In this chapter Vronsky returns to his familiar habits, just as Dolly, Levin, and Anna have gone back to their "starting points" after confronting their respective crises. Vronsky's light talk with the baroness
about divorce preludes his more intense arguments with Anna later on, and the behavior attributed to Baron Shilton suggests the nature of Karenin's response to the same problem.
Part I ends on a note of departure, as Vronsky leaves to form connections which will give him further chances to see Anna. This lightly undertaken departure, however, represents one with grave consequences for Vronsky: He is really departing from his old way of life with its facile relationships to embark upon a new existence and a relationship of unimagined intensity.
