Vronsky lives his life within a certain code of principles to which he adheres religiously. While this code only covers a very small set of circumstances, the principles are clear. Because Vronsky never strays from that set of circumstances, he has never hesitated about doing what he ought to do based on his personal code.

The invariable rules of the code begin with these: he needs to pay a card debt but he does not need to pay a tailor, he must never tell a man a lie but may lie to any woman, he may not cheat anyone but he may cheat a husband, and he must never pardon an insult though he is allowed to give one. Though these rules are neither reasonable nor good, they are invariably certain and as long as he adheres to them Vronsky feels a sense of peace in his heart. Only since he began his affair with Anna Karenina does he begin to realize that his code of principles do not cover every contingency or provide direction for future difficulties.

In the case of Anna Karenina, however, his code of conduct clearly and precisely defines his actions. Because she is an honorable woman and she loves him, he believes she has a right to the same respect—or perhaps more—than a lawful wife is entitled to have. He would sooner chop off a hand than show her disrespect in any form. Society has every right to wonder and speculate about their relationship, but none have a right to speak of it. If anyone does dare to say anything, Vronsky has the right to defend the honor of the woman he loves.

The clearest position of all is Vronsky’s behavior toward his lover’s husband. From the moment Anna Karenina gave him her love, Vronsky has believes his right to her supersedes her husband’s right to her. The only recourse Alexey Alexandrovitch has is to challenge Vronsky to a duel, and Vronsky is prepared for that to happen at any time. But now something new has entered the relationship; for what Anna Karenina expects of him now that she is carrying his child, there is nothing in his code of principles by which he can be guided.

At first he wanted to beg Anna Karenina to leave her husband, but upon reflection feels this would be a bad idea both because he is in military service and because he cannot support her financially. This is a sobering thought which compels him to think about something which has long been driving him—ambition. Though he has appeared content and even seemed to others to thoroughly enjoy his life, Vronsky has been discontent with his life for at least the past year. Though Vronsky is independent, charming and brilliant, one of his classmates has surpassed him in rank and Vronsky is tempted to be envious. He soon decides, however, that even giving up his military career is nothing if Anna Karenina gives him her love.

Now that he has thoroughly faced his position, Vronsky is calm, resolved, and happy. Everything is “straight and clear,” and he bathes and dresses before going out for the day.