On the day before there had been almost a quarrel between Vronsky and Anna over this proposed expedition.

It was the very dullest autumn weather, which is so dreary in the country, and so, preparing himself for a struggle, Vronsky, with a hard and cold expression, informed Anna of his departure as he had never spoken to her before.

But, to his surprise, Anna accepted the information with great composure, and merely asked when he would be back.

He looked intently at her, at a loss to explain this composure.