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。