ing smile with which, at court, she was wont to wither young maids of honor, disconcerted at the newness of their position.
"We are saved by Christ who suffered for us; we are saved by faith," resumed Alekseï Aleksandrovitch.
"Vous comprenez l'anglais?" asked Lidia Ivanovna; and, receiving an affirmative answer, she rose, and took a small book from a side-table. "I'm going to read to you, 'Safe and Happy; or, Under the Wing,'" said she, with a look of interrogation at Karenin. "It is very short," added she, resuming her seat and opening the book. "Here the way is described by which faith is attained, and the joy which is higher than any that earth can give, which fills the soul of the believer. Man who believes cannot be unhappy, because he is no longer alone. Yes, and here you see...." She was about to go on reading, when again the lackey appeared. "From Borozdin? Say to-morrow, at two o'clock. .... Yes," she said, with a sigh, marking the place in the book with her finger, and looking up with her pensive, loving eyes. "This is the way true faith is acquired. Are you acquainted with Marie Sanina? You have heard of her great affliction? She lost her only son. She was in despair. Well, how is it now? She found this friend. She thanks God for the death of her child. Such is the happiness faith can give!"
"Ah, yes; this is very...." murmured Stepan Arkadyevitch, glad to be able to keep silent during this reading, and to think over his affairs a little. "I shall do better not to ask anything to-day," thought he; "only how can I get out of this without compromising myself?"
"This will be dull for you," said the countess to Landau. "You don't understand English; but this is short."
"Oh! I shall understand," said he, with a smile; and he shut his eyes.
Alekseï Aleksandrovitch and the countess significantly looked at one another, and the reading began.
