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As soon as he arrived in Petersburg, people began to talk about

him as a newly risen star of the first magnitude. A schoolfellow

of Vronsky's and of the same age, he was a general and was

expecting a command, which might have influence on the course of

political events; while Vronsky, independent and brilliant and

beloved by a charming woman though he was, was simply a cavalry

captain who was readily allowed to be as independent as ever he

liked. "Of course I don't envy Serpuhovskoy and never could envy

him; but his advancement shows me that one has only to watch

one's opportunity, and the career of a man like me may be very

rapidly made. Three years ago he was in just the same position as

I am. If I retire, I burn my ships. If I remain in the army, I

lose nothing. She said herself she did not wish to change her

position. And with her love I cannot feel envious of

Serpuhovskoy." And slowly twirling his mustaches, he got up from

the table and walked about the room.