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"I know him by reputation and by sight. I know that he's clever,

learned, religious somewhat.... But you know that's not ... _not

in my line,_" said Vronsky in English.

"Yes, he's a very remarkable man; rather a conservative, but a

splendid man," observed Stepan Arkadyevitch, "a splendid man."

"Oh, well, so much the better for him," said Vronsky smiling.

"Oh, you've come," he said, addressing a tall old footman of his

mother's, standing at the door; "come here."

Besides the charm Oblonsky had in general for everyone, Vronsky

had felt of late specially drawn to him by the fact that in his

imagination he was associated with Kitty.

"Well, what do you say? Shall we give a supper on Sunday for the

diva?" he said to him with a smile, taking his arm.

"Of course. I'm collecting subscriptions. Oh, did you make the

acquaintance of my friend Levin?" asked Stepan Arkadyevitch.

"Yes; but he left rather early."

"He's a capital fellow," pursued Oblonsky. "Isn't he?"