Page 133 - ANNA KARENINA

Anna Karenina

‘So that’s it! I should imagine, though, she might
reckon on a better match,’ said Vronsky, drawing himself
up and walking about again, ‘though I don’t know him, of
course,’ he added. ‘Yes, that is a hateful position! That’s

why most fellows prefer to have to do with Klaras. If you
don’t succeed with them it only proves that you’ve not
enough cash, but in this case one’s dignity’s at stake. But
here’s the train.’
The engine had already whistled in the distance. A few
instants later the platform was quivering, and with puffs of
steam hanging low in the air from the frost, the engine
rolled up, with the lever of the middle wheel rhythmically
moving up and down, and the stooping figure of the
engine-driver covered with frost. Behind the tender,
setting the platform more and more slowly swaying, came
the luggage van with a dog whining in it. At last the
passenger carriages rolled in, oscillating before coming to a
standstill.
A smart guard jumped out, giving a whistle, and after
him one by one the impatient passengers began to get
down: an officer of the guards, holding himself erect, and
looking severely about him; a nimble little merchant with
a satchel, smiling gaily; a peasant with a sack over his
shoulder.

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