第168页 / 共2288页

"So that's it! I should imagine, though, she might reckon on a

better match," said Vronsky, drawing himself up and walking about

again, "though I don't know him, of course," he added. "Yes, that

is a hateful position! That's why most fellows prefer to have to

do with Klaras. If you don't succeed with them it only proves

that you've not enough cash, but in this case one's dignity's at

stake. But here's the train."

The engine had already whistled in the distance. A few instants

later the platform was quivering, and with puffs of steam hanging

low in the air from the frost, the engine rolled up, with the

lever of the middle wheel rhythmically moving up and down, and

the stooping figure of the engine-driver covered with frost.

Behind the tender, setting the platform more and more slowly

swaying, came the luggage van with a dog whining in it. At last

the passenger carriages rolled in, oscillating before coming to a

standstill.