"That must have been very tiresome to you," said he, instantly catching on the rebound the ball of coquetry which she had tossed to him. But she evidently did not care to continue her conversation in the same tone, but turned to the old countess:—
"Thank you very much. I don't see where the time has gone. Good-by, countess."
"Farewell, my dear," replied the countess. "Let me kiss your pretty little face. I tell you frankly, as it is permitted an old lady, that I am in love with you."
Hackneyed as this expression was, Madame Karenina evidently believed thoroughly in its sincerity, and was pleased with it. She blushed, bowed lightly, and bent her face down to the old countess's lips. Then, straightening herself up, she gave her hand to Vronsky with the smile that seemed to belong as much to her eyes as to her lips. He pressed her little hand, and, as if it were something unusual, was delighted with the energetic firmness with which she frankly and fearlessly shook his hand.
Madame Karenina went out with light and rapid step, carrying her rather plump person with remarkable elasticity.
"Very charming," said the old lady again.
Her son was of the same opinion; and again his eyes followed her graceful figure till she was out of sight, and a smile rested on his face. Through the window he saw her join her brother, take his arm, and engage him in lively conversation, evidently about some subject with which Vronsky had no connection, and this seemed to him annoying.
"Well! are you enjoying perfectly good health, maman?" he asked, turning to his mother.
"Very well, indeed, splendid. Alexandre has been charming, and Marie has been very good. She is very interesting."
And again she began to speak of what was especially interesting to her heart,—the baptism of her grandson, for which she had come to Moscow, and the special favor shown her eldest son by the emperor.
