While Vronsky's life runs its normal course with its social and military obligations, his passion absorbs his entire inner life. "Society" has various reactions. The younger men envy him; his brother, who enjoys his own extramarital affairs, disapproves because "those whom it was necessary to please" disapprove. His mother thinking an affair in the highest society is "a finishing touch" for a promising young man, disapproves when she hears Alexey refused an important post in order to remain in Petersburg, and when she learns the affair is based upon a desperate, not graceful and worldly, passion. Meanwhile the women of Anna's circle await the turn of public opinion before falling upon her with the full weight of their scorn.
Besides his regimental and social interests, Vronsky is passionately fond of horses and racing. At this time, he has purchased an English thoroughbred and anticipates winning the officers' steeplechase. On the morning of the race he checks his mare, Frou-Frou, and, satisfied she is in the best possible condition, he drives to Anna's house. He resolves to put an end to their impossible position which demands so much lying and deceit. Anna's thoughtful pose impresses him anew with her beauty and grace, and he gazes enraptured until she feels his presence and turns to greet him. Vronsky perceives something new troubling her, but she is reluctant to answer his inquiry. Finally whispering, "I am with child," Anna brings the matter to a head. Vronsky insists that only divorce will "put an end to the deception in which we now live. Our fate is sealed." For fear of losing Seriozha, Anna refuses to consider divorce, but does not mention this to Vronsky. The sound of her son's voice ends their talk, and Vronsky drives to the race.
