Levinledhisfriendtotheguestroom，whereStepanArkadyevich’sthingswerealsocarried-abag，aguninacase，asatchelforcigars。
　　Leavinghimtheretowashandchangehisclothes，Levinwentofftothecountinghousetospeakabouttheplowingandtheclover。AgathyaMikhailovna，alwaysveryanxiousforthecreditofthehouse，methiminthehallwithinquiriesaboutdinner。
　　`Dojustasyoulike，onlyletitbeassoonaspossible，’hesaid，andwenttothebailiff。
　　Whenhecameback，StepanArkadyevich，washedandcombed，cameoutofhisroomwithabeamingsmile，andtheywentupstairstogether。
　　`Well，IamgladImanagedtogetawaytoyou！NowIshallunderstandwhatthemysteriousbusinessisthatyouarealwaysabsorbedinhere。No，really，Ienvyyou。Whatahouse，howsplendiditallis！Sobright，socheerful！’saidStepanArkadyevich，forgettingthatitwasnotalwaysspringandfineweatherasonthisday。`Andyouroldnurseissimplycharming！
　　Aprettymaidinanapronmightbeevenmoreagreeable，perhaps；butforyourseveremonasticstyleitdoesverywell。’
　　StepanArkadyevichimpartedtohimmanyinterestingbitsofnews；
　　especiallyinterestingtoLevinwasthenewsthathisbrother，SergeiIvanovich，wasintendingtospendthesummerwithhiminthecountry。
　　NotoneworddidStepanArkadyevichsayinreferencetoKittyandtheShcherbatskys；hemerelygavehimgreetingsfromhiswife。Levinwasgratefultohimforhisdelicacy，andrejoicedexceedinglyoverhisguest。Asalwayshappenedwithhimduringhissolitude，amassofideasandfeelingshadbeenaccumulatingwithinhim，whichhecouldnotcommunicatetothoseabouthim。AndnowhepouredoutuponStepanArkadyevichhispoeticjoyoverthespring，andhisfailuresandplansfortheland，andhisthoughtsandcriticismsonthebookshehadbeenreading，andtheideaofhisownbook，thebasisofwhichreallywas，thoughhewasunawareofithimself，acriticismofalltheoldbooksonagriculture。StepanArkadyevich，alwayscharming，understandingeverythingattheslightestreference，wasparticularlycharmingonthisvisit，andLevinnoticedinhimaspecialtenderness，asitwere，andanewtoneofrespectthatflatteredhim。
　　TheeffortsofAgathyaMikhailovnaandthecooktohavethedinnerparticularlygood，onlyendedinthetwofamishedfriendsattackingthepreliminarycourse，eatingagreatdealofbreadandbutter，saltgooseandsaltedmushrooms，andinLevin’sfinallyorderingthesouptobeservedwithouttheaccompanimentoflittlepatties，withwhichthecookhadparticularlymeanttoimpresstheirvisitor。ButthoughStepanArkadyevichwasaccustomedtoverydifferentdinners，hethoughteverythingexcellent:theherbbrandy，andthebread，andthebutter，and，aboveall，thesaltgooseandthemushrooms，andthenettlesoup，andthechickeninwhitesauce，andthewhiteCrimeanwine-everythingwasexcellentandmarvelous。
　　`Splendid，splendid！’hesaid，lightingafatcigaraftertheroast。`Ifeelasif，comingtoyou，Ihadlandedonapeacefulshoreafterthenoiseandjoltingofasteamer。Andsoyoumaintainthatthelaborerhimselfisanelementtobestudied，andtoregulatethechoiceofmethodsinagriculture。Ofcourse，I’manignorantoutsider；butIshouldfancytheoryanditsapplicationwillhaveitsinfluenceonthelaborertoo。’
　　`Yes，butwaitabit。I’mnottalkingofpoliticaleconomy-I’mtalkingofthescienceofagriculture。Itoughttobelikethenaturalsciences，andtoobservegivenphenomenaandthelaborerinhiseconomic，ethnographical……’
　　AtthatinstantAgathyaMikhailovnacameinwithjam。
　　`Oh，AgathyaFiodorovna，’saidStepanArkadyevich，kissingthetipsofhisplumpfingers，`whatsaltgoose，whatherbbrandy！……Whatdoyouthink，isn’tittimetostart，Kostia？’headded。
　　Levinlookedoutofthewindowatthesunsinkingbehindthebaretreetopsoftheforest。
　　`Yes，it’stime，’hesaid。`Kouzma，getreadythewidedroshky，’
　　andherandownstairs。
　　StepanArkadyevich，goingdown，carefullytookthecanvascoveroffhisvarnishedguncasewithhisownhands，andopeningit，begantogetreadyhisexpensive，new-fashionedgun。Kouzma，whoalreadyscentedabigtip，neverleftStepanArkadyevich’sside，andputonhimbothhisstockingsandboots，ataskwhichStepanArkadyevichreadilylefttohim。
　　`Kostia，giveordersthatifthemerchantRiabinincomes-Itoldhimtocometoday-he’stobeshowninandaskedtowaitforme……’
　　`Why，doyoumeantosayyou’resellingtheforesttoRiabinin？’
　　`Yes。Doyouknowhim？’
　　`TobesureIdo。Ihavehadtodobusinesswithhim，``positivelyanddefinitively。’’
　　StepanArkadyevichlaughed。``Positivelyanddefinitively’’werethemerchant’sfavoritewords。
　　`Yes，it’swonderfullyfunnythewayhetalks。Sheknowswherehermaster’sgoing！’headded，pattingLaska，whohungaboutLevin，whiningandlickinghishands，hisboots，andhisgun。
　　Thedroshkywasalreadyatthestepswhentheywentout。
　　`Itoldthemtobringthedroshkyround，thoughit’snotfartogo；orwouldyouratherwalk？’
　　`No，we’dbetterdrive，’saidStepanArkadyevich，gettingintothedroshky。Hesatdown，tuckedthetiger-stripedrugroundhim，andlightedacigar。`Howisityoudon’tsmoke？Acigarisasortofthing，notexactlyapleasure，butthecrownandoutwardsignofpleasure。Come，thisislife！
　　Howsplendiditis！ThisishowIshouldliketolive！’
　　`Why，whopreventsyou？’saidLevin，smiling。
　　`No，you’realuckyman！You’vegoteverythingyoulike。Youlikehorses-andyouhavethem；dogs-youhavethem；shooting-youhaveit；
　　farming-youhaveit。’
　　`PerhapsbecauseIrejoiceinwhatIhave，anddon’tfretforwhatIhaven’t，’saidLevin，thinkingofKitty。
　　StepanArkadyevichcomprehended，lookedathim，butsaidnothing。
　　LevinwasgratefultoOblonsky，fornoticing，withhisnever-failingtact，thathedreadedconversationabouttheShcherbatskys，andsosayingnothingaboutthem。ButnowLevinwaslongingtofindoutaboutthatwhichwastormentinghimso，yethadnotthecouragetobegin。
　　`Come，tellmehowthingsaregoingwithyou，’saidLevin，bethinkinghimselfthatitwasnotgoodofhimtothinkonlyofhimself。
　　StepanArkadyevich’seyessparkledmerrily。
　　`Youdon’tadmit，Iknow，thatonecanbefondofnewrollswhenonehashadone’srationofbread-toyourmindit’sacrime；butIdon’tcountlifeaslifewithoutlove，’hesaid，takingLevin’squestioninhisownway。`WhatamItodo？I’mmadethatway。Andreally，onedoessolittleharmtoanyone，andgivesoneselfsomuchpleasure……’
　　`What！istheresomethingnew，then？’queriedLevin。
　　`Yes，myboy，thereis！There，doyousee，youknowthetypeofOssian’swomen……women，suchasoneseesindreams……Well，thesewomenaresometimestobemetwithinreality……Andthesewomenareterrible。
　　Woman，don’tyouknow，issuchasubjectthatnomatterhowmuchyoustudyit，it’salwaysperfectlynew。’
　　`Well，then，itwouldbebetternottostudyit。’
　　`No。Somemathematicianhassaidthatenjoymentliesinthesearchfortruth，notinthefindingofit。’
　　Levinlistenedinsilence，and，inspiteofalltheeffortshemade，hecouldnotintheleastenterintothefeelingsofhisfriendandunderstandhissentimentsandthecharmofstudyingsuchwomen。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter15[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter15Theplacefixedonforthestandshootingwasnotfaraboveastreaminalittleaspencopse。Onreachingthecopse，LevingotoutofthedroshkyandledOblonskytoacornerofamossy，swampyglade，alreadyquitefreefromsnow。Hewentbackhimselftoadoublebirchtreeontheotherside，and，leaninghisgunontheforkofadeadlowerbranch，hetookoffhisfullovercoat，fastenedhisbeltagain，andworkedhisarmstoseeiftheywerefree。
　　GrayoldLaska，whohadfollowedthem，satdownwarilyoppositehimandprickedupherears。Thesunwassettingbehindathickforest，andintheglowofsunsetthebirchtrees，dottedaboutintheaspencopse，stoodoutclearlywiththeirhangingtwigs，andtheirbudsswollenalmosttobursting。
　　Fromthethickestpartsofthecopse，wherethesnowstillremained，camethefaintsoundofnarrowwindingstreamletsofwaterrunningaway。
　　Tinybirdstwittered，andnowandthenflutteredfromtreetotree。
　　Inthepausesofcompletestillnesstherecametherustleoflastyear’sleaves，stirredbythethawingoftheearthandthegrowthofgrasses。
　　`Imagine！Onecanhearandseethegrassgrowing！’Levinsaidtohimself，noticingawet，slate-coloredaspenleafmovingbesideabladeofyounggrass。Hestood，listened，andgazedsometimesdownatthewetmossyground，sometimesatLaskalisteningallalert，sometimesattheseaofbaretreetopsthatstretchedontheslopebelowhim，sometimesatthedarkeningsky，coveredwithwhitestreaksofcloud。Ahawkflewhighoveraforestfarawaywithaslowsweepofitswings；anotherflewwithexactlythesamemotioninthesamedirectionandvanished。Thebirdstwitteredmoreandmoreloudlyandbusilyinthethicket。Anowlhootednotfaroff，andLaska，starting，steppedcautiouslyafewstepsforward，and，puttingherheadononeside，begantolistenintently。Beyondthestreamwasheardthecuckoo。Twicesheutteredherusualcall，andthenbecamehoarse，hurried，andbrokedown。
　　`Imagine！Thecuckooalready！’saidStepanArkadyevich，comingoutfrombehindabush。
　　`Yes，Ihearit，’answeredLevin，reluctantlybreakingthestillnesswithhisvoice，whichsoundeddisagreeabletohimself。`Nowit’scoming！’
　　StepanArkadyevich’sfigureagainwentbehindthebush，andLevinsawnothingbutthebrightflashofamatch，followedbytheredglowandbluesmokeofacigarette。
　　Tchk！Tchk！camethesnappingsoundofStepanArkadyevichcockinghisgun。
　　`What’sthatcry？’askedOblonsky，drawingLevin’sattentiontoaprolongedcry，asthoughacoltwerewhinnyinginahighvoice，inplay。
　　`Oh，don’tyouknowit？That’sabuckhare。Butenoughtalking！
　　Listen-hereitcomes！’almostshriekedLevin，cockinghisgun。
　　Theyheardashrillwhistleinthedistance，andintheexacttime，sowellknowntothesportsman，twosecondslater-another，athird，and，afterthethirdwhistle，thehoarse，gutturalcrycouldbeheard。
　　Levinlookedabouthimtorightandtoleft，andthere，justfacinghimagainsttheduskyblueskyabovetheconfusedmassoftendershootsoftheaspens，hesawtheflyingbird。Itwasflyingstraighttowardhim；
　　thegutturalcry，liketheeventearingofsomestrongstuff，soundedclosetohisear；thelongbeakandneckofthebirdcouldbeseen，andattheveryinstantwhenLevinwastakingaim，behindthebushwhereOblonskystood，therewasaflashofredlightning:thebirddroppedlikeanarrow，anddartedupwardagain。Againcametheredflashandthesoundofablow，and，flutteringitswingsasthoughtryingtokeepupintheair，thebirdpaused，stoppedstillaninstant，andfellwithaheavysplashtotheslushyground。
　　`CanIpossiblyhavemissedit？’shoutedStepanArkadyevich，whocouldnotseeforthesmoke。
　　`Hereitis！’saidLevin，pointingtoLaska，who，withoneearprickedup，waggingthetipofhershaggytail，wascomingslowlyback，asthoughshewouldprolongthepleasure，andseeminglysmiling，wasbringingthedeadbirdtohermaster。`Well，I’mgladyouweresuccessful，’saidLevin，who，atthesametime，hadasenseofenvythathehadnotsucceededinshootingthewoodcock。
　　`Itwasabadshotfromtherightbarrel，’respondedStepanArkadyevich，loadinghisgun。`Sh……Hereitcomes！’
　　Theshrillwhistlesrapidlyfollowingoneanotherwereheardagain。
　　Twowoodcocks，playingandchasingoneanother，andonlywhistling，notcrying，flewstraightattheveryheadsofthesportsmen。Therewasthereportoffourshots，andlikeswallows，thewoodcocksturnedswiftsomersaultsintheairandvanishedfromsight。
　　Thestandshootingwascapital。StepanArkadyevichshottwomorebirds，andLevintwo，ofwhichonewasnotfound。Itbegantogetdark。
　　Venus，brightandsilvery，shonewithhersoftlightlowdowninthewest，behindthebirchtrees，andhighupintheeasttwinkledtheredfiresofsomberArcturus。OverhisheadLevinmadeoutthestarsoftheGreatBearandlostthemagain。Thewoodcockshadceasedflying；butLevinresolvedtostayalittlelonger，tillVenus，whichhesawbelowabranchofbirch，shouldbeaboveit，andthestarsoftheGreatBearshouldbeperfectlyplain。Venushadrisenabovethebranch，andthechariotoftheGreatBearwithitsshaftwasnowallplainlyvisibleagainstthedarkbluesky，yetstillhewaited。
　　`Isn’tittimetogohome？’saidStepanArkadyevich。
　　Itwasquitestillnowinthecopse，andnotabirdwasstirring。
　　`Let’sstayalittlewhile，’answeredLevin。
　　`Asyoulike。’
　　Theywerestandingnowaboutfifteenpacesfromoneanother。
　　`Stiva！’saidLevinunexpectedly；`howisityoudon’ttellmewhetheryoursister-in-law’smarriedyet，orwhenshe’sgoingtobe？’
　　Levinfeltsoresoluteandserenethatnoanswerhefanciedcouldaffecthim。ButhehadneverdreamedoftheanswerwhichStepanArkadyevichmade。
　　`She’sneverthoughtofbeingmarried，andisn’tthinkingofit；
　　butshe’sveryill，andthedoctorshavesentherabroad。They’repositivelyafraidshemaynotlive。’
　　`What！’criedLevin。`Veryill？Whatiswrongwithher？Howisshe？……’
　　Whiletheywerespeaking，Laska，withearsprickedup，waslookingupwardatthesky，and，reproachfully，atthem。
　　`Whatatimetheyhavechosentogab，’shewasthinking。`Thereitcomes……Hereitis-yes，sureenough。They’llmissit……’thoughtLaska。
　　Butatthatveryinstantbothsuddenlyheardashrillwhistlewhich，asitwere，smoteontheirears，andbothsuddenlyseizedtheirgunsandtwoflashesgleamed，andtwobangssoundedattheverysameinstant。
　　Thewoodcockflyinghighaboveinstantlyfoldeditswingsandfellintoathicket，bendingdownthedelicateshoots。
　　`Splendid！Together！’criedLevin，andheranwithLaskaintothethickettolookforthewoodcock。
　　`Oh，yes，whatwasitthatwasunpleasant？’herecollected。`Yes，Kitty’sill……Well，itcan’tbehelped；I’mverysorry，’hethought。
　　`She’sfoundit！Isn’tsheaclevergirl？’hesaid，takingthewarmbirdfromLaska’smouthandpackingitintothealmostfullgamebag。
　　`I’vegotit，Stiva！’heshouted。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter16[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter16OnthewayhomeLevinaskedallthedetailsofKitty’sillnessandoftheShcherbatskys’plans，andthoughhewouldhavebeenashamedtoadmitit，hewaspleasedatwhatheheard。Hewaspleasedthattherewasstillhope，andstillmorepleasedthatshe，whohadmadehimsuffer，shouldbesufferingsomuch。ButwhenStepanArkadyevichbegantospeakofthecausesofKitty’sillness，andmentionedVronsky’sname，Levincuthimshort。
　　`Ihavenorightwhatevertoknowfamilymatters，and，totellthetruth，nointerestinthemeither。’
　　StepanArkadyevichsmiledabarelyperceptiblesmile，catchingtheinstantaneouschangeheknewsowellinLevin’sface，whichhadbecomeasgloomyasithadbeenbrightaminutebefore。
　　`HaveyouquitesettledabouttheforestwithRiabinin？’askedLevin。
　　`Yes，it’sallsettled。Thepriceismagnificent-thirty-eightthousand。Eightstraightaway，andtherestinsixyears。I’vebeenbotheringaboutitforeversolong。Noonewouldgivemore。’
　　`Thenyou’veasgoodasgivenawayyourforestfornothing，’saidLevingloomily。
　　`Howdoyoumean-fornothing？’saidStepanArkadyevichwithagood-humoredsmile，knowingthatnothingwouldberightinLevin’seyesnow。
　　`Becausetheforestisworthatleastfivehundredroublesthedessiatina，’answeredLevin。
　　`Oh，thesefarmers！’saidStepanArkadyevichplayfully。`Yourtoneofcontemptforuspoortownsfolk！……Butwhenitcomestobusiness，wearebetteratitthananyone。IassureyouIhavereckoneditallout，’
　　hesaid，`andtheforestisfetchingaverygoodprice-somuchsothatI’mafraidofthisfellow’scryingoff，infact。Youknowit’snot``timberforest，’’saidStepanArkadyevich，hopingbythisdistinctiontoconvinceLevincompletelyoftheunfairnessofhisdoubts，`butforthemostpartfirewood。Anditwon’truntomorethanthirtysazhenesofwoodperdessiatina，andhe’spayingmeattherateoftwohundredroublesthedessiatina。’
　　Levinsmiledcontemptuously。`Iknow，’hethought，`thatfashionnotonlyinhim，butinallcitypeople，who，afterbeingtwiceintenyearsinthecountry，pickuptwoorthreephrasesandusetheminseasonandoutofseason，firmlypersuadedthattheyknowallaboutit。``Timber，runtothirtysazhenesthedessiatina。’’Hesaysthosewordswithoutunderstandingthemhimself。’
　　`Iwouldn’tattempttoteachyouwhatyouwriteaboutinyouroffice，’saidhe，`andifneedarose，Ishouldcometoyoutoaskaboutit。Butyou’resopositiveyouknowalltheloreoftheforest。It’sdifficult。
　　Haveyoucountedthetrees？’
　　`Howcountthetrees？’saidStepanArkadyevich，laughing，stilltryingtodrawhisfriendoutofhisilltemper。`Countsandsofseas，andraysofstars，thoughcouldsomehigherpower……’
　　`Oh，well，thehigherpowerofRiabinincan。Notasinglemerchanteverbuysaforestwithoutcountingthetrees，unlesstheygetitgiventhemfornothing，asyou’redoingnow。Iknowyourforest。Igothereeveryyearshooting，andyourforest’sworthfivehundredadessiatinapaiddown，whilehe’sgivingyoutwohundredbyinstallments。Sothatinfactyou’remakinghimapresentofthirtythousand。’
　　`Come，don’tletyourimaginationrunawaywithyou，’saidStepanArkadyevichpiteously。`Whywasitnonewouldgiveit，then？’
　　`Why，becausehehasanunderstandingwiththemerchants；he’sboughtthemoff。I’vehadtodowithallofthem；Iknowthem。They’renotmerchants，youknow；they’respeculators。Hewouldn’tlookatabargainthatgavehimten，fifteenpercentprofit，butholdsbacktobuyarouble’sworthfortwentykopecks。’
　　`Well，enoughofit！You’reoutoftemper。’
　　`Notintheleast，’saidLevingloomily，astheydroveuptothehouse。
　　Atthestepstherestoodatraptightlycoveredwithironandleather，withasleekhorsetightlyharnessedwithbroadcollarstraps。
　　Inthetrapsatthechubby，tightlybeltedoverseerwhoservedRiabininascoachman。Riabininhimselfwasalreadyinthehouse，andmetthefriendsinthehall。Riabininwasatall，thinnish，middle-agedman，withmustacheandaprojectingclean-shavenchin，andprominentmuddy-lookingeyes。Hewasdressedinalong-skirtedbluecoat，withbuttonsbelowthewaistattheback，andworehighbootswrinkledovertheanklesandstraightoverthecalf，withbiggaloshesdrawnoverthem。Hemoppedhisfacewithhishandkerchief，and，wrappinghimselfinhiscoat，whichsatextremelywellasitwas，hegreetedthemwithasmile，holdingouthishandtoStepanArkadyevich，asthoughhewantedtocatchsomething。
　　`So，hereyouare，’saidStepanArkadyevich，givinghimhishand。
　　`That’scapital。’
　　`IdidnotventuretodisregardYourExcellency’scommands，thoughtheroadwasextremelybad。Ipositivelycoveredthewholewayatawalk，butIamhereontime。KonstantinDmitrich，myrespects"；heturnedtoLevin，tryingtoseizehishandtoo。ButLevin，scowling，madeasthoughhedidnotnoticehishand，andtookoutthewoodcocks。`Yourhonorshavebeendivertingyourselveswiththechase？Whatkindofbirdmayitbe，pray？’addedRiabinin，lookingcontemptuouslyatthewoodcocks:`agreatdelicacy，Isuppose。’Andheshookhisheaddisapprovingly，asthoughhehadgravedoubtswhetherthisgamewereworththecandle。
　　`Wouldyouliketogointomystudy？’LevinsaidinFrenchtoStepanArkadyevich，scowlingmorosely。`Gointomystudy；youcantalkthere。’
　　`Quiteso，whereveryouplease，’saidRiabininwithsuperciliousdignity，asthoughwishingtomakeitfeltthatothersmightbeindifficultiesastohowtobehave，butthathecouldneverbeinanydifficultyaboutanything。
　　OnenteringthestudyRiabininlookedabout，asitwasahabitofhis，asthoughseekingaholyimage，but，whenhehadfoundit，hedidnotcrosshimself。Hescannedthebookcasesandbookshelves，andwiththesamedubiousairwithwhichhehadregardedthewoodcocks，hesmiledsuperciliouslyandshookhisheaddisapprovingly，asthoughbynomeanswillingtoallowthatthisgame，either，wereworththecandle。
　　`Well，haveyoubroughtthemoney？’askedOblonsky。`Sitdown。’
　　`Oh，don’ttroubleaboutthemoney。I’vecometoseeyoutotalkitover。’
　　`Whatistheretotalkover？Butdositdown。’
　　`Idon’tmindifIdo，’saidRiabinin，sittingdownandleaninghiselbowsonthebackofhisarmchairinapositionoftheintensestdiscomforttohimself。`Youmustknockitdownabit，Prince。Itwouldbeasinotherwise。
　　Asforthemoney，itisreadydefinitively，tothelastkopeck。Asformoneydown，there’llbenohitchthere。’
　　Levin，whohadmeanwhilebeenputtinghisgunawayinthecupboard，wasjustgoingoutofthedoor，butcatchingthemerchant’swords，hestopped。
　　`Why，you’vegottheforestfornothingasitis，’hesaid。`Hecametometoolate，orI’dhavefixedthepriceforhim。’
　　Riabiningotup，andinsilence，withasmile，helookedupatLevin。
　　`KonstantinDmitrievichisveryclose，’hesaidwithasmile，turningtoStepanArkadyevich；`there’sdefinitivelynodealingwithhim。
　　Iwasbargainingforsomewheatofhim，andaprettypriceIofferedtoo。’
　　`WhyshouldIgiveyouwhat’sminefornothing？Ididn’tpickitupofftheground，nordidIstealit，either。’
　　`Mercyonus！Nowadaysthere’spositivelynochanceatallofstealing。Withthedefinitivelyopencourts，andeverythingdoneinstyle，nowadaysthere’snoquestionofstealing。Wearejusttalkingthingsoverlikegentlemen。HisExcellency’saskingtoomuchfortheforest。Ican’tmakebothendsmeetoverit。Imustaskforalittleconcession。’
　　`Butisthethingsettledbetweenyouorisn’tit？Ifit’ssettled，it’suselesshaggling；butifitisn’t，’saidLevin，`I’llbuytheforest。’
　　ThesmilevanishedatoncefromRiabinin’sface。Ahawklike，greedy，cruelexpressionwasleftuponit。Withrapid，bonyfingersheunbuttonedhiscoat，revealingalargeshirt，bronzewaistcoatbuttons，andawatchchain，andquicklypulledoutafatoldpocketbook。
　　`Hereyouare，theforestismine，’hesaid，crossinghimselfquickly，andholdingouthishand。`Takethemoney；it’smyforest。That’sRiabinin’swayofdoingbusiness；hedoesn’thaggleovereverycopper，’
　　headded，scowlingandwavingthepocketbook。
　　`Iwouldn’tbeinahurryifIwereyou，’saidLevin。
　　`Come，really，’saidOblonskyinsurprise，`I’vegivenmyword，youknow。’
　　Levinwentoutoftheroom，slammingthedoor。Riabininlookedtowardthedoorandshookhisheadwithasmile。
　　`It’sallyouthfulness-definitivelynothingbutchildishness。
　　Why，I’mbuyingit，uponmyhonor，simply，believeme，forthegloryofit，thatRiabinin，andnooneelse，shouldhaveboughtthecopseofOblonsky。
　　Andastotheprofits，why，ImustmakewhatGodgives。God’smywitness。
　　Ifyouwouldkindlysignthetitledeed……’
　　Withinanhourthemerchant，carefullystrokinghiswrapperdown，andhookinguphiscoat，withtheagreementinhispocket，seatedhimselfinhistightlycoveredtrap，anddrovehomeward。
　　`Ugh，thesegentlefolk！’hesaidtotheoverseer。`Theyareallmadealike！they’reafinelot！’
　　`That’sso，’respondedtheoverseer，handinghimthereinsandbuttoningtheleatherapron。`ButcanIcongratulateyouonthepurchase，MikhailIgnatich？’
　　`Well，well……’
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter17[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter17StepanArkadyevichwentupstairswithhispocketbulgingwithnoteswhichthemerchanthadpaidhimforthreemonthsinadvance。Thebusinessoftheforestwasover，themoneyinhispocket；theirshootinghadbeenexcellent，andStepanArkadyevichwasinthehappiestframeofmind，andthereforefeltespeciallyanxioustodissipatetheill-humorthathadcomeuponLevin。
　　Hewantedtofinishthedayatsupperaspleasantlyasithadbeenbegun。
　　Levincertainlywasoutofhumor，and，inspiteofallhisdesiretobeaffectionateandcordialtohischarmingguest，hecouldnotcontrolhismood。TheaftereffectsoftheintoxicationofthenewsthatKittywasnotmarriedhadgraduallybeguntoworkuponhim。
　　Kittywasnotmarried，andwasill，andillfromloveforamanwhohadslightedher。Thisoffense，asitwere，reboundeduponhim。Vronskyhadslightedher，andshehadslightedhim，Levin。ConsequentlyVronskyhadtherighttodespiseLevin，andthereforehewashisenemy。ButallthisLevindidnotthinkof。Hevaguelyfeltthattherewassomethinginitinsultingtohim，andhewasnotangrynowatwhathaddisturbedhim，buthefellfoulofeverythingthatpresenteditself。Thestupidsaleoftheforest，thefraudpractiseduponOblonskyandconcludedinhishouse，exasperatedhim。
　　`Well，finished？’hesaid，meetingStepanArkadyevichupstairs。
　　`Wouldyoulikesupper？’
　　`Well，Iwouldn’tsaynotoit。WhatanappetiteIgetinthecountry！Wonderful！Whydidn’tyouofferRiabininsomething？’
　　`Oh，damnhim！’
　　`Still，howyoudotreathim！’saidOblonsky。`Youdidn’tevenshakehandswithhim。Whynotshakehandswithhim？’
　　`BecauseIdon’tshakehandswithawaiter，andawaiter’sahundredtimesbetterthanheis。’
　　`Whatareactionistyouare，really！Whatabouttheamalgamationofclasses？’saidOblonsky。
　　`Anyonewholikesitiswelcometoit，butitsickensme。’
　　`You’readownrightreactionist，Isee。’
　　`Really。IhaveneverconsideredwhatIam。IamKonstantinLevin，andnothingelse。’
　　`AndKonstantinLevinverymuchoutoftemper，’saidStepanArkadyevich，smiling。
　　`Yes，Iamoutoftemper，anddoyouknowwhy？Because-excuseme-ofyourstupidsale……’
　　StepanArkadyevichfrownedgood-humoredly，likeonewhofeelshimselfteasedandattackedfornofaultofhisown。
　　`Come，enoughaboutthat！’hesaid。`Whendidanybodyeversellanythingwithoutbeingtoldimmediatelyafterthesale，``Itwasworthmuchmore’？Butwhenonewantstosell，noonewillgiveanything……No，Iseeyou’veagrudgeagainstthatunluckyRiabinin。’
　　`MaybeIhave。Anddoyouknowwhy？You’llsayagainthatI’mareactionist，orsomeotherterribleword；butallthesameitdoesannoyandangermetoseeonallsidestheimpoverishingofthenobilitytowhichIbelong，and，inspiteoftheamalgamationofclasses，I’mgladtobelong。
　　Andtheirimpoverishmentisnotduetolivinginluxury-thatwouldbenothing；livingingoodstyle-that’stheproperthingfornoblemen:it’sonlythenobleswhoknowhowtodoit。Now，thepeasantsaboutusbuyland，andIdon’tmindthat。Thegentlemandoesnothing，whilethepeasantworksandsupplantstheidleman。That’sasitshouldbe。AndIwelcomethepeasant。
　　ButIdomindseeingtheprocessofimpoverishmentfromasortof-Idon’tknowwhattocallit-innocence。HereaPolishlesseeboughtforhalfitsvalueamagnificentestatefromaladywholivesinNice。Andthereamerchantleasesland，worthtenroublesinrentthedessiatina，foronerouble。Here，fornokindofreason，you’vemadethatcheatapresentofthirtythousandroubles。’
　　`Well，whatshouldIhavedone？Countedeverytree？’
　　`Ofcourse，theymustbecounted。Youdidn’tcountthem，butRiabinindid。Riabinin’schildrenwillhavemeansoflivelihoodandeducation，whileyours，likeasnot，won’t！’
　　`Well，youmustexcuseme，butthere’ssomethingmeaninthiscounting。Wehaveourbusinessandtheyhavetheirs，andtheymustmaketheirprofit。Anyway，thething’sdone，andthere’sanendofit。Andherecomesomefriedeggs，myfavoritedish。AndAgathyaMikhailovnawillgiveusthatmarvelousherbbrandy……’
　　StepanArkadyevichsatdownatthetableandbeganjollyingAgathyaMikhailovna，assuringherthatitwaslongsincehehadtastedsuchadinnerandsuchasupper。
　　`Well，youpraiseit，atanyrate，’saidAgathyaMikhailovna，`butKonstantinDmitrievich，nomatterwhatyougivehim-evenacrustofbread-willjusteatitandwalkaway。’
　　ThoughLevintriedtocontrolhimself，hewasgloomyandsilent。
　　HewantedtoputonequestiontoStepanArkadyevich，buthecouldnotbringhimselftothepoint，andcouldnotfindthewordsorthemomentinwhichtoputit。StepanArkadyevichhadgonedowntohisroom，undressed，againwashed，and，attiredinanightshirtwithgofferedfrills，hadgotintobed，butLevinstilllingeredinhisroom，talkingofvarioustriflingmatters，andnotdaringtoaskwhathewantedtoknow。
　　`Howwonderfullytheymakethesoap，’hesaidgazingatapieceofsoaphewasunwrapping，whichAgathyaMikhailovnahadplacedinreadinessfortheguest，butabrandwhichOblonskydidnotuse。`Justlook-why，it’saworkofart。’
　　`Yes，everything’sbroughttosuchapitchofperfectionnowadays，’
　　saidStepanArkadyevich，withamoistandblissfulyawn。`Thetheater，forinstance，andtheentertainments……A-a-a！’heyawned。`Theelectriclighteverywhere……A-a-a！’
　　`Yes，theelectriclight，’saidLevin。`Yes。Oh，andwhere’sVronskynow？’heaskedsuddenly，layingdownthesoap。
　　`Vronsky？’saidStepanArkadyevich，checkinghisyawn；`he’sinPeterburg。Heleftsoonafteryoudid，andhasn’tbeenonceinMoscowsince。
　　And，doyouknow，Kostia，I’lltellyouthetruth，’hewenton，leaninghiselbowonthetable，and，withhishand，proppinguphishandsomeruddyface，inwhichhishumid，good-natured，sleepyeyesshonelikestars。`It’syourownfault。Youtookfrightatthesightofyourrival。But，asItoldyouatthetime，Icouldn’tsaywhichhadthebetterchance。Whydidn’tyoufightitout？Itoldyouatthetimethat……’Heyawnedinwardly，withoutopeninghismouth。
　　`Doesheknow，ordoesn’the，thatIdidpropose？’Levinwonderedgazingathim。`Yes，there’ssomethinghumbugging，somethingdiplomaticinhisface。’And，feelinghewasblushing，helookedStepanArkadyevichstraightinthefacewithoutspeaking。
　　`Iftherewasanythingonhersideatthattime，itwasnothingbutasuperficialattraction，’pursuedOblonsky。`Hisbeingsuchaperfectaristocrat，youknow，andhisfuturepositioninsociety，hadaninfluencenotwithher，butwithhermother。’
　　Levinscowled。Thehumiliationofhisrejectionstunghimtotheheart，asthoughitwereafreshwoundhehadonlyjustreceived。Buthewasathome，andthewallsofhomeareasupport。
　　`Wait，wait，’hebegan，interruptingOblonsky。`Youtalkofhisbeinganaristocrat。Butallowmetoaskwhatitconsistsof，thataristocracyofVronskyorofanybodyelse，besidewhichIcanbelookeddownupon？
　　YouconsiderVronskyanaristocrat，butIdon’t。Amanwhosefathercrawledupfromnothingatallbyintrigue，andwhosemother-Godknowswhomshewasn’tmixedupwith……No，excuseme，butIconsidermyselfaristocratic，andpeoplelikeme，whocanpointbackinthepasttothreeorfourhonorablegenerationsoftheirfamily，ofthehighestdegreeofbreedingtalentandintellect，ofcourse，areanothermatter，andhavenevercurriedfavorwithanyone，neverdependedonanyoneforanything，likemyfatherandmygrandfather。AndIknowmanysuch。Youthinkitmeanofmetocountthetreesinmyforest，whileyoumakeRiabininapresentofthirtythousand；
　　butyougetfromthegovernmentyourliferent，andIdon’tknowwhat，whileIshallnot，andsoIprizewhat’scometomefrommyancestors，orhasbeenwonbyhardwork……Wearearistocrats，andnotthosewhocanonlyexistbyfavorofthepowerfulonesofthisearth，andwhocanbeboughtfortwentykopecks。’
　　`Well，butwhomareyouattacking？Iagreewithyou，’saidStepanArkadyevich，sincerelyandgenially；thoughhewasawarethatintheclassofthosewhocouldbeboughtfortwentykopecksLevinwasreckoninghimaswell。Levin’sanimationgavehimgenuinepleasure。`Whomareyouattacking？
　　AgooddealofwhatyousayisnottrueaboutVronsky，ofcourse，butI
　　won’ttalkaboutthat。Itellyoustraightout，ifIwereyou，IshouldgobackwithmetoMoscow，and……’
　　`No；Idon’tknowwhetheryouknowitornot，butIdon’tcare。
　　AndItellyou-Ididpropose，andwasrejected，andKaterinaAlexandrovnaisnothingnowtomebutapainfulandhumiliatingreminiscence。’
　　`Why？Whatnonsense！’
　　`Butwewon’ttalkaboutit。Pleaseforgiveme，ifI’vebeennasty，’
　　saidLevin。Nowthathehadopenedhisheart，hebecameashehadbeeninthemorning。`You’renotangrywithme，Stiva？Pleasedon’tbeangry，’
　　hesaid，and，smiling，hetookhishand。
　　`Ofcoursenot；notabit-noristhereanyreasontobe。I’mgladwe’vespokenopenly。And，doyouknow，standshootinginthemorningisusuallygood-whynotgo？Imightgo，withoutsleeping，straightfromshootingtothestation。’
　　`Capital。’
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter18[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter18AlthoughallVronsky’sinnerlifewasabsorbedinhispassion，hisexternallifeunalterablyandinevitablyfollowedalongtheoldaccustomedlinesofhissocialandregimentaltiesandinterests。TheinterestsofhisregimenttookanimportantplaceinVronsky’slife，bothbecausehewasfondoftheregiment，andstillmorebecausetheregimentwasfondofhim。TheywerenotonlyfondofVronskyinhisregiment，theyrespectedhimtoo，andwereproudofhim；proudthatthisman，withhisimmensewealth，hisbrillianteducationandabilities，andthepathopenbeforehimtoeverykindofsuccess，distinctionandambition，haddisregardedallthat，andofalltheinterestsoflifehadtheinterestsofhisregimentandhiscomradesnearesttohisheart。Vronskywasawareofhiscomrades’viewofhim，andinadditiontohislikingforthatsortoflife，hefeltboundtokeepupthatreputation。
　　Itneednotbesaidthathedidnotspeakofhislovetoanyofhiscomrades，nordidhebetrayhissecreteveninthewildestdrinkingboutsthoughindeedhewasneversodrunkastoloseallcontrolofhimself。
　　Andheclosedthemouthsofanyofhisthoughtlesscomradeswhoattemptedtoalludetohisliaison。But，inspiteofthat，hislovewasknowntoallthetown；everyoneguessedwithmoreorlesscertaintyathisrelationswithMadameKarenina。Themajorityoftheyoungermenenviedhimforjustwhatwasthemostirksomefactorinhislove-theexaltedpositionofKarenin，andtheconsequenttransparencytosociety，oftheirliaison。
　　Thegreaternumberoftheyoungwomen，whoenviedAnnaandhadlongbeenwearyofhavinghercalledrighteous，rejoicedatthefulfillmentoftheirpredictions，andwereonlywaitingforadecisiveturninpublicopiniontofalluponherwithalltheweightoftheirscorn。Theywerealreadymakingreadytheirhandfulsofmudtocastatherwhentherightmomentarrived。Thegreaternumberofthemiddle-agedpeopleandcertaingreatpersonagesweredispleasedattheprospectoftheimpendingscandalinsociety。
　　Vronsky’smother，onhearingofhisliaison，wasatfirstpleasedbyit，becausenothingtohermindgavesuchafinishingtouchtoabrilliantyoungmanasaliaisoninthehighestsociety；shewaspleased，too，thatMadameKarenina，whohadsotakenherfancy，andhadtalkedsomuchofherson，was，afterall，justlikealltheotherprettyanddecentwomen-accordingtotheCountessVronskaia’sideas。Butshehadheardoflatethathersonhadrefusedapositionofferedhimofgreatimportancetohiscareer，simplyinordertoremainintheregiment，wherecouldbeconstantlyseeingMadameKarenina；sheheardthatgreatpersonagesweredispleasedwithhimonthisaccount，andshechangedheropinion。Shewasvexed，too，thatfromallshecouldlearnofthisliaisonitwasnotthatbrilliant，graceful，worldlyliaisonwhichshewouldhavewelcomed，butasortofWerther’sdesperatepassion，soshewastold，whichmightwellleadhimintofollies。ShehadnotseenhimsincehisabruptdeparturefromMoscow，andshesenthereldersontobidhimtocometoher。
　　Thiselderbrother，too，wasdispleasedwithhisyoungerbrother。
　　Hedidnotdistinguishwhatsortoflovehismightbe，bigorlittle，passionateorpassionless，pureorimpurehekeptaballetgirlhimself，thoughhewasthefatherofafamily，sohewasratherindulgent，butheknewthatthislovedispleasedthosewhomitwasnecessarytoplease，andthereforehedidnotapproveofhisbrother’sconduct。
　　Besidestheserviceandsociety，Vronskyhadanothergreatinterest-horses；hewaspassionatelyfondofhorses。
　　Thatyearracesandasteeplechasehadbeenarrangedfortheofficers。
　　Vronskyhadputhisnamedown，boughtathoroughbredEnglishmare，andinspiteofhislove，hewaslookingforwardtotheraceswithintense，thoughreserved，excitement……
　　Thesetwopassionsdidnotinterferewithoneanother。Onthecontrary，heneededoccupationanddistractionquiteapartfromhislove，soastorecruitandresthimselffromtheviolentemotionsthatagitatedhim。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter19[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter19OnthedayoftheracesatKrasnoeSelo，Vronskyhadcomeearlierthanusualtoeatbeefsteakinthecommonmessroomoftheregiment。Hehadnoneedtobestrictwithhimself，ashisweightwasexactlytherequiredone；butstillhehadtoavoidgainingflesh，andsoheeschewedfarinaceousandsweetdishes。Hesatwithhiscoatunbuttonedoverawhitewaistcoat，restingbothelbowsonthetable，and，whilewaitingforthesteakhehadordered，waslookingoveraFrenchnovelthatlayopenonhisplate。Hewasonlylookingatthebooktoavoidconversationwiththeofficerscominginandout；hewasthinking。
　　HewasthinkingofAnna’spromisetoseehimtodayaftertheraces。
　　Buthehadnotseenherforthreedays，andasherhusbandhadjustreturnedfromabroad，hedidnotknowwhethershewouldbeabletomeethimtodayornot，andhedidnotknowhowtofindout。HehadhadhislastinterviewwithherathiscousinBetsy’ssummervilla。HevisitedthesummervillaoftheKareninsasrarelyaspossible。Nowhewantedtogothere，andheponderedthequestionofhowtodoit。
　　`OfcourseIshallsayBetsyhassentmetoaskwhethershe’scomingtotheraces。Ofcourse，I’llgo，’hedecided，liftinghisheadfromthebook。Andashevividlypicturedthehappinessofseeingher，hisfacelightedup。
　　`Sendtomyhouse，andtellthemtohaveoutthecarriageandthreehorsesasquicklyastheycan，’hesaidtotheservant，whohandedhimthesteakonahotsilverdish，andmovingthedishuptowardhim，hebeganeating。
　　Fromtheadjoiningbilliardroomcamethesoundofballsclicking，oftalkandlaughter。Twoofficersappearedattheentrancedoor:one，ayoungfellowwithaweak，delicateface，whohadlatelyjoinedtheregimentfromtheCorpsofPages；theother，aplump，elderlyofficer，withabraceletonhiswrist，andlittleeyes，lostinfat。
　　Vronskyglancedatthem，frowned，andlookingdownathisbookasthoughhehadnotnoticedthem，heproceededtoeatandreadatthesametime。
　　`What？Fortifyingyourselfforyourwork？’saidtheplumpofficer，sittingdownbesidehim。
　　`Asyousee，’respondedVronsky，knittinghisbrows，wipinghismouth，andwithoutlookingattheofficer。
　　`Soyou’renotafraidofgettingfat？saidthelatter，turningachairroundfortheyoungofficer。
　　`What？’saidVronskyangrily，makingawryfaceofdisgustandshowinghisheavyteeth。
　　`You’renotafraidofgettingfat？’
　　`Waiter，sherry！’saidVronsky，withoutreplying，andmovingthebooktotheothersideofhim，hewentonreading。
　　Theplumpofficertookupthelistofwinesandturnedtotheyoungofficer。
　　`Youchoosewhatwe’retodrink，’hesaid，handinghimthecard，andlookingathim。
　　`Rhinewine，please，’saidtheyoungofficer，stealingatimidglanceatVronsky，andtryingtopullhisscarcelyvisiblemustache。SeeingthatVronskydidnotturnround，theyoungofficergotup。
　　`Let’sgointothebilliardroom，’hesaid。
　　Theplumpofficerrosesubmissively，andtheymovedtowardthedoor。
　　Atthatmomenttherewalkedintotheroomthetanandwell-builtCaptainIashvin。Noddingwithanairofloftycontempttothetwoofficers，hewentuptoVronsky。
　　`Ah！Hereheis！’hecried，bringinghisbighanddownheavilyonhisepaulet。Vronskylookedroundangrily，buthisfacelightedupimmediatelywithhischaracteristicexpressionofcalmandfirmfriendliness。
　　`That’sit，Aliosha，’saidthecaptain，inhisloudbaritone。
　　`Haveabiteanddrinkonetinyglass。’
　　`Oh，I’mnotveryhungry。’
　　`Theregotheinseparables，’Iashvindropped，glancingsarcasticallyatthetwoofficerswhowereatthatinstantleavingtheroom。Andhebenthislonglegs，swathedintightridingbreeches，andsatdowninthechair，toolowforhim，sothathiskneeswerecrampedupinasharpangle。`Whydidn’tyouturnupatTheateratKrasnoeSeloyesterday？Numerovawasn’tatallbad。Wherewereyou？’
　　`IwaslateattheTverskys’，’saidVronsky。
　　`Ah！’respondedIashvin。
　　Iashvin，agamblerandarake，amannotmerelywithoutanyprinciples，butofimmoralprinciples-IashvinwasVronsky’sgreatestfriendintheregiment。Vronskylikedhimbothforhisexceptionalphysicalstrength，whichheshowedforthemostpartbybeingabletodrinklikeafishandtodowithoutsleepwithoutbeingintheslightestdegreeaffectedbyit；
　　andforhisgreatstrengthofcharacter，whichheshowedinhisrelationswithhiscomradesandsuperiorofficers，commandingbothfearandrespect，andalsoatcards，whenhewouldplayfortensofthousandsand，howevermuchhemighthavedrunk，alwayswithsuchskillanddecisionthathewasreckonedthebestplayerintheEnglishClub。VronskyrespectedandlikedIashvinparticularlybecausehefeltIashvinlikedhim，notforhisnameandhismoney，butforhimself。AndofallmenhewastheonlyonewithwhomVronskywouldhavelikedtospeakofhislove。HefeltthatIashvin，inspiteofhisapparentcontemptforeverysortoffeeling，wastheonlymanwhocould，sohefancied，comprehendtheintensepassionwhichnowfilledhiswholelife。Moreover，hefeltcertainthatIashvin，asitwas，tooknodelightingossipandscandal，andinterpretedhisfeelingrightly-thatistosay，knewandbelievedthatthispassionwasnotajoke，notapastime，butsomethingmoreseriousandimportant。
　　Vronskyhadneverspokentohimofhispassion，buthewasawarethatheknewallaboutit，andthatheputtherightinterpretationonit，andhewasgladtoseethisinhiseyes。
　　`Ah！yes，’hesaid，totheannouncementthatVronskyhadbeenattheTverskys’；and，hisblackeyesshining，hepluckedathisleftmustache，andbegantwistingitintohismouth-abadhabithehad。
　　`Well，andwhatdidyoudoyesterday？Winanything？’askedVronsky。
　　`Eightthousand。Butthreedon’tcount；thechapwillhardlypayup。’
　　`Oh，thenyoucanaffordtoloseoverme，’saidVronsky，laughing。
　　IashvinhadbettedheavilyonVronskyintheraces。
　　`Nochanceofmylosing。Makhotin’stheonlyonewho’sadangerousentrant。’
　　Andtheconversationpassedtoforecastsofthecomingrace，theonlythingVronskycouldthinkofjustnow。
　　`Comealong，I’vefinished，’saidVronsky，andgettinguphewenttothedoor。Iashvingotuptoo，stretchinghislonglegsandhislongback。
　　`It’stooearlyformetodine，butImusthaveadrink。I’llcomealongdirectly。Hi，wine！’heshouted，inhisrichvoice，thatwassofamousatdrill，andsetthewindowsshaking。`No，Idon’tneedit！’
　　heshoutedagain，immediatelyafter。`You’regoinghome，soI’llgowithyou。’
　　AndhewalkedoutwithVronsky。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter20[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter20Vronskywasstayinginaroomy，clean，Finnishhut，dividedintotwobyapartition。Petritskylivedwithhimincamptoo。PetritskywasasleepwhenVronskyandIashvincameintothehut。
　　`Getup，don’tgoonsleeping，’saidIashvin，goingbehindthepartitionandgivingPetritsky，whowaslyingwithruffledhairandwithhisnoseinthepillow，aprodontheshoulder。
　　Petritskyjumpedupsuddenlyontohiskneesandlookedaround。
　　`Yourbrother’sbeenhere，’hesaidtoVronsky。`Hewakedmeup，thedeviltakehim，andsaidhe’dlookinagain。’Andpullinguptherugheflunghimselfbackonthepillow。`Ohdoquitthat，Iashvin！’hesaid，gettingfuriouswithIashvin，whowaspullingtherugoffhim。`Quitthat！’
　　Heturnedoverandopenedhiseyes。`You’dbettertellmewhattodrink；
　　I’vesuchanastytasteinmymouththat……’
　　`Vodka’sbetterthananything，’boomedIashvin。`Tereshchenko！
　　Vodkaforyourmasterandcucumbers，’heshouted，obviouslytakingpleasureinthesoundofhisownvoice。
　　`Vodka，doyouthink？Eh？’queriedPetritsky，blinkingandrubbinghiseyes。`Andyou’lldrinksomething？Allrightthen，we’llhaveadrinktogether！Vronsky，haveadrink？’saidPetritsky，gettingupandwrappingthetiger-stripedbedcoverroundhim。Hewenttothedoorofthepartitionwall，raisedhishands，andhummedinFrench:``therewasakinginThu-u-le。’’
　　Vronsky，willyouhaveadrink？’
　　`Goalong，’saidVronsky，puttingonthecoathisvalethandedhim。
　　`Whereareyouoffto？’askedIashvin。`Oh，hereisyourtroika，’
　　headded，seeingthecarriagedriveup。
　　`Tothestables，andI’vegottoseeBriansky，too，aboutthehorses，’saidVronsky。
　　VronskyhadasafactpromisedtocallatBriansky’s，sometenverstasfromPeterhof，andtobringhimmoneyowingforsomehorses；andhehopedtohavetimetogetthatintoo。Buthiscomradeswereatonceawarethatthatwasnottheonlyplacehewasgoing。
　　Petritsky，stillhumming，winkedandmadeapoutwithhislips，asthoughhewouldsay:`Oh，yes，weknowyourBriansky！’
　　`Mindyou’renotlate！’wasIashvin’sonlycomment；and，tochangetheconversation:`How’smyroan？Ishedoingallright？’heinquired，lookingoutofthewindowattheshafthorse，whichhehadsoldtoVronsky。
　　`Stop！’criedPetritskytoVronsky，justashewasgoingout。
　　`Yourbrotherleftaletterandanoteforyou。Waitabit；wherearethey？’
　　Vronskystopped。