The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1921-09-03

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 a
large ball when, instead Of choosing
her as his mazurka partner. Vronsky
led out-Madame Kareninal
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 50
completely that she left for st. Peters
burg the next day, cutting short her
visit. The calm routine Of her daily
life took on 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" (Anna would have
respected some truculent CONVERSE
tion.) His spineless attitude enraged
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
Ito be together.
Karenin waited for the blow to fall.
It 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 a sense Of relief. He Immediately
began to plan on getting out Of the
mud without being splashed. He con-
sidered duelling. divorce, separation.
Being afraid Of pistol, he concluded
that his services to the government
were too valuable for him to risk his
life. The scandal Of divorce might
react against himself and a 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 ap-
| 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.
| lized that it was Levin whom she real.
" 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 te
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 thu
light Of life to her. She became so I'M
happy that, In a moment Of weakness
Karenin was prevailed upon to con
sent to divorce, even to take the blame
and give her the boy. This generosit!
she could not accept and. with Vron
J sky and her baby, left her husband''
home and her son, on that inevitabl!
J fatal journey Of love without the law
Il They went abroad and at first wer'
radiantly happy. Then vronsky tire'
. Of the aimless life. They returned Z
| Russia and settled In the country
Annals position became 80 unbearabl
| to vronsky,, who adored her, that D.
/ | finally urged her to appeal to Karenil
| for a divorce. When Karenin refused
| owing to various circumstances, mat
/ tiers grew worse than ever. ANN
, could not 60 into society, 30 becam
retrospective. Without cause. sh
grew very jealous Of vronsky. Sn
. | took to morphine as q sleeping potion
81 Suicide-under the rushing wheel
/ az 4 railroad train-was Anna Karen
mas way out.
n vronsky's grief was Overwhelming
j | After many weeks Of illness, he O
eanized squadron Of cavalry and er