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"You say that all should be as it is. I understand what that

means. But listen: we're the same age, you've known a greater

number of women perhaps than I have." Serpohovskoy's smile and

gestures told Vronsky that he mustn't be afraid, that he would be

tender and careful in touching the sore place. "But I'm married,

and believe me, in getting to know thoroughly one's wife, if one

loves her, as someone has said, one gets to know all women better

than if one knew thousands of them."

"We're coming directly!" Vronsky shouted to an officer, who

looked into the room and called them to the colonel.

Vronsky was longing now to hear to the end and know what

Serpuhovskey would say to him.