Page 117 - ANNA KARENINA

Anna Karenina

what the force consists in. Not, I don’t see why there
should not be a new force, if it..’
‘Why, because with electricity,’ Levin interrupted
again, ‘every time you rub tar against wool, a recognized

phenomenon is manifested, but in this case it does not
happen every time, and so it follows it is not a natural
phenomenon.’
Feeling probably that the conversation was taking a
tone too serious for a drawing room, Vronsky made no
rejoinder, but by way of trying to change the
conversation, he smiled brightly, and turned to the ladies.
‘Do let us try at once, countess,’ he said; but Levin
would finish saying what he thought.
‘I think,’ he went on, ‘that this attempt of the
spiritualists to explain their marvels as some sort of new
natural force is most futile. They boldly talk of spiritual
force, and then try to subject it to material experiment.’
Every one was waiting for him to finish, and he felt it.
‘And I think you would be a first-rate medium,’ said
Countess Nordston; ‘there’s something enthusiastic in
you.’
Levin opened his mouth, was about to say something,
reddened, and said nothing.

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