Part Two: Chapter 18

by Leo Tolstoy

　　Although all Vronsky's inner life was absorbed in his passion,his external life unalterably and inevitably followed along theold accustomed lines of his social and regimental ties andinterests. The interests of his regiment took an important placein Vronsky's life, both because he was fond of the regiment, andbecause the regiment was fond of him. They were not only fond ofVronsky in his regiment, they respected him too, and were proudof him; proud that this man, with his immense wealth, hisbrilliant education and abilities, and the path open before himto every kind of success, distinction, and ambition, haddisregarded all that, and of all the interests of life had theinterests of his regiment and his comrades nearest to his heart.Vronsky was aware of his comrades' view of him, and in additionto his liking for the life, he felt bound to keep up thatreputation.

　　It need not be said that he did not speak of his love to any ofhis comrades, nor did he betray his secret even in the wildestdrinking bouts (though indeed he was never so drunk as to loseall control of himself). And he shut up any of his thoughtlesscomrades who attempted to allude to his connection. But in spiteof that, his love was known to all the town; everyone guessedwith more or less confidence at his relations with MadameKarenina. The majority of the younger men envied him for justwhat was the most irksome factor in his love--the exaltedposition of Karenin, and the consequent publicity of theirconnection in society.

　　The greater number of the young women, who envied Anna and hadlong been weary of hearing her called virtuous, rejoiced at thefulfillment of their predictions, and were only waiting for adecisive turn in public opinion to fall upon her with all theweight of their scorn. They were already making ready theirhandfuls of mud to fling at her when the right moment arrived.The greater number of the middle-aged people and certain greatpersonages were displeased at the prospect of the impendingscandal in society.

　　Vronsky's mother, on hearing of his connection, was at firstpleased at it, because nothing to her mind gave such a finishingtouch to a brilliant young man as a liaison in the highestsociety; she was pleased, too, that Madame Karenina, who had sotaken her fancy, and had talked so much of her son, was, afterall, just like all other pretty and well-bred women,--at leastaccording to the Countess Vronskaya's ideas. But she had heardof late that her son had refused a position offered him of greatimportance to his career, simply in order to remain in theregiment, where he could be constantly seeing Madame Karenina.She learned that great personages were displeased with him onthis account, and she changed her opinion. She was vexed, too,that from all she could learn of this connection it was not thatbrilliant, graceful, worldly liaison which she would havewelcomed, but a sort of Wertherish, desperate passion, so she wastold, which might well lead him into imprudence. She had notseen him since his abrupt departure from Moscow, and she sent herelder son to bid him come to see her.

　　This elder son, too, was displeased with his younger brother. Hedid not distinguish what sort of love his might be, big orlittle, passionate or passionless, lasting or passing (he kept aballet girl himself, though he was the father of a family, so hewas lenient in these matters), but he knew that this love affairwas viewed with displeasure by those whom it was necessary toplease, and therefore he did not approve of his brother'sconduct.

　　Besides the service and society, Vronsky had another greatinterest--horses; he was passionately fond of horses.

　　That year races and a steeplechase had been arranged for theofficers. Vronsky had put his name down, bought a thoroughbredEnglish mare, and in spite of his love affair, he was lookingforward to the races with intense, though reserved, excitement...

　　These two passions did not interfere with one another. On thecontrary, he needed occupation and distraction quite apart fromhis love, so as to recruit and rest himself from the violentemotions that agitated him.