Kittyfoundallthisoutnotfromwords。MadameStahltalkedtoKittyastoacharmingchildthatoneregardswithpleasure，asoneregardsthememoryofone’syouth，andonlyonceshesaidinpassingthatinallhumansorrowsnothinggivescomfortbutloveandfaith，andthatinthesightofChrist’scompassionforusnosorrowistrifling-andimmediatelytalkedofotherthings。ButineverygestureofMadameStahl，ineveryword，ineveryheavenly-asKittycalledit-look；and，aboveall，inthewholestoryofherlife，whichsheheardfromVarenka，Kittyrecognizedthatsomething`thatwasimportant，’ofwhich，tillthen，shehadknownnothing。
Yet，elevatedasMadameStahl’scharacterwas，touchingaswasherstory，andexaltedandmovingaswasherspeech，Kittycouldnothelpdetectinginhersometraitswhichperplexedher。Shenoticedthat，whenquestioningheraboutherfamily，MadameStahlhadsmiledcontemptuously，whichwasnotinaccordwithChristianmeekness。Kittynoticed，too，thatwhenshehadfoundaCatholicpriestwithher，MadameStahlhadstudiouslykeptherfaceintheshadowofthelampshadeandhadsmiledinapeculiarway。Trivialasthesetwoobservationswere，theyperplexedher，andshehadherdoubtsastoMadameStahl。ButontheotherhandVarenka，aloneintheworld，withoutfriendsorrelations，withamelancholydisappointmentinthepast，desiringnothing，regrettingnothing，wasjustthatperfectionofwhichKittydaredhardlydream。InVarenkasherealizedthatonehasbuttoforgetoneselfandloveothers，andonewillbecalm，happyandgood。AndthatwaswhatKittylongedtobe。Seeingnowclearlywhatwasmostimportant，Kittywasnotsatisfiedwithbeingenthusiasticoverit；
sheatoncegaveherselfupwithherwholesoultothenewlifethatwasopeningtoher。FromVarenka’saccountsofthedoingsofMadameStahlandotherpeoplewhomshementioned，Kittyhadalreadyconstructedtheplanofherownfuturelife。Shewould，likeMadameStahl’sniece，Aline，ofwhomVarenkahadtalkedtoheragreatdeal，seekoutthosewhowereintrouble，wherevershemightbeliving，helpthemasfarasshecould，givingthemtheGospel；shewouldreadtheGospeltothesick，tothecriminals，tothedying。TheideaofreadingtheGospeltocriminals，asAlinedid，particularlyfascinatedKitty。Butalltheseweresecretdreams，ofwhichKittydidnottalkeithertohermotherortoVarenka。
Whileawaitingthetimeforcarryingoutherplansonalargescale，however，Kitty，eventhenatthesprings，wherethereweresomanypeopleillandunhappy，readilyfoundachanceforpracticinghernewprinciplesinimitationofVarenka。
AtfirstthePrincessnoticednothingbutthatKittywasmuchundertheinfluenceofherengouement，asshecalledit，forMadameStahl，andstillmoreforVarenka。ShesawthatKittydidnotmerelyimitateVarenkainherconduct，butunconsciouslyimitatedherinhermannerofwalking，oftalking，ofblinkinghereyes。ButlateronthePrincessnoticedthat，apartfromthisadoration，somekindofseriousspiritualchangewastakingplaceinherdaughter。
ThePrincesssawthatintheeveningsKittyreadaFrenchTestamentthatMadameStahlhadgivenher-athingshehadneverdonebefore；thatsheavoidedsocietyacquaintancesandassociatedwiththesickpeoplewhowereunderVarenka’sprotection，andespeciallyonepoorfamily，thatofasickpainter，Petrov。Kittywasunmistakablyproudofplayingthepartofasisterofmercyinthatfamily。Allthiswaswellenough，andthePrincesshadnothingtosayagainstit，especiallyasPetrov’swifewasaperfectlyrespectablewoman，andthattheGermanPrincess，noticingKitty’sdevotion，praisedher，callingheranangelofconsolation。Allthiswouldhavebeenverywell，iftherehadbeennoexaggeration。ButthePrincesssawthatherdaughterwasrushingintoextremes，andsoindeedshetoldher。
`Ilnefautjamaisrienoutrer，’shesaidtoher。
Herdaughtermadehernoreply，butinherheartshethoughtthatonecouldnottalkaboutexaggerationwhereChristianitywasconcerned。
Whatexaggerationcouldtherebeinthepracticeofadoctrinewhereinonewasbiddentoturntheothercheekwhenonewassmitten，andgiveone’sshirtifone’scoatweretaken？ButthePrincessdislikedthisexaggeration，anddislikedevenmorethefactthatshefeltherdaughterdidnotcaretoshowherallherheart。Kittydidinfactconcealhernewviewsandfeelingsfromhermother。Sheconcealedthemnotbecauseshedidnotrespectordidnotlovehermother，butsimplybecauseshewashermother。Shewouldhaverevealedthemtoanyonesoonerthantohermother。
`HowisitAnnaPavlovna’snotbeentoseeusforsolong？’thePrincesssaidoneday，referringtoMadamePetrov。`I’veaskedher，butsheseemsputoutaboutsomething。’
`No，I’venotnoticedit，maman，’saidKitty，flushinghotly。
`Isitlongsinceyou’vebeentoseethem？’
`Weintendmakinganexcursiontothemountainstomorrow，’answeredKitty。
`Well，youmaygo，’answeredthePrincess，gazingatherdaughter’sembarrassedfaceandtryingtoguessthecauseofherembarrassment。
ThatdayVarenkacametodinnerandtoldthemthatAnnaPavlovnahadchangedhermindandgivenuptheexcursionforthemorrow。AndthePrincessnoticedagainthatKittyreddened。
`Kitty，haven’tyouhadsomemisunderstandingwiththePetrovs？’
saidthePrincess，whentheywereleftalone。`Whyhasshegivenupsendingthechildrenandcomingtoseeus？’
Kittyansweredthatnothinghadhappenedbetweenthem，andthatshecouldnottellwhyAnnaPavlovnaseemeddispleasedwithher。Kittyansweredperfectlytruthfully。ShedidnotknowthereasonAnnaPavlovnahadchangedtowardher，butsheguessedit。Sheguessedatsomethingwhichshecouldnottellhermother，whichshedidnotputintowordstoherselfItwasoneofthosethingswhichoneknowsbutwhichonecanneverspeakofeventooneself，soterribleandshamefulwoulditbetobemistaken。
Againandagainshewentoverinhermemoryallherrelationswiththefamily。Sherememberedthesimpledelightexpressedontheround，good-naturedfaceofAnnaPavlovnaattheirmeetings；sherememberedtheirsecretconfabulationsabouttheinvalid，theirplotstodrawhimawayfromtheworkwhichwasforbiddenhim，andtogethimoutofdoors；thedevotionoftheyoungestboy，whousedtocallher`myKitty，’andwouldnotgotobedwithouther。Howlovelyitallwas！`Thensherecalledthethin，terriblythinfigureofPetrov，withhislongneck，inhisbrowncoat，hisscant，curlyhair，hisquestioningblueeyesthatweresoterribletoKittyatfirst，andhispainfulattemptstoseemheartyandlivelyinherpresence。Sherecalledtheeffortsshehadmadeatfirsttoovercometherepugnanceshefeltforhim，asforallconsumptivepeople，andthepainsithadcosthertothinkofthingstosaytohim。Sherecalledthetimid，softenedlookwithwhichhegazedather，andthestrangefeelingofcompassionandawkwardness，andlaterofasenseofherowngoodness，whichshehadfeltatit。Howlovelyitallwas！Butallthatwasatfirst。
Now，afewdaysago，everythingwassuddenlyspoiled。AnnaPavlovnahadmetKittywithaffectedcordiality，andhadkeptcontinualwatchonherandonherhusband。
CouldthattouchingpleasureheshowedwhenshecamenearbethecauseofAnnaPavlovna’scoolness？
`Yes，’shemused，`therewassomethingunnaturalaboutAnnaPavlovna，andutterlyunlikehergoodnature，whenshesaidangrilythedaybeforeyesterday:``There，hewillkeepwaitingforyou；hewouldn’tdrinkhiscoffeewithoutyou，thoughhe’sgrownsodreadfullyweak。’’
`Yes，perhaps，too，shedidn’tlikeitwhenIgavehimtherug。
Itwasallsosimple，buthetookitsoawkwardly，andwassolongthankingme，thatIfeltawkwardtoo。Andthenthatportraitofmehedidsowell。
Andmostofallthatlookofconfusionandtenderness！Yes，yes，that’sit！’Kittyrepeatedtoherselfwithhorror。`No，itcan’tbe，itoughtn’ttobe！He’ssomuchtobepitied！’shesaidtoherselfdirectlyafter。
Thisdoubtpoisonedthecharmofhernewlife。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter34[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter34Beforetheendofthewatercure，PrinceShcherbatsky，whohadgoneonfromCarlsbadtoBadenandKissingentoRussianfriends-togetabreathofRussianatmosphere，ashesaid-camebacktohiswifeanddaughter。
TheviewsofthePrinceandofthePrincessonlifeabroadwerecompletelyopposed。ThePrincessthoughteverythingdelightful，andinspiteofherestablishedpositioninRussiansociety，shetriedabroadtobelikeaEuropeanfashionablelady，whichshewasnotforthesimplereasonthatshewasatypicalRussiangentlewoman；andsoshewasaffected，whichdidnotaltogethersuither。ThePrince，onthecontrary，thoughteverythingforeigndetestable，gotsickofEuropeanlife，kepttohisRussianhabits，andpurposelytriedtoshowhimselfabroadlessEuropeanthanhewasinreality。
ThePrincereturnedthinner，withtheskinhanginginloosebagsonhischeeks，butinthemostcheerfulframeofmind。HisgoodhumorwasevengreaterwhenhesawKittycompletelyrecovered。ThenewsofKitty’sfriendshipwithMadameStahlandVarenka，andthereportsthePrincessgavehimofsomekindofchangeshehadnoticedinKitty，troubledthePrinceandarousedhishabitualfeelingofjealousyofeverythingthatdrewhisdaughterawayfromhim，andadreadthathisdaughtermighthavegotoutofthereachofhisinfluenceintoregionsinaccessibletohim。
Butthisunpleasantnewswasalldrownedintheseaofkindlinessandgoodhumorwhichwasalwayswithinhim，andmoresothaneversincehiscourseofCarlsbadwaters。
ThedayafterhisarrivalthePrince，inhislongovercoat，withhisRussianwrinklesandbaggycheeksproppedupbyastarchedcollar，setoffwithhisdaughtertothespringinthegreatestgoodhumor。
Itwasalovelymorning:thetidy，cheerfulhouseswiththeirlittlegardens，thesightofthered-faced，red-armed，beer-drinkingGermanwaitresses，workingawaymerrily，andbrightsundidone’sheartgood。
Butthenearertheygottothespringstheoftenertheymetsickpeople；
andtheirappearanceseemedmorepitiablethaneveramongtheeverydayconditionsofprosperousGermanlife。Kittywasnolongerstruckbythiscontrast。Thebrightsun，thebrilliantgreenofthefoliage，thestrainsofthemusicwereforherthenaturalsettingofallthesefamiliarfaces，withtheirchangestogreateremaciationortoconvalescence，forwhichshewatched。ButtothePrincethebrightnessandgaietyoftheJunemorning，andthesoundoftheorchestraplayingagaywaltztheninfashion，andaboveall，theappearanceoftherobustwaitresses，seemedsomethingunseemlyandmonstrous，inconjunctionwiththeseslowlymovingcadaversgatheredtogetherfromallpartsofEurope。
Inspiteofhisfeelingofprideand，asitwere，ofthereturnofyouth，whenhewalkedwithhisfavoritedaughteronhisarm，hefeltawkward，andalmostashamedofhisvigorousstepandhissturdy，stoutandfatlimbs。Hefeltalmostlikeamannotdressedinacrowd。
`Present，presentmetoyournewfriends，’hesaidtohisdaughter，squeezingherhandwithhiselbow。`IlikeevenyourhorridSodenformakingyousowellagain。Onlyit’smelancholy，verymelancholyhere。Who’sthat？’
Kittymentionedthenamesofallthepeopletheymet，ofsomewithwhomshewasacquainted，andsomewithwhomshewasnot。Attheveryentranceofthegardentheymettheblindlady，MadameBerthe，withherguide，andthePrincewasdelightedtoseetheoldFrenchwoman’sfacelightupwhensheheardKitty’svoice。SheatoncebegantalkingtohimwiththeexaggeratedpolitenessoftheFrench，applaudinghimforhavingsuchadelightfuldaughter，extollingKittytotheskiesbeforeherface，andcallingheratreasure，apearlandaconsolingangel。
`Well，she’sthesecondangel，then，’saidthePrince，smiling。
`ShecallsMademoiselleVarenkaangelnumberone。’
`Oh！MademoiselleVarenka-she’sarealangel，allez，’
MadameBertheassented。
InthearcadetheymetVarenkaherself。Shewaswalkingrapidlytowardthem，carryinganelegantredbag。
`Hereispapacome，’Kittysaidtoher。
Varenkamade-simplyandnaturallyasshedideverything-amovementbetweenabowandcurtsy，andimmediatelybegantalkingtothePrince，withoutshyness，naturally，asshetalkedtoeveryone。
`OfcourseIknowyou；Iknowyouverywell，’thePrincesaidtoherwithasmile，inwhichKittydetectedwithjoythatherfatherlikedherfriend。`Whereareyouofftoinsuchhaste？’
`Maman’shere，’shesaid，turningtoKitty。`Shehasnotsleptallnight，andthedoctoradvisedhertogoout。I’mtakingherherwork。’
`Sothat’sangelnumberone？’saidthePrincewhenVarenkahadgoneon。
KittysawthatherfatherhadmeanttomakefunofVarenka，butthathecouldnotdoitbecausehelikedher。
`Come，soweshallseeallyourfriends，’hewenton，`evenMadameStahl，ifshedeignstorecognizeme。’
`Why，didyouknowher，papa？’Kittyaskedapprehensively，catchingthegleamofironythatkindledinthePrince’seyesatthementionofMadameStahl。
`Iusedtoknowherhusband，andhertooalittle，beforeshe’djoinedthePietists。’
`WhatisaPietist，papa？’askedKitty，dismayedtofindthatwhatsheprizedsohighlyinMadameStahlhadaname。
`Idon’tquiteknowmyself。IonlyknowthatshethanksGodforeverything，foreverymisfortune，andthanksGodtoothatherhusbanddied。
Andthat’sratherdroll，astheydidn’tgetontogether。Who’sthat？Whatapiteousface！’heasked，noticingasickmanofmediumheightsittingonabench，wearingabrownovercoatandwhitetrousersthatfellinstrangefoldsabouthislong，fleshlesslegs。Thismanliftedhisstrawhat，showedhisscantycurlyhairandhighforehead，painfullyreddenedbythepressureofthehat。
`That’sPetrov，anartist，’answeredKittyblushing。`Andthat’shiswife，’sheadded，indicatingAnnaPavlovna，who，asthoughonpurpose，attheveryinstanttheyapproached，walkedawayafterachildthathadrunoffalongapath。
`Poorfellow！Andwhatafinefacehehas！’saidthePrince。`Whydon’tyougouptohim？Hewantedtospeaktoyou。’
`Well，letusgo，then，’saidKitty，turningroundresolutely。
`Howareyoufeelingtoday？’sheaskedPetrov。
Petrovgotup，leaningonhisstick，andlookedshylyatthePrince。
`Thisismydaughter，’saidthePrince。`Letmeintroducemyself。’
Thepainterbowedandsmiled，showinghisstrangelydazzlingwhiteteeth。
`Weexpectedyouyesterday，Princess，’hesaidtoKitty。
Hestaggeredashesaidthis，andthenrepeatedthemotion，tryingtomakeitseemasifithadbeenintentional。
`Imeanttocome，butVarenkasaidthatAnnaPavlovnasentwordyouwerenotgoing。’
`Notgoing！’saidPetrov，blushing，andimmediatelybeginningtocough，andhiseyessoughthiswife。`Aneta！Aneta！’hesaidloudly，andtheswollenveinsstoodoutlikecordsonhisthinwhiteneck。
AnnaPavlovnacameup。
`SoyousentwordtothePrincessthatweweren’tgoing！’hewhisperedtoherangrily，losinghisvoice。
`Goodmorning，Princess，’saidAnnaPavlovna，withanassumedsmileutterlyunlikeherformermanner。`Verygladtomakeyouracquaintance，’
shesaidtothePrince。`You’velongbeenexpected，Prince。’
`WhydidyousendwordtothePrincessthatweweren’tgoing？’
theartistwhisperedhoarselyagain，stillmoreangrily，obviouslyexasperatedthathisvoicefailedhimsothathecouldnotgivehiswordstheexpressionhewouldhavelikedto。
`Oh，mercyonus！Ithoughtweweren’tgoing，’hiswifeansweredcrossly。
`What，when……’Hecoughedandwavedhishand。
ThePrincetookoffhishatandmovedawaywithhisdaughter。
`Ah！ah！’hesigheddeeply。`Oh，poorthings！’
`Yes，papa，’answeredKitty。`Andyoumustknowthey’vethreechildren，noservant，andscarcelyanymeans。HegetssomethingfromtheAcademy，’shewentonbriskly，tryingtodrownthedistressthatqueerchangeinAnnaPavlovna’smannertowardherhadarousedinher。`Oh，here’sMadameStahl，’saidKitty，indicatinganinvalidcarriage，where，proppedonpillows，somethingingrayandbluewaslyingunderasunshade。ThiswasMadameStahl。Behindherstoodthegloomy，robustGermanworkmanwhopushedthecarriage。Closebywasstandingaflaxen-headedSwedishCount，whomKittyknewbyname。Severalinvalidswerelingeringnearthelowcarriage，staringattheladyasthoughsheweresomecuriosity。
ThePrincewalkeduptoher，andKittydetectedthatdisconcertinggleamofironyinhiseyes。HewalkeduptoMadameStahl，andaddressedherwithextremecourtesyandcharminthatexcellentFrenchwhichsofewspeaknowadays。
`Idon’tknowifyourememberme，butImustrecallmyselftothankyouforyourkindnesstomydaughter，’hesaidtakingoffhishatandnotputtingitonagain。
`PrinceAlexandreShcherbatsky，’saidMadameStahl，liftinguponhimherheavenlyeyes，inwhichKittydiscernedalookofannoyance。`Delighted！
Ihavetakenagreatfancytoyourdaughter。’
`Youarestillinweakhealth？’
`Yes；I’musedtoit，’saidMadameStahl，andsheintroducedthePrincetotheSwedishCount。
`Youarescarcelychangedatall，’thePrincesaidtoher。`It’stenorelevenyearssinceIhadthehonorofseeingyou。’
`Yes；Godsendsthecrossandsendsthestrengthtobearit。Oftenonewonderswhatisthegoalofthislife？……Theotherside！’shesaidangrilytoVarenka，whohadrearrangedtherugoverherfeetnottohersatisfaction。
`Todogood，probably，’saidthePrincewithatwinkleinhiseye。
`Thatisnotforustojudge，’saidMadameStahl，perceivingtheshadeofexpressiononthePrince’sface。`Soyouwillsendmethatbook，dearCount？I’mverygratefultoyou，’shesaidtotheyoungSwede。
`Ah！’criedthePrince，catchingsightoftheMoscowcolonelstandingnear，andwithabowtoMadameStahlhewalkedawaywithhisdaughterandtheMoscowcolonel，whojoinedthem。
`That’souraristocracy，Prince！’theMoscowcolonelsaidwithironicalintention。HecherishedagrudgeagainstMadameStahlfornotmakinghisacquaintance。
`She’sthesameasever，’repliedthePrince。
`Didyouknowherbeforeherillness，Prince-that’stosay，beforeshetooktoherbed？’
`Yes。Shetooktoherbedbeforemyeyes，’saidthePrince。
`Theysayit’stenyearssinceshehasstoodonherfeet。’
`Shedoesn’tstandupbecauseherlegsaretooshort。Shehasaverybadfigure。’
`Papa，it’snotpossible！’criedKitty。
`That’swhatwickedtonguessay，mydarling。AndyourVarenkaistoendurestill，’headded。`Oh，theseinvalidladies！’
`Oh，no，papa！’Kittyobjectedwarmly。`Varenkaworshipsher。
Andthenshedoessomuchgood！Askanyone！EveryoneknowsherandAlineStahl。’
`Perhapsso，’saidthePrince，squeezingherhandwithhiselbow；
`butit’sbetterwhenonedoesgoodsothatyoumayaskeveryoneandnooneknows。’
Kittydidnotanswer，notbecauseshehadnothingtosay，butbecauseshedidnotcaretorevealhersecretthoughtseventoherfather。
But，strangetosay，althoughshehadmadeuphermindsofirmlynottobeinfluencedbyherfather’sviews，nottolethimintoherinmostsanctuary，shefeltthattheheavenlyimageofMadameStahl，whichshehadcarriedforawholemonthinherheart，hadvanished，nevertoreturn，justasthefantasticfiguremadeupofsomeclothesthrowndownatrandomvanisheswhenoneseesthatitisonlysomefallengarment。Allthatwasleftwasawomanwithshortlegs，wholaydownbecauseshehadabadfigure，andworriedpatientVarenkafornotarrangingherrugtoherliking。AndbynoeffortofherimaginationcouldKittybringbacktheformerMadameStahl。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart2，Chapter35[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter35ThePrincecommunicatedhisgoodhumortohisownfamilyandhisfriends，andeventotheGermanlandlordinwhoseroomstheShcherbatskyswerestaying。
OncomingbackwithKittyfromthesprings，thePrince，whohadaskedthecolonel，andMaryaEugenyevna，andVarenkaalltocomeandhavecoffeewiththem，gaveordersforatableandchairstobetakenintothetinygardenunderthechestnuttree，andlunchtobelaidthere。Thelandlordandtheservants，too，grewbriskerundertheinfluenceofhisgoodspirits。
Theyknewhisopenhandedness；andhalfanhourlatertheinvaliddoctorfromHamburg，wholivedonthetopfloor，lookedenviouslyoutofhiswindowatthemerrypartyofhealthyRussiansassembledunderthechestnuttree。
Inthetremblingcirclesofshadowcastbytheleaves，atatablecoveredwithawhitecloth，andsetwithcoffeepot，bread，butter，cheese，andcoldgame，satthePrincessinahighcapwithlilacribbons，distributingcupsandsandwiches。AttheotherendsatthePrince，eatingheartily，andtalkingloudlyandmerrily。ThePrincehadspreadoutnearhimhispurchases-carvedboxes，andknickknacks，andpaperknivesofallsorts，ofwhichhehadboughtaheapateverywateringplace，andbestowedthemuponeveryone，includingLieschen，theservantgirl，andthelandlord，withwhomhejestedinhiscomicallybadGerman，assuringhimthatitwasnotthewaterhadcuredKitty，buthissplendidcookery-especiallyhisplumsoup。ThePrincesslaughedatherhusbandforhisRussianways，butshewasmorelivelyandgood-humoredthanshehadbeenallthewhileshehadbeenatthewaters。Thecolonelsmiled，ashealwaysdid，atthePrince’sjokes，butasfarasregardsEurope，ofwhichhebelievedhimselftobemakingacarefulstudy，hetookthePrincess’sside。ThegoodheartedMaryaEugenyevnasimplyroaredwithlaughterateverythingabsurdthePrincesaid，andhisjokesmadeVarenkahelplesswithfeeblebutinfectiouslaughter，whichwassomethingKittyhadneverseenbefore。
Kittywasgladofallthis，butshecouldnotbelighthearted。
Shecouldnotsolvetheproblemherfatherhadunconsciouslysetherbyhisgood-humoredviewofherfriends，andofthelifethathadsoattractedher。TothisdoubttherewasjoinedthechangeinherrelationswiththePetrovs，whichhadbeensoconspicuouslyandunpleasantlymarkedthatmorning。
Everyonewasgood-humored，butKittycouldnotfeelgood-humored，andthisincreasedherdistress。Shefeltafeelingsuchasshehadknowninchildhood，whenshehadbeenshutinherroomasapunishment，andhadheardhersisters’
merrylaughteroutside。
`Well，butwhatdidyoubuythismassofthingsfor？saidthePrincess，smiling，andhandingherhusbandacupofcoffee。
`Onegoesforawalk，onelooksinashop，andtheyaskyoutobuy。``Erlaucht，Excellenz，Durchlaucht？’’Directlytheysay``Durchlaucht，’’
Ican’tholdout-andtenthalersaregone。’
`It’ssimplyfromboredom，’saidthePrincess。
`Ofcourseitis。Suchboredom，mydear，thatonedoesn’tknowwhattodowithoneself。’
`Howcanyoubebored，Prince？There’ssomuchthat’sinterestingnowinGermany，’saidMaryaEugenyevna。
`ButIknoweverythingthat’sinteresting:theplumsoupIknowandthepeasausagesIknow。Iknoweverything。’
`No，youmaysaywhatyoulike，Prince-there’stheinterestoftheirinstitutions，’saidthecolonel。
`Butwhatisthereinteresting？They’reallasbeamingwithjoyasbrasshalfpence；they’veconqueredeverybody。AndwhyamItobepleasedatthat？Ihaven’tconqueredanyone；onlyIhavemyselftotakeoffmyownboots，and，besides，toexposethembeforethedoor；inthemorning，getupanddressatonce，andgotothecoffeeroomtodrinkbadtea！Howdifferentitisathome！Yougetupinnohaste，yougetcross，grumblealittleandcomeroundagain。You’vetimetothinkthingsover，andnohurry。’
`Buttime’smoney，youforgetthat，’saidthecolonel。
`Time，indeed！Why，therearetimesonewouldgiveamonthofforhalfarouble，andtimesyouwouldn’tgivehalfanhourofforanymoney。Isn’tthatso，Katenka？Whatisit？Whyareyousodepressed？’
`I’mnotdepressed。’
`Whereareyouoffto？Stayalittlelonger，’hesaidtoVarenka。
`Imustbegoinghome，’saidVarenka，gettingup，andagainshebrokeoutlaughing。Whenshehadrecovered，shesaidgood-by，andwentintothehousetogetherhat。
Kittyfollowedher。EvenVarenkastruckherasdifferent。Shewasnotinferior，butdifferentfromwhatshehadfanciedherbefore。
`Oh，dear！It’salongwhilesinceI’velaughedsomuch！’saidVarenka，gatheringupherparasolandherhandbag。`Whatadearyourfatheris！’
Kittydidnotspeak。
`WhenshallIseeyouagain？’askedVarenka。
`MamanmeanttogoandseethePetrovs。Won’tyoubethere？’saidKitty，totryVarenka。
`Yes，’answeredVarenka。`They’regettingreadytogoaway，soIpromisedtohelpthempack。’
`Well，I’llcometoo，then。’
`No，whyshouldyou？’
`Whynot？Whynot？Whynot？’saidKitty，openinghereyeswide，andclutchingatVarenka’sparasol，soasnottolethergo。`No，waitaminute-whynot？’
`Oh，nothing；yourfatherhascome，and，besides，theywillfeelawkwardatyourhelping。’
`No，tellmewhyyoudon’twantmetobeoftenatthePetrovs？
Youdon’twantmeto-whynot？’
`Ididn’tsaythat，’saidVarenkaquietly。
`No，pleasetellme！’
`Tellyoueverything？’askedVarenka。
`Everything，everything！’Kittyassented。
`Well，there’sreallynothingofanyconsequence；onlythatMikhailAlexeievich’thatwastheartist’sname`hadmeanttoleaveearlier，andnowhedoesn’twanttogoaway，’saidVarenka，smiling。
`Goon，goon！’Kittyurgedimpatiently，lookingsomberlyatVarenka。
`Well，andforsomereasonAnnaPavlovnatoldhimthathedidn’twanttogobecauseyouarehere。Ofcourse，thatwasnonsense；buttherewasadisputeoverit-overyou。Youknowhowirritablethesesickpeopleare。’
Kitty，scowlingmorethanever，keptsilent，andVarenkawentonspeakingalone，tryingtosoftenorsootheher，andseeingastormcoming-shedidnotknowwhetheroftearsorofwords。
`Soyou’dbetternotgo……Youunderstand；youwon’tbeoffended？……’
`Anditservesmeright！Anditservesmeright！’Kittycriedquickly，snatchingtheparasoloutofVarenka’shand，andavoidinglookingatherfriend’sface。
Varenkafeltinclinedtosmile，lookingatherfriend’schildishfury，butshewasafraidofwoundingher。
`Howdoesitserveyouright？Idon’tunderstand，’shesaid。
`Itservesmeright，becauseitwasallsham；becauseitwasalldoneonpurpose，andnotfromtheheart。WhatbusinesshadItointerferewithoutsiders？Andsoit’scomeaboutthatI’mthecauseofaquarrel，andthatI’vedonewhatnobodyaskedmetodo。Becauseitwasallasham！
Asham！Asham！……’
`Asham？Withwhatobject？’saidVarenkagently。
`Oh，it’ssoidiotic！Sohateful！Therewasnoneedwhateverforme……Nothingbutsham！’shesaid，openingandshuttingtheparasol。
`Butwithwhatobject？’
`Toseembettertopeople，tomyself，toGod；todeceiveeveryone。
No！NowIwon’tdescendtothat。Onecouldbebad；butanywaynotaliar，notacheat。’
`Butwhoisacheat？’saidVarenkareproachfully。`Youspeakasif……’
ButKittywasinoneofhergustsoffury，andshewouldnotletherfinish。
`Idon’ttalkaboutyou-notaboutyouatall。You’reperfection。
Yes，yes，Iknowyou’reallperfection；butwhatamItodoifI’mbad？
ThiswouldneverhavebeenifIweren’tbad。SoletmebewhatIam，butnottobeasham。WhathaveItodowithAnnaPavlovna？Letthemgotheirway，andmegomine。Ican’tbedifferent……Andyetit’snotthat，it’snotthat。’
`Whatisit？’askedVarenkainbewilderment。
`Everything。Ican’tactexceptfromtheheart，andyouactfromprinciple。Isimplylikedyou，butyoumostlikelyonlywantedtosaveme，toimproveme。’
`Youareunjust，’saidVarenka。
`ButI’mnotspeakingofotherpeople，I’mspeakingofmyself。’
`Kitty，’theyheardhermother’svoice，`comehere，showpapayournecklace。’
Kitty，withahaughtyair，withoutmakingpeacewithherfriend，tookthenecklaceinalittleboxfromthetableandwenttohermother。
`What’sthematter？Whyareyousored？’hermotherandfathersaidtoherwithonevoice。
`Nothing，’sheanswered。`I’llbebackdirectly，’andsheranback。
`She’sstillhere，’shethought。`WhatamItosaytoher？Oh，dear！WhathaveIdone，whathaveIsaid？WhywasIrudetoher？WhatamItodo？WhatamItosaytoher？’thoughtKitty，andshestoppedinthedoorway。
VarenkainherhatandwiththeparasolinherhandswassittingatatableexaminingtheparasolspringwhichKittyhadbroken。Sheliftedherhead。
`Varenka，forgiveme，doforgiveme，’whisperedKitty，goinguptoher。`Idon’trememberwhatIsaid。I……’
`Ireallydidn’tmeantohurtyou，’saidVarenka，smiling。
Peacewasmade。Butwithherfather’scomingalltheworldinwhichshehadbeenlivingwastransformedforKitty。Shedidnotgiveupeverythingshehadlearned，butshebecameawarethatshehaddeceivedherselfinsupposingshecouldbewhatshewantedtobe。Hereyeswere，itseemed，opened；shefeltallthedifficultyofmaintainingherselfwithouthypocrisyandself-conceitonthepinnacletowhichshehadwishedtomount。
Moreover，shebecameawareofallthedrearinessoftheworldofsorrow，ofsickanddyingpeople，inwhichshehadbeenliving。Theeffortsshehadmadetolikeitseemedtoherintolerable，andshefeltalongingtogetbackquicklyintothefreshair，toRussia，toErgushovo，where，assheknewfromletters，hersisterDollyhadalreadygonewithherchildren。
ButheraffectionforVarenkadidnotwane。PartingKittybeggedhertocometotheminRussia。
`I’llcomewhenyougetmarried，’saidVarenka。
`Ishallnevermarry。’
`Well，then，Ishallnevercome。’
`Well，then，Ishallbemarriedsimplyforthat。Mindnow，rememberyourpromise，’saidKitty。
Thedoctor’spredictionwasfulfilled。Kittyreturnedhome，toRussia，cured。Shewasnotasgayandthoughtlessasbefore，butshewasserene。HerMoscowtroubleshadbecomeamemorytoher。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter01[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]PARTTHREEChapter1SergeiIvanovichKoznishevwantedarestfrommentalwork，andinsteadofgoingabroadasheusuallydid，hecametowardtheendofMaytostayinthecountrywithhisbrother。Inhisjudgmentthebestsortoflifewasacountrylife。Hehadcomenowtoenjoysuchalifeathisbrother’s。
KonstantinLevinwasverygladtohavehim，especiallyashedidnotexpecthisbrotherNikolaithatsummer。ButinspiteofhisaffectionandrespectforSergeiIvanovich，KonstantinLevinwasuncomfortablewithhisbrotherinthecountry。Itmadehimuncomfortable，anditevenannoyedhim，toseehisbrother’sattitudetothecountry。ToKonstantinLevinthecountrywasthebackgroundoflife-thatisofpleasures，endeavors，labor；toSergeiIvanovichthecountrymeantononehandrestfromwork，ontheotheravaluableantidotetolaxness-anantidotewhichhetookwithsatisfactionandasenseofitssalutariness。ToKonstantinLevinthecountrywasgoodbecauseitaffordedafieldforlabor，oftheusefulnessofwhichtherecouldbenodoubt；toSergeiIvanovichthecountrywasparticularlygood，becausethereitwaspossibleandfittingtodonothing。Moreover，SergeiIvanovich’sattitudetoward`thepeople’ratherpiquedKonstantin。SergeiIvanovichusedtosaythatheknewandliked`thepeople，’andheoftentalkedtothepeasants，whichheknewhowtodowithoutaffectationorcondescension，andfromeverysuchconversationhewoulddeducegeneralconclusionsinfavorof`thepeople’andinconfirmationofhisknowingthem。KonstantinLevindidnotlikesuchanattitudetoward`thepeople。’
ToKonstantin`thepeople’wassimplythechiefpartnerinthecommonlabor，andinspiteofalltherespectandthelove，almostlikethatofkinship，hehadforthepeasantsuckedinprobably，ashesaidhimself，withthemilkofhispeasantnurse，Konstantinasafellowworkerwiththem，whilesometimesenthusiasticoverthevigor，gentleness，andjusticeofthesemen，wasveryoften，whentheircommonlaborscalledforotherqualities，exasperatedwiththepeasantforhiscarelessness，slovenliness，drunkennessandlying。Ifhehadbeenaskedwhetherhelikedordidn’tlike`thepeople，’
KonstantinLevinwouldhavebeenabsolutelyatalosswhattoreply。Helikedanddidnotlike`thepeople，’justashelikedanddidnotlikemeningeneral。Ofcourse，beingagoodheartedman，helikedmenmorethanhedislikedthem，andsotoowith`thepeople。’Butlikeordislike`thepeople’assomethingpeculiarhecouldnot，notonlybecausehelivedwith`thepeople，’andallhisinterestswereboundupwiththeirs，butalsobecauseheregardedhimselfasapartof`thepeople，’didnotseeanypeculiarqualitiesorfailingsdistinguishinghimselffrom`thepeople，’
andcouldnotcontrasthimselfwiththem。Moreover，althoughhehadlivedsolongintheclosestrelationswiththepeasants，asfarmerandarbitrator，andwhatwasmore，asadviserthepeasantstrustedhim，andforfortyverstasroundtheywouldcometoaskhisadvice，hehadnodefiniteviewsof`thepeople，’andwouldhavebeenasmuchatalosstoanswerthequestionwhetherheknew`thepeople’asthequestionwhetherhelikedthem。Forhimtosayheknew`thepeople’wouldhavebeenthesameastosayheknewmen。Hewascontinuallywatchingandgettingtoknowpeopleofallsorts，andamongthempeasants，whomheregardedasgoodandinterestingpeople，andhewascontinuallyobservingnewpointsinthem，alteringhisformerviewsofthemandformingnewones。
WithSergeiIvanovichitwasquitethecontrary。Justashelikedandpraisedacountrylifeincomparisonwiththelifehedidnotlike，sotooheliked`thepeople’incontradistinctiontotheclassofmenhedidnotlike，andsotooheknew`thepeople’assomethingdistinctfrom，andopposedto，meningeneral。Inhismethodicalbrainthereweredistinctlyformulatedcertainaspectsofpeasantlife，deducedpartlyfromthatlifeitself，butchieflyfromcontrastwithothermodesoflife。Heneverchangedhisopinionof`thepeople’andhissympatheticattitudetowardthem。
Inthediscussionsthatarosebetweenthebrothersontheirviewsof`thepeople，’SergeiIvanovichalwaysgotthebetterofhisbrother，preciselybecauseSergeiIvanovichhaddefiniteideasaboutthepeasant-hischaracter，hisqualities，andhistastes；KonstantinLevinhadnodefiniteandunalterableideaonthesubject，andsointheirargumentsKonstantinwasreadilyconvictedofcontradictinghimself。
InSergeiIvanovich’seyeshisyoungerbrotherwasacapitalfellow，withhisheartintherightplaceasheexpresseditinFrench，butwithamindwhich，thoughfairlyquick，wastoomuchinfluencedbytheimpressionsofthemoment，andconsequentlyfilledwithcontradictions。Withallthecondescensionofanelderbrotherhesometimesexplainedtohimthetrueimportofthings，buthederivedlittlesatisfactionfromarguingwithhimbecausehegotthebetterofhimtooeasily。
KonstantinLevinregardedhisbrotherasamanofimmenseintellectandculture，asgenerousinthehighestsenseoftheword，andpossessedofaspecialfacultyforworkingforthepublicgood。Butinthedepthsofhisheart，theolderhebecame，andthemoreintimatelyheknewhisbrother，themoreandmorefrequentlythethoughtstruckhimthatthisfacultyofworkingforthepublicgood，ofwhichhefelthimselfutterlydevoid，waspossiblynotsomuchaqualityasalackofsomething-notalackofgood，honest，nobledesiresandtastes，butalackofvitalforce，ofwhatiscalledheart，ofthatimpulsewhichdrivesamantochoosesomeoneoutoftheinnumerablepathsoflife，andtocareonlyforthatone。
Thebetterheknewhisbrother，themorehenoticedthatSergeiIvanovich，andmanyotherpeoplewhoworkedforthepublicwelfare，werenotledbyanyimpulseofthehearttocareforthepublicgood，butreasonedfromintellectualconsiderationsthatitwasarightthingtotakeaninterestinpublicaffairs，andconsequentlytookaninterestinthem。Levinwasconfirmedinthisconjecturebyobservingthathisbrotherdidnottakequestionsaffectingthepublicwelfareorthequestionoftheimmortalityofthesoulabitmoretoheartthanhedidchessproblems，ortheingeniousconstructionofanewmachine。
Besidesthis，KonstantinLevinwasnotathiseasewithhisbrother，becauseinthecountry，especiallyinsummertime，Levinwascontinuallybusywithworkontheland，andthelongsummerdaywasnotlongenoughforhimtogetthroughallhehadtodo，whileSergeiIvanovichwasmerelytakingaholiday。Butthoughhewastakingaholidaynow-thatistosay，hewasdoingnowriting-hewassousedtointellectualactivitythathelikedtoputintoconciseandeloquentshapetheideasthatoccurredtohim，andlikedtohavesomeonelistentohim。Hismostusualandnaturallistenerwashisbrother。Andso，inspiteofthefriendlinessanddirectnessoftheirrelations，Konstantinfeltanawkwardnessinleavinghimalone。
SergeiIvanovichlikedtostretchhimselfonthegrassinthesun，andtolieso，baskingandchattinglazily。
`Youwouldn’tbelieve，’hewouldsaytohisbrother，`whatapleasurethisrurallazinessistome。Notanideainone’sbrain-asemptyasadrum！’
ButKonstantinLevinfounditdullsittingandlisteningtohim，especiallywhenheknewthatwhilehewasawaymanurewouldbecartedintofieldsnotplowedreadyforit，andheapedupGodknowshow；andthesharesintheplowswouldnotbescrewedin，sothattheywouldcomeoff，andthenhismenwouldsaythenewplowswereasillyinvention，andtherewasnothingliketheoldwoodenplow，andsoon。
`Come，you’vedoneenoughtrudgingaboutintheheat，’SergeiIvanovichwouldsaytohim。
`No，Imustjustrunroundtothecountinghouseforaminute，’
Levinwouldanswer，andwouldrunofftothefields。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter02[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter2EarlyinJuneAgathyaMikhailovna，theoldnurseandhousekeeper，incarryingtothecellarajarofmushroomsshehadjustpickled，happenedtoslip，fallandsprainherwrist。Thedistrictdoctor，atalkativeyoungmedicowhohadjustfinishedhisstudies，cametoseeher。Heexaminedthewrist，saiditwasnotluxated，bandagedit，andbeingaskedtodinnerevidentlywasdelightedatachanceoftalkingtothecelebratedSergeiIvanovichKoznishev，andtoshowhisadvancedviewsofthingstoldhimallthescandalofthedistrict，complainingofthepoorstateintowhichtheZemstvoaffairshadfallen。SergeiIvanovichlistenedattentively，askedhimquestions，and，rousedbyanewlistener，hetalkedfluently，utteredafewkeenandweightyobservations，respectfullyappreciatedbytheyoungdoctor，andwassooninthatanimatedframeofmindhisbrotherknewsowell，whichalways，withhim，followedabrilliantandanimatedconversation。Afterthedepartureofthedoctor，hewantedtogowithafishingrodtotheriver。SergeiIvanovichwasfondofangling，andwas，itseemed，proudofbeingabletocareforsuchastupidoccupation。
KonstantinLevin，whosepresencewasneededintheplowlandandthemeadows，hadcometotakehisbrotherinthecabriolet。
Itwasthattimeoftheyear，theturningpointofsummer，whenthecropsofthepresentyearareacertainty，whenonebeginstothinkofthesowingfornextyear，andthemowingisathand；whentheryeisallinear，thoughitsearsarestilllight，notyetfull，anditwavesingray-greenbillowsinthewind；whenthegreenoats，withtuftsofyellowgrassscatteredhereandthereamongit，droopirregularlyoverthelate-sownfields；whentheearlybuckwheatisalreadyoutandhidingtheground；
whenthefallowlands，troddenhardasstonebythecattle，arehalf-plowedover，withpathsleftuntouchedbytheplow；whentheodorfromthedrymanureheapscartedintothefieldsminglesatsunsetwiththesmellofmeadowsweet，andonthelow-lyinglandsthepreservedmeadowsareathickseaofgrasswaitingforthemowing，withblackenedheapsofsorrelstalksamongit。
Itwasthetimewhentherecomesabriefpauseinthetoilofthefieldsbeforethebeginningofthelaborsofharvest-everyyearrecurring，everyyearclaimingallthepeasant’sthews。Thecropwasasplendidone，andbright，hotsummerdayshadsetinwithshort，dewynights。
Thebrothershadtodrivethroughthewoodstoreachthemeadows。
SergeiIvanovichwasallthewhileadmiringthebeautyofthewoods，whichwereatangledmassofleaves，pointingouttohisbrothernowanoldlimetreeonthepointofflowering，darkontheshadyside，andbrightlyspottedwithyellowstipules，nowtheyoungshootsofthisyear’ssaplingsbrilliantwithemerald。KonstantinLevindidnotliketalkingandhearingaboutthebeautyofnature。Wordsforhimtookawaythebeautyofwhathesaw。Heassentedtowhathisbrothersaid，butcouldnothelpthinkingofotherthings。Whentheycameoutofthewoods，allhisattentionwasengrossedbytheviewofthefallowlandontheupland，inpartsyellowwithgrass，inpartstrampledandcheckeredwithfurrows，inpartsdottedwithridgesofmanure，andinpartsevenplowed。Astringoftelegaswasmovingacrossit。Levincountedthetelegas，andwaspleasedthatallthatwerewantedhadbeenbrought，andatthesightofthemeadowshisthoughtspassedtothemowing。Healwaysfeltsomethingpeculiarmovinghimtothequickathaymaking。OnreachingthemeadowLevinstoppedthehorse。
Themorningdewwasstilllyingonthethickundergrowthofthegrass，and，thathemightnotgethisfeetwet，SergeiIvanovichaskedhisbrothertodrivehiminthecabrioletuptothewillowtreefromwhichtheperchwerecaught。SorryasKonstantinLevinwastocrushdownhismowinggrass，hedrovehimintothemeadow。Thehighgrasssoftlyturnedaboutthewheelsandthehorse’slegs，leavingitsseedsclingingtothewetaxlesandspokesofthewheels。
Hisbrotherseatedhimselfunderabush，arranginghistackle，whileLevinledthehorseaway，tiedhimupandwalkedintothevastgray-greenseaofgrassunstirredbythewind。Thesilkygrasswithitsripeseedscamealmosttohiswaistintheriversidespots。
Crossingthemeadow，KonstantinLevincameoutontheroad，andmetanoldmanwithaswolleneye，carryingaswarmingbasketwithbees。
`What？Takenastrayswarm，Fomich？’heasked。
`No，indeed，KonstantinMitrich！Allwecandotokeepourown！
Thisisthesecondnewswarmthathasflownaway……Luckilytheladscaughtthem。Theywereplowingyourfield。Theyunyokedthehorsesandgallopedafterthem。’
`Well，whatdoyousay，Fomich-startmowingorwaitabit？’
`Well，now！Ourway’stowaittillSt。Peter’sDay。Butyoualwaysmowsooner。Well，tobesure，pleaseGod，thehay’sgood。There’llbeplentyforthebeasts。’
`Whatdoyouthinkabouttheweather？’
`That’sinGod’shands。Maybeeventheweatherwillfavorus。’
Levinwalkeduptohisbrother。
SergeiIvanovichhadcaughtnothing，buthewasnotbored，andseemedinthemostcheerfulframeofmind。Levinsawthat，stimulatedbyhisconversationwiththedoctor，hewantedtotalk。Levin，ontheotherhand，wouldhavelikedtogethomeassoonaspossible，togiveordersaboutgettingtogetherthemowersfornextday，andtosetatresthisdoubtsaboutthemowing，whichgreatlyabsorbedhim。
`Well，let’sbegoing，’hesaid。
`Whybeinsuchahurry？Let’sstayalittle。Buthowwetyouare！Eventhoughonecatchesnothing，it’sfine。That’sthebestthingabouteverypartofsport，thatonehastodowithnature。Howexquisitethissteelywateris！’saidSergeiIvanovich。`Theseriversidebanksalwaysremindmeoftheriddle-doyouknowit？``Thegrasssaystotheriver:
wequiverandwequiver。’’
`Idon’tknowtheriddle，’answeredLevincheerlessly。
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TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter03[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter3`DoyouknowI’vebeenthinkingaboutyou，’saidSergeiIvanovich。`It’sbeyondeverythingwhat’sbeingdoneinthedistrict，accordingtowhatthisdoctortellsme。He’saveryintelligentfellow。AndasI’vetoldyoubefore，Itellyouagain:it’snotrightforyounottogotothemeetings，andtokeepoutoftheZemstvoaffairsentirely。Ifdecentpeoplewon’tgointoit，ofcourseit’sboundtogoallwrong。Wepaythemoney，anditallgoesinsalaries，andtherearenoschools，nordistrictdressers，normidwives，norpharmacies-nothing。’
`Well，Ididtry，youknow，’Levinsaidgentlyandunwillingly。
`Ican’t！Andsothere’snohelpforit。’
`Butwhycan’tyou？ImustownIcan’tmakeitout。Indifference，incapacity-Iwon’tadmit；surelyit’snotsimplylaziness？’
`Noneofthosethings。I’vetried，andIseeIcandonothing，’
saidLevin。
Hehadhardlygraspedwhathisbrotherwassaying。Lookingtowardtheplowlandacrosstheriver，hemadeoutsomethingblack，buthecouldnotdistinguishwhetheritwasahorseorthebailiffonhorseback。
`Whyisityoucandonothing？Youmadeanattemptanddidn’tsucceed，asyouthink，andyougivein。Howcanyouhavesolittleambition？’
`Ambition！’saidLevin，stungtothequickbyhisbrother’swords；
`Idon’tunderstand。Ifthey’dtoldmeatcollegethatotherpeopleunderstoodtheintegralcalculus，andIdidn’t，thenambitionwouldhavecomein。
Butinthiscaseonewantsfirsttobeconvincedthatonehascertainabilitiesforthissortofbusiness，andespeciallythatallthisbusinessisofgreatimportance。’
`What！Doyoumeantosayit’snotofimportance？’saidSergeiIvanovich，stungtothequickinhisturnbyhisbrother’sconsideringofnoimportanceanythingthatinterestedhim，andstillmoreathisobviouslypayinglittleattentiontowhathewassaying。
`Idon’tthinkitimportant；itdoesnottakeholdofme-Ican’thelpit，’answeredLevin，makingoutthatwhathesawwasthebailiff，andthatthebailiffseemedtobelettingthepeasantsgoofftheplowedland。Theywereturningtheplowover。`Cantheyhavefinishedplowing？’
hewondered。
`Come，reallythough，’saidtheelderbrother，withafrownonhishandsome，cleverface，`there’salimittoeverything。It’sverywelltobeoriginalandgenuine，andtodislikeeverythinghypocritical-I
knowallaboutthat；butreally，whatyou’resayingeitherhasnomeaning，orithasaverywrongmeaning。Howcanyouthinkitamatterofnoimportancewhether``thepeople，’whomyouloveasyouassert……’
`Ineverdidassertit，’thoughtKonstantinLevin。
`……diewithouthelp？Theignorantpeasantwomenstarvethechildren，andthepeoplestagnateindarkness，andarehelplessinthehandsofeveryvillageclerk，whileyouhaveatyourdisposalameansofhelpingthem，anddon’thelpthembecausetoyourmindit’sofnoimportance！’
AndSergeiIvanovichputbeforehimthedilemma:Eitheryouaresoundevelopedthatyoucan’tseeallthatyoucando，oryouwon’tsacrificeyourease，yourvanity，orwhateveritis，todoit。
KonstantinLevinfeltthattherewasnocourseopentohimbuttosubmit，ortoconfesstoalackofzealforthepublicgood。Andthismortifiedhimandhurthisfeelings。
`It’sboth，’hesaidresolutely；`Idon’tseethatitispossible……’
`What！Isitimpossible，ifthemoneywereproperlylaidout，toprovidemedicalaid？’
`Impossible，asitseemstome……Forthefourthousandsquareverstasofourdistrict，whatwithourundersnowwaters，andthestorms，andtheworkinthefields，Idon’tseehowitispossibletoprovidemedicalaidallover。Andbesides，Idon’tbelieveinmedicine。’
`Oh，well，that’sunfair……Icanquotetoyouthousandsofinstances……
Buttheschools，atleast？’
`Whyhaveschools？’
`Whatdoyoumean？Cantherebetwoopinionsoftheadvantageofeducation？Ifit’sagoodthingforyou，it’sagoodthingforeveryone。’
KonstantinLevinfelthimselfmorallypinnedagainstawall，andsohebecameheated，andunconsciouslyblurtedoutthechiefcauseofhisindifferencetopublicbusiness。
`Perhapsitmayallbeverygood；butwhyshouldIworrymyselfaboutestablishingdispensarieswhichIshallnevermakeuseof，andschoolstowhichIshallneversendmychildren，towhicheventhepeasantsdon’twanttosendtheirchildren，andtowhichI’venoveryfirmfaiththattheyoughttosendthem？’saidhe。
SergeiIvanovichwasforaminutesurprisedatthisunexpectedviewofthesubject；buthepromptlymadeanewplanofattack。
Hewassilentforalittle，drewoutahook，threwitinagain，andturnedtohisbrothersmiling。
`Come，now……Inthefirstplace，thedispensaryisneeded。WeourselvessentforthedistrictdoctorforAgathyaMikhailovna。’
`Oh，well，butIfancyherwristwillneverbestraightagain。’
`Thatremainstobeproved……Next，thepeasantwhocanreadandwriteisasaworkmanofmoreuseandvaluetoyou。’
`No；youcanaskanyoneyoulike，’KonstantinLevinansweredwithdecision，`themanthatcanreadandwriteismuchinferiorasaworkman。
Andmendingthehighroadsisanimpossibility；andassoonastheyputupbridgesthey’restolen。’
`Still，that’snotthepoint，’saidSergeiIvanovich，frowning。
Hedislikedcontradiction，andstillmore，argumentsthatwerecontinuallyskippingfromonethingtoanother，introducingnewanddisconnectedpoints，sothattherewasnoknowingtowhichtoreply。`Letmesay。Doyouadmitthateducationisabenefitforthepeople？’
`Yes，Iadmitit，’saidLevinwithoutthinking，andhewasconsciousimmediatelythathehadsaidwhathedidnotthink。Hefeltthatifheadmittedthat，itwouldbeprovedthathehadbeentalkingmeaninglessrubbish。Howitwouldbeprovedhecouldnottell，butheknewthatthiswouldinevitablybelogicallyprovedtohim，andheawaitedtheproofs。
TheargumentturnedouttobefarsimplerthanKonstantinLevinhadexpected。
`Ifyouadmitthatitisabenefit，’saidSergeiIvanovich，`then，asanhonestman，youcannothelpcaringaboutitandsympathizingwiththemovement，andsowishingtoworkforit。’
`ButIstilldonotadmitthismovementtobegood，’saidKonstantinLevin，reddening。
`What！Butyoujustsaidnow……’
`That’stosay，Idon’tadmitit’sbeingeithergoodorpossible。’
`Thatyoucan’ttellwithoutmakingthetrial。’
`Well，supposingthatisso，’saidLevin，thoughhedidnotsupposesoatall，`supposingthatisso，stillIdon’tsee，allthesame，whyIshouldworrymyselfaboutit。’
`Howso？’
`No；sincewearetalking，explainittomefromthephilosophicalpointofview，’saidLevin。
`Ican’tseewherephilosophycomesin，’saidSergeiIvanovich，inatone，Levinfancied，asthoughhedidnotadmithisbrother’srighttotalkaboutphilosophy。AndthatirritatedLevin。
`I’lltellyou，then，’hesaidwithheat，`Iimaginethemainspringofallouractionsis，afterall，self-interest。NowintheZemstvoinstitutionsI，asanobleman，seenothingthatcouldconducetomyprosperity。Theroadsarenotbetterandcouldnotbebetter；myhorsescarrymewellenoughoverbadones。Doctorsanddispensariesareofnousetome。Ajusticeofthepeaceisofnousetome-Ineverappealtohim，andnevershallappealtohim。Theschoolsareofnogoodtome，butpositivelyharmful，asItoldyou。FormetheZemstvoinstitutionssimplymeantheliabilityofpayingeighteenkopecksforeverydessiatina，ofdrivingintothetown，sleepingwithbedbugs，andlisteningtoallsortsofidiocyandblather，andself-interestoffersmenoinducement。’
`Excuseme，’SergeiIvanovichinterposedwithasmile，`self-interestdidnotinduceustoworkfortheemancipationoftheserfs，yetwedidworkforit。’
`No！’KonstantinLevinbrokeinwithstillgreaterheat；`theemancipationoftheserfswasadifferentmatter。Thereself-interestdidcomein。Onelongedtothrowoffthatyokethatcrushedus-allthedecentpeopleamongus。ButtobeamemberoftheZemstvoanddiscusshowmanystreetcleanersareneeded，andhowsewersshallbeconstructedinthetowninwhichIdon’tlive-toserveonajuryandtryapeasantwhohasstolenaflitchofbacon，andlistenforsixhoursatastretchtoallsortsofjabberfromthecounselforthedefenseandtheprosecution，andthepresidentcross-examiningmyoldsimpletonAlioshka:``Doyouadmit，prisoneratthebar，thefactoftheremovalofthebacon’-``Eh？’’
KonstantinLevinhadwarmedtohissubject，andbeganmimickingthepresidentandthehalf-wittedAlioshka:itseemedtohimthatitwasalltothepoint。
ButSergeiIvanovichshruggedhisshoulders。
`Well，whatdoyoumeantosay，then？’
`Isimplymeantosaythatthoserightsthattouchme……myinterest，Ishallalwaysdefendtothebestofmyability；thatwhenraidsweremadeonusstudents，andthepolicereadourletters，Iwasreadytodefendthoserightstotheutmost，todefendmyrightstoeducationandfreedom。
Icanunderstandcompulsorymilitaryservice，whichaffectsmychildren，mybrothers，andmyself-Iamreadytodeliberateonwhatconcernsme；
butdeliberatingonhowtospendfortythousandroublesofZemstvo’smoney，orjudgingthehalf-wittedAlioshka-thatIdon’tunderstand，andIcan’tdoit。’
KonstantinLevinspokeasthoughthefloodgatesofhisspeechhadburstopen。SergeiIvanovichsmiled。
`Buttomorrowit’llbeyourturntobetried；wouldithavesuitedyourtastesbettertobetriedintheoldcriminalcourt？’
`I’mnotgoingtobetried。Ishan’tmurderanybody，andI’venoneedofit。Well，Itellyouwhat，’hewenton，flyingoffagaintoasubjectquitebesidethepoint，`ourdistrictself-governmentandalltherestofit-it’sjustlikethebirchsaplingswestickintheground，aswewoulddoitonTrinityDay，tolooklikeacopsewhichhasgrownupofitselfinEurope，andIcan’tgushoverthesebirchsaplingsandbelieveinthem。’
SergeiIvanovichmerelyshruggedhisshoulders，asthoughtoexpresshiswonderhowthebirchsaplingshadcomeintotheirargumentatthatpoint，thoughhedidreallyunderstandatoncewhathisbrothermeant。
`Excuseme，butyouknowonereallycan’targueinthatway，’
heobserved。
ButKonstantinLevinwantedtojustifyhimselfforthefailing，ofwhichhewasconscious，ofalackofzealforthepublicwelfare，andhewenton。
`Iimagine，’Konstantinsaid，`thatnosortofactivityislikelytobelastingifitisnotfoundedonself-interest-that’sauniversalprinciple，aphilosophicalprinciple，’hesaid，repeatingtheword`philosophical’
withdetermination，asthoughwishingtoshowthathehadasmuchrightasanyoneelsetotalkofphilosophy。
SergeiIvanovichsmiled。`Hetoohasaphilosophyofhisownattheserviceofhisnaturaltendencies，’hethought。
`Come，you’dbetterletphilosophyalone，’hesaid。`Thechiefproblemofthephilosophyofallagesconsistspreciselyinfindingthatindispensableconnectionwhichexistsbetweenindividualandsocialinterests。
Butthat’snottothepoint；whatistothepointisacorrectionImustmakeinyourcomparison。Thebirchesarenotsimplystuckin，butsomearesownandsomeareplanted，andonemustdealcarefullywiththem。It’sonlythosepeoplesthathaveanintuitivesenseofwhat’sofimportanceandsignificanceintheirinstitutions，andknowhowtovaluethem，whohaveafuturebeforethem-it’sonlythosepeoplesthatonecantrulycallhistorical。’
AndSergeiIvanovichcarriedthesubjectintotheregionsofphilosophicalhistorywhereKonstantinLevincouldnotfollowhim，andshowedhimalltheincorrectnessofhisoutlook。
`Asforyourdislikeofit-excusemysayingso-that’ssimplyourRussianslothandoldserfowners’ways，andI’mconvincedthatinyouit’satemporaryerrorandwillpass。’
Konstantinwassilent。Hefelthimselfvanquishedonallsides，buthefeltatthesametimethatwhathewantedtosaywasunintelligibletohisbrother。Onlyhecouldnotmakeuphismindwhetheritwasunintelligiblebecausehewasnotcapableofexpressinghismeaningclearly，orbecausehisbrotherwouldnotorcouldnotunderstandhim。Buthedidnotpursuethespeculation，and，withoutreplying，hefelltomusingonaquitedifferentandpersonalmatter。
SergeiIvanovichwoundupthelastline，unhitchedthehorse，andtheydroveoff。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]
TOLSTOY:AnnaKareninaPart3，Chapter04[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]Chapter4ThepersonalmatterthatabsorbedLevinduringhisconversationwithhisbrotherwasthis。Once，theyearprevious，hehadgonetolookatthemowing，andbeingmadeveryangrybythebailiffhehadhadrecoursetohisfavoritemeansforregaininghistemper-hehadtakenascythefromapeasantandbegunmowing。
Helikedtheworksomuchthathehadseveraltimestriedhishandatmowingsince。Hehadcutthewholeofthemeadowinfrontofhishouse，andthisyear，eversincetheearlyspring，hehadcherishedaplanformowingforwholedaystogetherwiththepeasants。Eversincehisbrother’sarrivalhehadbeenindoubtastowhethertomowornot。Hewasloathtoleavehisbrotheralonealldaylong，andhewasafraidhisbrotherwouldlaughathimaboutit。Butashedroveintothemeadow，andrecalledthesensationsofmowing，hecameneardecidingthathewouldgomowing。
Aftertheirritatingdiscussionwithhisbrother，heponderedoverthisintentionagain。
`Imusthavephysicalexercise，ormytemper’llcertainlyberuined，’
hethought，andhedeterminedhewouldgomowing，howeverawkwardhemightfeelaboutitwithhisbrotherorthepeasants。
TowardeveningKonstantinLevinwenttohiscountinghouse，gavedirectionsastotheworktobedone，andsentaboutthevillagetosummonthemowersforthemorrow，tocutthehayinKalinovmeadow，thelargestandbestofhisgrasslands。
`Andsendmyscythe，please，toTit，forhimtosetit，andbringitroundtomorrow。Imaydosomemowingmyself，too，’hesaid，tryingnottobeembarrassed。
Thebailiffsmiledandsaid:
`Yes，sir。’
AtteathesameeveningLevinsaidtohisbrothertoo。
`Ifancythefineweatherwilllast，’saidhe。`TomorrowIshallstartmowing。’
`I’msofondofthatformoffieldlabor，’saidSergeiIvanovich。
`I’mawfullyfondofit。Isometimesmowmyselfwiththepeasants，andtomorrowIwanttotrymowingthewholeday。’
SergeiIvanovichliftedhishead，andlookedwithcuriosityathisbrother。
`Howdoyoumean？Justlikeoneofthepeasants，alldaylong？’
`Yes，it’sverypleasant，’saidLevin。
`It’ssplendidasexercise，onlyyou’llhardlybeabletostandit，’saidSergeiIvanovich，withoutashadeofirony。
`I’vetriedit。It’shardworkatfirst，butyougetintoit。
IdaresayIshallmanagetokeepitup……’
`Oh，sothat’sit！Buttellme，howdothepeasantslookatit？
Isupposetheylaughintheirsleevesattheirmaster’sbeingsuchaqueerfish？’
`No，Idon’tthinkso；butit’ssodelightful，andatthesametimesuchhardwork，thatonehasnotimetothinkaboutit。’
`Buthowwillyoudoaboutdiningwiththem？TosendyouabottleofLafitteandroastturkeyouttherewouldbealittleawkward。’
`No，I’llsimplycomehomeatthetimeoftheirnoondayrest。’
NextmorningKonstantinLevingotupearlierthanusual，buthewasdetainedgivingdirectionsonthefarm，andwhenhereachedthemowinggrassthemowerswerealreadyattheirsecondswath。
Fromtheuplandshecouldgetaviewoftheshadedcutpartofthemeadowbelow，withthegrayishswathsandtheblackheapsofcoats，takenoffbythemowersattheplacefromwhichtheyhadstartedcutting。
Gradually，asherodetowardthemeadow，thepeasantscameintosight，someincoats，someintheirshirts，mowing，onebehindanotherinalongstring，eachswinginghisscytheinhisownway。Hecountedforty-twoofthem。