ANNA KARENINA BY EDMOND GUIRAUD

Translated and Adapted by Frank J. Morlock

Etext by Dagny
  • ACT I
  • ACT II
  • ACT III
  • ACT IV
  • ACT V
  • FINAL SCENE
  • Etext by Dagny
    This Etext is for private use only. No republication for profit in 
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    http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/personnage.asp?key=130
    CHARACTERS:
    Prince Stefan Arkadyevich Oblonsky
    Princess Darya Alexandrovna (Dolly), his wife
    Grisha, Tania and Vasya, his children
    Mlle Roland, governess in Oblonsky household
    Matvei, Oblonsky's valet
    Anna Arkadyevna Karenina, Oblonsky's sister
    Constantin Dmitrievich Levin
    Alexei Alexandrovich Karenin, Anna's husband
    Princess Kitty Shcherbatskaia, Dolly's sister
    Prince Shcherbatsky, Dolly and Kitty's father
    Princess Shcherbatskaia, Dolly and Kitty's mother
    Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky
    Seriozha Alexeivitch, Anna's son
    Princess Miaghkaia
    Countess Nordstone
    Lieutenant Yavshine
    Lieutenant Makhotin
    Princess Somatoff
    Prince Somatoff
    Princess Betsy Tverskaia
    Monsieur Cord, horse trainer
    Sergei Ivanovich Koznishev, Levin's brother
    Countess Lidia Ivanovna
    Vassilii Lukich, Seriozha's tutor
    General
    Golenishchev
    Vladimir
    Anita
    Campanetti
    General Serpukhovskoy
    Kapitonich
    Matrona Niania
    Popoff
    Annoushka
    Peter
    Nicolas
    Princess Barbe


    ACT I


    First Tableau
    In Moscow. The study of Stefan Arkadyevich Oblonsky (Stiva). To the left, a great arch opens on the reception hall. At the rise of the curtain, the children dance a roundelay with their French governess.

    Mlle Roland
    Do the chorus again, all three of you and don't shout so loud, Grisha. And you, Vasya, why do you want to cry? Come on, sing like little French children.

    Grisha
    Me, I am a colonel in the Russian Army. Colonel of the Guard, not French!

    Mlle Roland
    But, of course, Grisha, you are a colonel. But a colonel must know how to sing, to give an example to his soldiers. Come on.

    (Mlle Roland holds hands with the children as they sing a song in
    French about Marlboro.)

    Grisha
    This Marlboro's an Englishman, right?

    Mlle Roland
    Yes, Grisha. Come on! Sing.

    (All sing again. Stiva enters and joins hands with them.)

    Stiva
    La Treinte se passe.

    Grisha
    Papa, Papa!

    Stiva
    Hush. Let's finish the song.

    All
    La Treinte se passe Marlboro, ne sevient pas.

    Stiva
    Brava, Mademoiselle.

    Vasya
    You know the song, too, Papa?

    (The children applaud and embrace Stiva.)

    Grisha
    But, of course, Vasya! A Prince knows everything. Papa is a Prince. Everybody else knows nothing, but he knows everything.

    Mlle Roland
    Grisha is very proud.

    Stiva (laughing)
    Bah! It's a Russian characteristic, Mlle Roland. It's necessary for every race to have its national fault. Are you sure that you don't have three or four?

    Mlle Roland
    I don't know, sir.

    Stiva
    Hum! You don't know! I could perhaps mention some of your pretty national faults.

    Mlle Roland
    Ah!

    Stiva
    Yes! Hum!

    (During this short exchange the children have approached their
    father's bureau.)

    Stiva (to the children)
    Grisha, stay out of my bureau. (to Mlle Roland) Why do the children always want to play there, Mademoiselle?

    Mlle Roland
    The playroom has been done over for the reception and Madame advised me to use your study. “Go there,” she said, “it's a study where my husband never works.”

    Stiva
    Oh, very nice! You mock me.

    Mlle Roland
    Pardon me, sir.

    Stiva
    Of course, of course. It's charming. (to the children) Grisha, Tania, Vasya, come over here. Wait—go to the dining room. Yes, the buffet is ready and no one's here yet. Mlle Roland will follow shortly.

    (All the children go out by the center door. Stiva prevents Mlle
    Roland from following the children.)

    Stiva
    Stay here.

    Mlle Roland
    But, I assure you—

    Stiva (pressing her hand and laughing)
    Come on—the right of passage. You know very well that you madden me with your charm. It's inebriating. Ah, pretty French girl. Come on, a little kiss. Let's see.

    Mlle Roland (protecting herself rather poorly)
    Leave me—the children—the Princess. Let's see, sir. (she laughs) This is governess abuse.

    (Stiva takes Mlle Roland in his arms and embraces her, despite her
    resistance. At this moment Dolly enters and screams in indignant stupefaction.)

    Dolly
    Oh! Oh! (to Mlle Roland) Get out! Get out!

    Mlle Roland
    I assure you, Madame—

    (Mlle Roland begins to exit by the center door.)

    Dolly
    Not that way. Not to the children. You must never see them again. It would soil them. The mistress of their father. Oh, fie, how ugly it is.

    (Dolly begins to cry, suddenly, heavy tears. Stiva makes a sign to
    Mlle Roland to leave. He is very annoyed, and after the governess leaves, he tries smiling naively and explaining to his wife.)

    Stiva
    Listen, Dolly. Listen to me.

    Dolly
    No—you are base—without a heart—without morality. I wish to leave you immediately, to never see you. Oh—no—never to see you.

    Stiva
    A minute of straying!

    Dolly
    I, who put you on a pedestal like a god. I, who gave you three beautiful children. I, the most scrupulous of women. Is it possible that you can be so vile? The lowest—the lowest of men.

    Stiva (smiling)
    I assure you, without being the lowest of men, one can—

    Dolly (stupefied by his smile, more indignant, more violent)
    You can laugh. You have the strength to laugh. Oh, coward, coward, villain. Leave me. Don't touch me. Leave me.

    (Dolly exits quickly and leaves Stiva disconcerted. Stiva goes to a
    mirror and looks at himself.)

    Stiva (after a short pause)
    It's true. I smiled. It's the smile of an animal who has lost everything. She'd commenced to weaken—and all was going so well. Bah! Everything will sort itself out. (still in front of the mirror, looking at himself complacently) No one would believe I'm my wife's age. (calling) Matvei, Matvei! Where are you, imbecile? (suddenly, in a bad temper) How everything is going wrong today!

    (Enter Matvei, an old family servant. He is fifty years old and
    wearing livery.)

    Matvei
    Your Excellency rang?

    Stiva
    Where have you been?

    Matvei
    With Vasily, Excellency, setting up the green plants in the hall. We hardly have time before the guests arrive.

    Stiva (very upset)
    The guests! Ah, devil! I have completely forgotten them. Everything must be arranged—at least in a provisional way.

    Matvei
    We are doing our very best, Excellency.

    Stiva
    Yes, yes. That's not what I meant to say. Anna Arkadyevna—is she at home?

    Matvei
    What does your Excellency wish to say?

    Stiva
    I'm asking you if my sister, Madame Karenina is home. Go find her. Tell her I must speak to her immediately.

    (Stiva pushes Matvei toward the door.)

    Matvei (returning)
    I forgot to tell you, Excellency, Constantin Dmitrievich Levin is here to see you.

    Stiva
    Levin, Levin. It's the right moment. Go quickly where I told you and bring back her reply!

    (Matvei leaves. Stiva goes to the center door.)

    Stiva
    Levin! Levin!

    (Levin enters. He is in a kafrain and boots. He has a timid, modest
    demeanor.)

    Levin
    Good day, Stiva.

    Stiva
    Hello, old roughneck. (pointing to his costume) Eh! Eh! Always faithful to tradition, huh? A true peasant. I can give you a minute. Tell me, what brings you to Moscow?

    Levin
    I'm glad you're so pressed. I will tell you simply—it's this way—

    Stiva (laughing very hard)
    Really, truly? You wouldn't prefer a nice fashionable jacket and a flower in your buttonhole? No? That's always secondary. (passing from one subject to another in a disconcerting hurry) Do you know that my household is ruined? I stupidly let myself be surprised by my wife while I was tickling Mlle Roland's chin.

    Levin
    Oh, Stiva—the governess of the little ones?

    Stiva
    Then, you know, Dolly—cries, tears, nerves. At four o'clock in the afternoon, a tragic breakup. “I am going to my mother.” For a silly kiss—nothing at all. Ah, if my sister Anna doesn't step in at this moment, I can only hope for a miracle to save me.

    Levin
    Anna Arkadyevna is a woman of great sense.

    Stiva
    My sister is of an unbounded intelligence and of a rare virtue. (laughing) It's a family trait! And, to tell you, that at five o'clock we have a reception— It's absolutely necessary for society for me to get back with my wife—at least between five and seven.

    Levin
    I came intentionally a little in advance.

    Stiva
    True. You'll be one of us one day, naturally. Well, tell me later the reason you've abandoned the handle of your plough. Would you like a cigar?

    Levin (trying to regroup before this wave of words)
    No, no. You know it's a question of— My most dear desire would be to become your brother-in-law. It's some months since I've first adored Kitty Shcherbatskaia—without daring to tell her. Then—should I throw myself before her today? I still haven't said anything to Kitty. But perhaps, your wife—her sister—or you, even your mother-in-law—for I am not sure of the sympathy of the Prince. Anyway, you understand me.

    Stiva (laughing)
    Yes, though you're still not very clear. But, go on—you please me. You are a perfect man. We understand each other so well and you will help me on your part in the future, vis-a-vis, my wife.

    Levin
    Then, on your advice, I ought to declare myself?

    Stiva
    You ought to! One always ought to. First, because one risks nothing, and if it happens, one can have no regrets.

    Levin
    That's not the way I look at the thing.

    Stiva (pulling him)
    My God, you are amorous. Really, you can't spend a minute here, in my little smoking room. I will come back to you. I am not going to upset myself with you. Well— (Anna enters) Ah, Anna.

    Anna
    Well, Mr. Levin. Do I make you flee? Good day.

    Stiva (pushing Levin towards the door of the little smoking room)
    You can say hello later.

    Levin (laughing)
    What can one say to that? He's pushing me out the door.

    Anna
    Excuse him.

    Levin
    But I don't mind.

    (Levin leaves.)

    Anna
    You were not very polite to your friend.

    Stiva
    Right now I haven't the time. Something is happening, right now.

    Anna
    Yes, I am informed.

    Stiva
    What?

    Anna
    Your wife saw you kissing Mlle Roland and intends to leave you. She judges this action very severely. She's right. What you have done is shameful. I can't find words to defend you. And if I pardon you in the depths of my hart because you're only an overgrown child, stupid but not evil, despite all—still I can only deplore such a lack of moral sense.

    Stiva
    Yes. This is not the time to speak of moral sensibility. It's necessary to conceal things immediately. The reception is nearly upon us. She's giving it in honor of your stay here in Moscow. Dolly must be here to receive guests. What will your husband think? What will the world think if she doesn't appear?

    Anna (ironically)
    It's always the world's opinion that preoccupies you.

    Stiva
    Ought it not to be first of all the others in the mind of high state bureaucrats?

    Anna
    Well, what do you want me to do?

    Stiva
    Go find Dolly and convince her to safeguard appearances. Tell her it's her duty—that she ought to make this sacrifice. After all, she's never been unhappy—and it's only a question of a kiss. That's all. Just a kiss.

    Anna
    How can you be so gay, Stiva?

    Stiva (flippant)
    Gay! Gay! I am not gay. I've got a nature different from yours, more adventurous. You—you're as virtuous as you are pretty. And you are certainly to be praised for remaining faithful to your husband, minister of State, Alexei Alexandrovich Karenin, who is really the most cold—

    Anna
    Stiva!

    Stiva
    Right! Absolutely right! Go speak to Dolly. You have a pretty dress. Oh, an idea! If Dolly—one must foresee things—if Dolly won't hear reason, you will do the honors. We will pretend my wife is ill.

    Anna
    We will see. Wait for me here. It won't be a happy solution.

    Stiva
    Hurry! Here's a carriage already arriving. (at the window) My father- in-law—the family, Kitty.

    (Anna leaves in haste. Stiva accompanies her to the door.)

    Stiva (calling)
    Matvei! Matvei! You'll bring Prince and Princess Shcherbatsky in here. (alone) All this is very troublesome. (at the mirror) Still, I have an excellent appearance.

    (Enter Princess and Prince Shcherbatsky and Kitty.)

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    We've come a bit ahead of time. Kitty's got it into her head to be helpful to Dolly and Anna so they can receive the guests.

    Stiva
    Eh! It's a good idea. Good day, mother, my dear father-in-law. Good day, little sister.

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    Plague take the pigheadedness of women to drag me to this type of reception.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Where are Dolly and Anna?

    Stiva
    Not quite ready yet, naturally.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    We could go to them, Kitty and I.

    Stiva
    Not at all—not at all. They are aware you're here. I saw you get out of your carriage and mentioned it to Anna.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia (to Prince Shcherbatsky)
    But, my dear, you look very angry.

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    In fact, I am. You have neither pride nor dignity.

    Stiva (to Kitty)
    Fire burning.

    Kitty
    What?

    Stiva
    Things are not right between your father and mother. There's an ill wind blowing in both households.

    Kitty
    Oh, Stiva.

    Stiva (low to Kitty)
    Come on. Let's leave them alone. Come with me. It's better if they fight before the guests arrive. (aloud) We are going to see if everything is ready.

    (Stiva and Kitty leave.)

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    Fine! Neither pride, nor dignity. You lose your daughter with this base and ridiculous way of finding her a husband.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    But, in heaven's name, Prince! What have I done?

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    What have you done? First you have attracted a suitor of whom all Moscow is speaking. And what is worse, a type of parade-ground officer, this Vronsky that I don't like by half.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Count Alexei Vronsky is a man absolutely worthy of esteem.

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    His mother wielded a broom during my day at Court.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Her son cannot be responsible. He's an accomplished officer who has a brilliant future, thanks to his own merit and his relatives at Court. He's a superb catch for our daughter.

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    Agreed!

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Besides, the children love each other.

    Prince Shcherbatsky (clapping)
    Oh, I was waiting for the great argument! That our Kitty has the image of him in her head and heart, I don't question at all. But, who can promise me that he reciprocates?

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    You will be reassured soon. Count Vronsky is already morally engaged to Kitty and ought to declare himself this very day.

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    Praise to God! But I would have preferred Levin. Now there's an honest man.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Without doubt, an honest man. But, also a type of gentleman-farmer who dresses like a Russian and smells like a peasant. Can you see this peasant as the husband of our exquisite, our worldly Kitty?

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    I would prefer a peasant for a son-in-law than another Stiva. Good— everything's fair. I'll shut up.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Dolly is very happy.

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    She isn't hard to please.

    (This discussion is interrupted by the entry of Anna.)

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Good day, Anna Arkadyevna.

    Anna
    Good day, Princess. Good day, Prince.

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    Madame.

    Anna
    Kitty is here, too?

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Certainly, with Stiva and the children.

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    Have you good news of the Court, Madame Karenina?

    Anna
    Excellent, thanks.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    And your dear little Seriozha?

    Anna
    He writes me every day.

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    At twelve years old! It's remarkable.

    Anna
    He's very intelligent and he loves me. How have I been able to stay so long without embracing him? My little dear. Now, soon, I can get ready.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Your stay in Moscow draws to a close?

    Anna
    Eh, yes! Just think, I've been here more than fifteen days already. I've never been separated from my little Seriozha that long.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Is Dolly ready?

    Anna
    Almost. She only asked me to hurry her husband. (smiling) She wanted him to have the satisfaction of being the first to see her new toilette.

    (Anna begins to move toward the door to the grand salon.)

    Princess Shcherbatskaia (to Prince Shcherbatsky)
    Well—you see—your ridiculous pessimism! They are more amorous than in their first days.

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    Hum! So much the better!

    Anna (in the distance)
    Do you permit me to call Stiva?

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    But, yes! And Kitty, and the children. I want to embrace all of them.

    Anna
    Stiva! Stiva! Kitty! Children! They love you, oh, yes, they love you. They're pillaging the buffet. Well, when mamma finds out.

    (Enter Kitty, Stiva and the children.)

    Grisha
    It's Papa and Kitty. We started—

    Stiva
    Oh, the little liar, fie!

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    Come, my little angels. Come hug grandfather and grandmamma.

    Grisha
    Yes. You, grandfather, but grandmother pinches.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    What do you mean I pinch?

    Grisha
    Yes, your chin pinches.

    Anna
    Grisha!

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    Ah! Ah! Ah! The little bugger—he's right.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    That's an absurd joke. Besides, these children ought to be in their room with their governess.

    Anna (low to Stiva)
    Go, Stiva! Go to Dolly! She's expecting you. And try to obtain her pardon.

    Stiva (low)
    You have been able to obtain that! Ah, Anna, you are—you are a great man.

    Anna (low)
    And you—a great fool! Come now, go quickly. (aloud) You are excused. I've already explained to the Princess that your wife wants to show you her new toilette first.

    Stiva
    Then, I am going quickly. (low to Anna) Thanks, the reception will be cordial, intimate. There's such a joy in living after wiping out an argument.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Stiva, are you taking the children to Mlle Roland?

    Stiva
    Huh? Yes— No— Oh! No, impossible! Well, for goodness sake—you have unusual ideas.

    (Stiva leaves.)

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Why so unusual?

    Anna
    Because Mlle Roland is no longer here, as of today. She was briskly recalled to France—because of the sudden illness of a close relative.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Oh, that's a bizarre thing. And who's going to take care of the children now?

    Anna
    Dolly and I—until a new regimen is established.

    Kitty
    And I! Oh, yes, mamma. I love them so much.

    Grisha
    Me, too. I love you.

    Anna
    What pretensions, Kitty.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Fine, you take care of them, that's agreed—until you've found a new governess. For the moment, they must be sent to their chamber with their nurse.

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    Or with me! It would amuse me more than to listen to the chatter of you silly women and all your greenhorns over the tea cups.

    Grisha
    Yes, yes! Grandpapa, come with us. We will play at hunting.

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    That's a good idea.

    Grisha
    Hunting a bear.

    Tania
    You will be the bear!

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    Naturally!

    Anna
    What a love, this little Tania.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Get going, all four of you. The biggest child, it's always you, Prince.

    Prince Shcherbatsky
    Eh! Eh! You're so youthful in character and tastes. It's necessary to put me in tune.

    Anna
    I am taking Kitty for our last preparations, if it doesn't bore her to stay alone with her old friend.

    Princess Shcherbatskaia
    Nothing will be more agreeable to her, Anna! If you knew how fond she is of you. Well, come little ones. Go on ahead.

    (Prince Shcherbatsky, Princess Shcherbatskaia, Grisha, Tanya and
    Vasya leave, center back.)

    Anna
    Is it true, Kitty, that you love me to this extremity?

    Kitty
    It is true. And I admire you, too, because you are what I want to become—a real woman.

    Anna
    You have real taste, Kitty. You are beautiful.

    Kitty
    Less beautiful than you!

    Anna
    No, no. It's not necessary to make me blush from an excess of compliments.

    Kitty
    That's not a compliment!

    Anna
    Ah, young girls—what a happy outlook they have on life—when they have their heart pleased. How everything appears seductive to the eyes of one in love!

    Kitty
    Oh—that makes me blush.

    Anna
    Come on, don't dissimulate. I am up to date. Stiva has told me. I met Vronsky several times in society; he pleases me a lot. I know he has a very beautiful nature, loyal and chivalrous. I'd be enchanted if it came about.

    Kitty
    Me, I admit to you that I saw nothing for a long while—and I know that today will be decisive. Mama has told me that he will make a declaration—without a doubt.

    Anna
    That's why you are happier than ever. You have the beauty of joy to come.

    Kitty
    And you, the beauty of joy that is.

    Anna
    Ah, I give such an impression?

    Kitty
    Without a doubt! Are you unaware of it?

    Anna
    No, no.

    (Matvei opens both wings of the door to the grand salon. One can see
    Stiva and Dolly talking amicably. One can hear the voice of Stiva.)

    Stiva
    Then your father absolutely insisted on playing the bear with Tania and your mother took Grisha's joke very badly.

    Dolly
    What did he say to her then?

    Stiva
    That she pricked him on the chin when she embraced him. Ah! Ah!

    Dolly
    How crazy you are, Stiva, to repeat that.

    Stiva
    Crazy? No, I find this appreciation so judicious.

    (Stiva and Dolly come into the main acting area.)

    Stiva (low to Anna)
    All is saved!

    Anna (low to Stiva)
    Except for honor!

    Stiva
    The reception will be pleasant and cordial. That was the essential point.

    Dolly (going to Kitty and embracing her effusively)
    Hello, my little sister.

    Kitty
    Hello, my dear Dolly. How beautiful you are! And how your eyes shine.

    Dolly
    How do you like my gown, Kitty? Oh, but yours is delicious. There's simply no question of resisting such a pretty temptress.

    Matvei (announcing in the grand salon)
    The Princess Miaghkaia.

    Princess Miaghkaia (entering, a little pretentious)
    What a pleasure. I am so happy to be the first to arrive. (to Kitty with a confidential tone) You are exquisite. I believe that I met him in society, my dear. I am sure he's absolutely mad about you.

    Stiva (approaching)
    Saints abroad! Princess, you have the most admirably sensitive eyes that I know.

    Princess Miaghkaia (to Dolly)
    You have a perfect husband—and so gallant.

    Anna
    Yes! Stiva is one of the perpetual gallants.

    Dolly
    Perhaps it would be more correct to go to the grand salon to await the arrival of our guests?

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Ah, my God. We are very numerous. I am such a great savage.

    Stiva
    It is true, with such pensive eyes.

    Anna (irritated)
    Stiva, do you know exactly who is coming today?

    Stiva
    Yes, yes. Well, naturally Vronsky, Lieutenant Makhotin—

    Matvei (announcing)
    The Countess Nordstone.

    Countess Nordstone (entering)
    Long live the army!

    Stiva
    Here's a triumphal arrival.

    Dolly
    Stiva, we numbered the invitations today.

    Countess Nordstone
    And he forgot me?

    Stiva
    How can one forget you, once one has seen you?

    Countess Nordstone
    Thank you. With me, they don't succeed.

    Stiva
    What?

    Countess Nordstone
    The insipid ones.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    That's right. You won't put up with them.

    Countess Nordstone
    Hello, delicious Kitty. What a fresh outfit. A real rose bud.

    Matvei (announcing)
    The Lieutenants Yavshine and Makhotin.

    Countess Nordstone
    He hasn't come yet. Are you coming, pretty Kitty?

    (In the grand salon, a group is forming for a reception. The Princess
    Shcherbatskaia, Dolly, Anna, Stiva, Countess Nordstone, the Lieutenants, the new arrivals all leave Kitty with Princess Miaghkaia who brings Kitty toward the rest.)

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Shall we stay here a bit? I have to speak with my little Kitty about something dear to her.

    (At that instant, Stiva reenters, laughing)

    Stiva
    Am I stupid! Am I stupid. I left him, completely forgotten, in the smoking room.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Who, Stiva?

    Stiva
    Eh, my friend Levin. Constantin Levin, who has been there all alone for an hour.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Constantin Levin! My intimate enemy! The lover of my pretty Kitty!

    Stiva
    Himself, Princess. And I am going to put him between your claws in delivering him.

    Kitty
    God, how unhappy I am going to be.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Why, my dear?

    Kitty
    He prowled around me with such supplications. And then, today— exactly—he treated me in such a way as seemed to me particularly guilty.

    Princess Miaghkaia (suddenly very coquettish)
    Oh. Stiva?

    Stiva
    Princess?

    Princess Miaghkaia
    How is she behaving now?

    Kitty
    Languorously and maddening.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Hum! Kitty, don't listen! (to Stiva) Suppose you decided to do a little thing to earn some gratitude in her eyes?

    Stiva
    Tell me what I must do. I will do anything—a miracle!

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Good! Go back to the grand salon.

    Stiva
    Huh? But, Levin. I am going before—

    Princess Miaghkaia
    No, no, go back to the grand salon and continue to forget Levin. He's ruining our plans today.

    Stiva
    But, why?

    Matvei (announcing)
    The Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky.

    Kitty (radiant)
    Ah!

    Princess Miaghkaia (pointing to Kitty)
    Wait! Hear my response.

    Stiva
    The devil! Levin is my friend and—

    Princess Miaghkaia
    And here—the reward as promised, with a tip.

    (Princess Miaghkaia gives Stiva her hand to kiss.)

    Stiva (sadly, looking at the smoking room door)
    Let's get going! Just now, Constantin Levin, I sold you out.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    For more than thirty pieces of silver.

    Stiva
    For a smile. (laughing) At least there's a good wine cellar there, a divan and some excellent cigars. Should I go find my friend Vronsky?

    Princess Miaghkaia
    They call that going over to the enemy, bag and baggage.

    Stiva
    I don't do anything by half.

    (Stiva leaves.)

    Kitty
    How good Stiva is.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Yes, my Kitty, you find him good because he serves your projects, but he serves them to your detriment with his perfect dignity. Still, I don't wish to moralize—we profit too much from his attitudes— You aren't listening to me.

    Kitty
    Am I really very well dressed?

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Adorably.

    (Enter Stiva with Vronsky.)

    Stiva
    I bring you a handsome officer. Vronsky, you know the Princess—and you know Kitty. To the devil with ceremony. Here, we are in the corner of no ceremony.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Aren't they going to find our isolation extraordinary?

    Stiva
    Absolutely in order. We are here with the tacit agreement of everyone. We two chaperons, and these two—these two to look in each others' eyes. Come here, Princess.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Yes, but take care! You've already had from me a glove, a kiss on my hand. I'm not disposed to give you anything else.

    (Little by little the other guests arrive in the grand salon which has
    the joyous animation of an elegant and frivolous reception. The isolation of the office is almost absolute because of this.)

    Vronsky (to Kitty)
    Do you know that I have almost persuaded the Princess to take you to Tsarkoe Selo for the races in the next two weeks?

    Kitty
    Oh! How happy I am! I will see your pretty Frou-frou whom you abandoned at St. Petersburg with such regret! That little skirt holds a great place in your thoughts, Alexei Kirillovich.

    Vronsky
    No—not in my thoughts, rather in my favorite occupations. My thoughts are occupied by more noble images—more beautiful.

    Kitty
    Ah! Without a doubt, your ambitions as a soldier.

    Vronsky
    Why not try to speak a little less of my thoughts than of my heart?

    Kitty
    Because a young girl is very ignorant of these things. Hush! And when are you returning to St. Petersburg?

    Vronsky
    In three or four days.

    Kitty
    At the same time as Anna Arkadyevna! And, you will return?

    Vronsky
    But it depends on a single person—if my return will be very soon.

    Stiva (to Princess Miaghkaia)
    I believe we are completely unnoticed.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    That's the moment to reappear in the eyes of the world.

    Stiva
    But, on the contrary! Ah, wait, Countess Nordstone is at the piano. What is that scatterbrain going to play for us? Some little French ditties?

    (Prelude in the corridor.)

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Yes, by Beethoven, “Sonata du claire de lune.” She plays it much differently—with great feeling. She is a little hysterical.

    Vronsky (to Kitty)
    You haven't answered my question.

    Kitty
    Because my reply would be—so serious that—I prefer—not to give one at all and then, I thought that a young girl—

    (Anna comes in unexpectedly.)

    Anna
    Pardon me for interrupting your conversations. I am very impressed by that music.

    Stiva
    I thought you were better balanced, Anna?

    Anna
    Nice. For you then, equilibrium resides in passivity and indifference?

    Vronsky
    Stiva has disconcerting opinions.

    Anna
    Isn't that true, sir?

    Vronsky
    One can be perfectly normal and sane, yet vibrate strangely to the depths of one's being before a perfect work of art or a prodigious spectacle of nature, or a play, or in hearing Beethoven—as at present! I don't believe I'm a degenerate, my dear Stiva, and my profession ought to make me control my emotions. Yet, it often happens to me that I am the slave of my impressions.

    Stiva
    Comic officer!

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Shut up, then, you materialist.

    Anna
    Then, truly, I am not very troublesome? I admit that I was a little tired out by the manners of your friend Lieutenant Makhotin.

    Stiva
    Oh—him. He's a true soldier, eyes at ten paces, speaks at a gallop, and argues with a bayonet.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    What a Cossack!

    Stiva
    Do you say so! Just what you need, Cossacks. Don't mistake!

    Princess Miaghkaia
    You talk to me like one of your friends, the French singer at the Alhambra. You are much too—Russian!

    Stiva
    That's it—deny your country now!

    Anna (to Kitty and Vronsky)
    Yes, I understand that very wall. Everyone, in his life, has a mysterious corner—a sort of forewarning that— It won't bore you if I tell you I was struck by something when I first came to Moscow two weeks ago? I left St. Petersburg, quite sad about leaving my son, my little Seriozha—a mother exaggerates so many things. And also, I left my husband with the conviction that here, in Moscow, something would happen that would upset me profoundly. I had the great joy of traveling with your mother, the Countess Vronsky—who is an adorable woman. We spoke of our children—of you and my little Seriozha, right into the night. It goes without saying that you each have the quality of your age. I went to sleep a little reassured and I had a strange vision in my sleep. I was alone, in the night, in a white robe—near a railway line. It was very cold. I don't know why I felt, in my heart, an inexpressible anguish. Then, on the railway line, I saw a sort of old Mouzhik with a thick beard, with dead eyes—who, carrying a large sack on his back, stopped from time to time to dig into his sack, and while looking, he spoke hastily, in French, rolling his r's: “It's necessary to beat the sword, to pound it, to mould it,” he said—and he was so hideous, so repugnant to look at. A train whistled in the distance. I saw it coming towards us, the growling locomotive. The little old man paid no attention and continued on his way with singular carelessness. The train came closer and seemed larger. I saw the big eyes of the machine rush towards us. Then, fifty, thirty, ten, the Mouzhik wouldn't swerve. I awoke screaming. Had the little Mouzhik been hit and flattened? I was only able to get to sleep just as we got to Moscow. Then I found you, Stiva, with Count Vronsky who came to meet his mother.

    Stiva
    Which ought to reassure you! Two men of our stamp put bad dreams to flight.

    Anna
    Yes, I was reassured. But, the explanation of my dream came even before we left the station.

    Vronsky
    Truly. One of the railway workers fell on the tracks right before our eyes. The train crushed the head of the poor wretch.

    Stiva
    Resembling the little Mouzhik of your dreams.

    Anna
    No! He was young, very young!

    Stiva
    Then, the little Mouzhik still lives. Long live the little Mouzhik.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Is it possible to find a spirit less respectable than that of your brother, Anna Arkadyevna? One cannot, with him, raise a subject of art or psychology without exposing it to sarcasm.

    Anna
    I am not the guardian of my brother, dear Princess.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    What a shame for the world. Your influence would be so profitable to him.

    Stiva (to Princess Miaghkaia)
    You, you must have a weakness for my humble self. You attack me too often not to be falling in love with me.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Stupid! Insupportable and ugly.

    Vronsky (to Anna)
    I will return soon to St. Petersburg, Madame. Dare I put myself at your service for this long trip? You came to Moscow with my mother. If the company of the baby you were discussing is not too boring, I would be happy to—

    Anna
    Thanks. No, thanks Alexei Kirillovich. The day for my departure isn't yet settled. It would be an indiscretion.

    Kitty
    And, if I insisted, my good friend. Let him be your cavalier servante. (low) You could look into so many things on which my happiness depends. You could speak of me.

    Anna
    I am not yet old enough, little Kitty, not to be compromised.

    Kitty
    Oh—your behavior is so perfect.

    Vronsky
    I could protect you, perhaps, from the little Mouzhik—if Mademoiselle Shcherbatskaia desires it.

    Anna
    I will see, I will see. If my little Kitty were to be jealous—

    Kitty (low to Anna)
    No. Listen to me, I am so happy. I wouldn't spoil the trip with remorse.

    Anna
    What have you to reproach yourself for, little girl?

    Kitty
    You know Constantin Dmitrievich Levin?

    Anna
    Yes. Didn't he come today?

    Kitty
    He did. He seemed—a little in love with me.

    Anna
    I know. But, it is too late, isn't it? The prize is taken.

    Kitty
    And—just now—I did something bad.

    Anna
    As bad as that?

    Kitty
    Stiva made him wait in his little smoking room.

    Anna
    I know. That's when I came.

    Kitty
    And, on my advice, at my request, Stiva forgot to go get him.

    Anna
    What are you telling me?

    Kitty
    So I could be alone with Vronsky—with my fiancé.

    Anna
    Why, you're very villainous.

    Kitty
    I know, but I don't love him.

    Anna
    And, is he still there? Stiva, is it possible that you've made a fool of your friend Constantin Dmitrievich Levin?

    Stiva
    Huh? A farce! A joke.

    Anna
    Cruel. You have no heart.

    Stiva
    I did it without malice. To please the Princess.

    Anna
    Oh, it's an idea of hers. Never mind. We must make amends immediately. Now, Kitty, and you, Stiva, go away. I will take it on myself to make the excuse. I will say you left and I forgot.

    Stiva (to Princess Miaghkaia)
    The moment of punishment has come and the victim runs away.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Leave, if you wish. I have the interests of my dear Kitty to protect. You are the only one—and you alone have betrayed—

    Stiva
    Oh, very nice. I should have expected that.

    (Levin enters.)

    Anna
    How many excuses we owe you, Constantin Dmitrievich Levin. My brother is so inept. I just realized your absence. You know everybody here.

    Vronsky
    I haven't the honor.

    Anna
    Then permit me to introduce you to each other. Monsieur Constantin Dmitrievich Levin. The Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky.

    Vronsky
    Enchanted, Monsieur.

    Levin
    Very happy, sir.

    Princess Miaghkaia (low to Levin)
    Engaged officially—Kitty from today, I tell you this, so you will be au courant.

    Levin
    I understand why they forgot me in the little smoking room.

    (In the grand salon, there is applause for Countess Nordstone, who has
    finished playing.)

    Kitty (to Anna)
    You will permit Alexei Vronsky to protect you against the old Mouzhik?

    Anna
    Yes.

    Kitty
    How happy I am. Thank you, my good friend. I know that you will be a sort of beneficent genus.

    Vronsky
    A charmer! Anna Arkadyevna ought to have a slightly Bohemian soul.

    (Stiva enters unexpectedly with Yavshine, Makhotin and the Countess
    Nordstone.)

    Stiva
    Hoopla! The young folks—a great news. Will you permit them to waltz? Everything alright here?

    Levin
    I don't have the heart to dance, Stiva.

    Stiva
    Why, Constantin Dmitrievich Levin? Oh, the devil. To the contrary! Distract yourself. Distract yourself! Pardon! Makhotin! Makhotin!

    Makhotin
    Huh?

    Stiva
    Have a dance. Invite your Princess?

    Princess Miaghkaia
    You are mad! If someone heard you!

    Makhotin
    Bah! Everybody is au courant.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    How do they know?

    Makhotin
    I told them!

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Brute!

    Makhotin
    I was.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Go away. They're looking at us, go away.

    (Prelude to a waltz in the corridor.)

    Makhotin
    Come on, come on, my little Columbine. Not so many moods!

    Levin (to Kitty)
    Would you give me this last waltz? The waltz of parting?

    Kitty
    Well, I don't know. (looking at Vronsky and Anna, who are speaking low and smiling) They're talking about me. (aloud) Yes.

    (Kitty takes Levin's arm and the waltz begins.)

    Stiva (to Makhotin and Princess Miaghkaia)
    Really, Makhotin, you are irritating. The prettiest woman in the world.

    Princess Miaghkaia (furious)
    Will you dance with me, Stiva?

    Stiva
    Gladly.

    (Stiva and Princess Miaghkaia go off, laughing before the discontented
    Makhotin. Matvei passes by with a tray of drinks. Makhotin takes a drink and philosophizes.)

    Makhotin
    To forgetfulness.

    Vronsky (to Anna)
    Allow me not to waste this exquisite minute with a banal invitation to waltz. Let's talk, shall we?

    (The waltz continues as the curtain falls. Vronsky and Anna,
    absolutely isolated, are talking.

    CURTAIN


    ACT II


    Scene I

    The Tsarkoe Selo race track. At the rise of the curtain, the exclamations of the gamblers and spectators rises gradually, then stops abruptly as the winner crosses the finish line. Some voices are now joyous, others are confused.

    First Spectator
    Suvarov! Suvarov!

    Second Spectator
    Lisbeth! Lisbeth!

    First Spectator
    Suvarov!

    Third Spectator
    Swell!

    First Spectator
    Suvarov!

    Third Spectator
    Swell! Swell!

    First Spectator
    Suvarov!

    Third Spectator
    Swell! Swell!

    All
    Swell! Swell! Swell! Swell! Swell! Bravo!

    Third Spectator
    Hurrah.

    Stiva
    Vive Swell.

    First Spectator
    And I had a hundred rubles on Suvarov.

    Third Spectator
    Yes, fifteen to one.

    Second Spectator
    Tom Sterne shows.

    First Spectator
    In the enclosure. Some comfort for not placing first.

    Stiva
    Yes, in placing. But dangerous on the obstacle if the horse receives nothing.

    First Spectator
    Go then and collect, you lucky dog.

    Second Spectator
    I earned five hundred rubles, by my estimate, since it was only ten to one.

    Third Spectator
    Cord told me right.

    Stiva
    Yes, from enthusiasm to anguish; there are our masters in the party.

    Princess Somatoff (to Prince Somatoff)
    I told you so, imbecile!

    Prince Somatoff
    What? What did you tell me?

    Princess Somatoff
    That Swell would win.

    Prince Somatoff
    You told me that? When did you tell me that?

    Princess Somatoff
    I certainly did. But you never listen to me?

    Prince Somatoff
    I never listen to you, that's right. But when I win, don't reproach me!

    Countess Nordstone (to Vronsky, who is absorbed with Anna)
    Do you know who won the race, my dear Count?

    Vronsky (starting, as if from a dream)
    Countess? The race? But Suvarov, I think. The favorite.

    Kitty
    Why no, Alexei Vronsky.

    Dolly
    Suvarov was second. The winner was Swell.

    Anna
    Swell? Princess Tverskot's horse?

    Vronsky
    What about that?

    Countess Nordstone
    If you were a little less absorbed in your discussion, you would have understood without effort the clamors of Swell's supporters. But then! Anna will make you lose sight of everything, as her charm isolates you from the exterior world. Kitty, in your place, I would be jealous! These two act like they are engaged.

    Dolly
    Ah, Countess, what a singular joke.

    (A group at the right, Princess Betsy Tverskaia, Yavshine, Makhotin.)

    Makhotin (rising)
    Yavshine. We won! Are you coming?

    Yavshine
    I'm coming. Besides, we are late.

    Makhotin
    Bah. We're ready! Princess, look at your at your beautiful cousin, Anna Arkadyevna.

    Princess Betsy
    Well?

    Makhotin
    She's preventing my friend Vronsky from sensing his duty. He's forgetting he is riding with us in the steeplechase.

    Princess Betsy
    He's forgetting worse than that.

    Makhotin
    What else?

    Princess Betsy
    Oh, oh. All St. Petersburg is talking about it. Every day he's squirreled away with the Karenins. But, not for the husband, nor for his fiancée Kitty Shcherbatskaia.

    Makhotin
    Come on!

    Princess Betsy
    Yes, yes! Our virtuous Anna Arkadyevna!

    Yavshine
    Then, poor Karenin.

    Makhotin
    Because he's a minister, he's no less a man. Ah! Ah! Ah! But, tell us, Princess, you don't spare your relative.

    Princess Betsy
    We have fallen out. They are enemies.

    Makhotin
    In every respect, my friend Vronsky is an imbecile. Are you coming, Yavshine?

    Yavshine
    Yes. I'm upset. I'm going to see my horse. Excuse me.

    (Yavshine leaves by the right.)

    Princess Betsy
    Why do you think that Vronsky is a fool?

    Makhotin
    Because this is going too far. I'm sure there's still nothing between Anna Arkadyevna and him. I am his close friend. I know him!

    Princess Betsy
    The world doesn't have your confidence.

    Makhotin
    Come on. We live together. He wouldn't be able to hide it from me. To hang around with for three weeks. But, to seduce a woman—I've tried it— it takes two days siege.

    Princess Betsy
    Not for every woman.

    Makhotin (laughing)
    You're right. In general, it takes a lot of time.

    Vronsky (rising, smiling)
    And, I almost forgot I was in the last race.

    Anna
    Your trainer Monsieur Cord has come three times to hurry you. You are going to be late.

    Vronsky
    Bah. I still have twenty good minutes and I prefer not to tire myself before the race.

    (Monsieur Cord, the trainer, has approached.)

    Vronsky
    Well? How is Frou-frou?

    Cord
    All right, sir! But a little restless. Monsieur M—M—

    Vronsky
    Makhotin.

    Cord
    Makhotin. Yes, sir. He's going to walk Gladiator for a half hour. If you ride Gladiator, you might do better.

    Vronsky
    Oh, thanks! But Frou-frou is nervous. It's more fun to win with a capricious beast than with a tame horse. It's more of a duel.

    Anna
    A peaceful duel

    Kitty
    You won't be in any danger, will you?

    Stiva
    There's always some danger in a steeplechase. But not for a horseman like Count Alexis Vronsky.

    Countess Nordstone
    Let's go and take our seats again.

    Stiva and Kitty (turning back together)
    Not yet!

    (Exit Stiva. Anna is the first to regain her sangfroid.)

    Countess Nordstone (to Vronsky, ironically)
    You don't need to win—a double upset will recompense you.

    Vronsky
    There's an enigma I'll try to solve during the race—if you will excuse me.

    Countess Nordstone (to Kitty)
    Are you satisfied with your stay in St. Petersburg, pretty Kitty?

    Kitty
    Yes, Countess. But, I am a little dull. At first, because I had never been separated from my family before. Certainly Dolly and Stiva were full of care for me and also my great friend, Anna Arkadyevna, but for a young girl, I prefer our Muscovite existence which is more family oriented, less worldly, less shallow.

    Dolly
    It's true. Existence here is very vain, very pretentious.

    Countess Nordstone
    I am desolated that you hold this impression of our society.

    Anna
    But I am sure that my dear Kitty will try with all her heart to improve us when she ties the knot. Soon, right?

    Kitty
    Oh, nothing is yet definitely fixed. That is to say, the exact date. Isn't that true Count Alexei Kirillovich?

    Vronsky
    You know very well that on this subject we must follow the wise advice of our parents and the approval of the Emperor.

    Kitty
    I am afraid. I am a little worried, Alexei, about the influence of your old habits on your resolution which was so joyously taken.

    Vronsky
    Kitty! Is it possible? It seems to me you are questioning my word as an officer and a gentleman.

    Kitty
    Is it a question of honor which dictates your present arts, Alexei Kirillovich? I don't accept that.

    Vronsky
    You know quite well my feelings are the same, always deep.

    Kitty
    Of course! Of course! Don't say any more and don't listen to them, Alexei Kirillovich.

    Countess Nordstone (to Anna)
    Look at that. Vronsky and his fiancée are as angry as if they were already married.

    (Stiva enters from the right and goes to Vronsky.)

    Stiva
    Hey! Vronsky!

    Dolly
    Stiva, don't play any more; you're spending money without counting. I have many things to buy for the children, and our trip to St. Petersburg has already cost us too much money.

    Stiva
    Don't worry, you know very well these sacrifices are necessary. Kitty has got to be married well. I will leave you a moment with Anna, if you permit.

    Dolly
    Of course! I will be with my Kitty, too.

    Stiva
    Vronsky, you aren't ready? Ladies! Soon you will bet on me during the next race. Vronsky!

    (Vronsky goes toward the right. Constantin Levin, center back with his
    brother, has watched Vronsky leaving. At the moment Stiva seeks to rejoin Vronsky, Levin interposes.)

    Levin
    Bonjour, Stefan Arkadyevich.

    Stiva
    The devil take me! Constantin Levin! You, at Tsarkoe Selo, at the races. You must intend to become a man of the world—like your brother Sergei Ivanovich. Good day, subtle psychologist. Your last book was marvelous.

    Koznishev
    You have read it, Stefan Arkadyevich?

    Stiva
    No, of course not! But my sister Anna has spoken to me of it. I haven't the time to read it, I am too much absorbed in my work. Come with me, come—I am very happy to see you.

    Levin
    Where are you intending to take us?

    Stiva
    I'm running the race with my friend Vronsky! A charming fellow—the fiancé of—oh, I beg your pardon.

    Levin
    That's all right! That's all right! As you know, Stiva, I should never have indulged in such a dream. I know, I am only a peasant, and he is a brilliant military man who runs obstacle races. I was unable to prevent myself from coming—to see her, perhaps, and to see him, too. It's been too much for me, Stiva.

    Stiva (bored)
    That's annoying. But, you see, everything is falling into place. But really, I know what I'm saying. There had been something—my good fortune had received something very compromising when you came to see me the last time. You know—I had just given Mademoiselle Roland a kiss. Well, by a sort of miracle, and thanks to my sister Anna, everything is reestablished. Dolly is happier than ever, you can quite see.

    Levin
    Perhaps the quality of our suffering is not the same.

    Stiva
    Come on! Look a little in that direction. I sacrifice Vronsky to you. You see how I love you with all my heart. I must show you a little singer from the Crystal Palace which is near the pavilion. I will tell you about her. You didn't wish to greet the princess? She is with my sister, some witty friends and our samovar.

    Levin
    Your samovar?

    Stiva
    Yes, that's what we call Countess Lidia Ivanovna. She's always percolating over the most futile subjects. Ah, Ah, come here. No, wait a minute.

    (Enter Alexei Karenin.)

    Stiva (to Karenin)
    Hey! Hey! Karenin! Alexei Alexandrovich, my bear of a brother-in-law. Anna Arkadyevna is here too.

    Karenin
    Stefan Arkadyevich!

    Koznishev (to his brother)
    Stiva is, in effect, a very busy man.

    Levin
    He isn't bad, but—

    Stiva (to Karenin)
    In fact, brother-in-law, while I hold you for a minute, is it true that there was a meeting of workers in the port of Kronstadt? Pure imagination on the part of the journalists, right? What are they saying in the Imperial Palace?

    Karenin
    Pardon me, Stefan Arkadyevich—don't raise a question of State in such a place. Suppose some police agent heard my words and reported them, quite twisted, to a prefect who transmitted them to the Emperor. I am a serious man, Stefan Arkadyevich.

    Stiva
    Naturally, I am also.

    Karenin
    That's why, I tell you plainly not to speak with me in a place like this of anything but frivolities—which for you won't be very difficult.

    Vronsky (passing by)
    I present my respects to you Count Karenin.

    Karenin
    I salute you, Captain.

    Vronsky
    Excuse me for leaving you a little hastily. But I am riding in the next race.

    Karenin
    Go, go, sir. Those are the pleasures of your age group.

    (Vronsky leaves. A group of ladies pass Karenin.)

    Karenin
    Ladies, I greet you.

    Countess Lidia
    Bonjour, Alexei Alexandrovich.

    Karenin (to Anna)
    You see my tenderness for you is as deep as in those first days, Anna. I left very serious business to spend the end of the day with you.

    Anna
    I'd appreciate your tenderness better, Alexei, if you didn't always take such care to point out to me each of its manifestations.

    Karen
    You're a bit ironical. At these moments you have the facial expression of that fool Stiva.

    Anna
    My brother is not a fool.

    Karenin
    He is worse!

    Anna
    Did you see Seriozha before you left?

    Karenin
    Yes, he was studying his history lesson with Vassilii Lukich. Also, he told me to kiss you, which I cannot do here, and I regret it.

    Anna
    That's how you atone for your official tenderness all the time. (to Countess Nordstone and Kitty, who are passing by) Where are you and Kitty off to?

    Countess Nordstone
    To the betting stalls. We are going to bet on Count Alexei Vronsky, you may be sure.

    Kitty
    You come too, Anna Arkadyevna.

    Anna
    No. I prefer staying in my place. I dislike crowds.

    Dolly
    Me, too. I certainly would not have come if mother hadn't confided Kitty to my care.

    Countess Lidia (to Karenin, who is getting ready to leave)
    Listen, Alexei Alexandrovich, for the hundredth time, listen to the advice of an old woman. Anna, who I esteem to be a very honest woman, is on dangerous ground. She's finding real pleasure in the conversation of Captain Vronsky, Kitty's fiancé. It is becoming much too serious. Use all your resources to hasten Kitty's marriage, or indeed—

    Karenin
    Pardon me, my dear friend. You know the extent to which I listen to your sage advice—and in all things, certainly—but here is neither the time nor the place to discuss such a delicate subject.

    Countess Lidia
    One must subordinate one's acts to the circumstances. I haven't chosen my moment.

    Karenin
    Well, I—my dear friend, I always pick my moments. (laughing) Permit me now to offer you my arm to go to the buffet, if you don't regard me with rancor.

    Countess Lidia
    How could I?

    Karenin
    You are a woman!

    Countess Lidia
    Exactly. Are you leaving Anna alone?

    Karenin
    Yes. She expressed the desire to come and watch my brother-in-law who's making calf's eyes at the young girl in the cloak room. Ah, one can say that he wastes no time.

    (Karenin and Countess Lidia leave towards the buffet.)

    Princess Miaghkaia (who talks to Anna after a moment)
    You aren't going to bet, Anna Arkadyevna?

    Anna
    No. I never bet.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    You are wrong. You miss some very savory sensations.

    Anna
    I'm just a bourgeoise.

    (A clock strikes slowly.)

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Oh! Oh! Excuse me. I have just enough time.

    Dolly
    I will come with you to the pari-mutuel. I want to watch my husband. You permit me, Anna?

    (Dolly and Princess Miaghkaia leave. The Prince and Princess Somatoff
    enter. Vronsky enters, unexpectedly, from the left, dressed for the race; he is pale and nervous.)

    Princess Somatoff
    You should play Fenette this time.

    Prince Somatoff
    No, Gladiator.

    Princess Somatoff
    Fenette.

    Prince Somatoff
    Gladiator.

    Princess Somatoff
    You just lost one hundred rubles because you wouldn't listen to me. Why won't you bet on Fenette?

    Prince Somatoff
    Because Major Dimitri is a charming man who gave me this advice at the sea shore.

    Princess Somatoff
    That doesn't prove Gladiator will win.

    Prince Somatoff
    Yes! Yes!

    Princess Somatoff
    No, no, and no. So there!

    Anna (spotting Vronsky)
    What, is it you?

    Vronsky
    Yes.

    Anna
    And the race? And Frou-frou?

    Vronsky
    I am the last at the weigh-in and they've not started weighing in yet. I have ten minutes ahead of me.

    Anna
    And you come here, instead of preparing to win?

    Vronsky
    Yes.

    Anna
    You seem very nervous!

    Vronsky
    In effect, I'm very—anguished. Listen, Anna Arkadyevna, I have resolved, rapidly, just now, to put an end to a dangerous situation.

    Anna
    Dangerous?

    Vronsky
    Yes, for three people at least.

    Anna
    I don't understand you, my friend.

    Vronsky
    Because you don't wish to understand me.

    (Anna is anguished. Time passes.)

    Anna
    Well—I am listening.

    Vronsky (passing his hand over his face)
    Yes, soon, after all is forgotten, near you, in the charm of your conversation, and of your presence.

    Anna
    Vronsky!

    Vronsky
    A small woman's hand is resting on my arm. Ah, this hand here, it is a call of duty, exacting as my conscience. I am the keeper of the good of this little hand, and suddenly I understood that I cannot keep my word vis-a-vis the young Princess Shcherbatskaia—because of this little hand resting on my arm.

    (Anna rises brusquely. Then sits again.)

    Anna
    Oh, she will die of it.

    Vronsky
    No, she won't die. She will be ashamed, a great shame for a young girl. One doesn't die of puppy love.

    Anna
    Then, you don't love Kitty? You played with her young, confiding heart? It's vile! It's cowardly.

    Vronsky
    I am not master of my fate. At Moscow, in the familial atmosphere, in the monotony of a provincial existence, I sincerely believed I loved her, right up until the day—

    Anna (trying to joke)
    Up until the day when, coming to St. Petersburg, your comrades, your horses, and your girl friends reclaimed you. Blind, poor blind man who cast aside a real joy for a joy to come, who had only to extend his hand to open his soul to the joy of love.

    Vronsky (very grave)
    No, Anna, you deceive yourself. I extended my hand towards the only joy, the only love of my life. (he extends his arms towards her and she recoils) And if it is taken from me, with a mysterious face and lowered eyes whose thoughts I cannot read, as you separate yourself from me without looking at me—

    Anna
    Shut up! Shut up!

    Vronsky
    Anna!

    Anna
    Go away. It's a cowardly thing to have spoken where the fear of a public scandal prevents me from protecting myself properly and my honor is at the mercy of a raised voice or glance.

    Princess Miaghkaia (returning)
    Oh, pardon me if I interfere with you. I am looking for Stiva.

    Anna
    He must be with the tribunes.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Thank you. Excuse me, I am in love with betting.

    (Princess Miaghkaia passes on, laughing with Princess Betsy.)

    Anna (to Vronsky)
    Go away. Irreparable words have not yet been spoken.

    Vronsky
    Anna! Here they are! I love you. Do you understand? I love you.

    Anna (triumphant and tragic at the same time)
    Ah, go! Go! Leave me! I hate you!

    Vronsky
    You cannot hate me. I have not done anything to deserve your hate.

    Anna
    Just go!

    Vronsky
    You must know that on your trip from Moscow to St. Petersburg—that night—in the car carrying us—I sensed—in every fiber that my heart was giving itself to you. It didn't fail to witness itself in even the most banal cordiality, it showed itself to me and all the possibilities of happiness. Anna, in five minutes a clock will strike. And perhaps I won't see you again. Steeplechases are dangerous for those who want them to be dangerous.

    Anna
    You threaten? I am not afraid!

    Vronsky
    I threaten only my own life. I know very well it won't move you.

    Anna
    Mere words!

    Vronsky
    Yes, before the last act. But, I want to tell you what you have guessed. I love you, I love you, I love you. Nothing else matters—not even my life. If you had been able to love me, we could remake our lives—far from here.

    Anna
    No. You belong to Kitty. I—I belong to my husband and son—and I don't love you. It's that—the sole, unique reason. I pardon you in the name of what was our confident friendship, for the outrage of your words, of your love. I pardon you for offering to Anna Karenina what your comrades offer to the sad women who accept it—a guilty love, a shabby liaison—this horrible thing they call adultery.

    Vronsky
    I offer you my whole life! Get divorced, Anna, I love you.

    Anna
    Shut up, shut up! You have destroyed in this minute all the purity of our reciprocal affection.

    Vronsky
    Anna, Anna, don't do something violent to yourself. Are you listening to your heart or to your reason?

    Anna
    My heart, Alexei Kirillovich. I don't love you.

    Vronsky
    Anna!

    Anna
    I don't love you!

    Vronsky (recoiling)
    Ah, well, then! Goodbye, Anna Arkadyevna.

    (A clock sounds slowly.)

    Vronsky
    Goodbye, forever.

    Anna
    Where are you going?

    Vronsky
    To race. To race. Goodbye!

    Anna
    Alexei, listen!

    Vronsky
    Well?

    Anna
    Think of Kitty—who loves you.

    Vronsky
    Adieu!

    (Vronsky leaves by the right. Anna, immobile as a statue, watches him
    go.)

    Anna
    And yet, I, too, I love you. I love you! I love you!

    (Alexei Karenin and Countess Nordstone arrive. Anna sits down very
    quietly and smiles at them. The clock sounds at a greater distance. The other characters return.)

    Countess Lidia
    You appear very upset, Anna.

    Anna
    As a matter of fact, it's the hot air which troubles me a bit. I will watch the race from the tribune. It's better sheltered.

    Countess Lidia (to Karenin)
    I swear to you, Alexei Alexandrovich, that Vronsky has been with her.

    Karenin
    Come, come, since Vronsky is running in this race, he couldn't be here at the same time. Do you know, you will end, dear friend, by earning the sobriquet your friends give you of “the Samovar”?

    Countess Lidia
    From you, it cannot anger me.

    (Little by little, groups return, with some preference for the tribune
    at the right where each takes his measures to follow the race.)

    Princess Miaghkaia
    I've got Frou-frou for fifty rubles. And you, too, my Kitty? Naturally.

    Kitty
    Yes, but for much less money.

    Dolly
    It's true. You are right in every instance.

    Anna (to Karenin)
    Are you staying with us, near the tribune, Alexei. It's very easy to see the race from here.

    Karenin
    I didn't come to see the race.

    Stiva (laughing)
    Just like me, who didn't come to see the ladies!

    Karenin
    No, to speak the truth, Oblonsky, I didn't come for that reason either.

    Anna
    You are crazy, Stiva. Dolly's only two steps away.

    Stiva
    Bah! She has such confidence in me.

    Karenin (ironically to Anna)
    You were right before. Stiva is not a fool.

    Princess Somatoff (standing on a chair, looking at the track)
    Well! What did I tell you? Look, my Fenette! What a pretty filly.

    Prince Somatoff
    Yes, you're looking at the rider.

    Princess Somatoff
    And your Gladiator! You are going to see—a nanny goat.

    Prince Somatoff
    Evidently Lieutenant Makhotin pleases you less.

    Princess Somatoff
    Yes. He's a guard of the Empress.

    (Constantin Levin and his brother Sergei Koznishev appear.)

    Koznishev
    What pleasure can you find in this sort of feast, Constantin? There's plenty of lost ground where one can—the horses don't work—an entire society which smells of perfume and not a Mouzhik in sight.

    Levin
    To be sure, Sergei, I am not here for my pleasure, but to extract irrevocably a dream from my heart.

    Koznishev
    Ah, you're indeed amorous, poor Constantin, although you speak like a poet.

    Levin
    It's true. I speak and you write.

    Stiva (to Princess Miaghkaia)
    When I am by myself, separated from you by ten meters, I find myself disoriented.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Then go to the cloak room where there is a very pretty person who said to me: “Pouah to back door lovers.” You are no better than your friend Makhotin.

    Stiva
    Ah, slander! I will go find your cloak so as to slide a letter in the pocket. Don't make me say any more.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Liar. My cloak! A letter for me. A letter with ten rubles, yes, for the cloak room lady.

    Stiva
    You are exquisite. One can hide nothing from you. I am going to sit near you just the same.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    If you wish. You are what they call in France a coquette.

    Stiva
    Detestable joke.

    Prince Somatoff
    Oh, look! The horses are breaking into a gallop!

    Princess Betsy
    Oh, Gladiator, the pretty beast.

    Countess Lidia (to Anna, who is to her left on the stand)
    How nervous Captain Vronsky seems. Don't you think so, Anna?

    Anna
    I hadn't noticed, Lidia Ivanovna.

    General (to Karenina, whom he has taken by the arm)
    Grotesque! Useless! Dangerous to risk his skin on the green turf. It's energy stolen from the Emperor.

    Karenin
    For officers' races danger is an indispensable element. The sport has a profound feeling. It is irritating that we only see the superficial side of it.

    General
    Very pretty, all that, my dear Minister, but then—why don't you race?

    Karenin
    My race is of a more difficult type.

    General
    Bravo! Very deep! Well, as for me, I am in a bad humor with the races because I am too fat. That's the truth. I am a frank person.

    Prince Somatoff (counting the horses)
    Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen and seventeen. Exactly seventeen officers in the race. This will be a very beautiful steeplechase.

    Stiva
    There will be some surprises.

    Countess Nordstone
    Oh, the horse of Lieutenant Yavshine seems like a grasshopper.

    Stiva (laughing)
    That will serve her well in the jumps.

    Karenin (to General)
    The Emperor takes a lively interest in the sport. Soon he's going to be here.

    General
    So that's why there's such a crowd! But we know quite well

    First Spectator
    Come, come over here. We can see better.

    A Lady
    Are they already on line for the start?

    Second Spectator
    Good! A captain thrown from his saddle.

    Stiva
    It's an Infantry Captain! That will teach him.

    Koznishev (to Levin and Alexei Karenin)
    My Minister, I am happy to present my respects to you.

    General
    Excuse me, gentlemen, but it's my custom to be at the buffet during these spectacles.

    Karenin
    Go, go, General, and get thinner.

    General
    I am going to continue my diet.

    (In the distance, fanfares, trumpets, followed by the clamor of the
    crowd.)

    Some voices (distant)
    The Emperor! The Emperor! The Emperor has come! Hurrah!

    Levin (to Karenin)
    Why aren't you in the imperial box? You, a Minister.

    Karenin
    These are the Grand Dukes.

    (More fanfares.)

    Levin
    Here the arrival of the Emperor makes less of an impression than down there, listen.

    Karenin (smiling)
    They see him in the distance.

    Koznishev
    You are very skeptical in all things!

    Karenin
    No, but the crowd is poor and amuses itself at the races. The Emperor becomes part of that spectacle and the crowd acclaims him. Here interest is the main thing. It's the clan of gamblers. The Emperor irritates them the most. He delays the departure of the horses in the race. And then, our loyalty doesn't applaud him—it suffers him.

    Koznishev
    How much of your observation is original?

    Stiva
    It's the devil to line up seventeen horses.

    Koznishev
    The starter is very inept.

    Gambler
    By God, he is Russian. What's needed is an Englishman. Come on, come on. Let them go. He could easily give the signal.

    A Lady
    Watch Gladiator.

    Second Gambler
    Star wants to start too soon, inept brute, imbecile. It's the Lieutenant of Hussars who's making his horse nervous. Ah, no. Let's go! Let's go!

    Karenin (smiling)
    That's one of the essential duties of the riding class—lining up horses.

    Levin
    Go on. I might, perhaps, make a good romantic novelist.

    Koznishev
    Rather an excellent psychologist. Your field of observation is so vast and your faculties so penetrating.

    Stiva
    There they go!

    (Lengthy murmurs from the crowd which takes a passionate interest in
    the spectacle. The clock of departure rings slowly. The last bettors return from the betting booths to watch the race.)

    Stiva (watching the first jump)
    Attention! The jump! Hoopla!

    Kitty
    Brava, Frou-frou.

    Gamblers
    It's poorly done. He lost his stirrup. Hands down. Hurrah! Bravo! Bravo, Makhotin! There's a wall in the earth. He's made a mistake! Ah!

    Crowd
    Oh, oh!

    (In the tribunes, a woman screams.)

    First Gambler
    A rider has fallen.

    Second Gambler
    It's Major Kouslow.

    Karenin
    It's Countess Nordstone who screamed. We know why, don't we, gentlemen?

    Koznishev
    If we followed the race with our glasses.

    Karenin
    We could follow it better here, turning our backs.

    Koznishev
    In turning our backs?

    Karenin
    Absolutely.

    Koznishev
    How's that?

    Gambler
    Frou-frou's in the lead!

    Princess Somatoff
    The last! Your horse is the last!

    Kitty
    Yes, yes, Frou-frou!

    Gamblers
    Bravo, Vronsky! What madness. He's going to kill his horse! Use the whip, Makhotin, use the whip.

    Karenin
    Absolutely! On the faces of the spectators, and wait, it's an attempt at observation which I give you gratis for your next novel. There are seventeen officers in the race, all celebrated, all brilliant riders, the most choice, and not one who has not a flirt or a mistress in this elegant gathering. You get my method?

    Koznishev
    It must be very up to date.

    Karenin
    I am from taste and profession—

    Gamblers
    Frou-frou's losing ground. Gladiator gained five lengths. Ten lengths.

    Stiva
    Star's back in the running. Use the bridle, Dimitri, use the bridle.

    Levin (to his brother)
    See how Kitty Shcherbatskaia trembles for her Vronsky.

    Koznishev
    Anna also appears troubled. I will end by believing what they say.

    Levin
    What are they saying?

    Koznishev
    The husband! Hush!

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Bravo, Makhotin.

    Karenin
    You see, indeed, gentlemen. My method was foolproof. Besides, look how the Princess Miaghkaia is radiant. She is very much the friend, I believe, of Lieutenant Makhotin.

    Stiva (laughing)
    It's Gladiator who's in the lead.

    Gamblers
    Frou-frou is finished! The whip, Vronsky, the whip! Fenette is last. Harrah, Makhotin.

    Karenin
    And Lieutenant Makhotin rides Gladiator. You see!

    Koznishev
    Bravo! This is marvelous.

    Levin
    I find the game a little immoral.

    Karenin
    Bah! Our so called immorality of observation depends on their real immorality. There's Princess Somatoff, who appears a little nervous to me.

    Voice (in the distance)
    Fall! At the stream!

    Karenin
    Major Dimitri of the Guard on Fenette.

    Gamblers
    Frou-frou's coming on strong! They near the little woods! Dimitri! Thief! Clumsy! He did it on purpose. Yes, yes, he's fallen on purpose. Fenette is without a rider.

    Stiva
    She's going to annoy Frou-frou.

    Gamblers
    It's abominable. There are three riders out of the race, injured. Dangerous, perhaps. What barbarism! Delicious barbarism which you enjoy like a cruel cat lapping stolen milk.

    Countess Nordstone
    Me, I am enjoying it! I am.

    Dolly (to Kitty)
    Be calm, dear. He's an excellent horseman! Have confidence!

    Karenin
    Eh, well, Sergei Ivanovich. Isn't it as good as living a good novel?

    Koznishev
    Talk of drama! For even here's my brother Constantin, who is suffering a thousand deaths to see young Princess Shcherbatskaia suffering for her fiancé who's in the race.

    Karenin
    It is true! The purest love has the same expressions as the other kind.

    Stiva
    Gladiator! Gladiator!

    Gamblers
    No, Frou-frou! Runs beautiful. He's lost his stirrups! It's a mad fury! It's a duel to the death! She's passing, she's passing. She's ahead. Brava! Frou-frou!

    Stiva
    Brava!

    Gamble
    Bravo, Vronsky!

    Stiva
    She's won!

    Gamblers
    Watch out for the stream. Look out, Vronsky! Frou-frou! Frou-frou!

    Kitty and Anna (crying out at the same time)
    Oh! Oh!

    Karenin
    Eh! What's this mean?

    (Great tumult in the tribunes and corridors. Kitty faints. Anna cries
    without constraint while the majority of the public follows the race with growing anguish.)

    Karenin
    His horse has fallen on him!

    Stiva
    Vronsky has fallen.

    Anna
    Stiva, Stiva! Tell me he is not injured!

    Karenin
    In heaven's name, Anna, shut up!

    Anna (without hearing him)
    Stiva! Stiva! Please, tell me he is not injured!

    Countess Lidia (to Karenin)
    What an abominable scandal this will cause. Get her out of here.

    Karenin
    Anna, Anna. I order you to follow me.

    Anna (recognizing her husband)
    God! Now I am lost!

    (They crowd around Kitty who has fainted. Karenin pulls Anna, who
    wants to run off and is listening to the words of Princess Betsy. Karenin holds her.)

    Karenin
    No public scandal! Come.

    (Anna follows him, weeping loudly. The tumult of the gamblers
    continues until the curtain at the end of the scene.)

    Gamblers (with an intensity that keeps mounting until the end of the
    scene) Yavshine has fallen. Vronsky doesn't get up. Gladiator is in the lead. Frou-frou is hit. Two riders on the ground again. Gladiator! Gladiator! Gladiator! Bravo! Bravo! More than seven horses in the race. Ha, ha, Gladiator. Gladiator, Gladiator!

    Stiva
    Hurrah! I win a thousand rubles.

    Countess Nordstone
    But, Vronsky! Vronsky!

    Gamblers
    Gladiator! Gladiator! Gladiator! Gladiator! Gladiator! Gladiator!

    CURTAIN


    Scene II

    Alexei Karenin's office. At the rise of the curtain, Seriozha slides furtively into the room and hides under his father's desk.

    Seriozha
    Hee, hee.

    Vassilii's voice
    Seriozha Alexeivitch. Monsieur Seriozha.

    Seriozha
    Hee, hee.

    Vassilii (entering)
    What? In spite of His Excellency forbidding you, you dare to come and amuse yourself in his office. Where are you, villainous little devil? Come on, answer your tutor.

    Seriozha
    Hee, hee.

    Vassilii
    Ah, there you are! Well, suppose now that the Minister and Anna Arkadyevna return from the races and find you here. Who will be reprimanded? Me, without a doubt.

    Seriozha
    Bah! It's only five o'clock. The races aren't finished yet.

    Vassilii
    Monsieur Seriozha.

    Seriozha
    And we risk nothing, playing all over the house.

    Vassilii
    You think so? We, at least, risk feeling guilty.

    Seriozha
    What's guilt?

    Vassilii
    We risk even more. Alas, as I predicted—

    (Alexei Karenin arrives unexpectedly, followed by Anna.)

    Karenin
    What's this mean, Vassilii Lukich? You and Seriozha in my cabinet?

    Vassilii
    Excellency, you see me desolated.

    Karenin
    Tell me the real reason, without embellishment.

    Vassilii
    Well, His Excellency, Seriozha Alexeivitch, after his lesson, wanted to play hide and seek and he just got here.

    Karenin
    Did you remind him that his entry here was forbidden?

    Vassilii
    But—

    Karenin
    Answer!

    Seriozha
    Yes, Papa, Vassilii did remind me.

    Karenin
    And you disobeyed him?

    Seriozha
    Yes, Papa. It's not his fault we are here.

    Karenin
    You admit that you alone are guilty?

    Seriozha
    Yes, Papa.

    Karenin
    You will then be the only one punished.

    Anna
    Oh, Alexei! He has so graciously admitted his fault.

    Karenin
    Good manners after a mistake do not excuse it. The guilty must be punished.

    Seriozha
    It's nothing, Mama, don't cry.

    Anna
    My dear.

    Karenin
    Would you kindly accompany Seriozha to his room, Vassilii Lukich? He will dine alone this evening.

    Vassilii
    As you wish, Excellency.

    Anna
    My little Seriozha.

    Seriozha
    Mama?

    Anna
    Hug me!

    Seriozha
    Oh! Yes, Mama.

    (Vassilii Lukich and Seriozha leave. Anna continues to cry silently.
    Karenin walks up and down, nervously, then brusquely.)

    Karenin
    I beg you to cease crying instantly. From this moment, no useless tears; remember to what extent tears exasperate and indispose me.

    Anna
    That doesn't matter at all. I know, in spite of all, I will receive no indulgence from you.

    Karenin
    Before speaking of indulgence, let's concern ourselves with justice. I don't know everything. I am listening to you.

    Anna
    What do you want to know? It isn't a question of confessing; I have nothing to confess.

    Karenin
    You made me ridiculous just now.

    Anna
    I believe in having feelings besides those some ridicule.

    Karenin
    Don't jest! You manifested an anguish at Captain Vronsky's fall that only a spouse or mistress could dare to show. Do you deny it?

    Anna
    I will not deny the evidence.

    Karenin
    You admit you are the mistress of Captain Vronsky?

    Anna
    I did not say that. I haven't said anything which isn't true.

    Karenin
    You are frank. I am ready to believe your word if you will swear to me.

    Anna
    I swear it.

    Karenin
    It is then absolutely infuriating that you have created that impression before the world today.

    Anna
    That is, then—the most serious aspect—

    Karenin
    Would you expect me to ask reparation from Captain Vronsky for an injury he didn't commit?

    Anna
    I think I ought to be asked?

    Karenin
    That's fair. Pardon me. (a pause) I've always felt so strong morally and my spirit of justice such that I never dreamed I could be placed in such a cruel situation. I suffer greatly.

    Anna
    Alexei—

    Karenin
    I suffer—from your fault. It is just that you suffer in your turn. I have nothing to reproach myself with.

    Anna
    You want everything to be resolved by the logic of your reasoning?

    Karenin
    I owe it to myself.

    Anna
    You have no heart, Alexei Alexandrovich!

    Karenin
    I have a conscience, Anna! It is that which has dictated and always will dictate my line of conduct. Does Vronsky love you?

    Anna
    Yes.

    Karenin
    He told you so?

    Anna
    Yes.

    Karenin
    And you—love him?

    Anna
    I only realized I loved him today.

    Karenin
    Ah! Excuse me, one doesn't learn such news without emotion, when one has long had the impression of serenity in happiness.

    Anna
    Alexei—

    (A pause.)

    Karenin
    Have you thought about what you could do at present?

    Anna
    Yes, Alexei. It would be loyal—honest to separate without scandal. We no longer ought to be husband and wife.

    Karenin (violently)
    Divorce! Ah, ah—never that!

    Anna
    Why not?

    Karenin
    Because, once free, you will marry the man you love! Because you will be happy and he will be happy. Happy at my expense. Ah, never that—a thousand times no. You are my wife by law. You will remain my wife.

    (A knock at the door.)

    Karenin
    What is it?

    Voice
    A despatch for you, sir.

    Karenin (going to the door and opening it slightly)
    Give it to me. Thanks. (closing door, to Anna) You will allow me— (reading) Ah! (throwing the despatch on his desk and pausing) Pardon me, the violence of my words—first because violence is never helpful in a discussion and then because I envisage something henceforth impossible. I have just received news of Count Alexei Vronsky.

    Anna
    What?

    Karenin
    Well— (gesturing)

    Anna
    He is dead. Oh, oh! (she swoons into Karenin's arms) It's I. I am responsible for his death.

    Karenin
    Anna!

    Anna
    Yes, I killed him. I killed him. He died from despair.

    Karenin
    How can that be?

    Anna
    Earlier today, before mounting his horse, he came to me to tell me of his love. Never before had he spoken of it to me, I swear it. And I—I replied that I did not love him. I told him to marry Kitty. And then he left—like a fool—and now he's killed himself. He killed himself because he thought I didn't love him.

    Karenin
    Calm yourself, Anna. Calm yourself. I know you are a loyal creature.

    Anna
    Yes, Alexei. I struggled with all my strength. Forgive him, he is dead. You cannot remain angry with the dead. I understand the courage I will need.

    Karenin
    You will console yourself, Anna, in the foyer, near your son, our little Seriozha; you are not without fault, but you are not guilty. You will leave tonight for the country with little Seriozha. There, in isolation, you will regain peace in your heart, and when you do you will also regain your husband, who knows how to love you. You agree to this?

    Anna
    Yes. Yes.

    Karenin
    You promise to do just as I have decided?

    Anna
    Yes, yes.

    Karenin
    You will leave this evening with your son.

    Anna
    Yes.

    Karenin
    Without seeing anyone, without speaking to anyone about what has happened.

    (Anna is crying on her husband's shoulder. She casts a glance at the
    fatal despatch. Suddenly her expression changes. She pushes Karenin and seizes the paper.)

    Anna
    You lied to me! He is alive.

    Karenin
    Anna—

    Anna
    Captain Vronsky only fainted. I pardon you your abominable lie for the joy this gives me.

    Karenin
    Unfortunate woman!

    Anna
    Happy woman. Because I love him and he loves me. Thanks to you, my lord and master. You have torn my scruples from me. Ah, you cleverly planned your frightful trick to discover if I had been his mistress— or if I had been true to you. Oh, a clever diplomatic noose—and a complete profanation.

    Karenin
    Have you so clearly understood?

    Anna
    And you, you have never understood me. You, who for many years lived near me, carrying on with your mistress, expecting me to follow your example, your advice. There's your wife and your mistress—and your method, your superiority. Your cold look is not going to rekindle in my eyes any love for you! Now comes love, great, immense, the sole love of my life; I struggled as an honest woman against my own forces. I brought to despair the man that I love and who loved me to the point of committing suicide—and you let me think him dead so as to know the depth of my feeling and to impose on me a course of action that would make you feel comfortable! In truth, Alexei Alexandrovich, I knew you were diplomatic, but not until such a lie—

    Karenin
    And—what do you propose to do now?

    Anna
    To separate from you.

    Karenin
    I already told you why I won't divorce. My reasons are greater than before. I don't intend for you to marry your accomplice.

    Anna
    You insult me; he is not my lover.

    Karenin
    As long as I live, he will never be your husband.

    Anna
    Then we will be loyally free from one another since the law is in the service of your unswerving will.

    Karenin
    It's not only man's law in my camp; there's also the moral law.

    Anna
    Moral law is against lying! You lied to me just now!

    Karenin
    Who are you to blame me? In an organized society, the most elevated ought to be an example. We must remain examples! My duty today, despite the fact I've learned, a sad fact, is to point out to you the ruin which will follow from a mad act on your part. My career, our situation, will collapse under this ridicule. Never! I don't deserve it! I won't accept it!

    Anna
    You are right, my freedom will be a catastrophe.

    Karenin
    Understand me! It is impossible for you not to return, from conscience, to your duty, to society and to me. Are you listening to me, Anna?

    Anna
    Yes, yes. I am listening.

    Karenin
    We cannot divorce, you understand? I say so. I don't wish it. I repeat—we cannot.

    Anna
    In fact. Such a scandal.

    Karenin
    It isn't. I am happy at this return to reason, Anna. You return to yourself. Thank you, and I now regret having provoked such storms just now, which are all so hateful to me after your admission—and for which I remain solely responsible.

    Anna
    I know you prefer gentleness and I give you credit for such gentleness.

    Karenin
    All that there is, is justice—a justice due—without reserve to your fidelity. Well, I ask you to finish with a single blow this sad subject and to decide, from today, what is to be done. Captain Vronsky doesn't know that you love him. It is preferable that he never know it. The incident earlier at the races may pass unperceived. Will you promise me never to see him again?

    Anna (fiercely)
    No!

    Karenin
    Anna!

    Anna (sitting down)
    How to promise you such a thing! We are exposed to each other every day. The scandal would be as visible to the world if you don't receive him without having a valid reason than if I ran away with him.

    Karenin
    Anna!

    Anna
    Then, I ask you, in my turn, to what point are we going, since we are to remain husband and wife? What is the solution you offer me?

    Karenin
    Wait.

    Anna
    Wait! So I can become his mistress! That might be tomorrow, tonight, immediately. What must be done, must be done now. Decide quickly, Alexei.

    Karenin
    The circumstances inspire me. I cannot make decisions in the face of a fait accompli.

    Anna
    I love him! Is that a fait accompli?

    Karenin
    If I let you commit this irreparable madness today, it will be shame and disgust for yourself and your love, and everyone's scorn, while you will find your existence on the margin of society.

    Anna
    But, what do you offer me in exchange? A facade of virtue and a heart full of lies to be your wife and to be your enemy? Stay for the world and the Court, Anna Karenina, a good wife and good mother, and here at home, adultery, hypocrisy, odious to you—and especially to myself. Your spirit of justice admits this rather than a separation. I cannot debase myself to that degree, Alexei. I will not be your accomplice!

    Karenin
    You cannot leave, Anna. You don't belong to this man.

    Anna
    He loves me—and I love him. You are not going to stop our destinies.

    Karenin
    I will employ with you the ways that must be used against a harlot or such women. I will care for you as they care for mad women, with a straightjacket, if necessary. And I will break your pride and your love, because I will it.

    Anna
    I am not afraid!

    Karenin
    As for him—I swear to you—he will disappear.

    Anna
    You are going to kill him?

    Karenin
    Anna!

    Anna
    Oh, properly, within the law, without a doubt, by sending him to some distant butchery for God and the Emperor. You are a Minister, he is a soldier, he will obey. Unless you provoke him right away and kill him yourself. Fight—tomorrow! Kill him. Do it openly. But, not with false despatches, nor with political pretexts. But, perhaps you are afraid!

    (Karenin passes his hand in front of his face very coldly. He opens
    the door at the right.)

    Karenin (pointing)
    Got to your man! You are free!

    (Anna is stupefied by this development. Obeying her husband's glance,
    she leaves. The door remains open. After she disappears, Karenin, with an indefinable smile goes to the door.)

    Karenin (calling)
    Vassilii, Vassilii!

    (Karenin goes to the window and watches.)

    Vassilii (entering)
    Excellency.

    Karenin
    My son, bring him right away.

    Vassilii
    Yes, Excellency. (exits)

    Karenin (alone at window)
    No carriage about. That's good.

    (Hearing the noise of a door closing, Karenin struggles and opens the
    window. Seriozha enters from the door.)

    Seriozha
    Papa!

    Karenin
    Come here. To the balcony. What do you see on the street in front of our door?

    Seriozha
    A woman. It's Mama!

    Karenin
    Call to her.

    Seriozha
    Mama! She's turning. Mama!

    (Seriozha sends Anna some kisses.)

    Karenin
    Call again.

    Seriozha
    Mama!

    (Noise of a door closing. Karenin closes the window and taking
    Seriozha by the hand, leads him to the door at the right.)

    Karenin
    Sit still.

    Seriozha (very gay)
    Mama!

    Anna (off)
    Seriozha!

    (Karenin releases Seriozha who stays happily at center stage. Karenin
    steps to the door. Anna reenters like a mad woman, arms extended towards her son.)

    Anna
    My treasure!

    (Anna is totally lost. She holds Seriozha in her arms. She sobs
    uncontrollably.)

    Anna
    My dear, my son! My Seriozha. My love.

    (Karenin closes the door and goes over to Anna and Seriozha.)

    Karenin
    You see clearly, Anna, that you cannot leave.

    CURTAIN


    ACT III


    Venice. Main hall of an old Renaissance Palazzo. Anna is seated in front of a sort of loggia at the back. She is in profile. Vronsky is painting her portrait. Golenishchev is stretched on a divan. The noise of the oars of a gondola is heard passing and the gondolier is singing.

    Gondolier
    Ho, hi! Ho! La! La! La! La! Ho! Hi ho!

    (The voice and the sound of the oars slowly die away.)

    Golenishchev
    It's pretty, isn't it?

    Vronsky
    What?

    Golenishchev (embracing the entire decor in a gesture)
    All this! Venice, the misty water of the canals, the gondoliers who sing the old romantic songs of love and Romeo and Juliet.

    Vronsky (irritated)
    Golenishchev!

    Golenishchev
    Have you got some cigarettes?

    Vronsky
    Yes. There, on the chimney, in the big box.

    Golenishchev (opening the box)
    Care for one?

    Vronsky
    Yes, thanks.

    Golenishchev
    Would you like to smoke, Madame?

    Anna (smiling)
    Merci, no. I am not a true Russian. I've never cared to smoke.

    Golenishchev
    Then, truly, it's decided? You are leaving for Naples in eight days?

    Anna
    Irrevocably. Right, Aloysha?

    Vronsky
    Yes, yes. We've had enough of canals and sleeping under the Adriatic sun and the Tower of Saint Mark. Two months of humidity! Brr! We are heading south.

    Golenishchev
    That sounds quite gay. What will I do, left all to myself?

    Vronsky
    Whatever you were doing before we arrived. After two or three years in exile, you must be accustomed to solitude. There's something to do every day, you have a pliant enough character. Tomorrow, who knows? You may meet a Muscovite family.

    Golenishchev
    I don't believe it, Vronsky. Few of our compatriots are willing to pass company with a democrat expelled from Russia for being subversive.

    Anna
    Here! Here in Venice!

    Golenishchev
    Precisely. Civic courage is not a very widespread virtue.

    Anna (laughing)
    Then we are heroes, Vronsky.

    Golenishchev
    Oh, you two! It's not the same thing. You are not married. You are irregulars.

    Anna (rising, very pale)
    Pardon me, Aloysha. I'm a little tired. I need to rest.

    Vronsky
    And the portrait? Are you going?

    Anna
    A little later, a little later. Excuse me.

    (Anna leaves by way of the loggia.)

    Golenishchev
    She's rather fantastic, your comrade, but one can overlook little things. She's a model fit for a king.

    Vronsky
    Enough! I am angry to be obliged to tell you, but you are lacking in tact with regard to her. I love her. She is my wife before God and she is to everyone Countess Vronsky, and I demand that you consider her as such, you from whom we have hidden nothing.

    Golenishchev
    That's fine. Don't be angry.

    Vronsky
    I am not angry. I merely explain to you. I had to resign to leave with her. I love her above all things. We left Russia because it was impossible for us to live there like husband and wife. The world kept us apart because of the cruelty of Karenin, who although aware of our love, would never agree to a divorce.

    Golenishchev
    Right, right, my dear comrade. You are happy, that's the essential thing. You know me. I am a philosopher. One doesn't need to furnish me with explanations. You've known me since college. I have always been so.

    Vladimir (entering)
    My Captain?

    Vronsky
    What is it?

    Vladimir
    The agent is here with someone who wishes to look at the palazzo to rent.

    Anita (entering after Vladimir)
    Si, Signour! Il Signour Campanetti et une bellissima signora—

    Vronsky (aside, to Golenishchev)
    Ah, the devil! And no way to avoid them. (aloud) Anita, the Countess is in her room. Go tell her that someone is going to visit the palazzo and also tell her that I am going to leave with Golenishchev.

    Anita
    Bien, Excellenza.

    Vronsky
    And you, Vladimir, you can tell Campanetti that we are going to leave the place. Go, why are you waiting?

    Vladimir
    My Captain.

    Vronsky
    You have something to tell me?

    Vladimir
    I believe the lady who wishes to rend the palazzo is Russian.

    Vronsky
    Well, what is so astonishing about that? Does that please you?

    Vladimir
    Oh yes, my Captain.

    Vronsky
    Well, so much the better! March at present, my boy.

    (Vladimir leaves.)

    Golenishchev
    Another one who misses his country.

    Vronsky (going towards the gallery)
    Come this way, will you? We will avoid our compatriot by leaving this way.

    Golenishchev
    Speaking of compatriots, General Serpukhovskoy arrived in Venice yesterday. Do you know him?

    Vronsky
    Do I know him? We were cadets together. He's gone a long way. Are you coming?

    (Vronsky leaves, back right.)

    Golenishchev (shouting)
    I am going to bring your cigarettes. I have no more Russian tobacco.

    (No response. Golenishchev methodically fills his cigarette cases with
    cigarettes, lights one, goes to the door and disappears as Princess Miaghkaia comes in with Campanetti.)

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Was that gentleman the actual owner of the palazzo?

    Campanetti
    No, Excellenza. He's a parasite, a Russian nihilist. The actual owner is—

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Fine. I won't ask any more. What room is this that we are in?

    Campanetti
    This is the grand reception hall of the Palazzo del Signour Bragadinio, Senator of the Republic of Venice in the seventeenth century. The palazzo was built for him, but he died of natural causes, after having left all his fortune to the illustrious Chevalier Casanova de Seingalt, celebrated for his escape from the Piombi and a thousand other admirable and superior things.

    Princess Miaghkaia (irritated)
    What became of it then?

    Campanetti
    Then, the Signour Casanova de Seingalt sold one by one all the chief art works the Senator Bragadinio had here. He only kept the frescos in the ceiling—which are still here. Watch your head, Signora, because he couldn't take them away. Ha, ha, ho. Here is a masterpiece of Carpaccio, a very illustrious Venetian painter who pictures the Archangel Saint George knocking down a dangerous dragon.

    (Fatigued by this verbosity, Princess Miaghkaia is looking over the
    furniture. She has come to Vronsky's easel with Anna's portrait. She lets out a cry of astonishment.)

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Well, for goodness' sake!

    Campanetti
    No, no. This is a crudity of an amateur painter. The Carpaccio is over here.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    But, this portrait isn't finished. Who painted it?

    Campanetti
    Pooh! The tenant of the palazzo, a Count, very rich. It's the portrait of his wife. She's a Russian Excellenza.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    What's his name?

    Campanetti
    Count Vronsky. Former Captain in the Imperial Guard.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Ah, Vronsky, it's unheard of!

    Campanetti
    You know the Signour?

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Yes, I know him. He's an old friend.

    Campanetti
    He is here with his wife, a bellissima Excellenza.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    But, he's not married! Still! Yes, with his wife. I know, I know. Will you tell them I am here?

    Campanetti
    Ah!

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Tell them immediately.

    Campanetti (loud)
    Anita! Anita! (to Princess Miaghkaia) Don't tell him I'll let you have the palazzo for one thousand a month. He pays two thousand. (Anita enters) Tell the Comtessa immediately that a lady wishes to see her. (low) Tell her not to say she's paying five hundred a month, this lady will pay one thousand.

    (Anita leaves)

    Campanetti
    You understand. The season is over. I've been able to get this enormous price reduction from the—

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Fine. Fine. Will you leaven me and wait for me below?

    Campanetti
    And then, if they are not married, sure, because the owner of the palazzo is an apostolic proto-notary. I am not sorry to see them leave. You understand?

    Anita (returning)
    The Comtessa is coming now.

    Campanetti
    I'll go down with you, Anita.

    (Campanetti and Anita leave, talking with animation. A pause. Anna
    enters.)

    Anna
    Madame? Ah, Nadine Miaghkaia!

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Good day. You weren't expecting my visit today.

    Anna
    What a surprise! And what luck!

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Indeed, miraculous luck. I just arrived in Venice yesterday. I intend to stay some months. And now, in the first apartment to rent that I visit, I see the unfinished portrait of my friend, Anna Karenina.

    Anna (upset)
    Nadine, my dear, don't give me that name. Here, to all, I am the Countess Vronsky.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    I know, I know. Pardon me, Anna. I am excusable. I wasn't in Saint Petersburg when you left and I've been badly informed about you and Vronsky. I only knew, in general, of the break with Kitty.

    Anna
    Poor little Kitty.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    She has been very, very sick. But at present, she is cured and Constantin Levin, whom I don't like, appears to me ready to marry her.

    Anna
    May she be happy. My God, I don't wish her any harm.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    I know, Anna. Love is a terrible master. One can do nothing about it— and sometimes it grows among the ruins.

    Anna
    Your indulgence touches me, Nadine.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Not for a minute have I stopped pitying you and admiring you, Anna! I have always uncovered the truth in all the gossip. I was in the Crimea and Yalta when the news of your departure began to spread. I will let you imagine what became of such an event at a distance and in the milieu of a frivolous fashionable beach society—all the sympathies of the Saint Petersburg crowd were with your husband, this glacial man who has never understood you. What made undertaking your defense difficult was Kitty's illness, for which you cannot be held responsible, and the abandonment of your son, about which I did take your part. Your son was thirteen years old and no longer a baby demanding maternal care every minute. He was a little man, intelligent, healthy and completely educated.

    (From the moment that the Princess mentioned Seriozha, Anna was hardly
    able to contend with her emotion. She now speaks in a voice totally changed.)

    Anna
    Don't go on, Nadine. It's a question of conscience that concerns no one but me and which no one needs to plead.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    My intention was not to cause you pain. My intention was only to prove how well I understood you.

    Anna
    Thank you, thank you. (a pause) Vronsky will deeply regret having missed your visit.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    But we shall see each other again. You aren't going immediately?

    Anna
    No, in fact. Not immediately.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    I will have great pleasure in seeing him! And our dear Stiva—have you had news of him often? What a charming companion, isn't he?

    Anna
    Dolly writes me often. There are only a few people with whom I remain in correspondence.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    What! Nobody writes you news of Saint Petersburg?

    Anna
    Matrona, my old nurse writes me every month. “Your son is doing fine, Anna Arkadyevna.” And that suffices for me—almost.

    Arkadyevna (eagerly)
    Then, you don't know? You hear nothing from Alexei Karenin?

    Anna
    Nothing.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    The newspapers must have told you he is no longer Minister. But what they don't say is that our Samovar, Lidia Ivanovna, has taken a high hand in his house. Imagine a directress of conscience—and it has resulted in some strange doings in your home. Everything is preoccupied with God and the saints of religion. There is a kind of frenzy to everything between them; there's an amusing, pious pretext to hide the reality of this relationship. (silence) Apparently, this leaves you cold—and you are correct. When are you leaving this palazzo?

    Anna
    In five or six days, I think.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Good, then I will finish the visit tomorrow. It's getting late. I am so talkative. Will Vronsky still be glad to see me? We shall come, Alexander and I, at five p.m.

    Anna
    Nadine!

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Yes?

    Anna
    Who is Alexander?

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Oh, you are not au courant? Alexander Ivanovich, my friend, is a great composer whom I love. We are in Venice for a kind of honeymoon. I dare say that Alexander and Vronsky and you and me, we will make a perfect quartet.

    Anna
    Nadine.

    Princess Miaghkaia
    How stupid I've been. You're upset that I haven't told you everything. But everybody knows we split up, Makhotin and me. Oh my dear, he was impossible. You will see that Alexander is quite different—and what an artist! You will be crazy for hours after having seen him.

    Anna
    I don't think—

    Princess Miaghkaia
    You will see. You will see. Until tomorrow.

    Anna
    Tomorrow we are going to go out, and I'm not sure—

    Princess Miaghkaia
    After tomorrow then, whenever you wish.

    Anna
    I'd like it better and Vronsky also, without a doubt, not to meet—

    Princess Miaghkaia
    You don't wish to receive us?

    Anna
    You, Nadine, very willingly, but this gentleman—

    Princess Miaghkaia
    He's the man I love! And I don't understand your reticence at all. Especially on your part, in your situation. I love him the way you love Vronsky. We travel together the way you travel with Vronsky, but he is free and I am a widow. Vronsky was engaged and you were married, you have a strange idea of which of the two of us ought to be more proud! You don't wish to receive us? You, you frequent every day, here even, men who are worth nothing. Nihilists! Ah, ah, you don't wish to receive us!

    Anna
    It's just not possible.

    (Anna rings.)

    Princess Miaghkaia
    Then, adieu, Anna. I regret having defended you so well—and from today I will do as everyone else (Anita enters) and give all my sympathy to your husband, Count Alexei Karenin, and my tears for the son you have abandoned.

    Anna
    Escort this lady out, Anita.

    (Princess Miaghkaia leaves very quickly.)

    Anita
    Santa Madonna! An abandoned son?

    Anna
    I told you to escort this lady.

    (Anita leaves. Anna remains, quite pale, before the entrance to the
    loggia.)

    Anna
    She's right. Which of us ought to be more proud?

    (Vronsky approaches softly.)

    Vronsky
    Take me into your dream.

    Anna
    My dear!

    (Anna puts her hands on Vronsky's shoulders and looks longingly into
    his eyes.)

    Anna
    Do you love me?

    Vronsky
    With all my heart! All my thoughts are of you.

    Anna
    You must love me without reticence, without measure. When I feel myself carried away, as in a torrent of passion, then all the ugliness disappears and all the shame is forgotten.

    Vronsky
    What! This is because of Golenishchev's ineptness which upset you so much.

    Anna
    No, no. It's something else.

    Vronsky
    Something else?

    Anna
    Yes, someone came. A woman who represents to my eyes all that is light, frivolous and low—a woman who has had first one lover, then another, then still others at the taste of her caprice and immorality —and—she treated me like an equal—and she proved to me in the eyes of the world that I am worse than she is—less respectable even, since I abandoned my son and my husband for you, while she is a widow and free, and she has always been able to follow her caprices without injuring anyone!

    Vronsky
    Anna, who was it?

    Anna
    What does her name matter? She told me the truth! That's why I ask you, my love, my dear, to love me with all your strength—to the point where I cannot think of anything but our love. I ask you to leave here, to flee from everything which can recall our past so that we can be in a new country and be reborn.

    Vronsky
    We will leave tomorrow for Naples. Then we will go further still. True liberty is in our hearts and in our hearts it is we who know the truth—since we love each other.

    Anna (in Vronsky's arms)
    Ah! Yes, yes, yes. Speak to me of this. Reassure me, carry me off. I will close my eyes and I will still see you—and I will forget, I will forget. There's only one reality which—may be a dream.

    Vronsky
    I love you.

    The voices of some gondoliers (in the distance)
    Ho! Hi! Ho! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ho! Hi! Ho!

    Vladimir (entering)
    My Captain. My Captain.

    Vronsky
    It's you, Vladimir? What's wrong? Why are you so happy?

    Vladimir
    A visitor! My Captain! The General, His Excellency is here—I am going to bring him.

    Vronsky
    Who? What Excellency? Speak clearly.

    Vladimir
    The General Count Serpukhovskoy. He's here to see you.

    Vronsky
    Well, let him in, let him in.

    (Vladimir leaves.)

    Anna
    I will leave you, my dear.

    Vronsky
    I am so happy to see him.

    Anna
    Don't be quite so happy. I am jealous.

    Vronsky
    Jealous! Of a General!

    Anna
    Soon!

    (Anna goes out at the rear. Vronsky goes joyously towards the door and
    the right.)

    Vronsky (calling)
    Serpukhovskoy!

    Serpukhovskoy (entering, followed by Vladimir)
    Vronsky, my dear Vronsky!

    (Vronsky and Serpukhovskoy embrace with great emotion.)

    Vronsky
    General!

    Serpukhovskoy
    Quiet down! No General here! It's over three years since we were Captains together—it's twenty years since we were comrades in college. Ah! You are looking fine!

    Vronsky
    You, too!

    Serpukhovskoy
    Me? Exhausted, crushed, but solid enough. I have three months leave. I came to spend them in the sun. After two years in Siberia and military tumult—it's nothing to turn your back on.

    Vronsky
    You are the hero of the day. The papers are full of the noise of your exploits.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Oh, it's boring enough!

    Vronsky
    Come on! I know you're ambitious and you've proven you were right to be so. Glory is nothing to fear. Will you have something? Yes? Good. Vladimir. Some champagne, two glasses.

    Vladimir
    Yes, Captain.

    (Vladimir remains in contemplation before Serpukhovskoy.)

    Vronsky
    Well, stupid! Yes! He's not in uniform, but he's a General all the same. Go! Trot!

    (Vladimir tears himself away from the sight of Serpukhovskoy.)

    Serpukhovskoy
    You took him away?

    Vronsky
    I got two years leave for him. He is very devoted to me, but he misses the regiment.

    Serpukhovskoy
    You are nicely set up here.

    Vronsky
    Yes, it's picturesque.

    Serpukhovskoy
    And you have a romantic allure which almost makes one forget you were a soldier.

    Vronsky
    It's the influence of the country.

    (Vladimir reenters.)

    Vronsky
    Put that here on the table. Thank you.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Wait. I am going to uncork it. You know that I excel at this type of sport. We jumped enough in the private offices of Saint Petersburg when we were lieutenants together. Hoopla!

    Vronsky
    To your health, brother!

    Serpukhovskoy
    To your health, brother!

    Vronsky
    To Russia, as before.

    Serpukhovskoy
    To Russia.

    (Vronsky and Serpukhovskoy kiss on the mouth in the Russian way and
    drink.)

    Vronsky
    To your glory!

    Serpukhovskoy
    To your loves!

    Vladimir
    And to our father, the Emperor.

    Serpukhovskoy
    You are still here, straggler?

    Vronsky
    Why didn't you leave us?

    Vladimir
    I have something to ask of you, my Captain.

    Vronsky
    What? What is it?

    Vladimir
    I want to return to Russia with the General.

    Vronsky
    You are unhappy in my service?

    Vladimir
    Oh, no, Captain. But—I'd like to have my horse back. Here one cannot ride. Water is everywhere.

    Vronsky
    You want to desert? Savage!

    (Vronsky kicks out at Vladimir.)

    Vladimir (laughing)
    That's all right with me, Captain. You know what I think.

    (Vladimir leaves.)

    Vronsky
    And now, let's talk! Wait—smoke!

    Serpukhovskoy
    As you like.

    Vronsky
    I have nothing to tell. I am a happy man.

    Serpukhovskoy
    I know. I have always known what concerned you through my wife. I am glad that you continued to see her often while you were in Saint Petersburg.

    Vronsky
    She's a friend of Betsy—and the only woman at Saint Petersburg I had the pleasure to see.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Not absolutely the only one.

    Vronsky
    Without doubt, without doubt! I wouldn't be here otherwise. And on my side, I have not lost you from sight. I have been very happy over your success. It did not surprise me. I expect even better yet!

    Serpukhovskoy
    Well, I—I don't hope for any more, I assure you in all frankness. It is true that I am happy. I am ambitious, it's a weakness, without doubt, but I don't hide it.

    Vronsky
    You will hide it even less if you succeed.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Perhaps! Besides, my opinion is formal on this subject—and I can open my heart to you, a friend always. I feel myself that it isn't logical that my joy grows and also my will to conquer. I reproach myself every day for being ambitious!

    Vronsky
    There was a time, friend, not long ago, when I had some opinions on the subject, but at present—

    Serpukhovskoy
    You still have it, like a fire which smolders under the ashes.

    Vronsky
    No, I assure you! I live without ambition, or at least with the sole ambition of protecting my happiness.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Ah! Ah! There we are!

    Vronsky
    What do you mean to say?

    Serpukhovskoy
    Nothing! You permit me to speak frankly? Are we alone?

    Vronsky
    Of course.

    Serpukhovskoy
    You won't misconstrue my intentions?

    Vronsky
    Not for a minute.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Then, I'll let myself go. I'm not going to play diplomat with you. I reserve such attitudes for my enemies. You refused a mission in Central Asia?

    Vronsky
    Yes.

    Serpukhovskoy
    You were free to do so—but you were wrong in my opinion. But, why did you send your resignation to the Emperor? From love?

    Vronsky
    Yes.

    Serpukhovskoy
    What a stupidity. My poor Alexei, couldn't you have asked for a leave? A long leave? What the devil! You are enough, you were enough, in Court to obtain a year's leave, if you wished it. You see the country, you have some feeling for it, and you tire of it.

    Vronsky
    Shut up! It's true I resigned abruptly, and in a kind of madness—but I regret nothing. Ah, God, no! You yourself agree that I was free not to go to Central Asia—Tashkent. My mother would have died of it and you know also, the one you know I could not, and ought not, to abandon her. These are profound human reasons which they cannot comprehend at Court. They made a bad face. They made life difficult. I didn't like their manner of giving me a lesson in courage.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Oh, it wasn't anybody's intention—

    Vronsky
    Yes! Yes! I tell you plainly. They believed that I was inferior to my reputation as a good officer. I surrendered my sabre—and that was that!

    Serpukhovskoy
    If it is true they misjudged you at that time, it is no less true that they regret you today, deeply!

    Vronsky
    Really?

    Serpukhovskoy
    Yes, yes! All—from your soldiers who adore you—to your comrades. Yavshine has grown thin. He doesn't drink equal to his thirst except once a week. But I must tell you, his thirst is great.

    Vronsky
    Oh! The great Yavshine. What a fine boy! And Kouslov, the major?

    Serpukhovskoy
    He repeats ceaselessly: “There isn't a cavalier left in the regiment since Vronsky left.”

    Vronsky
    And our old fogy of a Colonel Gritzby?

    Serpukhovskoy
    He cries quite openly when they speak of you.

    Vronsky (moved)
    The good old brute.

    Serpukhovskoy
    And that isn't all. I have tested the water—and very diplomatically the Minister, on the possible reinterogation of an officer of your worth.

    Vronsky
    Why did you do that? Who put you up to it?

    Serpukhovskoy
    Only my friendship—and my conviction that officers like you are needed.

    Vronsky
    By whom?

    Serpukhovskoy
    By whom? By society! By Russia! Russia needs men. She needs protectors. You haven't already gone to seed, have you?

    Vronsky
    One would have to be blind—

    Serpukhovskoy
    There must be, near the Emperor, a group of powerful men—independent men—who will enlighten him—who will aid him to direct his people, who can teach him how to make himself loved—and show him how. It's necessary for us to light the way. But, it's also necessary to pitilessly root out this rabble of lying functionaries, officers of the antechamber, anchored in their privileges, lying to all, to God, to the Emperor, to the people! As dull in their base luxuries as the worst of our mouzhiks in his crassness and his ignorance! Vronsky! The Russian people need enlightened leaders and liberty!

    Vronsky
    You're right. I have often thought this way. But, I no longer belong. Nevertheless, I thank you for having judged me worthy to help you in this task.

    Serpukhovskoy
    You belong even more now, Alexei, but this won't always last.

    Vronsky
    That may be—but—

    Serpukhovskoy
    You said: “That may be.” Me, I say, certainly not. Don't say any more about it. I am sure, at present, of not having come in vain, and I know that when I say to you: “Vronsky, I need you” that you will come to your senses.

    (Vronsky does not reply.)

    Serpukhovskoy
    Well, I came to tell you today. Vronsky, return with me to Russia. I have need of you.

    Vronsky
    I ask for nothing, friend, except that the present continue.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Listen to me. We are the same age. Perhaps you have known more women than I have, but I am married, and as someone said, a man who knows his wife and loves her, knows more about women than someone who has known a thousand.

    Vronsky
    Why do you say this to me?

    Serpukhovskoy
    Women, in my opinion, are the stumbling block in a man's career. When one loves, you see, it is difficult to do good. At least to be married, with the one love—in this case, the only love—does not condemn you to inaction. As far as explaining this to you, admit you carry a weight on your shoulders. Your hands are of no use to you so long as the weight remains there. That's what I found out when I married. My hands became suddenly free. But to drag this weight around without marriage condemns you to inaction. Look at our comrades Mazoupof and Kroupof. Thanks to women, they lost their careers.

    Vronsky
    But, what women? Third rate actresses, French whores.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Yes, I agree with you. Nonetheless, those weights are easier to get rid of. One can be brutal. But, with a woman of high rank, who has failed to attach herself to someone—

    Vronsky
    You have never loved.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Perhaps, Alexei, but don't forget this. We have a grandiose idea of love, whereas women always remain down to earth.

    (After several seconds Anna enters, without being seen by
    Serpukhovskoy and Vronsky. She has listened with a growing emotion to this diatribe by Serpukhovskoy which she now interrupts with a scathing voice.)

    Anna
    You are deceived, Monsieur, women know how to love.

    Vronsky
    Anna!

    Serpukhovskoy
    Madame!

    Anna
    Women know how to love better than you—

    Vronsky
    Anna! You don't understand.

    Anna
    Yes, I know. I am committing a mad act and a quite improper one. You have not presented me to General Serpukhovskoy. No matter. We understand each other perfectly—and then, we are not exiles, except from the moral law. Listen to me! Let's leave these worldly constraints. In spite of myself I heard your conversation. All, at least of the end of your conversation. You made amusing comparisons, General. We are, poor women, heavy burdens to those we love— and we remain down to earth in our love! Pretty excuse for your cowardliness and your lassitude. You have, you say, a grandiose conception of love. But we, who have no conception, neither grandiose nor shabby, who love simply with all our instinct, with all our heart, we sacrifice in a minute our repose, our honor, our rank, our sad motherhood—and we go—confident—towards the heart we have chosen. Never—never, do we have the idea of analyzing or dissecting our sacrifice. We love, we don't reproach. We love, we don't regret. We love, we never cry over the ruins of our motherhood. We love.

    Vronsky
    Anna! Anna! What have I done to deserve such vehemence on your part?

    Anna
    You were listening to him, Alexei, and your protests were so weak, so little categorical, that I suddenly became afraid, my dear, my love. I love you so much. I am almost a mad woman thinking of it.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Pardon me. I am going.

    Anna
    No. No.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Yes, Madame. I must go. But not without expressing to you, from the depths of my heart, all the regrets I feel for having provoked this great emotion, these tears.

    Anna
    I don't wish it. You love him, too. You are only looking out for his good.

    Serpukhovskoy
    I have faith in him, it's true.

    Anna
    Then, take my hand, General. I believe we shall know each other better.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Madame.

    Anna
    Rest easy. I know how to love him.

    Serpukhovskoy
    I am sure of it.

    Anna
    Yes, yes, I know how.

    Serpukhovskoy
    Adieu, Vronsky.

    Vronsky
    Adieu, General.

    Anna
    Not adieu—a bientot.

    (Serpukhovskoy leaves. A long silence.)

    Anna
    You forgive me, Alexei?

    Vronsky
    I have nothing to forgive you. I love you.

    Anna
    I thank heaven for sending me the strength to see things as they are in their true colors.

    Vronsky
    What do you mean?

    Anna
    We've got to leave.

    Vronsky
    We will leave tomorrow.

    Anna (interrupting him)
    For Russia. For Saint Petersburg! You must resume your work, so you can be ambitious. I must get my husband to consent to a divorce, so that I may be your wife before everyone, so that your hands may be free. This weight—do you accept it with joy, Alexei?

    Vronsky
    My dearly loved one!

    Anna
    Then, let's go. Let's leave immediately. We weren't made for this existence on the margin. We didn't count on our pride, on our honor which suffers in this errant life of our doubtful relations, on these lies, more vile than those we left behind. We've got to start our true life again! Do you want to?

    Vronsky
    Your will is my will, Anna.

    Anna
    Hold me tight—tight—tight. Are you happy with me?

    Vronsky
    I love you!

    CURTAIN


    ACT IV

    Same as Act II. Karenin's. At rise, Seriozha is seated at his father's desk. Kapitonich, the old Swiss, is seated in front of him. At the right, the tutor, Vassilii Lukich, is seated with his back to the audience. Kapitonich is finishing a story.

    Seriozha
    And then?

    Kapitonich
    And then, Excellency— Boom! A great explosion like an earthquake and everything—pell-mell, English, Russians, French. The devil himself could not have seen the color of his soul. I got a sharp knock on the heard and then I didn't think any more.

    Seriozha
    And then?

    Kapitonich
    And then—that's how I earned my medal—and there it was—swear to God and our emperor, as it happened to Malabehoff.

    Seriozha
    There were dead and wounded?

    Kapitonich
    Thousands of dead and hundreds wounded!

    Vassilii (joking)
    I myself will teach history to Seriozha Alexeivitch, old veteran. Return to your post.

    Kapitonich (threatening)
    Little shrimp! Bad little Russian. Teacher of penmanship.

    Seriozha (laughing)
    There, there. It's my relaxation. Kapitonich can stay with me. Papa permits him.

    Vassilii
    If His Excellency Alexei Alexandrovich knew what nonsense this old fool tells you—

    Seriozha
    Right! You must not listen, Vassilii Lukich! What is your medal, Kapitonich?

    Kapitonich
    It's the Saint George.

    Seriozha
    Ah. Is your daughter well?

    Kapitonich
    Yes, Excellency.

    Seriozha
    She is happy with her job?

    Kapitonich
    Oh, yes and no. It's living to jump and turn—one—two—three. And the ballet master, who is French, is terrible. Anyway, that's what she says.

    Seriozha
    You know how to dance, too?

    Kapitonich
    I knew.

    Seriozha
    What? The trepak?

    Kapitonich
    No, the kazachouk. And I could sing, too.

    Seriozha
    Then dance the kazachouk for me.

    Kapitonich
    Truly, Excellency—

    Seriozha
    Dance. I wish it!

    (Kapitonich tries to dance and then lets himself fall slowly.)

    Kapitonich
    Aie! Aie! Aie! My rheumatism.

    Seriozha
    You cannot dance.

    Kapitonich
    Not any more. But I can still sing.

    Seriozha
    Well, then, sing. Sing.

    Kapitonich (with a thunderous voice)
    There was a little black dog—

    Vassilii
    Hush! Hush! Enough! Enough!

    Seriozha
    Oh, oh, bravo! Continue! Continue!

    Vassilii
    If His Excellency Alexei Alexandrovich hears you—God protect me. What a voice!

    Kapitonich (laughing)
    Fine, let him shut up then. He's jealous.

    Seriozha
    That's it. Get down on all fours.

    Kapitonich
    What, Excellency? Ha! Ha! Ha! On all fours?

    Seriozha
    You will be the horse and I will be the rider.

    Vassilii
    In five minutes recess will be over.

    Seriozha
    Yes, yes, but until then I am the master. The office is mine for now. I can do what I please. Hoopla, gallop! (jumping on Kapitonich's back) Yah! Yah! (to Matrona who enters) Niania! Niania! Look how well your husband gallops.

    Matrona (to Kapitonich)
    Merciful God! Are you still amusing yourself, you old beast? Rascal, and you sang so loud the windows in the house were shaking. But think, if His Excellency Alexei Alexandrovich came and you were not at your post, at the door below—

    Kapitonich
    But, my little mother—we must have a little fun. Get down, Monsieur Seriozha.

    Seriozha
    No, no.

    Matrona
    Get down, get down. Right away.

    Seriozha
    Yes, but on one condition. Listen to this, Matrona.

    Matrona
    What, my God. What, scamp?

    Seriozha
    You'll talk about Mama again.

    Matrona
    Yes, yes. That I promise.

    Seriozha
    Then I'll get down.

    Matrona
    About time!

    Kapitonich (rising, to Matrona)
    And what did His Excellency say when he saw I wasn't at my post?

    Matrona
    He said nothing, old fool, because he hasn't yet returned from the cabinet meeting.

    Kapitonich
    Good, I will save myself. Good day until tomorrow, Excellency. We will do it again. (pointing to Vassilii) It will be his turn to go on all fours.

    (Kapitonich leaves, laughing.)

    Vassilii (furious)
    Ah, if he wasn't so big and— Two more minutes, Seriozha Alexeivitch.

    Seriozha (to Matrona)
    You know what you promised me? Have you got a letter, some news? Is she coming to see me soon? Is she still in Moscow?

    Matrona
    There, there, softly, my little soul. Your mother wrote me. She's fine and she prays God that you will be worthy—

    Seriozha
    Then she is not dead! That old Lidia Ivanovna told me she was dead. Why did she tell me that?

    Matrona
    She is lying! Anna Arkadyevna isn't dead, praise Christ!

    (Seriozha and Matrona have been speaking in hushed tones. Vassilii
    steps unexpectedly between them.)

    Vassilii
    Why do you speak so low? His Excellency forbids it! He wants me to hear everything that people say to Seriozha Alexeivitch.

    Matrona
    Come, then and listen! You know, indeed, of what I speak and you think like all the old retainers in this house—like Kapitonich—like me.

    Vassilii (hiding his emotion)
    Leave us! The recess is over.

    Matrona
    Fine! Fine! Your eyes shine, you are only a little Russian, but you have a good heart. Goodbye, little one.

    Seriozha
    Goodbye Niania.

    (As soon as the old nurse leaves, Vassilii Lukich claps his hands.)

    Vassilii
    Come! Come! You've got to get to work now, Seriozha Alexeivitch. It is already ten o'clock. You'll never finish your lesson about the history of the saints.

    Seriozha
    No geography, Vassilii Lukich. What difference does it make?

    Vassilii
    For goodness sake!

    Seriozha
    Tomorrow is my birthday. Papa will not have the courage to punish me. Neither will the “living horror.”

    Vassilii
    Monsieur!

    Seriozha
    Good! That's what I am going to tell her. Countess Lidia Ivanovna—the dirty pig!

    Vassilii
    Why do you detest her so? She's good to you.

    Seriozha
    No, she's severe and mean. And then—

    Vassilii
    And then?

    Seriozha
    And then, she wishes to make me believe things which are not true.

    Vassilii
    It is impossible that Lidia, who is a person so pious, told a lie, even the smallest.

    Seriozha
    She is a liar!

    Vassilii
    Monsieur!

    Seriozha
    Yes, we have proof of it, Matrona and I! Why does she tell me that Mama is dead when Matrona, who was Mama's nurse, told me she was alive? Mama is in Moscow, living with Uncle Stiva. I know it, I saw her leave. She kissed me. And, it's true, since you say nothing!

    Vassilii
    Learn your patriarchs, Monsieur Seriozha. In five minutes, His Excellency will come to test you and you won't know them.

    Seriozha
    Bah! If I studied, I wouldn't know any more. Papa knows the Old Testament only because he tests me with the book open in front of him. Besides, Papa won't be severe. He received a decoration today so he must be happy.

    Vassilii
    Why not be happy to receive recognition from the Emperor? Isn't it proof he deserved it?

    Seriozha
    Yes! This decoration is the Alexander Nevsky, isn't it?

    Vassilii
    Yes.

    Seriozha
    What other decorations does he have?

    Vassilii
    The Vladimir.

    Seriozha
    And, besides that?

    Vassilii
    Above all, the Saint Andrew.

    Seriozha
    When I grow up, I intend to have all the medals.

    Vassilii
    You must work hard to deserve them.

    Seriozha
    I will.

    Vassilii
    Your lesson, then, Seriozha Alexeivitch.

    Seriozha
    Yes, yes. Listen, Vassilii Lukich, yesterday, in the summer garden, I saw a beautiful, oh, so beautiful lady with a blue veil. I thought it was Mama. I looked at her with such a desire to kiss her and say to her: “I am your little Seriozha, Mama.” She wasn't there when I went back, instead the living horror was there.

    Vassilii
    You are a bad boy, Monsieur.

    Seriozha
    Me, oh?

    Vassilii
    Here's His Excellency.

    (Alexei Karenin enters. Seriozha runs to him and kisses him.)

    Seriozha
    Bonjour, Papa.

    Karenin
    Bonjour, Seriozha. Bonjour, Vassilii Lukich.

    Vassilii
    Excellency.

    Karenin
    You can leave us, Vassilii Lukich. Seriozha studied hard? He wasn't too restless?

    Vassilii
    He has been very peaceful, Excellency.

    Karenin
    Fine.

    (Vassilii leaves.)

    Karenin
    Did you take a nice walk yesterday? I haven't seen you because I was dining with the minister at his home.

    Seriozha
    Yes, Papa, very nice. I am much amused with Nadinka in the summer garden. Nadinka told me that you received another medal. Are you happy with it, Papa?

    Karenin
    First of all, don't calculate like that. I've told you twenty times. As to the medal, remember that only the work can make you happy, not its reward. Truly, one has to work. Work will seem useless if you want only the reward, while, if you love your work, you will always have your reward. Do you understand?

    Seriozha
    Yes, Papa.

    Karenin
    Good. Now, tell me your lesson. Let's see. The Patriarchs. Who where they?

    Seriozha
    First of all Enoch.

    Karenin
    No, not the first. Still, Enoch. Who was Enoch?

    Seriozha
    He was Methuselah's father.

    Karenin
    Good. Who was Methuselah?

    Seriozha
    He was an old man.

    Karenin
    What are you saying?

    Seriozha
    He was an old man who didn't want to die. He was right, Papa. Do you believe in death?

    Karenin
    What a singular question!

    Seriozha
    Me, I don't believe in death. For example, I don't believe that Mama is dead. And you, Papa?

    Karenin
    One doesn't discuss such questions with a child of your age. The Patriarchs?

    Seriozha
    Enoch, father of Methuselah—Enoch.

    Karenin
    Is that all you know?

    Seriozha
    Yes, Papa.

    Karenin
    That's bad, Seriozha. That's bad. If you don't take care of instructing yourself with things essential for a Christian to know, then what will you occupy yourself with? I am going to be obliged to punish you. You will lunch alone here this morning.

    Seriozha
    All right, Papa.

    (Vassilii enters.)

    Karenin
    What is it, Vassilii Lukich?

    Vassilii
    The Countess Lidia Ivanovna would like—

    Karenin
    Come in, come in, dear friend.

    (Lidia Ivanovna enters.)

    Karenin
    You are none too soon. (pointing to Seriozha) He is lazy. I am very unhappy with him.

    Lidia
    I would like to speak with you alone, Alexei Alexandrovich.

    Karenin.
    All right. Vassilii, go to the greenhouse with Seriozha. I will call you back later.

    Vassilii
    Fine, Excellency.

    Seriozha
    I'm happy, Vassilii. I am punished.

    Vassilii
    And that makes you happy?

    Seriozha
    I won't have to eat lunch looking that old hag in the face. Pouah! She ruins my appetite.

    Vassilii
    Oh, Monsieur, Monsieur.

    (Vassilii and Seriozha leave.)

    Karenin
    I am not happy with Seriozha. I find in him a certain coldness toward the essential questions that ought to touch the human heart, even in a child.

    Lidia
    But his heart—I find in him the heart of his father, and with that, can he be bad? Anyway, that's not the question. May the merciful God give you, in these circumstances, my friend, the strength of soul that he has so often lavished on you many times before. They are in Saint Petersburg—those villainous people have returned!

    Karenin
    Oh!

    Lidia
    I can't imagine they will dare to stay here for long. They will soon take up their adventurous ways again. But now, at the moment, they are here. Here's the letter that Anna Arkadyevna had the nerve to write me.

    (Lidia offers Karenin a paper.)

    Karenin (very upset)
    You read it. The words dance before my eyes. This writing recalls to me so many painful memories.

    Lidia
    Courage! (reading) “Countess, you are a fervent Christian. You will pardon my action, but for some time I have not seen my son. Understand the anguish of my heart and permit me to see him once, alone, wherever you wish, whenever you wish. Be my advocate with Alexei Alexandrovich. I dare not address him directly. I have caused him enough sorrow already. You won't refuse me this maternal kiss. You will accept my sincere thanks. Anna.”

    Karenin
    How long have you had this letter?

    Lidia
    Since yesterday, during the ceremony for your medal. Christ imposes his cross on you, but he gives you the strength to bear it.

    Karenin
    I don't believe I have the right to refuse her.

    Lidia
    My friend, you don't want to see the evil here—

    Karenin
    But, yes, yes, to the contrary. If you knew what a pessimist and what a skeptic I am. Is it possible—is it just to refuse her?

    Lidia
    No, no. There are limits to everything. I understand immorality, but I don't understand cruelty towards a man like you. Why does she come to Saint Petersburg to expose you to the chance of meeting her? What baseness.

    Karenin
    But, since you know the depths of my heart, since it was you who reawakened in me the Christian beliefs which allowed me to forgive them—to judge that their punishment was in their own hands—in the false situation they have created—have I the right to thwart her maternal love?

    Lidia
    Seriozha believes she is dead! Each day I have him pray for her—for the pardon of her sins. If he were to see her, what trouble would this cause the young innocent child? What questions would he ask you, which, if they remain unanswered, must debase a sacred memory?

    Karenin
    You are right. I didn't think of that.

    Lidia
    But I thought of it! Guided by He who gives us the courage to submit to our fate without rebelling.

    Karenin
    You are my second conscience.

    Lidia
    Anna must understand that to see her child is a criminal thing. Hasn't she done you enough evil already? And while the occasion serves, I ought to mention something I have observed—this scandal has done you no credit.

    Karenin
    I don't find that to be true, Lidia Ivanovna. I am still listened to, God be thanked, at the Imperial Council and the Emperor has given me proof of his satisfaction, but still—

    Lidia
    Yes, the decoration! But you know very well the governmental procedures to ignore the meaning of your decoration. When a man who has occupied a very high position is finished, they cover him with honorary titles. They disarm him completely with a bauble. A month after their departure, you were no longer Minister. You won't regain that position soon—and it is because of ridicule—here, like everywhere, which will put you in the wrong!

    Karenin
    You are right. We must refuse this interview.

    Lidia
    You know the bottom of your heart. I will reply to this woman as soon as possible that you refuse to let her see Seriozha.

    Karenin
    Thank you. I might not have had the courage.

    Lidia
    Say the necessary clear-sightedness.

    Karenin
    Your vigilance gives me such a moral repose. Will you accept my arm, Lidia Ivanovna? I believe it is time to think of lunch.

    Lidia
    I'm happy to carry out your ideas concerning this letter.

    (Exit Karenin and Lidia. The stage is empty. A long pause. Kapitonich
    reenters. He goes to the door by which Lidia and Karenin left, listens, then retraces his steps to the door by which he entered, murmuring.)

    Kapitonich
    Good! It's just as I hoped. They are at lunch.

    (Popoff, the coachman, enters. Anna is behind him in the doorway.)

    Kapitonich (to Popoff)
    Close your eyes. (to Anna) This way, Excellency. Here is the new study hall of Seriozha Alexeivitch. Excuse if all is in disorder.

    Anna
    Merci, Kapitonich, merci. Go find him quickly. Please find him.

    Kapitonich
    He won't be too far away. His preceptor, Vassilii Lukich, told me that he was being punished and had to eat lunch alone, here in his room. Oh, don't worry. His Excellency Alexei Alexandrovich is having his lunch now.

    Seriozha (entering, aside low)
    Kapitonich told me a lady! Good, as long as it is not the living horror. I was afraid— (aloud) Bonjour, Madame.

    (Anna rises excitedly, goes to her son and takes him in her arms. She
    is holding him; he can't say a word. Seriozha disengages himself, then looks at his mother and hurls himself back into her arms.)

    Seriozha
    Mama!

    Anna (embracing him almost to the point of suffocation)
    Seriozha! Seriozha! My little Seriozha!

    Seriozha
    I knew very well that you were coming. I knew you weren't dead, my pretty Mama.

    Anna
    How handsome you are! How you have grown!

    Seriozha
    Why are you crying, Mama? Tell me why you are crying.

    Anna
    Me? But, I am not crying. It's the joy of seeing you. It's been such a long time since I last saw you. Now it's over.

    Seriozha
    How happy I am to be punished today.

    Anna
    You are being punished?

    Seriozha
    Yes. I have to eat here all alone. So much the worse—you don't get to see the dining room. (kissing her) They told me you were dead, but—I didn't believe them. I knew you were in Moscow with Uncle Stiva! Did you bring something for me?

    Anna
    Oh, lord—toys! I was in such a hurry to see you, my dear. I left them in the carriage.

    Seriozha
    That won't matter, Mama. Vassilii will go to get them later. Ah, here's Vassilii. Look, Mama's come back. Why are you crying too, Vassilii?

    Vassilii
    Excellency!

    Anna
    Bonjour, Vassilii Lukich. Don't worry, I'm going to leave. Five minutes. Just give me five minutes with him.

    Vassilii
    Just five minutes, then, Excellency.

    Seriozha
    Mama! Grisha and Tania and Vasya come sometimes. You know, it's sad here since you left.

    Anna
    Ah!

    Seriozha
    Yes! And Papa is so strict about my lessons. He's teaching me the history of the Saints at present. Each time that I asked him where you were, he only looked more sad. Then, there is that old living horror.

    Anna
    Who?

    Seriozha
    Lidia Ivanovna. I detest her.

    Anna
    Is she mean to you?

    Seriozha
    No. Sweet, sweet. Pouah! Too sweet. She's a liar! Why did she tell me that you were dead? She is boring, too, you know.

    (Old Matrona enters and listens, without moving.)

    Seriozha
    The house is not gay because of that dirty old pig. Let's go. In the summer garden we can play. There we can do what we want.

    Matrona
    Madame! My love! Here's a joy sent by God to Seriozha Alexeivitch. How pretty you are, my dove! More beautiful than ever.

    Seriozha
    Mama, she always told me you'd come to see me.

    Anna
    Oh, hold me, hold me truly, Nurse, if you still love me.

    Matrona
    Nothing in this world will stop me from loving you.

    Anna
    Niania, my dear! You must tell me something. (low to Seriozha) Leave me a minute, dear. (to Matrona) Does Lidia Ivanovna come here often?

    Matrona
    Yes.

    Anna
    Is she the mistress of my husband?

    Matrona
    Who told you that, my dove?

    Anna
    Everyone is saying so!

    Matrona
    And everyone is lying.

    Anna
    But, no! Don't hide anything from me, Niania, if you love me. Maybe it must—let it be, so he can feel some guilt himself—so he will agree to a divorce.

    Matrona (firmly)
    There's no truth in what they say about them!

    Anna
    You swear to me on the Saints and Lions?

    Matrona
    I swear to you, your husband is irreproachable.

    Anna
    Then all is lost, now. If he isn't guilty, I have no argument against him. He will agree to nothing. He's right! He's right!

    Kapitonich (entering)
    Excellency. The valet de chambre to Alexei Alexandrovich has informed His Excellency that you are here.

    Anna
    Oh, my God! My God!

    (Anna prepares to leave.)

    Seriozha
    Don't go yet, Mama. He won't come so soon.

    Anna
    My dear! My little dear! You won't ever forget your mother? Take him away, Matrona. Love your father, my treasure, love him well. He is better than I am. When you grow up, you will judge. I've been guilty towards him.

    Seriozha
    No one is better than you!

    Anna
    My little soul! My dear!

    Kapitonich
    His Excellency is coming!

    Anna
    Take him! Take him, Matrona, quickly.

    Seriozha
    Mama!

    Anna
    Adieu!

    (Karenin enters. He is very pale and holds himself motionless and
    glacial. Anna tries to speak.)

    Anna
    Alexei, I thought— My son! Pardon!

    (Karenin just points to the open door. Anna, without a word, lowers
    her veil and leaves, shaking with tears.)

    CURTAIN


    ACT V


    The terrace of a country house on the outskirts of Moscow. In the rear, a panorama of the Holy City. At rise, Vladimir is alone on the stage. We can hear Annoushka's voice.

    Annoushka
    Vladimir! Vladimir!

    Vladimir
    Is that you, Annoushka?

    Annoushka
    Yes. There are visitors from Moscow for Colonel Vronsky and Anna Arkadyevna. Should I bring them here to the terrace or would it be better in the house?

    Vladimir
    Wherever you wish, little mother. It's all the same to me.

    Annoushka
    I believe it is the brother of Anna Arkadyevna and his wife. Holy archangels! Let it not be bad news for Count Vronsky.

    Vladimir
    Why's that, Annoushka?

    Annoushka
    Alas! The devil is so mean! Everything that concerns the Barinia does not inspire me with confidence, you know. The priest told me she is living in a state of perpetual sin.

    Vladimir
    The priest is an imbecile! Isn't she good to you and everyone?

    Annoushka
    Angels in heaven. How brutal you are since he became Colonel. Can't one talk? One cannot say anything about her! You would deny she's living in concubinage—that she's an adulterous spouse! And if I was Count Vronsky, what wouldn't I be thinking?

    Vladimir
    Enough gossip! Bad beast! Old hag!

    Annoushka
    Ah, men. You are all on her side because she's pretty.

    (Enter Stiva and Dolly.)

    Stiva
    Well, you forgot us in the park. Have you told Anna Arkadyevna of our visit?

    Annoushka
    Not yet, little uncle. I was asking Vladimir if the Barinia was there.

    (Annoushka goes into the house which overlooks a railway track leading
    to Moscow.)

    Stiva
    In that case get going. (to Dolly) The evenings are cold this time of year. I hope we return to Moscow before evening. We have a good half hour by carriage.

    Dolly
    Perhaps Anna will want to keep us to dinner.

    Stiva
    Don't think of it! My official character—we must not lose sight for even a minute of Anna's moral situation. I love her deeply, but our family relations will only be publicly reestablished when the day arrives that she is divorced and becomes Countess Vronsky.

    Dolly
    It seems to me, Stiva, that you should have more understanding and less concern for public opinion.

    Stiva
    Pardon me. I came here as Alexei Alexandrovich's representative and not as Anna's brother.

    Dolly
    You ought to conciliate matters.

    Stiva
    Duty must come before feelings.

    Annoushka (entering)
    Anna Arkadyevna begs you to wait for her here. She is coming right away. Peter! And you, Nicolas! Haven't I told you a hundred times!

    Stiva
    What is going on?

    Annoushka
    It's my naughty boy, Excellency, and my nephew Nicolas. They help in the kitchen and they are both villainous devils. (to Peter) I'll make you eat with that scamp, Damavoi!

    (Peter and Nicolas enter. Nicolas is ready to cry. He has two live
    chickens which he is holding by their feet.)

    Stiva
    Where are these scamps coming from?

    Annoushka
    They're coming from Vassilii Mikaloff's, the Mouzhik, to get chickens for dinner. And not to take a long detour around the railway bridge. They crossed the view. (to Peter and Nicolas) And if Count Vronsky had seen you?

    (Peter laughs and makes a negative motion.)

    Annoushka
    Peter, you lead Nicolas into trouble. Vassilii traps in the woods to catch rabbits. He will catch you one day.

    Peter
    No.

    Annoushka
    Go in, you devils. (she hustles them away) And that's for you, Peter. (gives him a slap) If I catch you going there again, watch out.

    Peter
    You won't catch us.

    (The children and Annoushka go out.)

    Stiva
    I hadn't noticed this little stairway.

    Vladimir
    It's a passage for the VIPs who know the train schedules. The Count uses it to better watch his hunting grounds. You can see a long way from there.

    Stiva
    It would be very dangerous for children if the door is left open.

    Dolly
    It would be firmly shut, without doubt, if Seriozha were living with his mother.

    (Stiva goes to the balustrade in the rear and looks at the view.)

    Stiva
    Doubtless this area near the railway line would be very disagreeable. Is it the Nijni line?

    Vladimir
    Yes, Excellency. It passes through Obiralovka where Colonel Vronsky goes to see his mother. When he goes there two or three times a week, it passes under Anna Arkadyevna's window and they can see each other.

    Stiva (looking at Vladimir for a moment)
    Where have I seen you before?

    Vladimir
    At Tsarkoe Selo, Excellency, at the races three years ago. Oh, I recognized you quite easily.

    Stiva
    But you didn't have this on your shoulder.

    Vladimir
    Oh, that! General Minister Serpukhovskoy had it given to me about six months after Count Vronsky became a Colonel.

    (While this colloquy is taking place in the center of the stage, Dolly
    goes toward the house and Anna comes out.)

    Dolly
    My dear, Anna. My dear, Anna, how happy I am to see you.

    Anna
    Dolly, my Dolly.

    (Anna and Dolly embrace a long while with great emotion. Stiva leaves
    Vladimir and approaches Anna. Vladimir exits.)

    Stiva
    I embrace you very willingly, also, my dear sister.

    Anna
    Oh, Stiva, Stiva, it's such a long time since I saw you last. And so very many things have happened since then. Just now, when they told me you were here, I was almost sick with joy. Thank you Stiva! Thank you, my dear Dolly!

    Dolly
    You've had some rough times to endure, dear Anna, but we all have times in our lives which appear so dark that it seems we'll never find the light. Time softens all suffering.

    Anna
    Time doesn't correct irreparable errors. No, my dear Dolly, don't try to console me. I am clairvoyant, very clairvoyant.

    Stiva (very irritated)
    Hum! Hum! My dear Anna, my dear Anna. It seems that Dolly can tell you better than I the purpose of our visit. If you will allow me, I will go with Vladimir to meet Vronsky. Where is he, exactly?

    Anna
    He's riding with Captain Makhotin. Our cousin, Princess Barbe Oblonsky, is following them in a carriage.

    Stiva
    You receive that old infatuated fool, Barbe?

    Anna (with bitterness)
    I have no choice in relations, but then I mustn't be choosy.

    Stiva
    I'm not saying this to anger you, but she has a reputation!

    Anna (a little sadly)
    But, I, too, have a reputation, Stiva.

    Dolly
    Anna!

    Anna
    It doesn't matter, Dolly. He didn't mean that exactly.

    Stiva (calling)
    Vladimir! Vladimir! Which way did your Colonel go?

    Vladimir (replying from off stage)
    Towards Moscow, Excellency—over here—on this side. I will show you.

    (Exit Stiva. Stiva's and Vladimir's voices fade. Anna and Dolly sit on
    a stone bench.)

    Anna
    Why did you come, Dolly?

    Dolly
    We came, Stiva and I, on behalf of your husband.

    Anna
    On behalf of— Oh! My son is sick! There is something, an illness, a catastrophe which they are hiding from me. Tell me, tell me!

    Dolly
    But, no, my dear. Seriozha is well, very well.

    Anna
    You're not lying?

    Dolly
    Why would I lie?

    Anna
    I was afraid at first to see you. So moved by both of you. Understand me, Dolly. You are a mother. You have beautiful children that you keep in your arms. You have their first smile in the morning, their kiss in the evening, their lessons, the shared meals, and all the endless worries of maternity. I—I have nothing of my son—except pictures and letters written stealthily which, alas, Matrona sends me so rarely. Perhaps he will forget me. They speak to him of his mother with scorn. Since I left my husband more than two years ago, I have seen him only once for five minutes. They tore him from my arms. I was like a thief in my own house.

    Dolly
    Be calm, Anna.

    Anna
    When I think that I can never reunite the two people that I love in this world— Seriozha and Vronsky. Never, never.

    Dolly
    Yes, Anna! You can, soon perhaps.

    Anna
    What are you saying? It's impossible.

    Dolly
    No, Anna. Once married to Vronsky nothing will prevent you from seeing your son. And that is exactly the purpose of our visit. Your husband consents to a divorce.

    (There is a long pause. Anna says nothing.)

    Dolly
    I hoped that would make you happy—and you are so quiet.

    Anna
    It's too late.

    Dolly
    How can you say such a thing?

    Anna
    Two years ago, a year ago, perhaps, I would have been happy—so happy about this news—but today I am the mistress of Colonel Vronsky and only that. He will never allow me to become his wife.

    Dolly
    You judge him wrongly, Anna.

    Anna
    He's a man, Dolly! I've made every sacrifice for him. Every sacrifice. But that isn't what he won't forget. It's my modesty.

    Dolly
    Anna, Anna! You deceive yourself. Your situation is causing a misunderstanding between you. But, think of the children that may be born of your love. They need a father. They don't want to blush for you.

    Anna (violently)
    I won't have any more children.

    Dolly
    How can you say that?

    Anna
    I won't have any more. I shouldn't be a mother, do you understand? I am his mistress. Ah, Dolly, I have so much trouble to keep him already. He knows so well how to find excuses to get away from me. With what enthusiasm has he become a soldier again. If you knew. I am an irritant in his life. He leaves me alone here for weeks and months. I live from day to day—scorned by all—scorned by myself.

    Dolly
    I don't scorn you, Anna. I have never scorned you.

    Anna
    You are good! But the others, those whom I hurt, my husband, Kitty, my pretty Kitty.

    Dolly
    Kitty has pardoned you. She is very happy. She has married Levin. She owes her happiness to you. Sit down again, Anna. Accept the divorce so you may marry the man who loves you and whom you love.

    Anna
    He doesn't love me any more.

    Dolly
    Anna, you are unjust! He wanted to die for you. He sacrificed everything for you.

    Anna
    His life! His life is more brilliant than ever. He's begun it over far from me—and each day pushes him further away! Little by little this great love which ought to ennoble our existence has become a thing that's low and repulsive, an ignominious habit. The end is complete now. I am surrounded by people of ill repute; I was publicly insulted at the Opera in Saint Petersburg like a low woman. There's nothing worse to come.

    Dolly
    His duty is to marry you when you are free.

    Anna
    Don't speak to me of duty. That word horrifies me! Where was my duty when I abandoned my son and my husband?

    Dolly
    Then, I will have come in vain.

    Anna
    No—since I've cried for you and now I've seen you. Who can tell when I'll see you again?

    Dolly (frightened)
    Anna!

    Anna
    He doesn't love me anymore, but I love him—and I have him often near me. You see how much I've become demanding. But, from the day I am certain that he loves another woman, my duty will be to set him free. He will be free.

    Dolly (frightened by the resolution she sees in Anna's expression)
    Anna, my dear. Someone told you—someone told you something.

    Anna (suddenly tragic)
    And you—you know something?

    Dolly
    Me? I know something? What are you saying?

    Anna
    They told you that Countess Vronsky wants to marry her son with the daughter of Princess Sarokine. Don't lie.

    Dolly
    I swear to you, Anna—

    Anna
    Don't lie! It's useless! Besides, you owe me the truth. Don't worry about hurting me. I'm used to it.

    Dolly (hurt)
    They told me—in fact—sometimes there's a slander of this type.

    Anna
    You see quite well—

    Dolly
    But, the scandal comes from below—from the Princess Miaghkaia—to tell everything.

    Anna
    She has good reason to hate me!

    Dolly
    I answered that Vronsky was, above everything, a man of honor and, in the meantime, your husband, on a governmental mission to Moscow, having paid us a visit, Stiva and I obtained his consent to your divorce. We ran here, full of happiness to bring you certainty, that within six months you will be able to become the wife of the man you love and who loves you.

    Anna
    Oh! If he still loved me! With what joy I would greet this news.

    Dolly
    Stiva is putting him in the picture right now; he will come back so happy, I am sure of it.

    Anna
    If he loves me—with what vehemence he will force me to accept the divorce!

    Dolly (smiling)
    He will do you this violence, Anna, my dear, Anna.

    Anna
    I wish I could partake of your confidence. Alas, look!

    (Stiva and Vronsky appear in the distance. Vronsky is preoccupied and
    silent.)

    Dolly
    Madwoman! He doesn't know yet.

    Anna
    He knows!

    (Vronsky kisses the hand of Dolly, then goes to hug Anna.)

    Vronsky (to Dolly)
    I'm happy to greet you here, Darya Alexandrovna!

    Dolly
    I, too, Alexei Vronsky.

    Anna (to Vronsky)
    You come back alone?

    Vronsky
    Princess Barbe and Makhotin went around the woods. They will be here any minute.

    Stiva
    Yes. I met Vronsky alone a hundred meters from the rush gate. Now we should leave.

    Anna
    What! Won't you dine with us?

    Stiva
    No, my dear Anna. It's impossible. We have an official dinner tonight —my colleagues of the Court.

    Anna
    Then, let Dolly stay. Vronsky will take her back.

    Vronsky
    You know I'm dining with my mother tonight, Anna.

    Anna
    Ah, yes, yes. I had forgotten.

    Dolly
    In any event, I wouldn't have abandoned my husband, Alexei Vronsky. Besides, this first visit doesn't count. Anna, we will return. (to Vronsky) Anna will tell you why we came today.

    Stiva
    I have already told him, just now.

    Dolly (to Vronsky)
    You know?

    Vronsky
    I know.

    Dolly
    And, have you considered the reply we must take back?

    Vronsky
    But, it seems to me that the decision doesn't depend on me alone.

    Dolly
    In effect, the principal interest is Anna's?

    Vronsky
    Isn't it?

    Dolly
    Nevertheless—

    Anna (with false gaiety)
    But, why are you worried, Dolly? I've already told you everything on this subject. The only response is this one: we are perfectly happy— our joy is in our own keeping—we don't desire nothing that would change our way of life. That's right, isn't it, Aloysha?

    Dolly
    Anna! Anna!

    Anna (very much mistress of herself)
    It's by your advice, Alexei, that we leave things as they are?

    Vronsky
    But, yes, let it be as you will, Anna.

    (Stiva grabs Vronsky by the arm and pulls him aside, away from Dolly
    and Anna.)

    Stiva
    Think also of what I told you, Vronsky. Serpukhovskoy is all— powerful— (they come back) If he wants to give me a little pat on the shoulder, it's a fifty thousand ruble blessing!

    Anna
    You see. Everything is finished, indeed!

    Dolly
    Anna, don't worry yourself like this. You frighten me.

    Anna
    Adieu, Dolly. Hug your children for me—hug them—hug them—you are happy.

    Stiva
    Come on, come on. Enough of these affectionate demonstrations. We are in a rush, little sister. Soon—good health—good hopes.

    Anna
    Adieu, Stiva.

    Vronsky
    I will accompany you to your carriage.

    (They leave. Anna stays motionless. The wind rises. The day starts to
    end.)

    Anna
    The night—already night—where is the Venetian sun?

    (Vronsky comes back. He stands near Anna.)

    Vronsky
    I must hug you, too, my dear. I must leave in nearly an hour for the Nijni station.

    Anna
    Where are you going?

    Vronsky
    To rejoin General Serpukhovskoy, with whom we must pass the evening at my mother's house.

    Anna
    Don't go out this evening. Don't go.

    Vronsky
    Why this caprice, Anna? I promised them I would go.

    Anna
    Listen, I need to see you, to be with you, to discuss the propositions that were made just now.

    Vronsky
    Haven't you decided already? You know very well that my will is yours. Whatever you decided, my duty is to obey you.

    Anna (furiously)
    Duty! Always duty! With that word—and two or three others— conscience, honor—all baseness is masked.

    Vronsky
    Why this violence, Anna?

    Anna
    Because I am very nervous and I am very afraid.

    Vronsky
    You are afraid?

    Anna
    Yes, you know—you know I'm like a child. I'm afraid to be alone this evening.

    Vronsky
    A night is quickly over. I will be back tomorrow at ten o'clock.

    Anna
    Listen. I had my horrible dream yesterday. The one which always tells me of misfortune. I've seen the little dirty old Mouzhik who does invisible things in a sack. I've seen him twice already.

    Vronsky
    You are not being reasonable, Anna.

    Anna
    Oh, I know. But, you must treat me gently, like a sick child. I'm afraid of this Mouzhik. You must stay to protect me.

    Vronsky (trying to disengage)
    I promised, Anna. Let me go!

    Anna (suddenly pushing him away)
    Well, go then, go! (then holding him again) Where did you tell me you were going?

    Vronsky
    To meet Serpukhovskoy in Moscow and go to my mother's for a family reunion.

    Anna
    You swear to me? That's really where you are going?

    Vronsky
    That's exactly where I am going. As for giving you my word on such a silly subject, and for me to abstain, and besides, where do you think I am going? Such a demand becomes an injury. I am angry, Anna, that you accuse me of such a wrong.

    Anna
    Ah, you see my faults now. (trying to smile) And I, who still don't know any of your faults? Stay Aloysha. Stay this evening. We have a lot to talk about, to say to each other.

    Vronsky
    I promised. I must leave.

    Anna
    Are you the slave of your word? Well, you've sworn before to satisfy all my caprices—and since I'm afraid of the little Mouzhik—I insist you stay here.

    Vronsky
    Impossible.

    Anna
    Vronsky—

    (Princess Barbe and Makhotin enter.)

    Vronsky
    You are not going to make a scene before them. Goodbye, my dear.

    (Vronsky hugs Anna. She remains unmoved. Barbe, who has seen Vronsky
    embrace Anna, jokes ironically.)

    Barbe
    Well, well. It's your youth, I know, but you are not in your room here.

    Vronsky
    A man can hug his wife when he's going on a trip.

    Makhotin
    You are going to your mother's, Colonel?

    Vronsky
    Yes, Makhotin. And I confide my wife and the Princess to you.

    Barbe
    Oh, don't bother to confide me any more. Really, am I a child that needs watching?

    Vronsky
    You are slandering yourself. Till tomorrow, my dear!

    Anna
    Till tomorrow.

    (Anna watches Vronsky leave and returns to Princess Barbe. On the
    horizon, Moscow is red under the rays of the setting sun.)

    Barbe
    You've had some visitors, Anna Arkadyevna?

    Anna
    Yes. My brother and sister-in-law.

    Barbe
    They were in a hurry to return to Moscow.

    Makhotin
    All the world's in a hurry today. There's Vronsky, who's leaving in the caboose at the end of the train. (to Anna) Is it possible he can leave a woman like you in such haste?

    (The dinner bell sounds softly.)

    Barbe
    Dinner? Already? Did they advance the hour today?

    Makhotin
    No, I believe not. It is, indeed, six-thirty.

    Barbe
    I'm not angry about it. Besides, our promenade has given me an appetite. Let me go before you. (pointing to Makhotin) Here's another one, dying of love for you, Enchantress.

    Anna
    Barbe Mekaelovna!

    Barbe
    All right, all right. I'll shut up. I'll shut up.

    (Barbe goes into the house. Makhotin stands next to Anna who is
    looking into the distance towards Moscow.)

    Makhotin
    Why do you have such a hard air with me? Haven't you any pity?

    Anna
    I have scorn. How dare you shake Vronsky's hand?

    Makhotin
    He shook the hand of Alexei Karenin.

    Anna
    Wretch!

    Makhotin
    And he's going to rejoin his princesses hell for leather. See who is worthy!

    Anna
    You lie—he is going to rejoin General Serpukhovskoy.

    Makhotin (laughing)
    The General! Ah, that's a good story!

    Anna (calling)
    Vladimir!

    Makhotin (still laughing)
    The General, the General!

    Vladimir (entering)
    Excellency.

    Makhotin
    Vladimir, the Barinia is calling you.

    (Makhotin enters the house, still laughing.)

    Anna
    What shame! What shame! Vladimir.

    Vladimir
    Excellency.

    Anna
    Saddle a horse and get to Moscow as fast as you can. Go to the Nijni Station and get there before the train for Olsiralovka departs.

    Vladimir
    I will get there in time, Excellency.

    Anna
    You must get there in time. You will give this letter to Count Vronsky. If you can't find him, if he cannot come—return without delay to tell me. Knock on this window here. I will come. I don't want them to see you speaking to me.

    Vladimir
    As you wish, Excellency.

    Anna (writing the letter which she gives to Vladimir)
    “Alexei, come in the name of heaven! I'm afraid. It's a question of my life.” (sealing the letter and handing it to Vladimir) Go, Vladimir and gallop, gallop all the way to Moscow.

    (Vladimir leaves hastily.)

    Anna
    A quarter of an hour to go. A quarter of an hour to return. If Vronsky isn't here at eight o'clock—

    (Voices call to Anna from inside the house.)

    Barbe's voice
    Anna! Anna Arkadyevna!

    Anna
    I'm coming! I'm coming!

    CURTAIN


    FINAL SCENE


    Same décor. Black night. The open door of the house is brilliantly lit. No one is on the stage, then some children run onstage.

    Nicolas
    Softly. They can see you from the window.

    Peter
    No danger! They are eating! Come, do you have your trap?

    Nicolas
    Yes.

    Peter
    We'll surely catch a rabbit tonight. What luck, huh?

    Nicolas
    Hush! No! If the Barinia were to see us—

    Peter
    Chicken! Let's go. In five minutes, we will be back. Annoushka won't notice a thing.

    Nicolas
    Yes, let's go.

    (The children disappear down the little stairway. A pause. Eight
    o'clock sounds in the distance. Vladimir appears at the top of the stair. He is covered with dust. He knocks on the window softly—then goes off to the right. A pause, then Anna's voice.)

    Anna's voice
    No, no—just a little headache. I want to be alone in the air for five minutes.

    (Anna comes to the door and calls.)

    Anna
    Vladimir.

    Vladimir
    Excellency!

    (Vladimir gives Anna a letter.)

    Anna
    Then, the train had already left?

    Vladimir
    No, Excellency. You heard it pass.

    Anna
    That's true.

    Vladimir
    A slow machine, a half hour late at least. I got there before him.

    (Makhotin appears in the door on the veranda. Anna doesn't see him. He
    puts his finger to his lips and listens unseen.

    Anna (reading the letter)
    “I cannot return before tomorrow at ten o'clock.” (to Vladimir) And, did he say anything to you?

    Vladimir
    He said: “Here, my boy, take this to Anna Karenina.” Then he went to rejoin the ladies.

    Anna
    The ladies?

    Vladimir
    Yes, the Countess Vronsky, his mother, then Princess Sarokine and her daughter. They all left for Obiralovka.

    (Anna stifles a sob.)

    Vladimir
    Excellency?

    Anna
    What are you saying? Why do you tell me this? The Count was not alone?

    Vladimir
    No, Excellency. The Countess Vronsky, his mother, was with him and the Princess Sarokine and her daughter. I saw them choosing their compartment.

    Anna
    Be quiet!

    Vladimir
    Certainly, Excellency.

    Anna
    And go away. Go away, Vladimir.

    Vladimir
    Excellency—

    Anna
    Leave me. I order you.

    (Vladimir goes.)

    Anna
    The wretch! The miserable lair! It's to these women that he went—the wretch—the coward.

    Makhotin (near her)
    He's an honest man, Anna.

    Anna
    You! You were listening! Spy!

    Makhotin
    There, there, pretty lady, no nasty words. I love you. Love excuses everything.

    Anna
    Love! Oh, you speak of your love.

    Makhotin
    Eh, yes. It's the only true one. The only sincere one. The loyal embrace, without phrases. Those who talk too much lie often. Only the kiss alone exists for two young, beautiful, free beings.

    Anna
    Leave me!

    Makhotin
    Say yes! Tell me yes! You will see—

    Anna
    Leave me—coward—wretch!

    Makhotin
    And who would blame you? No one. The old girl there—she knows it—she encourages me.

    Anna
    What a shame.

    Makhotin
    And then, you are only my friend's mistress.

    (Anna recoils to the stone balustrade and lets out a frightened cry.)

    Anna
    Ah, there—there on the railway track. There's someone. Help!

    Makhotin
    No one. There's no one.

    Anna
    Help! Oh, he doesn't hear me.

    Makhotin
    Oh, oh, useless. There's no one. We are alone.

    Anna
    Oh, he doesn't hear me. He cannot hear me. It's him! It's the little Mouzhik. The little Mouzhik! (suddenly, very low) Ah, it's he—who's calling me—he must iron it, mold it, crush it—

    Makhotin
    Come on, come on. I know this stuff. You want it. You want—it's the last comedy, right?

    Anna (her voice fixed)
    Yes, the last.

    Makhotin
    About time. Come then.

    (Makhotin reaches out to take her. Anna pushes him away.)

    Anna (in a dead voice)
    Yes, yes. We will go in the park. Both of us. But, I'm cold, I'm very cold. Would you go find my cape?

    Makhotin
    I win! I adore you.

    (Makhotin returns toward the house and disappears. Far, very far, the
    voice of the Moscow train.)

    Anna (alone)
    Here—nothing but mud. Down there—mud. Everywhere mud and shame.

    (The voice of the train is heard in the distance.)

    Anna
    One must beat the iron. Yes, yes, you're right, old Mouzhik. (the noise grows) They are there, both of them, in the same compartment— the one beside the other—just like we were once. My little Seriozha! (the train arrives) Forgive me, Lord!

    (Anna is at the little door and starts going down the steps.)

    Anna
    Vronsky! I am coming. I am coming, Vronsky. You will be free.

    (Anna has disappeared. The growling of the train peaks, then passes
    like a gust of wind. There are plumes of black smoke, reddened by the fire of the locomotive. The smoke dissipates as the train passes and the noise lessens. We hear the children let out screams of fright and see them hurry towards the house which Makhotin is leaving, whistling, the big cape of Anna on his arm. He stops the two children.)

    Makhotin
    Well, what? Naughty little devils. What's wrong?

    The children
    Anna Arkadyevna! Anna Arkadyevna—there—there! The train. Anna Arkadyevna!

    Makhotin
    What! What! What are you saying? Why are you crying like this?

    (The children are terrorized. They point their fingers toward the
    train track.

    The children
    There! There! The train! Anna Arkadyevna!

    (Makhotin pushes them brutally and hurls himself toward the track. The
    children are silent, frightened. In the distance, a long way off, the whistle of the locomotive is heard.)

    Makhotin
    Oh, help! Help! Help!

    CURTAIN