Page 1276 - ANNA KARENINA

Anna Karenina

‘Yes, there’s something of a sophistry about that,’
Veslovsky agreed. ‘Ah! our host; so you’re not asleep yet?’
he said to the peasant who came into the barn, opening
the creaking door. ‘How is it you’re not asleep?’

‘No, how’s one to sleep! I thought our gentlemen
would be asleep, but I heard them chattering. I want to
get a hook from here. She won’t bite?’ he added, stepping
cautiously with his bare feet.
‘And where are you going to sleep?’
‘We are going out for the night with the beasts.’
‘Ah, what a night!’ said Veslovsky, looking out at the
edge of the hut and the unharnessed wagonette that could
be seen in the faint light of the evening glow in the great
frame of the open doors. ‘But listen, there are women’s
voices singing, and, on my word, not badly too. Who’s
that singing, my friend?’
‘That’s the maids from hard by here.’
‘Let’s go, let’s have a walk! We shan’t go to sleep, you
know. Oblonsky, come along!’
‘If one could only do both, lie here and go,’ answered
Oblonsky, stretching. ‘It’s capital lying here.’
‘Well, I shall go by myself,’ said Veslovsky, getting up
eagerly, and putting on his shoes and stockings. ‘Good-

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