Page 882 - ANNA KARENINA

Anna Karenina

went out onto the steps. The sledge-drivers clearly knew
all about it. They crowded round Levin with happy faces,
quarreling among themselves, and offering their services.
Trying not to offend the other sledge drivers, and

promising to drive with them too, Levin took one and
told him to drive to the Shtcherbatskys’. The sledge-driver
was splendid in a white shirt-collar sticking out over his
overcoat and into his strong, full-blooded red neck. The
sledge was high and comfortable, and altogether such a
one as Levin never drove in after, and the horse was a
good one, and tried to gallop but didn’t seem to move.
The driver knew the Shtcherbatskys’ house, and drew up
at the entrance with a curve of his arm and a ‘Wo!’
especially indicative of respect for his fare. The
Shtcherbatskys’ hall-porter certainly knew all about it.
This was evident from the smile in his eyes and the way
he said:
‘Well, it’s a long while since you’ve been to see us,
Konstantin Demitrievitch!’
Not only he knew all about it, but he was unmistakably
delighted and making efforts to conceal his joy. Looking
into his kindly old eyes, Levin realized even something
new in his happiness.
‘Are they up?’

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