Page:Anna Karenina.djvu/292

 I will be responsible for bringing her home," said Betsy, interfering.

"Excuse me, princess," he replied, politely smiling, and looking her full in the face; "but I see that she is not well, and I wish her to go with me."

Anna looked round in terror, and, rising hastily, took her husband's arm.

"I will send to inquire for him, and let you know," whispered Betsy.

As Alekseï Aleksandrovitch left the pavilion with his wife, he spoke in his ordinary manner to all whom he met, and Anna was forced to listen and to reply as usual; but she was not herself, and as in a dream she passed along on her husband's arm.

"Is he killed, or not? Can it be true? Will he come? Shall I see him to-day?" she asked herself.

In silence she got into Alekseï Aleksandrovitch's carriage, and she sat in silence as they left the throng of vehicles. In spite of all he had seen, Alekseï Aleksandrovitch did not allow himself to think of his wife's present attitude. He saw only the external signs. He saw that her deportment had been improper, and he felt obliged to speak to her about it. But it was very difficult not to say more,—to say only that. He opened his mouth to tell her how improperly she had behaved; but, in spite of himself, he said something absolutely different.

"How strange that we all like to see these cruel spectacles! I notice...."

"What? I did not understand you," said Anna, scornfully.

He was wounded, and instantly began to say what was on his mind.

"I am obliged to tell you ...." he began.

"Now," thought Anna, "comes the explanation;" and a terrible feeling came over her.

"I am obliged to tell you that your conduct to-day has been extremely improper," said he, in French.

"Wherein has my conduct been improper?" she demanded angrily, raising her head quickly, and look-