Wouldyoubelieveit，that，knowinghe’sagoodman，asplendidman，thatI’mnotworthhislittlefinger，Istillhatehim。Ihatehimforhisgenerosity。
Andthere’snothingleftformebut……’
Shewouldhavesaid`death，’butStepanArkadyevichwouldnotletherfinish。
`Youareillandoverwrought，’hesaid；`believeme，you’reexaggeratingdreadfully。There’snothingsoterribleinit。’
AndStepanArkadyevichsmiled。NooneelseinStepanArkadyevich’splace，havingtodowithsuchdespair，wouldhaveventuredtosmilethesmilewouldhaveseemedbrutal；butinhissmiletherewassomuchofsweetnessandalmostfemininetendernessthathissmiledidnotwound，butsoftenedandsoothed。Hisgentle，soothingwordsandsmileswereassoothingandsofteningasalmondoil。AndAnnasoonfeltthis。
`No，Stiva，’shesaid，`I’mlost，lost！Worsethanlost！Ican’tsayyetthatallisover；onthecontrary，Ifeelthatit’snotover。I’manoverstrainedcordthatmustsnap。Butit’snotendedyet……Anditwillhaveafearfulend。’
`Nomatter，wemustletthecordbeloosened，littlebylittle。
There’snopositionfromwhichthereisnowayofescape。’
`Ihavethought，andthought。Onlyone……’
Againheknewfromherterrifiedeyesthatthisonewayofescapeinherthoughtwasdeath，andhewouldnotlethersayit。
`Notatall，’hesaid。`Listentome。Youcan’tseeyourownpositionasIcan。Letmetellyoucandidlymyopinion。’Againhesmileddiscreetlyhisalmond-oilsmile。`I’llbeginfromthebeginning。Youmarriedamantwentyyearsolderthanyourself。Youmarriedhimwithoutloveandnotknowingwhatlovewas。Itwasamistake，let’sadmit。’
`Afearfulmistake！’saidAnna。
`But，Irepeat，it’sanaccomplishedfact。Thenyouhad，letussay，themisfortunetoloveamannotyourhusband。Thatwasamisfortune；
butthat，too，isanaccomplishedfact。Andyourhusbandknewitandforgaveit。’Hestoppedateachsentence，waitingforhertoobject，butshemadenoanswer。`That’sthat。Nowthequestionis:Canyougoonlivingwithyourhusband？Doyouwishit？Doeshewishit？’
`Iknownothing，nothing。’
`Butyousaidyourselfthatyoucan’tendurehim。’
`No，Ididn’tsayso。Idenyit。Idon’tknowanything，Idon’tunderstandanything。’
`Yes，butlet……’
`Youcan’tunderstand。IfeelI’mlyingheaddownwardinasortofpit，butIoughtnottosavemyself。AndIcan’t……’
`Nevermind，we’llslipsomethingunderyouandpullyouout。
Iunderstandyou:Iunderstandthatyoucan’ttakeitonyourselftoexpressyourwishes，yourfeelings。’
`There’snothing，nothingIwish……exceptforittobeallover。’
`Butheseesthisandknowsit。Anddoyousupposeitweighsonhimanylessthanonyou？You’rewretched，he’swretched，andwhatgoodcancomeofit？Whiledivorcewouldsolvethewholedifficulty。’WithsomeeffortStepanArkadyevichbroughtouthiscentralidea，andlookedsignificantlyather。
Shesaidnothing，andshookhercroppedheadindissent。Butfromthelookinherface，thatsuddenlybrightenedintoitsformerbeauty，hesawthatifshedidnotdesirethis，itwassimplybecauseitseemedtoheranunattainablehappiness。
`I’mawfullysorryforyouboth！AndhowhappyIshouldbeifIcouldarrangethings！’saidStepanArkadyevich，smilingmoreboldly。
`Don’tspeak，don’tsayaword！GodgrantonlythatImayspeakasIfeel。
I’mgoingtohim。’
Annalookedathimwithdreamy，shiningeyes，andsaidnothing。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart4，Chapter22[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter22StepanArkadyevich，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。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart4，Chapter23[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter23Vronsky’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。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter01[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]PARTFIVEChapter1PrincessShcherbatskaiaconsideredthatitwasoutofthequestionfortheweddingtotakeplacebeforeLent，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。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]
TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter02[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter2Onthedayofthewedding，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。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]
TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart5，Chapter03[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter3Acrowdofpeople，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。