These two passions did not interfere with each other. On the contrary, he needed something independent of his love-affair, some occupation and interest in which he could find refreshment and recreation after the over-violent emotions which stirred him.
CHAPTER XIX
On the day of the Krasno-Sielo races, Vronsky came earlier than usual to eat a beefsteak in the officers' common dining-hall. He was not at all constrained to limit himself, since his weight satisfied the 160 pounds [1] required; but he did not want to get fat, and so he refrained from sweet and farinaceous foods. He sat down with his coat unbuttoned over his white waistcoat, and with both elbows resting on the table; while he was waiting for his beefsteak he kept his eyes on the pages of a French novel which lay on the plate. He looked at his book only so as not to talk with the officers as they went and came, but he was thinking.
He was thinking how Anna had promised to meet him after the races. But he had not seen her for three days; and he was wondering if she would be able to keep her appointment, as her husband had just returned to Petersburg from a journey abroad, and he was wondering how he could find out. They had met for the last time at his cousin Betsy's datcha, or country-house. For he went to the Karenins' datcha as little as possible, and now he wanted to go there, and he was asking himself, "How can it be managed?"
"Of course, I will say that I am charged by Betsy to find whether she expects to attend the races,—yes, certainly, I will go," he said, raising his head from his book. And his face shone with the joy caused by his imagination of the forthcoming interview.
"Send word that I wish my carriage and troika harnessed and brought round," said he to the waiter who
- ↑ Four and a half pud: a pud is 36.11 pounds.
