to obtain one? I will not deny that at first I was undecided, I was in torment. I confess that the desire to avenge myself on you and on her pursued me. When I received the telegram, and came home, I felt the same desire. I will say more; I wished for her death. But...." He was silent for a moment, considering whether he would wholly reveal his thoughts—"but I have seen her and I have forgiven her. The happiness I feel at being able to forgive clearly shows me my duty. I have absolutely forgiven her. I desire to offer the other cheek to the smiter; I wish to give my cloak to him who has robbed me of my coat. I only ask one thing of God,—that He will not take away from me this joy of forgiving."
Tears filled his eyes. Vronsky was amazed at the calm, luminous face.
"This is my position. You may drag me in the mire, and make me the laughing-stock of creation; but I will not give up Anna for that, nor will I utter a word of reproach to you," continued Alekseï Aleksandrovitch. "My duty seems clear and plain to me: I must remain with her; I shall remain with her. If she wishes to see you, I shall inform you of it; but now I think it will be better for you to go away."
He rose; sobs choked his voice. Vronsky rose too, and, standing with bowed head and humble attitude, looked up at Karenin, without a word to say. He was incapable of understanding Alekseï Aleksandrovitch's feelings; but he felt that this was something too high for him, something even unapproachable for a person who looked on the world as he did.
CHAPTER XVIII
After this conversation with Alekseï Aleksandrovitch Vronsky went out on the steps of the Karenin house and stopped, hardly knowing where he was and what he had to do. He felt humiliated, perplexed, and deprived of all means of washing away his shame; he
