Chapter 7

           Stepswereheardatthedoor,andPrincessBetsy,knowingitwasMadameKarenina,glancedatVronsky.Hewaslookingtowardsthedoor,andhisfaceworeastrangenewexpression.Joyfully,intently,andatthesametimetimidly,hegazedattheapproachingfigure,andslowlyherosetohisfeet.Annawalkedintothedrawing-room.Holdingherselfextremelyerect,asalways,lookingstraightbeforeher,andmovingwithherswift,resolute,andlightstep,thatdistinguishedherfromallothersocietywomen,shecrossedtheshortspacetoherhostess,shookhandswithher,smiled,andwiththesamesmilelookedaroundatVronsky.Vronskybowedlowandpushedachairupforher.

           Sheacknowledgedthisonlybyaslightnod,flushedalittle,andfrowned.Butimmediately,whilerapidlygreetingheracquaintances,andshakingthehandsprofferedtoher,sheaddressedPrincessBetsy:

           “IhavebeenatCountessLidia’s,andmeanttohavecomehereearlier,butIstayedon.SirJohnwasthere.He’sveryinteresting.”

           “Oh,that’sthismissionary?”

           “Yes;hetoldusaboutthelifeinIndia,mostinterestingthings.”

           Theconversation,interruptedbyhercomingin,flickeredupagainlikethelightofalampbeingblownout.

           “SirJohn!Yes,SirJohn;I’veseenhim.Hespeakswell.TheVlassievagirl’squiteinlovewithhim.”

           “AndisittruetheyoungerVlassievagirl’stomarryTopov?”

           “Yes,theysayit’squiteasettledthing.”

           “Iwonderattheparents!Theysayit’samarriageforlove.