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launched into a long and heated explanation of his views.
Vronsky at the first moment felt embarrassed at not even knowing
of the first part of the Two Elements, of which the author spoke as
something well known. But as Golenishtchev began to lay down his
opinions and Vronsky was able to follow them even without knowing
the Two Elements, he listened to him with some interest, for
Golenishtchev spoke well. But Vronsky was startled and annoyed by
the nervous irascibility with which Golenishtchev talked of the subject
that engrossed him. As he went on talking, his eyes glittered more and
more angrily; he was more and more hurried in his replies to imaginary
opponents, and his face grew more and more excited and worried.
Remembering Golenishtchev, a thin, lively, good-natured and well-
bred boy, always at the head of the class, Vronsky could not make out
the reason of his irritability, and he did not like it. What he particularly
disliked was that Golenishtchev, a man belonging to a good set, should
put himself on a level with some scribbling fellows, with whom he was
irritated and angry. Was it worth it? Vronsky disliked it, yet he felt that
Golenishtchev was unhappy, and was sorry for him. Unhappiness,
almost mental derangement, was visible on his mobile, rather hand-
some face, while without even noticing Anna’s coming in, he went on
hurriedly and hotly expressing his views.
When Anna came in in her hat and cape, and her lovely hand
rapidly swinging her parasol, and stood beside him, it was with a feel-
ing of relief that Vronsky broke away from the plaintive eyes of
Golenishtchev which fastened persistently upon him, and with a fresh
rush of love looked at his charming companion, full of life and happi-
ness. Golenishtchev recovered himself with an effort, and at first was
dejected and gloomy, but Anna, disposed to feel friendly with every-
one as she was at that time, soon revived his spirits by her direct and
lively manner. After trying various subjects of conversation, she got
him upon painting, of which he talked very well, and she listened to
him attentively. They walked to the house they had taken, and looked
over it.
“I am very glad of one thing,” said Anna to Golenishtchev when
they were on their way back: “Alexey will have a capital atelier. You
must certainly take that room,” she said to Vronsky in Russian, using
the affectionately familiar form as though she saw that Golenishtchev
would become intimate with them in their isolation, and that there was
no need of reserve before him.
“Do you paint?” said Golenishtchev, turning round quickly to
Vronsky.
“Yes, I used to study long ago, and now I have begun to do a little,”
said Vronsky, reddening.
“He has great talent,” said Anna with a delighted smile. “I’m no
judge, of course. But good judges have said the same.”