Page:Anna Karenina.djvu/761

 CHAPTER VI

the children took their supper, the older people sat on the balcony and talked as if nothing had happened; but all, and especially Sergyeï Ivanovitch and Varenka, knew very well that an important event had occurred, although it was a negative one. The two experienced a feeling such as a boy has when, having failed in the examination, he is either kept in the same class or is excluded forever from an institution. All present, feeling likewise that something had taken place, talked with a forced animation.

Levin and Kitty felt especially happy and in love with each other that evening. And that they were happy in their love seemed to make it impolite to comment on the unskilfulness of those who did not know how to be happy, and this made them feel guilty.

"Take my word for it, Alexandre will not come," said the princess.

That evening they were expecting Stepan Arkadyevitch from the train, and the old prince had written that perhaps he, also, would come. "And if he doesn't, I know why," continued the princess; "he says that young people ought to be left alone during the first part of their married lives."

"Yes, papa is abandoning us for that very reason. He has not been to see us at all. But how are we young folks? I am sure we are quite old."

"Only, if he does not come, and I have to take my leave of you children!" said the princess, with a melancholy sigh.

"What is the matter with you, mamma?" cried both daughters at once.

"You can think how it is with him. Here, now ...."

And suddenly and unexpectedly the old princess's voice broke. The daughters exchanged glances in silence.

"Maman is always finding some melancholy topic!" said their eyes. They did not know that, however