Page 506 - ANNA KARENINA

Anna Karenina

‘Yes; God sends the cross and sends the strength to bear
it. Often one wonders what is the goal of this life?... The
other side!’ she said angrily to Varenka, who had
rearranged the rug over her feet not to her satisfaction.

‘To do good, probably,’ said the prince with a twinkle
in his eye.
‘That is not for us to judge,’ said Madame Stahl,
perceiving the shade of expression on the prince’s face. ‘So
you will send me that book, dear count? I’m very grateful
to you,’ she said to the young Swede.
‘Ah!’ cried the prince, catching sight of the Moscow
colonel standing near, and with a bow to Madame Stahl
he walked away with his daughter and the Moscow
colonel, who joined them.
‘That’s our aristocracy, prince!’ the Moscow colonel
said with ironical intention. He cherished a grudge against
Madame Stahl for not making his acquaintance.
‘She’s just the same,’ replied the prince.
‘Did you know her before her illness, prince—that’s to
say before she took to her bed?’
‘Yes. She took to her bed before my eyes,’ said the
prince.
‘They say it’s ten years since she has stood on her feet.’

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