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With the insight of a man of the world, from one glance at this

lady's appearance Vronsky classified her as belonging to the best

society. He begged pardon, and was getting into the carriage, but

felt he must glance at her once more; not that she was very

beautiful, not on account of the elegance and modest grace which

were apparent in her whole figure, but because in the expression

of her charming face, as she passed close by him, there was

something peculiarly caressing and soft. As he looked round, she

too turned her head. Her shining gray eyes, that looked dark from

the thick lashes, rested with friendly attention on his face, as

though she were recognizing him, and then promptly turned away to

the passing crowd, as though seeking someone. In that brief look

Vronsky had time to notice the suppressed eagerness which played

over her face, and flitted between the brilliant eyes and the

faint smile that curved her red lips.