The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1921-08-11

vored the brilliant Vronsky; her father
said "Levin was worth a thousand
men, Kitty, herself had set her
heart on Vronsky, although fond of
Levin. In due time she experienced
the pleasing pain Of refusing Levin,
but, to her chagrin and deep humilia-
ton, the proposal from Vronsky did
not materialize. The latter did not
dream that his attentions to her were
regarded seriously. Poor Kitty met
with her crushing disappointment at
large ball when, instead of choosing
her as his mazurka partner, Vronsky
led out-Madame Karenina!
In spite of their endeavors to hide
the magic glow which enveloped them
it was obvious to Kitty, as to others,
that Anna and Vronsky had both been
touched by the same flaming torch.
Anna Karenina had met her man
She knew it. She was afraid. Her
customary serenity deserted her so
completely that she left for st. Peters
burg the next day, cutting short her
visit. The calm routine of her daily
life took on a new and attractive as
pect; she longed to see her son-even
her husband. But-Vronsky took the
same train to ST. Petersburg.
They met constantly in society.
Anna called all the forces Of reason,
prudence, pride, to her aid. but she
could not conceal the rapture she felt
in Vronsky's presence. Her intimates
became extremely interested. This
was, indeed. an affair after their own
hearts. According to their code, any
thing was proper so long as outward
conventions were observed. Karenin
coolly pointed out the danger of her
course. He assured her he looked upon
jealousy ''as humiliating and wound
Ing sentiment" Gamma would have
respected some truculent CONVERSE
tion.) His spineless attitude enr&ged
her and by the end of year she and
Vronsky had become all in all to each
other. They had but one object In life
to be together.
Karenin waited for the blow to fall.
1t was finally accomplished by Annals
public exhibition of emotion when
vronsky met with racing accident.
Upon being upbraided by her hus-
band, she confessed her love for Vron-
sky. Mingled with the pain, Karenin
felt q sense of relief. He Immediately
began to plan on getting out Of the
mud without being splashed. He con-
sidered duelling, divorce, separation.
Of raf nf hn Ind 6
that his services to the government
were too valuable for him to risk his
life. The scandal of a divorce might
react against himself and separation
would throw Anna into Vronsky's
arms. The latter was the last thing
he wanted. 1t would not punish Anna.
His decision was to allow her to re-
main In his home-perhaps resume
their old relations. He knew this
would make her most unhappy. His
justification for this attitude was Its
religious significance.
In the meantime, Levin was trying
to forget Kitty by devoting himself to
work. He became much interested in
uplifting his peasants, who did not APP
preciate his efforts. He reached the
conclusion that they had found the
way to happiness, but one glimpse Of
Kitty showed him his error and stirred
up his old feeling for her. Kitty's
health had so failed after her disap-
pOintment In Vronsky that she had
been sent abroad to take cure. Now,
having been restored to health and
having a new outlook on life she rea-
liked that 1t was Levin whom she real
ly loved and when he again asked for
her hand she gladly consented.
According to Karenin's decision,
Anna still had her place as mistress of
his household. Karenin was aware
that she and Vronsky still maintained
their relations, but could do nothing
about 1t. In time Anna gave birth to
daughter and was thought to be dy-
ing. Karenin's conduct was magnani-
nous, even toward Vronsky's baby.
Vronsky attempted suicide through
sheer humiliation. But Anna recov-
cred, which Karenin had not counted
on, and with her returning health came
the conviction that Vronsky was the
light of life to her. She became so I'M
happy that. in moment of weakness,
Karenin was prevailed upon to con-
sent to divorce, even to take the blame
and give her the boy This generosity
she could not accept and, with Vron-
sky and her baby, left her husbands
home and her son, on that inevitably
fatal journey Of love without the law.
They went abroad and at first were
radiantly happy. Then Vronsky tired
of the aimless life. They returned to
Russia and settled in the country.
Annals position became so unbearable
TO Vronsky, who adored her, that he
finally urged her to appeal to Karenin
for divorce. When Karenin refused,
owing to various circumstances, mat
ters grew worse than ever. Anna
could not go into society, so became
interpretive. Without cause, she
grew very jealous of vronsky. She