Anna Karenina - Part 1 - Page 55/119

"Why, because with electricity," Levin interrupted again, "every

time you rub tar against wool, a recognized phenomenon is

manifested, but in this case it does not happen every time, and

so it follows it is not a natural phenomenon."

Feeling probably that the conversation was taking a tone too

serious for a drawing room, Vronsky made no rejoinder, but by way

of trying to change the conversation, he smiled brightly, and

turned to the ladies.

"Do let us try at once, countess," he said; but Levin would

finish saying what he thought.

"I think," he went on, "that this attempt of the spiritualists to

explain their marvels as some sort of new natural force is most

futile. They boldly talk of spiritual force, and then try to

subject it to material experiment."

Every one was waiting for him to finish, and he felt it.

"And I think you would be a first-rate medium," said Countess

Nordston; "there's something enthusiastic in you."

Levin opened his mouth, was about to say something, reddened, and

said nothing.

"Do let us try table-turning at once, please," said Vronsky.

"Princess, will you allow it?"

And Vronsky stood up, looking for a little table.

Kitty got up to fetch a table, and as she passed, her eyes met

Levin's. She felt for him with her whole heart, the more because

she was pitying him for suffering of which she was herself the

cause. "If you can forgive me, forgive me," said her eyes, "I am

so happy."

"I hate them all, and you, and myself," his eyes responded, and

he took up his hat. But he was not destined to escape. Just as

they were arranging themselves round the table, and Levin was on

the point of retiring, the old prince came in, and after greeting

the ladies, addressed Levin.

"Ah!" he began joyously. "Been here long, my boy? I didn't even

know you were in town. Very glad to see you." The old prince

embraced Levin, and talking to him did not observe Vronsky, who

had risen, and was serenely waiting till the prince should turn

to him.

Kitty felt how distasteful her father's warmth was to Levin after

what had happened. She saw, too, how coldly her father responded

at last to Vronsky's bow, and how Vronsky looked with amiable

perplexity at her father, as though trying and failing to

understand how and why anyone could be hostilely disposed towards

him, and she flushed.

"Prince, let us have Konstantin Dmitrievitch," said Countess

Nordston; "we want to try an experiment."