，whenhesawhim，didhefullybelieveinhim，withhishead，andshoulders，andhisblack-trouseredlegs；especiallywhenhesawthishusbandplacidlytakeherarm，withaconsciousnessofproprietorship。
SeeingAlexeiAlexandrovichwithhisspick-and-spanPeterburgfaceandausterelyself-confidentfigure，inhisroundhat，withhisratherprominentspine，hebelievedinhim，andwasawareofadisagreeablesensation，suchasmightbefeltbyamanwho，torturedbythirst，finds，onreachingaspring，adog，asheeporapigthereinthathasnotonlydrunkofit，butalsomuddiedthewater。AlexeiAlexandrovich’smannerofwalking，gyratinghiswholepelvisandhisflatfeet，wasespeciallyoffensivetoVronsky。Hecouldrecognizeinnoonebuthimselfanindubitablerighttoloveher。Butshewasstillthesame，andthesightofheraffectedhimthesameway，physicallyrevivinghim，stirringhim，andfillinghissoulwithhappiness。HetoldhisGermanvalet，whoranuptohimfromthesecondclass，totakehisthingsandgoon，hehimselfwentuptoher。Hesawthefirstmeetingbetweenthehusbandandwife，andnoted，withalover’sinsight，thesignoftheslightembarrassmentwithwhichshespoketoherhusband。`No，shedoesnotlovehim，andcannotlovehim，’hedecidedtohimself。
AttheverymomentthathewasapproachingAnnaArkadyevnafromtheback，henoticedwithjoythatshewasconsciousofhisdrawingnear，andthatshelookedround；afterwhich，seeinghim，sheturnedagaintoherhusband。
`Haveyouhadagoodnight？’hesaid，bowingbothtoherandtoherhusband，andleavingittoAlexeiAlexandrovichtoacceptthebowonhisownaccount，andtoreturnitornot，ashemightseefit。
`Thankyou-averygoodone，’sheanswered。
Herfaceseemedtired，andlackinginthatplayofanimationwhichusuallyhoveredbetweenhersmileandhereyes；butforasingleinstant，assheglancedathim，somethingflashedinhereyes，andalthoughthisflashdiedawayatonce，hewasmadehappybythatmoment。Sheglancedatherhusband，tofindoutwhetherheknewVronsky。AlexeiAlexandrovichwasregardingVronskywithdispleasure，absent-mindedlytryingtorecallwhohewas。Vronsky’scalmnessandself-confidencehadhererunup，likeascytheagainstastone，onthefrigidself-confidenceofAlexeiAlexandrovich。
`CountVronsky，’saidAnna。
`Ah！Weareacquainted，Ibelieve，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovichapathetically，profferinghishand。`Yousetoutwiththemotherandreturnwiththeson，’hesaidtoAnna，articulatingdistinctly，asthougheachwordwereacoinofhighvaluebestowedbyhimonhishearers-`You’rebackfromleave，Isuppose？’hesaid，andwithoutwaitingforareply，headdressedhiswifeinhisbanteringtone:`Well，wereagreatmanytearsshedinMoscowatparting？’
ByaddressinghiswifethushemeantVronskytoperceivethathewishedtobeleftalone，and，turningslightlytowardhim，hetouchedhishat；butVronskyturnedtoAnnaArkadyevna:
`Ihopetohavethehonorofcallingonyou，’hesaid。
AlexeiAlexandrovichglancedwithhiswearyeyesatVronsky。
`Delighted，’hesaidcoldly。`We’reathomeMondays。’Then，dismissingVronskyentirely，hesaidtohiswife:`Iamratherluckytohavejusthalfanhourtomeetyou，sothatIcanprovetoyoumyfondness，’hewenton，inthesamebanteringtone。
`Youlaytoogreatastressonyourfondnessformetovalueitverymuch，’sherespondedinthesamebanteringtone，involuntarilylisteningtothesoundofVronsky’sstepsbehindthem。`ButwhathaveItodowiththat？’shesaidtoherself，andbeganquestioningherhusbandastohowSeriozhahadgotonwithouther。
`Oh，capitally！Mariettesayshehasbeenaverydarlingboy，and……Imustdisappointyou……Buthehasnotlanguishedforyouasyourhusbandhas。Butoncemoremerci，mydear，forbestowingawholedayuponme。OurdearSamovarwillbeenraptured。’HecalledtheCountessLidiaIvanovna，wellknowninsociety，asamovar，becauseshewasbubblingoverwithexcitementonanyandeveryoccasion。`Shehasbeenaskingforyou。And，d’youknow，ifImayventuretoadviseyou，yououghttogotoseehertoday。Youknowhowshetakeseverythingtoheart。Justnow，withallherowncares，she’sanxiousaboutthereconciliationoftheOblonskys。’
TheCountessLidiaIvanovnawasafriendofherhusband’s，andthecenterofthatoneofthecoteriesofthePeterburgbeaumondewithwhichAnnawas，throughherhusband，intheclosestrapport。
`ButIwrotetoher。’
`Yes，butshemusthavefulldetails。Gotoseeher，ifyou’renottootired，mydear。Well，Kondratiiwilltakeyouinthecarriage，whileIgotomycommittee。OncemoreIshallnotbealoneatdinner，’AlexeiAlexandrovichcontinued，butnolongerinajestingtone。`Youwouldn’tbelievehowI’vegrownusedtoyou……’
And，withaprolongedpressureofherhand，andaparticularsmile，hehelpedherintohercarriage。
ThefirstpersontomeetAnnaathomewasherson。Hedasheddownthestairstoher，inspiteofthegovernes’sscall，andwithfrenziedraptureshrieked:`Mother！mother！’Runninguptoher，hehungonherneck。
`Itoldyouitwasmother！’heshoutedtothegoverness。`Iknewit！’
Andherson，likeherhusband，arousedinAnnaafeelingakintodisappointment。Inherimaginationhehadbeenbetterthanhewasinreality。Shehadtodescendtorealitytoenjoyhimashewas。But，evenso，hewascharming，withhisfaircurls，hisblueeyesandhischubby，gracefullittlelegsintightlypulled-upstockings。Annaexperiencedanalmostphysicaldelightinthesensationofhisnearness，andhiscaresses；andamoralreassurance，whenshemethisingenuous，trustingandlovingglance，andheardhisnaivequestions。AnnatookoutthepresentsDolly’schildrenhadsenthim，andtoldhersonaboutTania，alittlegirlinMoscow，andhowTaniacouldread，andeventaughttheotherchildren。
`Why，amInotasgoodasshe？’askedSeriozha。
`Tomeyou’rebetterthananyoneelseinthewholeworld。’
`Iknowthat，’saidSeriozha，smiling。
AnnahadscarcelydrunkhercoffeewhentheCountessLidiaIvanovnawasannounced。TheCountessLidiaIvanovnawasatall，fleshywoman，withanunwholesomelyyellowcomplexionandbeautiful，pensiveblackeyes。Annalikedher，buttodaysheseemed，forthefirsttime，toseeherwithallhershortcomings。
`Well，myfriend，wereyouthebeareroftheolivebranch？’askedCountessLidiaIvanovna，theminutesheenteredtheroom。
`Yes，it’sallover，butitwasnotatallasseriousaswethought，’answeredAnna。`Mybelle-soeuris，ingeneral，muchtoocategorical。’
ButCountessLidiaIvanovna，whowasinterestedineverythingthatdidnotconcernher，hadahabitofneverlisteningtowhatinterestedher；sheinterruptedAnna:
`Yes，there’splentyofsorrowandevilintheworld-andIamsofatiguedtoday！’
`Oh，why？’askedAnna，tryingtorepressasmile。
`I’mbeginningtowearyofvainlybreakinglancesforthetruth，andattimesI’maltogetherunstrung。TheaffairwithourDearSisters[thiswasareligiouslypatriotic，philanthropicinstitution]startedoffsplendidly，butit’simpossibletodoanythingwithsuchpeople，’addedCountessLidiaIvanovna，withamockingsubmissivenesstofate。`Theypouncedontheidea，andmangledit，andafterwardtheythrashitoutsopettilyandtrivially。Twoorthreepeople，yourhusbandamongthem，graspallthesignificanceofthisaffairbuttheothersmerelydegradeit。YesterdayPravdinwrotetome……’
Pravdinwasawell-knownPan-Slavistabroad，andCountessLidiaIvanovnatoldthegistofhisletter。
NexttheCountessspokeofotherunpleasantnessesandintriguesagainsttheworkoftheunificationofthechurches，anddepartedinhaste，sincethatdayshehadtoattendthemeetingofanothersociety，andalsoaSlavoniccommittee。
`Allthisisasithasalwaysbeen；buthowisitIdidn’tnoticeitbefore？’Annaaskedherself。`Orhasshebeenverymuchirritatedtoday？It’sreallyludicrous:herobjectistodogood；she’saChristian；yetshe’sforeverangry，andforeverhavingenemies-andalwaysenemiesinthenameofChristianityanddoinggood。’
AfterCountessLidiaIvanovnaanotherfriendcame，thewifeofadirectoroftheDepartment，whotoldherallthenewsofthetown。Atthreeo’clockshetoowentaway，promisingtocometodinner。AlexeiAlexandrovichwasattheMinistry。Anna，leftalone，spentthetimetilldinnerinlendingherpresencetoherson’sdinnerhedinedapartfromhisparents，inputtingherthingsinorder，andinreadingandansweringthenotesandletterswhichhadaccumulatedonherescritoire。
Thefeelingofunreasoningshame，whichshehadfeltduringthejourney，andheragitation，hadcompletelyvanished。Intheaccustomedconditionsofherlifesheagainfeltherselffirmandirreproachable。
Sherecalledwithwonderherstateofmindonlyyesterday。`Whatwasit？Nothing。Vronskysaidsomethingsilly，whichitwaseasytoputanendto，andIansweredjustasIshouldhave。Tospeakofittomyhusbandwouldbeunnecessaryandimpermissible。Tospeakofitwouldbetoattachimportancetothatwhichhasnone。’SherememberedhowshehadtoldherhusbandofwhatwasalmostdeclarationmadeherinPeterburgbyayoungman，asubordinateofherhusband’s，andhowAlexeiAlexandrovichhadansweredthateverywomanoftheworldwasexposedtothissortofthing，butthathehadthefullestconfidenceinhertact，andwouldneverpermithimselftodegradeherandhimselfbyjealousy。`Sothen，there’snoreasontosayanything？And，thankGod，thereisn’tanythingtosay，’shetoldherself。
AlexeiAlexandrovichcamebackfromtheMinistryatfouro’clock，butasoftenhappened，hadnochancetodropinatherroom。Hewentintohisstudytoseethepeoplewaitingforhimwithpetitions，andtosigncertainpapersbroughthimbyhisheadclerk。AtdinnertimetherewerealwaysatleastthreepeoplediningwiththeKareninstherearrivedanoldlady，acousinofAlexeiAlexandrovich；thedirectoroftheDepartmentandhiswife；andayoungmanwhohadbeenrecommendedtoAlexeiAlexandrovichforapost。Annawentintothedrawingroomtoentertaintheseguests。Preciselyatfiveo’clock，beforethebronzePetertheFirstclockhadfinishedthefifthstroke，AlexeiAlexandrovichmadehisentry，inwhitetieandeveningcoatwithtwostars，ashehadtogooutdirectlyafterdinner。EveryminuteofAlexeiAlexandrovich’slifewastakenupandapportioned。Andinordertoaccomplishallthateachdayheldforhim，headheredtothestrictestorderliness。`Norhastenorrest，’washisdevice。Heenteredthedininghall，bowedtoall，andhurriedlysatdown，smilingtohiswife:
`Yes，mysolitudeisover。Youwouldn’tbelievehowuncomfortable[helaidstressontheworduncomfortable]itistodinealone。’
AtdinnerhechattedwithhiswifeaboutthingsatMoscow，andasked，withhismockingsmile，aboutStepanArkadyevich；buttheconversationwasforthemostpartgeneral，dealingwiththeofficialandpublicnewsofPeterburg。Afterdinnerhespenthalfanhourwithhisguests，and，againwithasmile，pressedhiswife’shand，withdrew，anddroveofftotheCouncil。AnnawentthateveningneithertothePrincessBetsyTverskaia，who，hearingofherreturn，hadinvitedher，nortothetheater，whereshehadaboxforthatevening。Herprincipalreasonfornotgoingoutwasbecausethedressshehadexpectedtowearwasnotready。Allinall，Annawasexceedinglyannoyedwhenshestartedtodressfortheeveningafterthedepartureofherguests。BeforeherdepartureforMoscowshe，whowasgenerallyamistressoftheartofdressingwellyetinexpensively，hadgivenherdressmakerthreedressestomakeover。Thedressesweretobemadeoversothattheiroldselveswouldbeunrecognizable，andtheyshouldhavebeenreadythreedaysago。Itturnedoutthattwodresseswerenowherenearready，whiletheotheronehadnotbeenmadeovertoAnna’sliking。Thedressmakercametoexplain，assertingthatherwaywasbest，andAnnahadbecomesoheatedthatsheblushedattherecollection。Toregainhercomposurefullyshewentintothenurseryandspentthewholeeveningwithherson，puttinghimtobedherself，makingthesignofthecrossoverhim，andtuckinghimin。Shewasgladshehadnotgoneoutanywhere，andhadspenttheeveningsowell。Shefeltsolightheartedandcalm，shesawsoclearlythatallthathadseemedtohersosignificantonherrailwayjourneywasmerelyoneoftheordinarytrivialincidentsoffashionablelife，andthatshehadnocausetofeelashamedbeforeanyoneelseorbeforeherself。AnnasatdownnearthefireplacewithanEnglishnovelandwaitedforherhusband。Exactlyathalf-pastninesheheardhisring，andheenteredtheroom。
`Hereyouareatlast！’sheobserved，extendingherhandtohim。
Hekissedherhandandsatdownbesideher。
`Allinall，Icanseeyourtripwasasuccess，’hesaidtoher。
`Yes，verymuchso，’saidshe，andshebegantellinghimeverythingfromthebeginning:herjourneywithCountessVronskaia，herarrival，theaccidentatthestation。Thenshedescribedthepityshehadfelt，firstforherbrother，and，afterward，forDolly。
`Idonotsupposethereisanyexcuseforsuchaman，eventhoughheisyourbrother，’saidAlexeiAlexandrovichsternly。
Annasmiled。Sheknewthathesaidthispreciselytoshowthatfamilyconsiderationscouldnotpreventhimfromexpressinghissincereopinion。Sheknewthistraitinherhusbandandlikedit。
`Iamgladeverythinghasendedsowell，andthatyouhavereturned，’hewenton。`Well，andwhatdotheysaythereaboutthenewbillIhavegotpassedintheCouncil？’
Annahadheardnothingofthisbill，andshefeltconscience-strickenthatshecouldsoreadilyforgetwhatwastohimofsuchimportance。
`Here，ontheotherhand，thishascreatedagreatdealoftalk，’saidhe，withaself-satisfiedsmile。
ShesawthatAlexeiAlexandrovichwantedtotellhersomethingthatpleasedhimaboutit，andshebroughthimbyquestionstotellingit。Withthesameself-satisfiedsmilehetoldheroftheovationshehadreceivedasaconsequenceofthebillhehadpassed。
`Iwasvery，veryhappy。Itshowsthatatlastanintelligentandfirmviewofthematterisformingamongus。’
Afterhissecondcupoftea，withcreamandbread，AlexeiAlexandrovichgotup，andwenttowardhisstudy。
`Andyouwentnowherethisevening？Weren’tYoureallybored？’hesaid。
`Oh，no！’sheanswered，gettingupafterhimandaccompanyinghimacrosstheroomtohisstudy。`Whatareyoureadingnow？’sheasked。
`JustnowI’mreadingDucdeLille-Poésiedesenfers，’heanswered。`Amostremarkablebook。’
Annasmiled，aspeoplesmileattheweaknessesofthosetheylove，and，puttingherhandinhis，shekepthimcompanytothedoorofhisstudy。Sheknewhishabit，nowbecomeanecessity，ofreadingintheevening。Sheknew，too，thatinspiteofhisofficialduties，whichengrossedalmostallhistime，hedeemedithisdutytokeepupwitheverythingofnotethatappearedintheintellectualsphere。Sheknew，too，thathisactualinterestlayinbooksdealingwithpolitics，philosophyandtheology，thatartwasutterlyforeigntohisnature；but，inspiteofthis-orrather，inconsequenceofit-AlexeiAlexandrovichnevermissedanythingwhichcreatedasensationintheworldofart，butmadeithisdutytoreadeverything。Sheknewthatinpolitics，inphilosophy，intheology，AlexeiAlexandrovichwasadoubterandaseeker；yetinmattersofartandpoetry-and，aboveall，ofmusic，ofwhichhewastotallydevoidofunderstanding-hehadthemostdefiniteanddecidedopinions。HewasfondofdiscoursingonShakespeare，Raphael，Beethoven，onthesignificanceofnewschoolsofpoetryandmusic，allofwhichwereclassifiedbyhimwithmostobviousconsistency。
`Well，Godbewithyou，’shesaidatthedoorofthestudy，whereashadedcandleandadecanterofwaterwerealreadyplacednearhisarmchair。`Asforme，I’mgoingtowritetoMoscow。’
Hesqueezedherhand，andagainkissedit。
`Still，he’sagoodman；truthful，kindhearted，andremarkableinhisownsphere，’Annasaidtoherself，backinherroom，asthoughdefendinghimbeforesomeonewhoaccusedhim，sayingthatonecouldnotlovehim。`Butwhyisithisearsstickoutsoqueerly？Orhashehadhishaircut？……’
Exactlyattwelve，asAnnawasstillsittingatherdeskfinishingalettertoDolly，sheheardthesoundofmeasured，slipperedsteps，andAlexeiAlexandrovich，washedandcombed，abookunderhisarm，approachedher。
`Come，come，’saidhe，withaparticularsmile，andpassedonintotheirbedroom。
`Andwhatrighthadhetolookathimlikethat？’reflectedAnna，recallinghowVronskyhadlookedatAlexeiAlexandrovich。
Havingdisrobed，shewentintothebedroom；butherfacehadnoneoftheanimationwhich，duringherstayatMoscow，hadfairlyspurtedfromhereyesandhersmile；onthecontrary，nowthefireseemedextinctinher，orhiddensomewherefaraway。
UponhisdeparturefromPeterburgVronskyhadlefthislargeapartmentsonMorskaiatohisfriendandfavoritecomradePetritsky。
Petritskywasayounglieutenant，notparticularlywell-connected，andnotmerelynotwealthy，butindebtallaround。Towardeveninghewasalwaysdrunk，andhehadoftenfoundhimselfintheguardhousebecauseofsortsofludicrousanddisgracefulscrapes，buthewasafavoritebothofhiscomradesandhissuperiorofficers。Attwelveo’clock，asVronskywasdrivingupfromthestationtohisquarters，hesaw，neartheentranceofthehouse，ahiredcarriagefamiliartohim。Evenasherangheheard，beyondthedoor，masculinelaughter，thetwitterofafemininevoice，andPetritsky’sshout:`Ifthat’soneofthevillains，don’tlethimin！’Vronskytoldtheservantnottoannouncehim，andslippednoiselesslyintothefirstroom。BaronessShilton，afriendofPetritsky’s，witharosylittlefaceandflaxen-fair，resplendentinalilacsatingown，andfillingthewholeroom，likeacanary，withherParisianaccents，satataroundtable，brewingcoffee。Petritsky，inhisovercoat，andthecavalrycaptainKamerovsky，infulluniform，probablyjustcomefromduty，weresittingnearher。
`Bravo！Vronsky！’shoutedPetritsky，jumpingup，scrapinghischair。`Ourhosthimself！Baroness，somecoffeeforhimoutofthenewcoffeepot。There，wedidn’texpectyou！IHopeyou’resatisfiedwiththeadornmentofyourstudy，’hesaid，indicatingtheBaroness。`Youknoweachother，ofcourse？’
`Ishouldsayso！’saidVronsky，withabrightsmile，squeezingtheBarones’sslittlehand。`Why，we’reoldfriends。’
`You’vejustreturnedaftertraveling，’saidtheBaroness，`soI’llrunalong。Oh，I’llbeoffthisminute，ifI’mintheway！’
`You’rehome，whereveryouare，Baroness，’saidVronsky。`Howdoyoudo，Kamerovsky？’headded，coldlyshakinghandswithKamerovsky。
`There，youcanneversaysuchcharmingthings，’saidtheBaroness，turningtoPetritsky。
`No-whynot？AfterdinnerevenIcansaythingsquiteasgood。’
`Afterdinnerthere’snomeritinthem！Well，then，I’llgiveyousomecoffee；gowashandtidyup，’saidtheBaroness，sittingdownagain，andanxiouslyturningagadgetinthenewcoffeeurn。`Pierre，givemethecoffee，’shesaid，addressingPetritsky，whomshecalledPierre，playingonhissurname，makingnosecretofherrelationswithhim。`Iwanttoputsomemorein。’
`You’llspoilit！’
`No，Iwon’tspoilit！Well，andhowisyourwife？’saidtheBaronesssuddenly，interruptingVronsky’sconversationwithhiscomrade。`We’vebeenmarryingyouoffhere。Haveyoubroughtyourwifealong？’
`No，Baroness。Iwasbornagypsy，andagypsyI’lldie。’
`Somuchthebetter-somuchthebetter。Shakehandsonit。’
AndtheBaroness，detainingVronsky，begantellinghim，interspersingherstorywithmanyjokes，aboutherlatestplansoflife，andseekinghiscounsel。
`Hepersistsinrefusingtogivemeadivorce！Well，whatamItodo？’Hewasherhusband。`NowIwanttobeginasuitagainsthim。Whatwouldyouadvise？Kamerovsky，lookafterthecoffee-it’sboiledout；youcanseeI’mtakenupwithbusiness！Iwantalawsuit，becauseImusthavemyproperty。YoucanunderstandthestupidityofhissayingthatIamunfaithfultohim，’shesaidcontemptuously，`yetthroughithewantstogetthebenefitofmyfortune。’
Vronskyheardwithpleasurethislightheartedprattleofaprettywoman，saidyestoeverything，gaveherhalf-jokingcounsel，andaltogetherdroppedatonceintothetonehabitualtohimintalkingtosuchwomen。InhisPeterburgworldallpeopleweredividedintotwoutterlyopposedkinds。One，thelower，consistedofvulgar，stupidand，aboveall，ridiculouspeople，whobelievethatonehusbandoughttolivewiththeonewifewhomhehaslawfullywedded；thatagirlshouldbeinnocent，awomanmodest，andamanmanly，self-controlled，andstrong；thatoneoughttobringupone’schildren，earnone’sbreadandpayone’sdebts；andvarioussimilarabsurdities。Thosepeoplewereofanold-fashionedandridiculouskind。Buttherewasanotherkindofpeople-realpeople，towhichtheyallbelonged，andherethechiefthingwastobeelegant，magnanimous，daring，gay，andtoabandononeselfwithoutablushtoeverypassion，andtolaughateverythingelse。
Forthefirstmomentonly，Vronskywasstartled，aftertheimpressionsofaquitedifferentworldthathehadbroughtwithhimfromMoscow；butimmediately，asthoughhehadthrusthisfeetintooldslippers，hesteppedintohisformerlighthearted，pleasantworld。
Thecoffeewasreallynevermade，butsplutteredovereveryoneandboiledaway，doingjustwhatwasrequiredofit-thatis，providingcauseformuchnoiseandlaughter，andspoilingacostlyrugandtheBarones’ssgown。
`Well，good-bynow-orelseyou’llnevergetwashed，andIshallhaveonmyconsciencetheworstoffenseanydecentpersoncancommit-uncleanliness。Soyouwouldadviseaknifeathisthroat？’
`Absolutely-andinsuchawaythatyourlittlehandmaynotbefarfromhislips。He’llkissit，andallwillendwell，’answeredVronsky。
`So，theFran？aistonight！’and，witharustleofherskirts，shevanished。
Kamerovskygotuptoo，andVronsky，withoutwaitingforhimtogo，shookhandsandwentofftohisdressingroom。Whilehewaswashing，Petritskybrieflyoutlinedtohimhisposition，asfarasithadchangedsinceVronsky’sdeparturefromPeterburg。Nomoneywhatsoever。Hisfathersaidhewouldn’tgivehimany，norpayhisdebts。Histailorwastryingtogethimlockedup，andanotherfellow，too，wasthreateningtodosowithoutfail。Thecolonelofhisregimenthadannouncedthatifthesescandalsdidnotceasearesignationwouldbeinevitable。AsfortheBaroness，hewasfedupwithher，particularlybecauseshewasforeverwantingtogivehimmoney。Buttherewasanothergirl-heintendedshowinghertoVronsky-amarvel，exquisite，inthestrictOrientalstyle，`genreoftheslaveRebecca，yousee。’Hehadhadarow，too，withBerkoshev，andthelatterintendedsendingseconds，but，ofcourse，itwouldallcometonothing。Altogethereverythingwasgoingsplendidlyandwasmostjolly。And，withoutlettinghiscomradeenterintofurtherdetailsofhisposition，Petritskyproceededtotellhimalltheinterestingnews。AshelistenedtoPetritsky’sfamiliarstories，inthefamiliarsettingoftheroomshehadspentthelastthreeyearsin，VronskyfeltthedelightfulsensationofcomingbacktotheinsouciantandcustomarylifeofPeterburg。
`Impossible！’hecried，releasingthepedalofthewashbasininwhichhehadbeensousinghisstalwartredneck。`Impossible！’hecried，atthenewsthatLaurahaddroppedFertinghofandhadtiedupwithMileev。`Andisheasstupidandsatisfiedasever？Well，andwhat’sBuzulukovdoing？’
`Oh，Buzulukovgotintoascrape-simplylovely！’criedPetritsky。`Youknowhispassionforballs-andhenevermissesasingleoneatcourt。Hewenttoabigballinanewcasque。Haveyouseenthenewcasques？Verygood，andlighter。Well，he’sstanding……No-dolisten。’
`Iamlistening，’answeredVronsky，rubbinghimselfwitharoughtowel。
`TheGrandDuchesspassesbywithsomeambassadororother，and，asillluckwouldhaveit，theirtalkveerstothenewcasques。AndsotheGrandDuchesswantedtoshowthenewcasquetotheambassador……Justthentheycatchsightofourdearboystandingthere。’Petritskymimickedhim，standingwithhiscasque。`TheGrandDuchessrequestedhimtogiveherthecasque-hedoesn’tdoso。What’sup？Well，theyallwinkathim，andnodandfrown-giveittoher，do！Hestilldoesn’t。Juststandsthere，stock-still。Youcanpictureittoyourself！……Well，this……what’shisname……triestotakethecasquefromhim……Hewon’tgiveitup！……Thischaptoreitfromhim，andhandsittotheGrandDuchess。`Thisisthenewcasque，’saystheGrandDuchess。Sheturnedthecasqueover，and-justpictureit！-bangwentapearandcandyoutofit-twopoundsofcandy！……He’dcollectedallthat-ourdearboy！’
Vronskyrolledwithlaughter。And，longafterward，evenwhenhewastalkingofotherthings，hewouldgooffintopealsofhisheartylaughterbaringhisstrong，closelysetteeth，wheneverhethoughtofthecasque。
Havinglearnedallthenews，Vronsky，withtheassistanceofhisvalet，gotintohisuniform，andwentofftoreporthimself。Heintended，afterward，togotohisbrotherandtoBetsy，andtopayseveralvisits，asanenteringwedgeintothatsocietywherehemightmeetMadameKarenina。AsalwaysinPeterburg，helefthomewithoutanyintentionofreturningbeforeverylateatnight。
Towardtheendofwinter，inthehouseoftheShcherbatskys，aconsultationwasbeingheld，whichwastodeterminethestateofKitty’shealth，andwhatwastobedonetorestoreherfailingstrength。Shehadbeenill，and，asspringcameon，shegrewworse。Thefamilydoctorgavehercod-liveroil，theniron，thenlunarcaustic；butsinceneitherthefirst，northesecond，northethirdavailed，andsincehisadvicewastogoabroadbeforethebeginningofthespring，acelebrateddoctorwascalledin。Thecelebrateddoctor，notyetoldandaveryhandsomeman，demandedanexaminationofthepatient。Hemaintained，withspecialsatisfaction，itseemed，thatmaidenmodestyismerelyarelicofbarbarism，andthatnothingcouldbemorenaturalthanforamanwhowasnotyetoldtohandleayounggirlinthenude。Hedeemedthisnatural，becausehediditeveryday，andneitherfeltnorthought，asitseemedtohim，anythingevilashediditand，consequently，heconsideredgirlishmodestynotmerelyasarelicofbarbarism，but，aswell，aninsulttohimself。
Itwasnecessarytosubmit，for，althoughallthedoctorsstudiedinthesameschool，allusingthesametextbooks，andalllearnedinthesamescience，andthoughsomepeoplesaidthiscelebrateddoctorwasbutapoordoctor，inthePrincess’shouseholdandcircleitwasforsomereasonheldthatthiscelebrateddoctoralonehadsomepeculiarknowledge，andthathealonecouldsaveKitty。Afterthoroughexaminationandtappingofthepatient，distraughtanddazedwithshame，thecelebrateddoctor，havingpainstakinglywashedhishands，wasstandinginthedrawingroomtalkingtothePrince。ThePrincefrownedandcoughedashelistenedtothedoctor。Asamanwhohadseensomethingoflife，andneitherafoolnoraninvalid，hehadnofaithinmedicine，andatsoulwaswroughtupwithallthiscomedy，especiallyashewasprobablytheonlyonewhofullyunderstoodthecauseofKitty’sillness。`You’rebarkingupthewrongtree，’hementallyappliedthisphrasefromthehunter’svocabularytothecelebrateddoctor，ashelistenedtothelatter’spatteraboutthesymptomsofhisdaughter’scomplaint。Thedoctor，forhispart，founddifficultyinrestrainingtheexpressionofhiscontemptforthisoldgrandee，aswellasincondescendingtothelowlevelofhiscomprehension。Heperceivedthatitwasuselesstotalktotheoldman，andthattheheadofthishousewasthemother-andsheitwasbeforewhomheintendedtoscatterhispearls。ItwasatthispointthatthePrincessenteredthedrawingroomwiththefamilydoctor。ThePrinceretreated，doinghisbestnottobetrayhowridiculousheregardedthewholecomedy。ThePrincesswasdistraught，anddidnotknowwhattodo。ShefeltherselfatfaultbeforeKitty。
`Well，doctor，decideourfate，’saidthePrincess。`Tellmeeverything。’-`Isthereanyhope？’waswhatshehadwantedtosay，butherlipsquivered，andshecouldnotutterthisquestion。`Well，doctor？’
`Immediately，Princess-Iwilldiscussthematterwithmycolleague，andthenhavethehonoroflayingmyopinionbeforeyou。’
`Thenwehadbetterleaveyou？’
`Asyouplease。’
ThePrincess，withasigh，steppedoutside。
Whenthedoctorswereleftalone，thefamilydoctorbegantimidlyexplaininghisopinion，thattherewasanincipienttubercularprocess，but……andsoon。Thecelebrateddoctorlistenedtohim，andinthemiddleoftheother’sspeechlookedathisbiggoldwatch。
`Thatisso，’saidhe。`But……’
Thefamilydoctorrespectfullyceasedinthemiddleofhisspeech。
`Asyouknow，wecannotdeterminetheincipienceofthetubercularprocess；untiltheappearanceofvomicaethereisnothingdeterminate。Butwemaysuspectit。Andthereareindications:malnutrition，nervousexcitability，andsoon。Thequestionstandsthus:ifwesuspectatubercularprocess，whatmustwedotomaintainnutrition？’
`Butthen，youknow，therearealwaysmoral，spiritualcausesatthebackofthesecases，’thefamilydoctorpermittedhimselftointerpolatewithasubtlesmile。
`Yes，that’stobetakenforgranted，’retortedthecelebrateddoctor，againglancingathiswatch。`Begpardon-butistheIauzskybridgefinishedyet，ormustonestillmakeadetour？’heasked。`Ah！Itisfinished。Well，inthatcaseIcanmakeitintwentyminutes。Asweweresaying，thequestionmaybepositedthus:thenutritionmustbemaintainedandthenervesimproved。Theoneisboundwiththeother；onemustworkuponbothsidesofthiscircle。’
`Butwhataboutthetripabroad？’askedthefamilydoctor。
`Iamafoetotripsabroad。Andtakenotice:ifthereisanyincipienttubercularprocess，whichwecannotknow，atripabroadwillnothelp。Wemusthavearemedythatwouldimprovenutrition，anddonoharm。’
AndthecelebrateddoctorexpoundedhisplanoftreatmentwithSodenwaters，indesignatingwhichhismainendwasevidentlytheirharmlessness。
Thefamilydoctorheardhimoutattentivelyandrespectfully。
`ButinfavorofforeigntravelIwouldurgethechangeofhabits，theremovalfromconditionswhichevokememories。Andthen-themotherwishesit，’headded。
`Ah！Well，inthatcase，onemightgo；well，letthemgo；butthoseGermancharlatansmaydoharm……Ourinstructionsoughttobefollowed……Well，letthemgothen。’
Heagainglancedathiswatch。
`Oh！it’stimetogo，’andhewenttothedoor。
ThecelebrateddoctorinformedthePrincesspromptedbyafeelingofproprietythathemustseethepatientoncemore。
`What！Anotherexamination！’themotherexclaimedinhorror。
`Oh，no-Imerelyneedcertaindetails，Princess。’
`Comethisway。’
Andthemother，followedbythedoctor，wentintothedrawingroomtoKitty。Wastedandblushing，withapeculiarglitterinhereyes-aconsequenceoftheshameshehadgonethrough，Kittywasstandinginthemiddleoftheroom。Whenthedoctorcameinsheturnedcrimson，andhereyesfilledwithtears。Allherillnessanditstreatmentseemedtoherathingsostupid-evenfunny！Treatmentseemedtoherasfunnyasreconstructingthepiecesofabrokenvase。Itwasherheartthatwasbroken。Why，then，didtheywanttocureherwithpillsandpowders？Butshecouldnothurthermother-allthemoresosincehermotherconsideredherselftoblame。
`MayItroubleyoutositdown，Princess？’thecelebrateddoctorsaidtoher。
Smiling，he，satdownfacingher，feltherpulse，andagainstartedinwithhistiresomequestions。Sheansweredhim，andsuddenly，becomingangry，gotup。
`Youmustpardonme，doctor-butreally，thiswillleadusnowhere。Youaskmethesamethings，threetimesrunning。’
Thecelebrateddoctordidnottakeumbrage。
`Sicklyirritability，’saidhetothePrincess，whenKittyhadlefttheroom。`However，Ihadfinished……’
AndthedoctorscientificallydefinedtothePrincess，astoanexceptionallycleverwoman，theconditionoftheyoungPrincess，andconcludedbyexplainingthemodeofdrinkingtheunnecessarywaters。Whenthequestionofgoingabroadcameup，thedoctorwasplungedintoprofoundconsiderations，asthoughdecidingaweightyproblem。Finallyhisdecisionwasgiven:theymightgoabroad，butmustputnofaithincharlatans，butturntohimineverything。
Itseemedasthoughsomecheerfulinfluencehadsprungupafterthedoctor’sdeparture。Themothergrewmorecheerfulwhenshereturnedtoherdaughter，whileKittytoopretendedtobemorecheerful。Shehadfrequent，almostconstant，occasionstobepretendingnow。
`Really，I’mquitewell，maman。Butifyouwanttogoabroad，let’s！’shesaid，and，tryingtoshowthatshewasinterestedintheproposedtrip，shebegantalkingofthepreparationsforthedeparture。
RightafterthedoctorDollyarrived。Sheknewthattheconsultationwasscheduledforthatday，and，despitethefactthatshehadonlyrecentlygottenupfromherlying-inshehadhadanotherlittlegirlattheendofthewinter，despiteherhavingenoughtroubleandcaresofherown，shehadleftherbreastbabyandanailinggirltocomeandlearnKitty’sfate，whichwasbeingdecidedthatday。
`Well，what’swhat？’saidshe，enteringintothedrawingroom，withouttakingoffherhat。`You’reallingoodspirits。Thatmeansgoodnews，then？’
Anattemptwasmadetotellherwhatthedoctorhadsaid，butitprovedthat，eventhoughthedoctorhadtalkedcoherentlyandlong，itwasutterlyimpossibletoconveywhathehadsaid。Theonlypointofinterestwasthatgoingabroadwasdefinitelydecidedupon。
Dollycouldnothelpsighing。Herdearestfriend，hersister，wasgoingaway。Andherlifewasfarfromgay。HerrelationswithStepanArkadyevichaftertheirreconciliationhadbecomehumiliating。TheweldingAnnahadmadeprovednotatallsolid，andfamilyconcordhadbrokendownagainatthesamepoint。Therewasnothingdefinite，butStepanArkadyevichwashardlyeverathome；also，therewashardlyeveranymoney，andDollywasconstantlybeingtorturedbysuspicionsofinfidelities，andbynowshedrovethemawayfromher，dreadingtheagonyofjealousyshehadalreadyexperienced。Thefirstexplosionofjealousy，oncelivedthrough，couldneverreturn，andeventhediscoveryofinfidelitiescouldneveraffecthernowasithadthefirsttime。Suchadiscoverynowwouldonlymeanbreakingupherfamilyhabits，andshepermittedhimtodeceiveher，despisinghim-andstillmoreherself-forthisweakness。Besidesthis，thecaresofherlargefamilywereaconstanttormenttoher:nowthenursingofherbreastbabydidnotgowell；nowthenursewouldleave，nowasatthepresenttimeoneofthechildrenwouldfallill。
`Well，how’severybodyinyourfamily？’askedhermother。
`Ah，maman，wehaveenoughtroubleofourown。Lilihastakenill，andI’mafraidit’sscarlatina。IhavecomeherenowtofindoutaboutKitty，andthenIshallshutmyselfupentirely，if-Godforbid-itreallybescarlatina。’
TheoldPrincetoohadcomeinfromhisstudyafterthedoctor’sdeparture，and，afterofferinghischeektoDolly，andchattingawhilewithher，heturnedtohiswife:
`Whathaveyoudecided-areyougoing？Well，andwhatdoyouwanttodowithme？’
`Ithinkyouhadbetterstayhere，Alexandre，’saidhiswife。
`Justasyouwish。’
`Maman，whyshouldn’tfathercomewithus？’saidKitty。`He’llfeelbetter，andsowillwe。’
TheoldPrincegotupandstrokedKitty’shair。Sheliftedherheadandlookedathimwithaforcedsmile。Italwaysseemedtoherthatheunderstoodherbetterthananyoneelseinthefamilydid，thoughhespokebutlittlewithher。Beingtheyoungest，shewasherfather’sfavorite，andshefanciedthathisloveforhergavehiminsight。Whennowhergazemethisblue，kindlyeyes，scrutinizingherintently，itseemedtoherthathesawrightthroughher，andunderstoodalltheevilthingsthatwereatworkwithinher。Reddening，shewasdrawntowardhim，expectingakiss；buthemerelypattedherhairandsaid:
`Thesesillychignons！Onecan’tasmuchasgetnearone’srealdaughter，butsimplystrokethehairofdefunctfemales。WellDolinka，’heturnedtohiselderdaughter，`what’syouraceuptonow？’
`Nothing，papa，’answeredDolly，whoknewthatthisreferredtoherhusband。`He’salwaysout；Ihardlyeverseehim，’shecouldnotresistaddingwithamockingsmile。
`Why，hasn’thegoneintothecountryyet-aboutthesaleoftheforest？’
`No；he’sstillgettingready。’
`Oh，that’sit！’saidthePrince。`AndsoI’mtobegettingready，too？Atyourservice，’hesaidtohiswife，sittingdown。`Andasforyou，Katia，’hewenton，addressinghisyoungerdaughter，`youmustwakeuponefinedayandsaytoyourself:Why，I’mquitewell，andmerry，andI’mgoingoutagainwithpapaforanearlymorningstrollinthefrost。Eh？’
Whatherfathersaidseemedsimpleenough，yetatthesewordsKittygrewconfusedandupset，likeacriminalcaughtred-handed。`Yes，heknowsall，heunderstandsall，andinthesewordshe’stellingmethatthoughI’mashamed，Imustlivethroughmyshame。’Shecouldnotpluckupspiritenoughtomakeanyanswer。Shemadeanattemptbutsuddenlyburstintotears，andranoutoftheroom。
`Seewhatcomesofyourjokes！’thePrincesspouncedonherhusband。`You’realways……’shelaunchedintoherreproachfulspeech。
ThePrincelistenedtothePrincess’sreproachesratheralongwhileandkeptsilent，buthisfacegrewmoreandmoreglowering。
`She’ssomuchtobepitied，poorthing，somuchtobepitied，yetyoudon’tfeelhowitpainshertoheartheleasthintastothecauseofitall。Ah！tobesomistakeninpeople！’saidthePrincess，andbythechangeinhertonebothDollyandthePrinceknewshemeantVronsky。`Idon’tknowwhytherearen’tlawsagainstsuchvile，dishonorablepeople。’
`Ah，Ioughtn’ttolistentoyou！’saidthePrinceglumly，gettingupfromhischair，asiftogo，yetpausinginthedoorway。`Therearelaws，mydear，andsinceyou’vechallengedmetoit，I’lltellyouwho’stoblameforitall:you-you，youalone。Lawsagainstsuchyounggallantshavealwaysexisted，andstillexist！Yes，ifthereweren’tanythingthatoughtnottohavebeen，I，oldasIam，wouldhavecalledhimouttothebarrier，thisswell。Yes，andnowgoaheadandphysicher，andcallinthesecharlatans。’
ThePrince，itseemed，hadplentymoretosay，butnosoonerhadthePrincesscaughthistonethanshesubsidedatonce，andbecamepenitent，aswasalwaysthecaseinseriousmatters。
`Alexandre，Alexandre，’shewhispered，approachinghimandburstingintotears。
AssoonasshebegantoweepthePrince，too，calmeddown。Hewentuptoher。
`There，that’senough，that’senough！Youfeelbadlytoo，Iknow。Nothingcanbedoneaboutit！It’snotsoverybad。Godismerciful……thanks……’hesaid，withoutknowinghimselfwhathewassayingnow，respondingtothemoistkissofthePrincessthathefeltonhishand。AndthePrincewentoutoftheroom。
NosoonerhadKittygoneoutoftheroom，intears，thanDolly，withhermotherly，domestichabit，hadpromptlyperceivedthathereawoman’sworklaybeforeher，andgotreadyforit。Shetookoffherhat，and，morallyspeaking，tuckeduphersleevesandgotreadyforaction。Whilehermotherwasattackingherfather，shetriedtorestrainhermother，sofarasdaughterlyreverencewouldallow。DuringthePrince’soutburstshewassilent；shefeltashamedforhermotherandtendertowardherfatherforsoquicklybeingkindagain。Butwhenherfatherleft，shemadereadyforwhatwasmostnecessary-togotoKittyandcomposeher。
`I’veintendedlongsincetotellyousomething，maman:didyouknowthatLevinmeanttoproposetoKittywhenhewasherelast？HetoldStivaso。’
`Well，whatofit？Idon’tunderstand……’
`Why，perhapsKittyrefusedhim？……Didshesaynothingtoyou？’
`No，shesaidnothingtomeeitheroftheoneortheother；she’stooproud。ButIknowit’sallonaccountofthis……’
`Yes，butsupposeshehasrefusedLevin-andshewouldn’thaverefusedhimifithadn’tbeenfortheother，Iknow。Andthen，thisfellowhasdeceivedhersohorribly。’
ItwastoofrightfulforthePrincesstothinkhowmuchatfaultshewasbeforeherdaughter，andshegrewangry。
`Oh，nowIreallyunderstandnothing！Nowadayseverybodythinkstoliveafterhisownway；amotherisn’ttoldathing，andthenyouhave……’
`Maman，I’llgotoher。’
`Do。AmIforbiddingyou？’
WhenshewentintoKitty’slittlesanctum，apretty，rosylittleroom，fullofknickknacksinvieuxsaxe，asyouthfulandrosyandgayasKittyherselfhadbeenonlytwomonthsago，Dollyrecalledhowtheyhadtogetherdecoratedtheroomtheyearbefore，withwhatgaietyandlove。HerheartturnedcoldwhenshebeheldKittysittingonthelowchairnearestthedoor，hereyesfixedimmovablyonacorneroftherug。Kittyglancedathersister，andthecold，ratheraustereexpressionofherfacedidnotchange。
`I’mgoingnow，andshallentrenchmyselfathome，andyouwon’tbeabletocometoseeme，’saidDaryaAlexandrovnasittingdownbesideher。`Iwanttotalktoyou。’
`Whatabout？’Kittyaskedswiftly，liftingherheadinfright。
`Whatshoulditbe，savewhat’sgrievingyou？’
`Ihavenogrief。’
`Come，Kitty。DoyoupossiblythinkIcannotknow？Iknowall。And，believeme，thisissoinsignificant……We’veallbeenthroughit。’
Kittydidnotspeak，andherfacehadasternexpression。
`He’snotworthyoursufferingonhisaccount，’pursuedDaryaAlexandrovna，comingstraighttothepoint。
`Yes-becausehehasdisdainedme，’saidKitty，inajarringvoice。`Don’tsayanything！Please，don’tsayanything！’
`Butwhoevertoldyouthat？Noonehassaidthat。I’mcertainhewasinlovewithyou，andremainedinlovewithyou，but……’
`Oh，themostawfulthingofallformearethesecondolences！’criedoutKitty，inasuddenfitofanger。Sheturnedroundonherchair，turnedred，andherfingersmovedquickly，asshepinchedthebuckleofthebeltsheheld，nowwithonehand，nowwiththeother。Dollyknewthistrickhersisterhadofgraspingsomethinginturnwitheachofherhands，wheninexcitement；sheknewthat，inamomentofexcitementKittywascapableofforgettingherselfandsayingagreatdealtoomuchandmuchthatwasunpleasant，andDollywouldhavecalmedher；butitwasalreadytoolate。
`What-whatisityouwanttomakemefeel，eh？’saidKittyquickly。`ThatI’vebeeninlovewithamanwhodidn’tevencaretoknowme，andthatI’mdyingforloveofhim？Andthisissaidtomebymyownsister，whoimaginesthat……that……thatshe’ssympathizingwithme！……Idon’twantthesecondolencesandhypocrisies！’
`Kitty，you’reunjust。’
`Whydoyoutormentme？’
`ButI……Onthecontrary……Icanseeyou’rehurt……’
ButKittyinherheatdidnothearher。
`I’venothingtodespairoverandbecomfortedabout。I’msufficientlyproudnevertoallowmyselftocareforamanwhodoesnotloveme。’
`Why，Idon’tsayanythingofthekind……Only，tellmethetruth，’saidDaryaAlexandrovna，takingherbythehand，`tellme-didLevinspeaktoyou？……’
ThementionofLevinseemedtodepriveKittyofthelastvestigeofself-control。Sheleapedupfromherchair，and，flingingthebuckletotheground，gesticulatingrapidlywithherhands，shesaid:
`WhybringLevinintoo？Ican’tunderstand-whatyouwanttotorturemefor？I’vetoldyou，andIrepeatit-Ihavesomepride，andnever，neverwouldIdowhatyou’redoing-goingbacktoamanwho’sdeceivedyou，whohascometoloveanotherwoman。Ican’tunderstandthis！Youmay-butIcan’tdoit！’
And，havingsaidthesewords，sheglancedathersister，andseeingthatDollysatsilent，herheadmournfullybowed，Kitty，insteadofleavingtheroom，asshehadintended，satdownnearthedoor，and，hidingherfaceinhershawl，letherheaddrop。
Thesilencelastedfortwominutes。Dolly’sthoughtswereofherself。Thathumiliationofwhichshewasalwaysconsciouscamebacktoherwithspecialpainwhenhersisterremindedherofit。Shehadnotexpectedsuchcrueltyfromhersister，andwasresentful。Butsuddenlysheheardtherustleofaskirt，and，simultaneously，anoutburstofsmotheredsobbing，andfeltarmsclaspingherneckfrombelow。Kittywasonherkneesbeforeher。
`Dolinka，Iamso，sounhappy！’shewhisperedpenitently。
Andtheendearingface，coveredwithtears，hiditselfinDaryaAlexandrovna’sskirt。
Itwasasiftearsweretheindispensableoilwithoutwhichthemachineryofmutualcommunioncouldnotrunsmoothlybetweenthetwosisters；thesisters，aftertheirtears，discussedeverythingbutthatwhichengrossedthem；but，evenintalkingofoutsidematters，theyunderstoodoneanother。Kittyknewthatwhatshehadutteredinangeraboutherhusband’sinfidelityandherhumiliatingpositionhadstruckherpoorsistertotheverydepthsofherheart，butshealsoknewthatthelatterhadforgivenher。Dollyforherparthadcomprehendedallshehadwantedtofindout。Shehadbecomeconvincedthathersurmiseswerecorrect；thatKitty’smisery，herincurablemisery，wasduepreciselytothefactthatLevinhadproposedtoherandshehadrefusedhim，whileVronskyhaddeceivedher，andthatshestoodreadytoloveLevinandtohateVronsky。Kittysaidnowordofthis；shespokeofnothingsaveherownspiritualstate。
`Ihavenothingtogrieveover，’shesaid，calmingdown，`butyoucouldunderstandthateverythinghasbecomeloathsome，hateful，coarsetome-andImyselfmostofall。Youcan’timaginewhatloathsomethoughtsIhaveabouteverything。’
`Why，whateverloathsomethoughtscanyouhave？’askedDolly，smiling。
`Most，mostloathsomeandcoarse:Icouldn’ttellyou。Thisisnotmelancholy，norboredom，butfarworse。AsifeverythingofgoodthatIhadweregoneoutofsight，whileonlythatwhichwasmostloathsomewereleft。Well，howshallIputittoyou？’shewenton，seeingincomprehensioninhersister’seyes。`Papabegansayingsomethingtomejustnow……ItseemstomehethinksallIneedistomarry。Ifmammatakesmetoaball-itseemstomeshetakesmeonlytomarrymeoffasfastaspossible，andgetmeoffherhands。Iknowthisisn’tso，butIcan’tdriveawaysuchthoughts。Thesesuitorssocalled-Ican’tbearthesightofthem。Itseemstomeasifthey’realwaystakingstockofme。Formerly，togoanywhereinaballdresswasadownrightjoytome；Iusedtoadmiremyself；nowIfeelashamed，inatease。Well，takeanyexampleyoulike……Thisdoctor……Now……’
Kittyhesitated；shewantedtosayfurtherthateversincethischangehadtakenplaceinher，StepanArkadyevichhadbecomeunbearablyrepulsivetoher，andthatshecouldnotseehimwithoutimaginingthegrossestandmosthideousthings。
`Wellnow，everythingappearstome，inthecoarsest，mostloathsomeaspect，’shewenton。`Thatismyailment。Perhapsallthiswillpass……’
`Trynottothinkofsuchthings……’
`Ican’thelpit。IfeelwellonlywhenIamwiththechildren，atyourhouse。’
`Whatapityyoucan’tvisitme！’
`Oh，yes，I’llcome-I’vehadscarlatina，andI’llpersuademamantoletmecome。’
Kittyinsistedonhavingherway，andwenttostayathersister’sandnursedthechildrenallthroughthescarlatina-foritreallyprovedtobescarlatina。Thetwosistersbroughtallthesixchildrensuccessfullythroughit；Kitty’shealth，however，didnotimprove，andinLenttheShcherbatskyswentabroad。