The prince's manner of treating the very people who, to Vronsky's surprise, were ready to descend to any depths to provide him with Russian amusements, was contemptuous.

His criticisms of Russian women, whom he wished to study, more than once made Vronsky crimson with indignation.

The chief reason why the prince was so particularly disagreeable to Vronsky was that he could not help seeing himself in him.

And what he saw in this mirror did not gratify his self-esteem.

He was a very stupid and very self-satisfied and very healthy and very well-washed man, and nothing else.