Pagina 535 de 2288

In the open horse-box stood Frou-Frou, saddled ready. They were

just going to lead her out.

"I'm not too late?"

"All right! All right!" said the Englishman; "don't upset

yourself!"

Vronsky once more took in in one glance the exquisite lines of

his favorite mare; who was quivering all over, and with an effort

he tore himself from the sight of her, and went out of the

stable. He went towards the pavilions at the most favorable

moment for escaping attention. The mile-and-a-half race was just

finishing, and all eyes were fixed on the horse-guard in front

and the light hussar behind, urging their horses on with a last

effort close to the winning post. From the center and outside of

the ring all were crowding to the winning post, and a group of

soldiers and officers of the horse-guards were shouting loudly

their delight at the expected triumph of their officer and

comrade. Vronsky moved into the middle of the crowd unnoticed,

almost at the very moment when the bell rang at the finish of the

race, and the tall, mudspattered horse-guard who came in first,

bending over the saddle, let go the reins of his panting gray

horse that looked dark with sweat.