Page 65 - ANNA KARENINA
P. 65
Anna Karenina
and looking towards Levin, whom she had recognized, she
smiled at him, and at her own fears. When she had got
round the turn, she gave herself a push off with one foot,
and skated straight up to Shtcherbatsky. Clutching at his
arm, she nodded smiling to Levin. She was more splendid
that he had imagined her.
When he thought of her, he could call up a vivid
picture of her to himself, especially the charm of that little
fair head, so freely set on the shapely girlish shoulders, and
so full of childish brightness and good humor. The
childishness of her expression, together with the delicate
beauty of her figure, made up her special charm, and that
he fully realized. But what always struck him in her as
something unlooked for, was the expression of her eyes,
soft, serene, and truthful, and above all, her smile, which
always transported Levin to an enchanted world, where he
felt himself softened and tender, as he remembered himself
in some days of his early childhood.
‘Have you been here long?’ she said, giving him her
hand. ‘Thank you,’ she added, as he picked up the
handkerchief that had fallen out of her muff.
‘I? I’ve not long...yesterday...I mean today...I arrived,’
answered Levin, in his emotion not at once understanding
her question. ‘I was meaning to come and see you,’ he
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