twelve o’clock
Stepan Arkadyevitch went to the Grand Theater to a rehearsal of the ballet , and gave Masha Tchibisova , a pretty dancing-girl whom he had just taken under his protection , the coral necklace he had promised her the evening before , and behind the scenes in the dim daylight of the theater , managed to kiss her pretty little face , radiant over her present . Besides the gift of the necklace he wanted to arrange with her about meeting after the ballet . After explaining that he could not come at the beginning of the ballet , he promised he would come for the last act and take her to supper . From the theater Stepan Arkadyevitch drove to Ohotny Row , selected himself the fish and asparagus for dinner , and by twelve o'clock was at Dussots ' , where he had to see three people , luckily all staying at the same hotel : Levin , who had recently come back from abroad and was staying there ; the new head of his department , who had just been promoted to that position , and had come on a tour of revision to Moscow ; and his brother-in-law , Karenin , whom he must see , so as to be sure of bringing him to dinner . Stepan Arkadyevitch liked dining , but still better he liked to give a dinner , small , but very choice , both as regards the food and drink and as regards the selection of guests . He particularly liked the program of that day 's dinner . There would be fresh perch , asparagus , and _ la pièce de resistance _ -- first-rate , but quite plain , roast beef , and wines to suit : so much for the eating and drinking .