Anna Karenina - LimpidSoft

PART FOUR CHAPTER 8
“Why so? I don’t see that. Allow me to believe that apart from our connection
you have for me, at least in part, the same friendly feeling I have always had for
you...and sincere esteem,” said Stepan Arkadyevitch, pressing his hand. “Even if
your worst suppositions were correct, I don’t–and never would–take on myself to
judge either side, and I see no reason why our relations should be affected. But now,
do this, come and see my wife.”
“Well, we look at the matter differently,” said Alexey Alexandrovitch coldly.
“However, we won’t discuss it.”
“No; why shouldn’t you come today to dine, anyway? My wife’s expecting you.
Please, do come. And, above all, talk it over with her. She’s a wonderful woman.
For God’s sake, on my knees, I implore you!”
“If you so much wish it, I will come,” said Alexey Alexandrovitch, sighing.
And, anxious to change the conversation, he inquired about what interested them
both–the new head of Stepan Arkadyevitch’s department, a man not yet old, who
had suddenly been promoted to so high a position.
Alexey Alexandrovitch had previously felt no liking for Count Anitchkin, and had
always differed from him in his opinions. But now, from a feeling readily comprehensible
to officials–that hatred felt by one who has suffered a defeat in the service
for one who has received a promotion, he could not endure him.
“Well, have you seen him?” said Alexey Alexandrovitch with a malignant smile.
“Of course; he was at our sitting yesterday. He seems to know his work capitally,
and to be very energetic.”
“Yes, but what is his energy directed to?” said Alexey Alexandrovitch. “Is he
aiming at doing anything, or simply undoing what’s been done? It’s the great misfortune
of our government–this paper administration, of which he’s a worthy representative.”
“Really, I don’t know what fault one could find with him. His policy I don’t know,
but one thing–he’s a very nice fellow,” answered Stepan Arkadyevitch. “I’ve just
been seeing him, and he’s really a capital fellow. We lunched together, and I taught
him how to make, you know that drink, wine and oranges. It’s so cooling. And it’s
a wonder he didn’t know it. He liked it awfully. No, really he’s a capital fellow.”
Stepan Arkadyevitch glanced at his watch.
“Why, good heavens, it’s four already, and I’ve still to go to Dolgovushin’s! So
please come round to dinner. You can’t imagine how you will grieve my wife and
me.”
The way in which Alexey Alexandrovitch saw his brother-in-law out was very
different from the manner in which he had met him.
“I’ve promised, and I’ll come,” he answered wearily.
“Believe me, I appreciate it, and I hope you won’t regret it,” answered Stepan
Arkadyevitch, smiling.
And, putting on his coat as he went, he patted the footman on the head, chuckled,
and went out.
“At five o’clock, and not evening dress, please,” he shouted once more, turning at
the door.
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