Strona 136 z 2288

She was breathing heavily, not looking at him. She was feeling

ecstasy. Her soul was flooded with happiness. She had never

anticipated that the utterance of love would produce such a

powerful effect on her. But it lasted only an instant. She

remembered Vronsky. She lifted her clear, truthful eyes, and

seeing his desperate face, she answered hastily:

"That cannot be ... forgive me."

A moment ago, and how close she had been to him, of what

importance in his life! And how aloof and remote from him she had

become now!

"It was bound to be so," he said, not looking at her.

He bowed, and was meaning to retreat.

Chapter 14