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Vronsky listened attentively to Levin, as he always did listen,

obviously interested in his words.

"Yes, but the spiritualists say we don't know at present what

this force is, but there is a force, and these are the conditions

in which it acts. Let the scientific men find out what the force

consists in. No, I don't see why there should not be a new force,

if it...."

"Why, because with electricity," Levin interrupted again, "every

time you rub tar against wool, a recognized phenomenon is

manifested, but in this case it does not happen every time, and

so it follows it is not a natural phenomenon."

Feeling probably that the conversation was taking a tone too

serious for a drawing-room, Vronsky made no rejoinder, but by way

of trying to change the conversation, he smiled brightly, and

turned to the ladies.

"Do let us try at once, countess," he said; but Levin would

finish saying what he thought.