Seite 490 von 2288

Yashvin, a gambler and a rake, a man not merely without moral

principles, but of immoral principles, Yashvin was Vronsky's

greatest friend in the regiment. Vronsky liked him both for his

exceptional physical strength, which he showed for the most part

by being able to drink like a fish, and do without sleep without

being in the slightest degree affected by it; and for his great

strength of character, which he showed in his relations with his

comrades and superior officers, commanding both fear and respect,

and also at cards, when he would play for tens of thousands and

however much he might have drunk, always with such skill and

decision that he was reckoned the best player in the English

Club. Vronsky respected and liked Yashvin particularly because he

felt Yashvin liked him, not for his name and his money, but for

himself. And of all men he was the only one with whom Vronsky

would have liked to speak of his love.