But yesterday there were special reasons," pursued Stepan Arkadyevitch, with a meaning smile, totally oblivious of the genuine sympathy he had felt the day before for his friend, and feeling the same sympathy now, only for Vronsky.

" Yes, there were reasons why he could not help being either particularly happy or particularly unhappy.

" Vronsky stood still and asked directly: "How so? Do you mean he made your _belle-soeur_ an offer yesterday?" "Maybe," said Stepan Arkadyevitch.

" I fancied something of the sort yesterday.

Yes, if he went away early, and was out of humor too, it must mean it....