Page 993 - ANNA KARENINA

Anna Karenina

the remarks of the callous men, who kept making joking
or irrelevant observations.
‘Why has she been crying? Is she being married against
her will?’

‘Against her will to a fine fellow like that? A prince,
isn’t he?’
‘Is that her sister in the white satin? Just listen how the
deacon booms out, ‘And fearing her husband.’’
‘Are the choristers from Tchudovo?’
‘No, from the Synod.’
‘I asked the footman. He says he’s going to take her
home to his country place at once. Awfully rich, they say.
That’s why she’s being married to him.’
‘No, they’re a well-matched pair.’
‘I say, Marya Vassilievna, you were making out those
fly-away crinolines were not being worn. Just look at her
in the puce dress—an ambassador’s wife they say she is—
how her skirt bounces out from side to sides.’
‘What a pretty dear the bride is—like a lamb decked
with flowers! Well, say what you will, we women feel for
our sister.’
Such were the comments in the crowd of gazing
women who had succeeded in slipping in at the church
doors.

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