Page 929 - ANNA KARENINA

Anna Karenina

Chapter 21

Before Betsy had time to walk out of the drawing-
room, she was met in the doorway by Stepan
Arkadyevitch, who had just come from Yeliseev’s, where
a consignment of fresh oysters had been received.
‘Ah! princess! what a delightful meeting!’ he began.
‘I’ve been to see you.’
‘A meeting for one minute, for I’m going,’ said Betsy,
smiling and putting on her glove.
‘Don’t put on your glove yet, princess; let me kiss your
hand. There’s nothing I’m so thankful to the revival of the
old fashions for as the kissing the hand.’ He kissed Betsy’s
hand. ‘When shall we see each other?’
‘You don’t deserve it,’ answered Betsy, smiling.
‘Oh, yes, I deserve a great deal, for I’ve become a most
serious person. I don’t only manage my own affairs, but
other people’s too,’ he said with a significant expression.
‘Oh, I’m so glad!’ answered Betsy, at once
understanding that he was speaking of Anna. And going
back into the drawing room, they stood in a corner. ‘He’s
killing her,’ said Betsy in a whisper full of meaning. ‘It’s
impossible, impossible..’

928 of 1759