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 down the trees in our parks and make money?" asked Levin, reverting to the idea which had struck him.

"Just this! because we guard the sacred fire, as you say. Besides, that is not the business of the nobles. And our work as nobles does not lie here, at these elections, but at home, each in his own place. It is a caste instinct that tells us what is necessary or not necessary. The muzhiks have theirs; a good muzhik will persist in hiring as much land as he can. No matter how bad it is, he will work it just the same,—even without profit."

"We are all alike," said Levin. "I am very glad to have met you!" he added, seeing Sviazhsky approaching.

"Here we have met for the first time since we were together at your house," said the proprietor to Sviazhsky. "Yes, and we have been having a talk."

"And doubtless have been slandering the new order of things?" said Sviazhsky, smiling.

"Something of the sort."

"One must free one's mind."

CHAPTER XXX

took Levin's arm, and together they approached their friends.

It was now impossible to avoid Vronsky. He was standing with Stepan Arkadyevitch and Sergyeï Ivanovitch, and was looking straight at Levin as he came along.

"I am delighted!" said he, offering his hand to Levin. "I think we met at the Princess Shcherbatsky's."

"Yes, I remember our meeting perfectly," answered Levin, growing purple; and he immediately turned away and entered into conversation with his brother.

Vronsky, smiling slightly, began conversing with Sviazhsky, apparently having no desire to continue his talk with Levin. But Levin, while he was speaking