Page:Anna Karenina.djvu/549

 She wanted to be the first to tell him of their happiness. She was prepared to meet him alone, and she was full of joy at the thought, and yet she was shy and confused, and hardly knew what she was going to do. She had heard his steps and voice, and hid herself behind the door to wait till Mademoiselle Linon had gone. Mademoiselle Linon went. Then without any delay, without questioning further, she came to him and did as she did.

"Now, let us find mamma," said she, taking his hand.

For a long time he could not utter a word, not so much because he was afraid of lessening the intensity of his joy by words, but because every time he tried to say anything he felt that instead of words, tears of joy burst forth; his tears choked him. He took her hand, and kissed it.

"Is it really true?" he said at last in a husky voice. "I cannot believe that you love me."

She smiled at the way he used the second person singular, and at the timidity with which he looked at her.

"Yes," she replied, slowly lingering on this word. "I am so happy!"

Without letting go his hand, she went with him into the drawing-room. As soon as the princess saw them, she began to breathe fast and then she burst into tears, and then she laughed, and with an energetic movement which Levin was not prepared for she ran to him, seized his head, and kissed him, bedewing his face with her tears.

"So all is settled? I am delighted. Love her. I am so glad .... for you .... Kitty!"

"It didn't take you long to arrange matters," said the old prince, trying to appear calm; but Levin saw his eyes were full with tears, as he looked at him.

"It is something I have long been anxious for," said the prince, taking Levin's hand and drawing him toward him. "And even when this little giddy-pate thought ...."

"Papa!" cried Kitty, putting her hand over his mouth.