Chapter 157 — Anna Karenina

Vronsky feels anger toward Anna, almost hatred, for refusing to understand her position. He cannot say plainly that appearing at the theater in that dress is flinging down a challenge to society and cutting herself off forever. His respect diminishes while his sense of her beauty intensifies. He drinks brandy with Yashvin, listens for her steps, and refuses to join the theater until frustration drives him there anyway.

At the opera Anna sits proud and beautiful in the fifth box while Princess Varvara laughs unnaturally and Yashvin scowls like a man losing at cards. In the next box Madame Kartasova turns her back, pale and angry, then leaves after her husband tries to bow to Anna. Vronsky sees Anna taxing every nerve to maintain composure while undergoing the sensations of a man in the stocks. Varya explains the insult aloud: a disgrace to sit beside her. His mother sarcastically asks why he is not courting Madame Karenina when all Petersburg watches.

Anna's face quivers; she leaves her box. Vronsky follows home. She cries that he is to blame for everything and repeats Kartasova's words. He calls it silly chatter but reassures her with love that feels vulgar to him. She drinks in his asseverations and grows calmer. The next day, reconciled on the surface, they leave for the country.