Anna Karenina - Part 7

"Oblonsky's carriage!" the porter shouted in an angry bass. The

carriage drove up and both got in. It was only for the first few

moments, while the carriage was driving out of the clubhouse

gates, that Levin was still under the influence of the club

atmosphere of repose, comfort, and unimpeachable good form. But

as soon as the carriage drove out into the street, and he felt it

jolting over the uneven road, heard the angry shout of a sledge

driver coming towards them, saw in the uncertain light the red

blind of a tavern and the shops, this impression was dissipated,

and he began to think over his actions, and to wonder whether he

was doing right in going to see Anna. What would Kitty say? But

Stepan Arkadyevitch gave him no time for reflection, and, as

though divining his doubts, he scattered them.

"How glad I am," he said, "that you should know her! You know

Dolly has long wished for it. And Lvov's been to see her, and

often goes. Though she is my sister," Stepan Arkadyevitch

pursued, "I don't hesitate to say that she's a remarkable woman.

But you will see. Her position is very painful, especially now."

"Why especially now?"

"We are carrying on negotiations with her husband about a

divorce. And he's agreed; but there are difficulties in regard

to the son, and the business, which ought to have been arranged

long ago, has been dragging on for three months past. As soon as

the divorce is over, she will marry Vronsky. How stupid these

old ceremonies are, that no one believes in, and which only

prevent people being comfortable!" Stepan Arkadyevitch put in.

"Well, then their position will be as regular as mine, as yours."

"What is the difficulty?" said Levin.

"Oh, it's a long and tedious story! The whole business is in

such an anomalous position with us. But the point is she has

been for three months in Moscow, where everyone knows her,

waiting for the divorce; she goes out nowhere, sees no woman

except Dolly, because, do you understand, she doesn't care to

have people come as a favor. That fool Princess Varvara, even

she has left her, considering this a breach of propriety. Well,

you see, in such a position any other woman would not have found

resources in herself. But you'll see how she has arranged her

life--how calm, how dignified she is. To the left, in the

crescent opposite the church!" shouted Stepan Arkadyevitch,

leaning out of the window. "Phew! how hot it is!" he said, in

spite of twelve degrees of frost, flinging his open overcoat

still wider open.