`Well, but would you like to change this minute with Sergei Ivanovich?' said Kitty. `Would you like to do this work for the general good, and to love the task set you, as he does, and nothing else?'

`Of course not,' said Levin. `But I'm so happy that I don't understand anything. So you think he'll propose to her today?' he added after a brief silence.

`I think so, and I don't think so. Only, I'm awfully anxious for it. Here, wait a minute.' She stooped down and picked a wild daisy at the edge of the path. `Come, count: he will, he won't,' she said, giving him the flower.

`He will, he won't,' said Levin, tearing off the white petals.

`No, no!' Kitty, snatching at his hand, stopped him. She had been watching his fingers with agitation. `You picked off two.'

`Oh, but see, this little one shan't count to make up,' said Levin, tearing off a little half-grown petal. `Here's the droshky overtaking us.'

`Aren't you tired, Kitty?' called the Princess.

`Not in the least.'

`If you are you can get in, as the horses are quiet and walking.'

But it was not worth-while to get in; they were quite near the place, and all walked on together.