第799页 / 共2288页

As the season is drawing to a close, I would beg you to return to

Petersburg as quickly as possible, not later than Tuesday. All

necessary preparations shall be made for your arrival here. I beg

you to note that I attach particular significance to compliance

with this request.

A. Karenin

"P.S.-I enclose the money which may be needed for your expenses."

He read the letter through and felt pleased with it, and

especially that he had remembered to enclose money: there was not

a harsh word, not a reproach in it, nor was there undue

indulgence. Most of all, it was a golden bridge for return.

Folding the letter and smoothing it with a massive ivory knife,

and putting it in an envelope with the money, he rang the bell

with the gratification it always afforded him to use the well

arranged appointments of his writing-table.

"Give this to the courier to be delivered to Anna Arkadyevna

tomorrow at the summer villa," he said, getting up.

"Certainly, your excellency; tea to be served in the study?"