Anna Karenina (Penguin) - Leo Tolstoy [57]
‘You were at Kiev University?’ Konstantin Levin said to Kritsky, in order to break the awkward silence that ensued.
‘Yes, Kiev,’ Kritsky began crossly, scowling.
‘And this woman,’ Nikolai Levin interrupted him, pointing to her, ‘is my life’s companion, Marya Nikolaevna. I took her from a house’ - and his neck twitched as he said it. ‘But I love her and respect her, and I ask everyone who wants to know me,’ he added, raising his voice and frowning, ‘to love and respect her. She’s the same as my wife, the same. So there, you know who you’re dealing with. And if you think you’re lowering yourself, here’s your hat and there’s the door.’
And again his eyes passed questioningly over them all.
‘Why should I be lowering myself? I don’t understand.’
‘Then tell them to serve supper, Masha: three portions, some vodka and wine ... No, wait ... No, never mind ... Go.’
XXV
‘So you see,’ Nikolai Levin went on with effort, wrinkling his brow and twitching. It was obviously hard for him to think what to say and do. ‘You see ...’ He pointed at some small iron bars tied with string in the corner of the room. ‘See that? That’s the beginning of a new business we’re undertaking. This business is a manufacturing association ...’
Konstantin was almost not listening. He peered into his brother’s sickly, consumptive face, felt more and more sorry for him, and was unable to make himself listen to what his brother was telling him about the association. He could see that this association was only an anchor saving him from despising himself. Nikolai Levin went on speaking:
‘You know that capital oppresses the worker - the workers in our country, the muzhiks, bear all the burden of labour, and their position is such that, however much they work, they can never get out of their brutish situation. All the profits earned by their work, with which they might improve their situation, give themselves some leisure and, consequently, education, all surplus earnings are taken from them by the capitalists. And society has developed so that the more they work, the more gain there will be for the merchants and landowners, and they will always remain working brutes. And this order must be changed,’ he concluded and looked inquiringly at his brother.
‘Yes, of course,’ said Konstantin, studying the red patches that had appeared below his brother’s prominent cheekbones.
‘And so we’re organizing a metal-working association, in which all production and profit and, above all, the tools of production, will be common property.’
‘Where will the association be located?’ asked Konstantin Levin.
‘In the village of Vozdryoma, Kazan province.’
‘Why in a village? I think there’s enough to do in the villages without that. Why have a metal-working association in a village?’
‘Because the muzhiks are just as much slaves now as they were before, and that’s why you and Sergei Ivanych don’t like it that we want to bring them out of this slavery,’ Nikolai Levin said, annoyed by the objection.
Konstantin Levin sighed, at the same time looking around the dismal and dirty room. This sigh seemed to annoy Nikolai still more.
‘I know the aristocratic views you and Sergei Ivanych have. I know that he employs all his mental powers to justify the existing evil.’
‘No, why do you talk about Sergei Ivanych?’ said Levin, smiling.
‘Sergei Ivanych? Here’s why!’ Nikolai Levin cried out suddenly at the name of Sergei Ivanych. ‘Here’s why ... But what’s there to talk about? Nothing but ... Why did you come to see me? You despise all this, and that’s wonderful, so go, go