Page 381 - ANNA KARENINA

Anna Karenina

Chapter 18

Although all Vronsky’s inner life was absorbed in his
passion, his external life unalterably and inevitably
followed along the old accustomed lines of his social and
regimental ties and interests. The interests of his regiment
took an important place in Vronsky’s life, both because he
was fond of the regiment, and because the regiment was
fond of him. They were not only fond of Vronsky in his
regiment, they respected him too, and were proud of him;
proud that this man, with his immense wealth, his brilliant
education and abilities, and the path open before him to
every kind of success, distinction, and ambition, had
disregarded all that, and of all the interests of life had the
interests of his regiment and his comrades nearest to his
heart. Vronsky was aware of his comrades’ view of him,
and in addition to his liking for the life, he felt bound to
keep up that reputation.
It need not be said that he did not speak of his love to
any of his comrades, nor did he betray his secret even in
the wildest drinking bouts (though indeed he was never so
drunk as to lose all control of himself). And he shut up any
of his thoughtless comrades who attempted to allude to his

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