Page 944 - ANNA KARENINA

Anna Karenina

Chapter 23

Vronsky’s wound had been a dangerous one, though it
did not touch the heart, and for several days he had lain
between life and death. The first time he was able to
speak, Varya, his brother’s wife, was alone in the room.
‘Varya,’ he said, looking sternly at her, ‘I shot myself by
accident. And please never speak of it, and tell everyone
so. Or else it’s too ridiculous.’
Without answering his words, Varya bent over him,
and with a delighted smile gazed into his face. His eyes
were clear, not feverish; but their expression was stern.
‘Thank God!’ she said. ‘You’re not in pain?’
‘A little here.’ He pointed to his breast.
‘Then let me change your bandages.’
In silence, stiffening his broad jaws, he looked at her
while she bandaged him up. When she had finished he
said:
‘I’m not delirious. Please manage that there may be no
talk of my having shot myself on purpose.’
‘No one does say so. Only I hope you won’t shoot
yourself by accident any more,’ she said, with a
questioning smile.

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