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""Something out of the common has happened to him," thought the Countess Nordston, scrutinizing his stern and serious face; "why does he not start on one of his discourses? But I"ll draw him out, I do love to make a fool of him when Kitty's about, and I will."" .
(Maude, 49).
This interior monologue demonstrates how perceptive the Countess is as she assesses her situation through her interactions. It shows part of her personality and how she takes pleasure in Levin's embarrassment. .
Like Kitty's mother, the Countess wishes to see Kitty married to the dashing Vronsky. If she were to marry Vronsky, Kitty would most likely live in a city rather than on Levin's country estate. In Kitty's eventual marriage to Levin it can be seen that Tolstoy believes that living in the country is better. In a discussion with the Countess referring to Moscow as Babylon Levin shows his contempt for materialistic and worldly things in life. He dislikes being in a city and prefers husbandry on his estate. In this dialogue with Levin, the Countess belittles him and his views as she frequently does when they meet each other. This polite yet unmistaken animosity between the two is typical when two mature adults loathe each other. Referring to Moscow as Babylon is somewhat humorous and this particular vocabulary is relaxing to the reader after the tension of Levin's failed marriage proposal to Kitty. .
Despite the Countess Nordston's actions towards Levin, she isn't always sinister. While Kitty is unmarried she considers the Countess to be one of her best friends. Tolstoy shows a kinder more considerate side of the Countess at the dance where Kitty realizes that Vronsky loves Anna. During the much anticipated mazurka dance, the Countess finds her friend without a partner as Vronsky is dancing with Anna. "The Countess Nordston, who was engaged to Korsunsky for the mazurka, told him to ask Kitty instead" (Maude, 82).
