Karenin himself, as the Petersburg way is when one dines with ladies, was in evening dress with a white tie, and Oblonsky saw by his face that he had come only to keep his promise, and by being in that company was fulfilling an unpleasant duty.
Oblonsky comprendió por su rostro que sólo acudía por cumplir su palabra, y que concurriendo a la reunión lo hacia como quien cumple un deber penoso. El era, pues, el causante de la impresión glacial que sintieron los invitados hasta la llegada del anfitrión.