Page 301 - ANNA KARENINA

Anna Karenina

Chapter 7

Steps were heard at the door, and Princess Betsy,
knowing it was Madame Karenina, glanced at Vronsky.
He was looking towards the door, and his face wore a
strange new expression. Joyfully, intently, and at the same
time timidly, he gazed at the approaching figure, and
slowly he rose to his feet. Anna walked into the drawing
room. Holding herself extremely erect, as always, looking
straight before her, and moving with her swift, resolute,
and light step, that distinguished her from all other society
women, she crossed the short space to her hostess, shook
hands with her, smiled, and with the same smile looked
around at Vronsky. Vronsky bowed low and pushed a
chair up for her.
She acknowledged this only by a slight nod, flushed a
little, and frowned. But immediately, while rapidly
greeting her acquaintances, and shaking the hands
proffered to her, she addressed Princess Betsy:
‘I have been at Countess Lidia’s, and meant to have
come here earlier, but I stayed on. Sir John was there.
He’s very interesting.’
‘Oh, that’s this missionary?’

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