Besides the service and society, Vronsky had another great interest--horses; he was passionately fond of horses.

That year races and a steeplechase had been arranged for the officers.

Vronsky had put his name down, bought a thoroughbred English mare, and in spite of his love affair, he was looking forward to the races with intense, though reserved, excitement... These two passions did not interfere with one another.

On the contrary, he needed occupation and distraction quite apart from his love, so as to recruit and rest himself from the violent emotions that agitated him.