"You must know all the details," he said, in his shrill voice. "Man's powers are limited, countess; and I have reached the limit of mine. All this day I have wasted in details, domestic details, arising [he accented the word] from my new, lonely situation. The servants, the governess, the accounts, .... this is a slow fire devouring me, and I have not strength to endure it. Yesterday I scarcely was able to get through dinner .... I cannot endure to have my son look at me ....he did not ask me any questions, but I know he wanted to ask me, and I could not endure his look. He was afraid to look at me ....but that is a mere trifle ...."
Karenin wanted to speak of the bill that had been brought him, but his voice trembled, and he stopped. This bill on blue paper, for a hat and ribbons, was a recollection that made him pity himself.
"I understand, my friend," said the Countess Lidia Ivanovna, "I understand it all. Aid and consolation you will not find in me, but I have come to help you if I can. If I could free you from these petty annoying tasks .... I think that a woman's word, a woman's hand, are needed; will you let me help you?"
Alekseï Aleksandrovitch was silent, and pressed her hand gratefully.
"We will look after Serozha together. I am not strong in practical affairs, but I can get used to them, and I will be your ekonomka. Do not thank me; I do not do it of myself." ....
"I cannot help being grateful."
"But, my friend, do not yield to the sentiment of which you spoke a moment ago. .... How can you be ashamed of what is the highest degree of Christian perfection? He who humbles himself shall be exalted. And you cannot thank me. Thank Him, pray to Him for help. In Him alone we can find peace, consolation, salvation, and love."
She raised her eyes to heaven, and began to pray, as Alekseï Aleksandrovitch could see by her silence.
Alekseï Aleksandrovitch listened to her, and this phraseology, which before seemed, not unpleasant to him,
