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These two passions did not interfere with one another. On the

contrary, he needed occupation and distraction quite apart from

his love, so as to recruit and rest himself from the violent

emotions that agitated him.

Chapter 19

On the day of the races at Krasnoe Selo, Vronsky had come earlier

than usual to eat beefsteak in the common messroom of the

regiment. He had no need to be strict with himself, as he had

very quickly been brought down to the required light weight; but

still he had to avoid gaining flesh, and so he eschewed

farinaceous and sweet dishes. He sat with his coat unbuttoned

over a white waistcoat, resting both elbows on the table, and

while waiting for the steak he had ordered he looked at a French

novel that lay open on his plate. He was only looking at the book

to avoid conversation with the officers coming in and out; he was

thinking.