memories of Kitty, and his eyes shone with triumph and happiness.
"This way, your excellency; come this way, and your excellency will not be disturbed," said a specially obsequious old Tatar, whose monstrous hips made the tails of his coat stick out behind. "Will you come this way, your excellency?" said he to Levin, as a sign of respect for Stepan Arkadyevitch, whose guest he was. In a twinkling he had spread a fresh cloth on the round table, which, already covered, stood under the bronze chandelier; then, bringing two velvet chairs, he stood waiting for Stepan Arkadyevitch's orders, holding in one hand his napkin, and his order-card in the other.
"If your excellency would like to have a private room, one will be at your service in a few moments. ... Prince Galitsuin and a lady. We have just received fresh oysters."
"Ah, oysters!"
Stepan Arkadyevitch reflected. "Supposing we change our plan. Levin," said he, with his finger on the bill of fare. His face showed serious hesitation.
"But are the oysters good? Pay attention!"
"They are from Flensburg, your excellency; there are none from Ostend."
"Flensburg oysters are well enough, but are they fresh?"
"They came yesterday."
"Very good! What do you say? — to begin with oysters, and then to make a complete change in our menu? What say you?"
"It's all the same to me. I'd like best of all some shchi[1] and kasha[2] but you can't get them here."
"Kasha a la russe, if you would like to order it," said the Tatar, bending over toward Levin as a nurse bends toward a child.
"No. Jesting aside, whatever you wish is good. I have been skating and should like something to eat. Don't imagine," he added, as he saw an expression of disappointment on Oblonsky's face, "that I do not
