Karenin cleared his throat, and, as was his wont when making a speech, without looking at his opponent he fixed his eyes on the first man opposite him – a quiet little old man who never had any views in connection with the Special Committee – and began to explain his considerations.
Alexey Alejandrovich tosió y, sin mirar a su adversario, escogiendo, como hacía siempre al pronunciar sus discursos, la primera persona sentada ante él –un viejecito tranquilo y menudo que nunca exponía en la Comisión opiniones propias–, comenzó él a explicar con voz firme y muy clara sus ideas.