Anna Karenina Part 3, Chapter 9 Summary

  • On the way back from the house, the coachman tells Dolly that a gentleman has arrived.
  • This gentleman is Levin, whom Dolly is glad to see. Levin is tactful, gets along wonderfully with the children, and understands the effort of motherhood. It's worth noting what children like about him: they appreciate that he is honest and aboveboard. He doesn't "sham," or pretend.
  • After dinner, Dolly tells Levin that Kitty is going to spend the summer with her. Levin immediately starts talking about cows and theories of dairy farming.
  • The two of them converse about dairy issues. Levin has some views about treating cows like machines for milk while distinguishing carefully between starchy and grassy feeds. It's clear, though, that they both want to talk about Kitty.