Chapter 155 — Anna Karenina

Anna returns to the hotel shattered. Yes, it's all over, and I am again alone, she tells herself, hat still on, staring at a bronze clock. Maids and footmen offer dress and coffee; she defers everything. The baby arrives charming and playful, but all this did not go deep to her heart compared with Seryozha, a personality who understood and judged her. She is forever divided from him spiritually.

She opens Seryozha's locket and album, struggling to free his latest photograph. Without a paper-knife she uses Vronsky's Rome portrait to push it out. His familiar face reminds her he caused this misery; where is he while she suffers alone? She sends for him, but he asks to bring Yashvin. What if he had ceased to love her? Separate rooms, no dinner yesterday, not coming alone: everything confirms the fear. She dresses with extra care as if beauty could win him back.

Yashvin arrives first; Vronsky studies Seryozha's photos she left on the table. She snatches them, flirts with cordial speed, and invites Yashvin to dinner to show Vronsky she is not embarrassed. Alone a moment she asks Alexey, you have not changed to me? He says they will leave soon and draws away his hand. She tells him go, go, offended.