And he and his sister stood still, looking for her maid.

When they went out the Vronsky's carriage had already driven away. People coming in were still talking of what had happened.

`What a horrible death!' said a gentleman, passing by. `They say he was cut in two.'

`On the contrary, I think it's the easiest - instantaneous,' observed another.

`How is it they don't take proper precautions?' a third was saying.

Madame Karenina seated herself in the carriage, and Stepan Arkadyevich saw with surprise that her lips were quivering, and that she was with difficulty restraining her tears.

`What is it, Anna?' he asked, when they had driven a few hundred sagenes.

`It's an omen of evil,' she said.

`What nonsense!' said Stepan Arkadyevich. `You've come, that's the chief thing. You can't conceive how I'm resting my hopes on you.'

`Have you known Vronsky long? she asked.

`Yes. You know we're hoping he will marry Kitty.'

`Yes?' said Anna softly. `Come now, let us talk of you,' she added, tossing her head, as though she would physically shake off something superfluous oppressing her. `Let us talk of your affairs. I got your letter, and here I am.'

`Yes, all my hopes are in you,' said Stepan Arkadyevich.

`Well, tell me all about it.'

And Stepan Arkadyevich began his story.

On reaching home Oblonsky helped his sister out, sighed, pressed her hand, and set off to his office.