_ There are so many women who have made themselves _une position sociale_ in that way.

And now more than ever," she said with a mournful, confiding expression, ostensibly addressing her brother, but unmistakably intending her words only for Levin, "now when I have such need of some occupation, I cannot.

" And suddenly frowning (Levin saw that she was frowning at herself for talking about herself) she changed the subject.

"I know about you," she said to Levin; "that you're not a public-spirited citizen, and I have defended you to the best of my ability.

" "How have you defended me?" "Oh, according to the attacks made on you.