 Part 1 Chapter 7 of The Idiot. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Martin Giesen. The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Translated by Eva M. Martin. Part 1 Chapter 7. When the prince ceased speaking, all were gazing merrily at him, even a glire. But Lisa Vieta Prokofievna looked the jolliest of all. Well, she cried, we have put him through his paces with a vengeance. My dears, you imagined, I believe, that you were about to patronise this young gentleman, like some poor protégé picked up somewhere, and taken under your magnificent protection. What fools we were, and what especially big fool is your father! Well done, prince! I assure you the general actually asked me to put you through your paces and examine you. As to what you said about my face, you are absolutely correct in your judgment. I am a child, and know it. I knew it long before you said so. You have expressed my own thoughts. I think your nature and mine must be extremely alike, and I am very glad of it. We are like two drops of water. Only you are a man, and I a woman, and I have not been to Switzerland, and that is all the difference between us. Don't be in a hurry, mother. The prince says that he has some motive behind his simplicity, cried a glire. Yes, yes, so he does, laughed the others. Oh, don't you begin bantering him, said Mamar. He is probably a good deal cleverer than all three of you girls put together. We shall see. Only you haven't told us anything about a glire yet, prince, and a glire and I are both waiting to hear. I cannot say anything at present. I'll tell you afterwards. Why, her face is clear enough, isn't it? Oh, yes, of course. You are very beautiful a glire, Ivanovna, so beautiful that one is afraid to look at you. Is that all? What about her character? persisted Mrs. Yepanchin. It is difficult to judge when such beauty is concerned. I have not prepared my judgment. Beauty is a riddle. That means you have set a glire a riddle, said Adelaida. Guess it, a glire. But she's pretty prince, isn't she? Most wonderfully so, said the latter, warmly, gazing at a glire with admiration, almost as lovely as Nastasia Philipovna, but quite a different type. All present exchanged looks of surprise. As lovely as who? said Mrs. Yepanchin. As Nastasia Philipovna. Where have you seen Nastasia Philipovna? What Nastasia Philipovna? Gavrila Ardalyonovich showed the general her portrait just now. How so? Did he bring the portrait for my husband? Only to show it. Nastasia Philipovna gave it to Gavrila Ardalyonovich today, and the latter brought it here to show the general. I must see it! cried Mrs. Yepanchin. Where is the portrait? If she gave it to him, he must have it, and he is still in the study. He never leaves before four o'clock on Wednesdays. Send for Gavrila Ardalyonovich at once. No, I don't long to see him so much. Look here, de Prince, be so kind, will you? Just step to the study and fetch this portrait. Say we want to look at it. Please do this for me, will you?" He is a nice fellow, but a little too simple, said Adelaida as the Prince left the room. He is indeed, said Alexandra, almost laughably so at times. Neither one nor the other seemed to give expression to her full thoughts. He got out of it very neatly about our faces, so, said Aglaya, he flattered us all round, even mamar. Monsonce, cried the latter, he did not flatter me. It was I who found his appreciation flattering. I think you are a great deal more foolish than he is. He is simple, of course, but also very knowing, just like myself. How stupid of me to speak of the portrait! thought the Prince as he entered the study, with a feeling of guilt at his heart. And yet, perhaps I was right after all. He had an idea, unformed as yet, but a strange idea. Gavrila Ardalyonovich was still sitting in the study, buried in a mass of papers. He looked as though he did not take his salary from the public company, whose servant he was, for a sinecure. He grew very wroth and confused when the Prince asked for the portrait, and explained how it came about that he had spoken of it. Oh, curse it all! he said. What on earth must you go blabbing for? You know nothing about the thing. And yet, idiot, he added muttering the last word to himself in irrepressible rage. I am very sorry. I was not thinking at the time. I merely said that Aglaya was almost as beautiful as Nastasia Philipovna. Gania asked for further details, and the Prince once more repeated the conversation. Gania looked at him with ironical contempt the while. Nastasia Philipovna! he began, and there paused. He was clearly much agitated and annoyed. The Prince reminded him of the portrait. Listen, Prince! said Gania, as though an idea had just struck him. I wish to ask you a great favour. And yet I really don't know. He paused again. He was trying to make up his mind to something, and was turning the matter over. The Prince waited quietly. Once more Gania fixed him with intent and questioning eyes. Prince! he began again. They are rather angry with me in there, owing to a circumstance which I need not explain, so that I do not care to go in at present without an invitation. I particularly wish to speak to Aglaya, but I have written a few words, in case I shall not have the chance of seeing her. Here the Prince observed a small note in his hand, and I do not know how to get my communication to her. Don't you think you could undertake to give it to her at once, but only to her mind, and so that no one else should see you give it? It isn't much of a secret, but still. Well, will you do it?" I don't quite like it, replied the Prince. Oh! but it is absolutely necessary for me! Gania entreated. Believe me, if it were not so, I would not ask you. How else am I to get it to her? It is most important, dreadfully important. Gania was evidently much alarmed at the idea that the Prince would not consent to take his note, and he looked at him now with an expression of absolute entreaty. Well, I will take it then. But mind, nobody is to see! cried the delighted Gania, and of course I may rely on your word of honour. I won't show it to any one, said the Prince. The letter is not sealed, continued Gania, and paused in confusion. Oh! I won't read it, said the Prince, quite simply. He took up the portrait and went out of the room. Gania, left alone, clutched his head with his hands. One word from her, he said. One word from her, and I may yet be free. He could not settle himself to his papers again for agitation and excitement, but began walking up and down the room from corner to corner. The Prince walked along musing. He did not like his commission, and disliked the idea of Gania sending a note to O'Glyre at all. But when he was two rooms distant from the drawing-room where they all were, he stopped, as though recalling something. Went to the window near the light, and began to examine the portrait in his hand. He longed to solve the mystery of something in the face of Nastasia Philipovna, something which had struck him as he looked at the portrait for the first time. The impression had not left him. It was partly the fact of her marvellous beauty that struck him, and partly something else. There was a suggestion of immense pride and disdain in the face, almost of hatred, and at the same time something confiding and very full of simplicity. The contrast aroused a deep sympathy in his heart as he looked at the lovely face. The blinding loveliness of it was almost intolerable. This pale, thin face with its flaming eyes. It was a strange beauty. The Prince gazed at it for a minute or two, then glanced around him, and hurriedly raised the portrait to his lips. When a minute after he reached the drawing-room door, his face was quite composed. But just as he reached the door, he met Aglaya coming out alone. Gavrila Ardalyonovich begged me to give you this, he said, handing her the note. Aglaya stopped, took the letter, and gazed strangely into the Prince's eyes. There was no confusion in her face, a little surprise, perhaps, but that was all. By her look she seemed merely to challenge the Prince to an explanation as to how he and Gania happened to be connected in this matter. But her expression was perfectly cool and quiet, and even condescending. So they stood for a moment or two, confronting one another. At length a faint smile passed over her face, and she passed by him without a word. Mrs. Yepanchin examined the portrait of Nastasia Philipovna for some little while, holding it critically at arm's length. Yes, she is pretty, she said at last, even very pretty. I have seen her twice, but only at a distance. So you admire this kind of beauty, do you?" she asked the Prince suddenly. Yes, I do, this kind. Do you mean especially this kind? Yes, especially this kind. Why? There is much suffering in this face, murmured the Prince, more as though talking to himself than answering the question. I think you are wondering a little, Prince. Mrs. Yepanchin decided after a length and survey of his face, and she tossed the portrait onto the table, haughtily. Alexandra took it, and Adelaide came up, and both the girls examined the photograph. Just then Aglaya entered the room. What a power! cried Adelaide suddenly, as she earnestly examined the portrait over her sister's shoulder. Whom? What power! asked her mother crossly. Such beauty is real power! said Adelaide. With such beauty as that, one might overthrow the world. She returned to her easel thoughtfully. Aglaya merely glanced at the portrait, frowned and put out her under-lip, then went and sat on the sofa with folded hands. Mrs. Yepanchin rang the bell. Ask Gavrila Ardalyonovich to step this way, said she to the man who answered. Mama! cried Alexandra significantly. I shall just say two words to him, that's all, said her mother, silencing all objection by her manner. She was evidently seriously put out. You see, Prince, it's all secrets with us just now. All secrets! It seems to be the etiquette of the house, for some reason or other. Stupid nonsense! And in a matter which ought to be approached with all candour and open-heartedness. There is a marriage being talked of, and I don't like this marriage. Mama! What are you saying? said Alexandra again hurriedly. Well, what, my dear girl, as if you can possibly like it yourself. The heart is the great thing, and the rest is all rubbish. Though one must have sense as well. Perhaps sense is really the great thing. Don't smile like that, Aglaya. I don't contradict myself. A fool with the heart and no brains is just as unhappy as a fool with brains and no heart. I am one, and you are the other. And therefore both of us suffer. Both of us are unhappy. Why are you so unhappy, mother? asked Adelaida, who alone of all the company seemed to have preserved her good temper and spirits up to now. In the first place, because of my carefully brought-up daughters, said Mrs. Yapanchin cuttingly, and as that is the best reason I can give you, we need not bother with any other at present. Enough of words, now. We shall see how both of you, I don't counter, Aglaya, will manage your business, and whether you, most revered Alexandra Ivanovna, will be happy with your fine mate. Ah! she added, as Gania suddenly entered the room. Here's another marrying subject. How do you do? she continued in response to Gania's bow. But she did not invite him to sit down. You are going to be married. Married? How? What marriage? murmured Gania, overwhelmed with confusion. Are you about to take a wife, I ask? If you prefer that expression. No, no, I—I—no! said Gania, bringing out his lie with a telltale blush of shame. He glanced keenly at Aglaya, who was sitting some way off, and dropped his eyes immediately. Aglaya gazed coldly, intently, and composedly at him, without taking her eyes off his face, and watched his confusion. No! you say no, do you? continued the pitiless Mrs. General. Very well, I shall remember that you told me this Wednesday morning, in answer to my question, that you are not going to be married. What day is it? Wednesday, isn't it? Yes, I think so, said Adelaida. You never know the day of the week. What's the day of the month? Twenty-seventh, said Gania. Twenty-seventh, very well. Goodbye now. You have a good deal to do, I'm sure, and I must dress and go out. Take your portrait. Give my respect to your unfortunate mother, Nina Alexandrovna. Au revoir, dear Prince. Come in and see us often, do, and I shall tell old Princess Biolokonsky about you. I shall go and see her on purpose. And listen, my dear boy, I feel sure that God has sent you to Petersburg from Switzerland on purpose for me. Maybe you will have other things to do besides, but you are sent chiefly for my sake, I feel sure of it. God sent you to me. Au revoir. Alexandra, come with me, my dear. Mrs. Yepanchin left the room. Gania, confused, annoyed, furious, took up his portrait and turned to the Prince with a nasty smile on his face. Prince, he said, I am just going home. If you have not changed your mind as to living with us, perhaps you would like to come with me. You don't know the address, I believe. Wait a minute, Prince," said Aglaya, suddenly rising from her seat. Do write something in my album first, will you? Father says you are a most talented calligraphist. I'll bring you my book in a minute." She left the room. Well, Au revoir, Prince," said Adelaide. I must be going, too. She pressed the Prince's hand warmly, and gave him a friendly smile as she left the room. She did not so much as look at Gania. This is your doing, Prince," said Gania, turning on the latter so soon as the others were all out of the room. This is your doing, sir. You have been telling them that I am going to be married. He said this in a hurried whisper, his eyes flashing with rage and his face ablaze. You shameless tatler! I assure you you are under a delusion," said the Prince calmly and politely. I did not even know that you were to be married. You heard me talking about it, the General and me. You heard me say that everything was to be settled to-day at Nastasya Philipovna's, and you went and blurted it out here. You lie if you deny it. Who else could have told them? Devil take it, sir. Who could have told them except yourself? Didn't the old woman as good as hint as much to me? If she hinted to you who told her, you must know best, of course. But I never said a word about it. Did you give my note? Is there an answer?" interrupted Gania impatiently. But at this moment Aglaya came back, and the Prince had no time to reply. There, Prince, said she, there's my album. Now, choose a page and write me something, will you? There's a pen, a new one. Do you mind a steel one? I have heard that you calligraphists don't like steel pens. Conversing with the Prince, Aglaya did not even seem to notice that Gania was in the room. But while the Prince was getting his pen ready, finding a page, and making his preparations to write, Gania came up to the fireplace where Aglaya was standing, to the right of the Prince, and in trembling broken accents said, almost in her ear, one word, just one word from you and I'm saved. The Prince turned sharply round and looked at both of them. Gania's face was full of real despair. He seemed to have said the words almost unconsciously, and on the impulse of the moment. Aglaya gazed at him for some seconds, with precisely the same composure and calm astonishment as she had shown a little while before, when the Prince handed her the note, and it appeared that this calm surprise and seemingly absolute incomprehension of what was said to her were more terribly overwhelming to Gania than even the most plainly expressed disdain would have been. What shall I write? asked the Prince. I'll dictate to you, said Aglaya, coming up to the table. Now then, are you ready? Right, I never condescend to bargain. Now put your name and the date. Let me see it. The Prince handed her the album. Capital, how beautifully you have written it. Thanks so much. Au revoir, Prince. Wait a minute, she added. I want to give you something for a keepsake. Come with me this way, will you? The Prince followed her. Arrived at the dining-room, she stopped. Read this, she said, handing him Gania's note. The Prince took it from her hand, but gazed at her in bewilderment. Oh, I know you haven't read it, and that you could never be that man's accomplice. Read it, I wish you to read it. The letter had evidently been written in a hurry. My fate is to be decided to-day, it ran. You know how. This day I must give my word irrevocably. I have no right to ask your help, and I dare not allow myself to indulge in any hopes. But once you said just one word, and that word lighted up the night of my life, and became the beacon of my days. Say one more such word, and save me from utter ruin. Only tell me, break off the whole thing, and I will do so this very day. What can it cost you to say just this one word? In doing so you will but be giving me a sign of your sympathy for me, and of your pity. Only this. Only this. Nothing more. Nothing. I dare not indulge in any hope, because I am unworthy of it. But if you say but this word, I will take up my cross again with joy, and return once more to my battle with poverty. I shall meet the storm, and be glad of it. I shall rise up with renewed strength. Send me back, then, this one word of sympathy. Only sympathy. I swear to you. And, oh, do not be angry with the audacity of despair, with the drowning man who has dared to make this last effort to save himself from perishing beneath the waters. G.L. This man assures me, said Aglaya scornfully, when the prince had finished reading the letter, that the words break off everything. Do not commit me to anything whatever. And himself gives me a written guarantee to that effect in this letter. Observe how ingenuously he underlines certain words, and how crudely he glosses over his hidden thoughts. He must know that if he broke off everything first, by himself, and without telling me a word about it, or having the slightest hope on my account, but in that case I should perhaps be able to change my opinion of him, and even accept his friendship. He must know that, but his soul is such a wretched thing. He knows it, and cannot make up his mind. He knows it, and yet asks for guarantees. He cannot bring himself to trust. He wants me to give him hopes of myself, before he lets go of his hundred thousand rubles. As to the former word, which he declared lighted up the night of his life, he is simply an impudent liar. I merely pitted him once. But he is audacious and shameless. He immediately began to hope, at that very moment, I saw it. He has tried to catch me ever since. He is still fishing for me. Well, enough of this. Take the letter and give it back to him, as soon as you have left our house. Not before, of course. And what shall I tell him by way of answer? Nothing, of course. That's the best answer. Is it the case that you are going to live in his house? Yes, your father kindly recommended me to him. Then look out for him, I warn you. He won't forgive you easily for taking back the letter. Aglaya pressed the prince's hand and left the room. Her face was serious and frowning. She did not even smile as she nodded goodbye to him at the door. I'll just get my parcel and we'll go, said the prince to Gania as he re-entered the drawing-room. Gania stamped his foot with impatience. His face looked dark and gloomy with rage. At last they left the house behind them, the prince carrying his bundle. The answer, quick, the answer, said Gania the instant they were outside. What did she say? Did you give the letter? The prince silently held out the note. Gania was struck motionless with amazement. Huh! What! My letter! he cried. He never delivered it. I might have guessed it. I'll curse him. Of course she did not understand what I meant, naturally. Why, why, why didn't you give her the note? You—excuse me, I was about to deliver it almost immediately after receiving your commission, and I gave it too, just as you asked me to. It has come into my hands now because Aglaya Ivanovna has just returned it to me. How? When? As soon as I finished writing in her album for her, and when she asked me to come out of the room with her, you heard. We went into the dining-room, and she gave me your letter to read, and then told me to return it. To read! cried Gania, almost at the top of his voice. To read! And you read it! And again he stood like a log in the middle of the pavement, so amazed that his mouth remained open after the last word had left it. Yes, I have just read it. And she gave it you to read herself. Herself! Yes, herself! And you may believe me when I tell you that I would not have read it for anything without her permission. Gania was silent for a minute or two, as though thinking out some problem. Suddenly he cried. It's impossible. She cannot have given it to you to read. You are lying. You read it yourself. I am telling you the truth," said the prince in his former composed tone of voice. And believe me, I am extremely sorry that the circumstance should have made such an unpleasant impression upon you. But you wretched man, at least she must have said something. There must be some answer from her. Yes, of course she did say something. Out with it, then, dammit! Out with it at once! And Gania stamped his foot twice on the pavement. As soon as I had finished reading it, she told me that you were fishing for her, that you wished to compromise her so far as to receive some hopes from her. Trusting to which hopes you might break with the prospect of receiving a hundred thousand rubles. She said that if you had done this without bargaining with her, if you had broken with the money prospect without trying to force a guarantee out of her first, she might have been your friend. That's all, I think. Oh, no, when I asked her what I was to say, as I took the letter, she replied that no answer is the best answer. I think that was it. Forgive me if I do not use her exact expressions. I tell you the sense as I understood it myself. Ungovernable rage and madness took entire possession of Gania, and his fury burst out without the least attempt at restraint. Oh, that's it, is it? He yelled. She throws my letters out of the window, does she? Oh! And she does not condescend to bargain, while I do. We shall see. We shall see. I shall pay her out for this. He twisted himself about with rage and grew paler and paler. He shook his fist. So the pair walked along a few steps. Gania did not stand on ceremony with the prince. He behaved just as though he were alone in his room. He clearly counted the latter as a non-entity. But suddenly he seemed to have an idea and recollected himself. But how was it, he asked? How was it that you—idiot that you are, he added to himself, were so very confidential, a couple of hours after your first meeting with these people? How was that, hm? Up to this moment jealousy had not been one of his torments. Now it suddenly gnawed at his heart. "'That is a thing I cannot undertake to explain,' replied the prince. Gania looked at him with angry contempt. Oh! I suppose the present she wished to make to you, when she took you into the dining-room, was her confidence. Hm? I suppose that was it. I cannot explain it otherwise. But why? Why? Devil take it! What did you do in there? Why did they fancy you? Look here, can't you remember exactly what you said to them from the very beginning? Can't you remember? Oh! we talked of a great many things. When first I went in, we began to speak of Switzerland. Oh! the devil takes Switzerland! Then about executions." Executions. Yes, at least about one. Then I told the whole three years' story of my life, and the history of a poor peasant girl. "'Oh! damn the peasant girl! Go on! Go on!' said Gania impatiently. Then how Schneider told me about my childish nature, and... Oh! curse Schneider and his dirty opinions! Go on!' Then I began to talk about faces, at least about the expressions of faces, and said that Aglaya Ivanovna was nearly as lovely as Nastasya Philipovna. It was then I blurted out about the portrait. But you didn't repeat what you heard in the study. You didn't repeat that. Hm! No, I tell you I did not. Then how did they... Look here, did Aglaya show my letter to the old lady? Oh! there I can give you my fullest assurance that she did not. I was there all the while. She had no time to do it. But perhaps you may not have observed it. Oh! you damned idiot you! He shouted quite beside himself with fury. You can't even describe what went on!" Gania having once descended to abuse, and receiving no check, very soon knew no bounds or limit to his licence, as is often the way in such cases. His rage so blinded him that he had not even been able to detect that this idiot, whom he was abusing to such an extent, was very far from being slow of comprehension, and had a way of taking in an impression, and afterwards giving it out again, which was very unidiotic indeed. But something a little unforeseen now occurred. I think I ought to tell you, Gavrila Ardalyonovich, said the prince suddenly, that though I once was so ill that I really was little better than an idiot, yet now I am almost recovered, and that therefore it is not altogether pleasant to be called an idiot to my face. Of course your anger is excusable, considering the treatment you have just experienced. But I must remind you that you have twice abused me rather rudely. I do not like this sort of thing, and especially so at the first time of meeting a man, and therefore as we happen to be at this moment standing at a cross-road, don't you think we had better part? You to the left, homeward, and I to the right here. I have twenty-five rubles, and I shall easily find a lodging. Gania was much confused, and blushed for shame. Do forgive me, prince! He cried suddenly changing his abusive tone for one of great courtesy. For heaven's sake, forgive me! You see what a miserable plight I am in, but you hardly know anything of the facts of the case as yet. If you did, I am sure you would forgive me, at least partially. Of course it was inexcusable of me, I know, but— Oh, dear me! I really do not require such profuse apologies! replied the prince hastily. I quite understand how unpleasant your position is, and that is what made you abuse me. So come along to your house, after all, I shall be delighted. I am not going to let him go like this, thought Gania, glancing angrily at the prince as they walked along. The fellow has sucked everything out of me, and now he takes off his mask. There's something more than appears here. We shall see. It shall all be as clear as water by to-night. Everything. But by this time they had reached Gania's house. End of Part 1 Chapter 7 Recording by Martin Giesen in Hazelmere Surrey. Part 1 Chapter 8 of The Idiot. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Martin Giesen. The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky. Translated by Eva M. Martin. Part 1 Chapter 8 The flat occupied by Gania and his family was on the third floor of the house. It was reached by a clean light staircase, and consisted of seven rooms, a nice enough lodging, and one would have thought it a little too good for a clerk on two thousand rubles a year. But it was designed to accommodate a few lodgers on board terms, and had been taken a few months since, much to the disgust of Gania at the urgent request of his mother and his sister, Varvara Ardelyanovna, who longed to do something to increase the family income a little, and fixed their hopes upon letting lodgings. Gania frowned upon the idea. He thought it infradig, and did not quite like appearing in society afterwards, that society in which he had been accustomed to pose up to now as a young man of rather brilliant prospects. All these concessions and rebuffs of fortune of late had wounded his spirit severely, and his temper had become extremely irritable, his wrath being generally quite out of proportion to the cause. But if he had made up his mind to put up with this sort of life for a while, it was only on the plain understanding with his inner self that he would very soon change it all, and have things as he chose again. Yet the very means by which he hoped to make this change threatened to involve him in even greater difficulties than he had had before. The flat was divided by a passage which led straight out of the entrance hall. Along one side of this corridor lay the three rooms which were designed for the accommodation of the highly recommended lodgers. Besides these three rooms there was another small one at the end of the passage, close to the kitchen, which was allotted to General Evolgin, the nominal master of the house, who slept on a wide sofa and was obliged to pass into and out of his room through the kitchen and up or down the back stairs. Collier, Gania's younger brother, a schoolboy of thirteen, shared this room with his father. He too had to sleep on an old sofa, a narrow, uncomfortable thing with a torn rug over it, his chief duty being to look after his father, who needed to be watched more and more every day. The prince was given the middle room of the three, the first being occupied by one Ferty Shenko, while the third was empty. But Gania first conducted the prince to the family apartments. These consisted of a salon, which became the dining room when required, a drawing room, which was only a drawing room in the morning, and became Gania's study in the evening, and his bedroom at night, and lastly Nina Alexandrovna's and Varvara's bedroom, a small, close chamber which they shared together. In a word, the whole place was confined and a tight fit for the party. Gania used to grind his teeth with rage over the state of affairs, though he was anxious to be dutiful and polite to his mother. However, it was very soon apparent to anyone coming into the house that Gania was the tyrant of the family. Nina Alexandrovna and her daughter were both seated in the drawing room, engaged in knitting, and talking to a visitor, Ivan Petrovich Petitsin. The lady of the house appeared to be a woman of about fifty years of age, thin-faced, and with black lines under the eyes. She looked ill and rather sad, but her face was a pleasant one for all that, and from the first word that fell from her lips any stranger would at once conclude that she was of a serious and particularly sincere nature. In spite of her sorrowful expression she gave the idea of possessing considerable firmness and decision. Her dress was modest and simple to a degree, dark and elderly in style, but both her face and appearance gave evidence that she had seen better days. Varvara was a girl of some twenty-three summers, of middle height, thin, but possessing a face which, without being actually beautiful, had the rare quality of charm, and might fascinate even to the extent of passionate regard. She was very like her mother, she even dressed like her, which proved that she had no taste for smart clothes. The expression of her grey eyes was merry and gentle, when it was not, as lately, too full of thought and anxiety. The same decision and firmness was to be observed in her face as in her mother's, but her strength seemed to be more vigorous than that of Nina Alexandrovna. She was subject to outbursts of temper, of which even her brother was a little afraid. The present visitor, Ptitsin, was also afraid of her. This was a young fellow of something under thirty, dressed plainly, but neatly. His manners were good, but rather ponderously so. His dark beard bore evidence to the fact that he was not in any government employ. He could speak well, but preferred silence. On the whole he made a decidedly agreeable impression. He was clearly attracted by Varvara, and made no secret of his feelings. She trusted him in a friendly way, but had not shown him any decided encouragement as yet, which fact did not quell his ardour in the least. Nina Alexandrovna was very fond of him, and had grown quite confidential with him of late. Ptitsin, as was well known, was engaged in the business of lending out money on good security, and at a good rate of interest. He was a great friend of Gania's. After a formal introduction by Gania, who greeted his mother very shortly, took no notice of his sister, and immediately marched Ptitsin out of the room, Nina Alexandrovna addressed a few kind words to the Prince, and forthwith requested Collia, who had just appeared at the door, to show him to the middle room. Collia was a nice-looking boy. His expression was simple and confiding, and his manners were very polite and engaging. Where's your luggage? he asked, as he led the Prince away to his room. I had a bundle. It's in the entrance hall. I'll bring it to you directly. We only have a cook and one maid, so I have to help as much as I can. Varia looks after things generally, and looses her temper over it. Gania says that you have only just arrived from Switzerland. Yes. Is it jolly there? Very. Mountains. Yes. I'll go and get your bundle. Here Varvara joined them. The maid shall bring your bed linen directly. Have your portmanteau. No, a bundle. Your brother has just gone to the hall for it. There's nothing there except this, said Collia, returning at this moment. Where did you put it? Oh, but that's all I have, said the Prince, taking it. Ah! I thought perhaps Ferdishenko had taken it. Don't talk nonsense, said Varia severely. She seemed put out, and was only just polite with the Prince. Oh! laughed the boy. You can be nicer than that to me, you know. I'm not petite-sin. You ought to be whipped, Collia, you silly boy. If you want anything to the Prince, please apply to the servant. We dine at half-past four. You can take your dinner with us, or have it in your room, just as you please. Come along, Collia. Don't disturb the Prince. At the door they met Gania coming in. His father in, he asked. Collia whispered something in his ear, and went out. Just a couple of words, Prince, if you'll excuse me. Don't blab over there about what you may see here, or in this house, as to all that about a glire and me, you know. Things are not altogether pleasant in this establishment. Devil, take it all. You'll see. At all events, keep your tongue to yourself for today. I assure you I blabbed a great deal less than you seem to suppose, said the Prince with some annoyance. Clearly the relations between Gania and himself were by no means improving. Oh! well! I caught it quite hot enough to-day, thanks to you. However, I forgive you. I think you might fairly remember that I was not in any way bound. I had no reason to be silent about that portrait. You never asked me not to mention it. Puff! What a wretched room this is! Dark and the window looking out into the yard. You're coming to our house is in no respect opportune. However, it's not my affair. I don't keep the lodgings. Petitsin here looked in and beckoned to Gania, who hastily left the room, in spite of the fact that he had evidently wished to say something more, and had only made the remark about the room to gain time. The Prince had hardly had time to wash and tidy himself a little, when the door opened once more, and another figure appeared. This was a gentleman of about 30, tall, broad-shouldered, and red-haired. His face was red, too, and he possessed a pair of thick lips, a wide nose, small eyes, rather bloodshot, and with an ironical expression in them, as though he were perpetually winking at someone. His whole appearance gave one the idea of impudence. His dress was shabby. He opened the door just enough to let his head in. His head remained so placed for a few seconds while he quietly scrutinized the room. The door then opened enough to admit his body, but still he did not enter. He stood on the threshold and examined the Prince carefully. At last he gave the door a final shove, entered, approached the Prince, took his hand, and seated himself and the owner of the room on two chairs side by side. "'Verdishenko!' he said, gazing intently and inquiringly into the Prince's eyes. "'Very well! What next?' said the latter, almost laughing in his face. "'A lodger here!' continued the other, staring as before. "'Do you wish to make acquaintance?' asked the Prince. "'Ah!' said the visitor, passing his fingers through his hair and sighing. He then looked over to the other side of the room and around it. "'Got any money?' he asked suddenly. "'Not much.' "'How much?' "'Twenty-five rubles.' "'Let's see it!' The Prince took his banknote out and showed it to Verdishenko. The latter unfolded it and looked at it. Then he turned it round and examined the other side. Then he held it up to the light. "'How strange that it should have browned so,' he said reflectively. "'These twenty-five rubles notes brown in the most extraordinary way, while other notes often grow paler. Take it!' The Prince took his note, Verdishenko rose. "'I came here to warn you,' he said. "'In the first plate, don't lend me any money, for I shall suddenly ask you to. "'Very well.' "'Shall you pay here?' "'Yes, I intend to.' "'Oh, I don't intend to. Thanks! I live here, next door to you.' "'You noticed a room, did you? Don't come to me very often. I shall see you here, quite often enough.' "'Have you seen the General?' "'No.' "'Nor heard him?' "'No, of course not. "'Well, you'll both here and see him soon. He even tries to borrow money from me.' "'Avi au lecteur!' "'Good-bye. Do you think a man can possibly live with a name like Verdishenko?' "'Why not?' "'Good-bye.' And so he departed. The Prince found out afterwards that this gentleman made it his business to amaze people with his originality and wit, but that it did not as a rule come off. He even produced a bad impression on some people which grieved him sorely, but he did not change his ways for all that. As he went out of the Prince's room he collided with yet another visitor coming in. Verdishenko took the opportunity of making several warning gestures to the Prince from behind the new arrivals back and left the room in conscious pride. This next arrival was a tall red-faced man of about fifty-five with grayish hair and whiskers and large eyes which stood out of their sockets. His appearance would have been distinguished had it not been that he gave the idea of being rather dirty. He was dressed in an old coat and he smelled a vodka when he came near. His walk was effective and he clearly did his best to appear dignified and to impress people by his manner. This gentleman now approached the Prince slowly and with the most courteous smile silently took his hand and held it in his own as he examined the Prince's features as though searching for familiar trays therein. "'Tis he, tis he.' He said it last quietly but with much solemnity as though he were alive once more. I heard the familiar name, the dear familiar name, and oh how it reminded me of the irrevocable past. Prince Mueshkin, I believe. Exactly so. General Evolgin, retired and unfortunate. May I ask your Christian and generic names? Lyov Nikolayevich. So-so. The son of my old, I may say, my childhood's friend, Nikolay Petrovich. My father's name was Nikolay Lvovich. Lvovich repeated the general without the slightest haste and with perfect confidence, just as though he had not committed himself the least in the world, but merely made a little slip of the tongue. He sat down and, taking the Prince's hand, drew him to a seat next to himself. I carried you in my arms as a baby, he observed. "'Really?' asked the Prince. "'Why, it's twenty years since my father died.' "'Yes, yes—twenty years and three months. We were educated together. I went straight into the army, and he—my father—went straight into the army, too. He was a subliftenant in the Vasilevsky Regiment.' "'No, sir—in the Bielomirsky. He changed into the latter shortly before his death. I was at his bedside when he died, and gave him my blessing for eternity.' "'Your mother,' the general paused, as though overcome with emotion. She died a few months later, from a cold,' said the Prince. "'Oh, not cold. Believe an old man, not from a cold, but from grief for her Prince. Oh, your mother! Your mother! Hey, ho! Youth, youth! Your father and I, old friends as we were, nearly murdered each other for her sake.' The Prince began to be a little incredulous. I was passionately in love with her when she was engaged, engaged to my friend. The Prince noticed the fact and was furious. He came and woke me at seven o'clock one morning. I rise and dress in amazement. Silence on both sides. I understand it all. He takes a couple of pistols out of his pocket across a handkerchief without witnesses. Why invite witnesses when both of us would be walking in eternity, in a couple of minutes? The pistols are loaded. We stretch the handkerchief and stand opposite one another. We aim the pistols at each other's hearts. Suddenly tears start to our eyes. Our hands shake. We weep. We embrace. The battle is one of self-sacrifice now. The Prince shouts. She is yours. I cry. She is yours. In a word. In a word. You've come to live with us, hey? Yes, yes, for a while, I think, stammered the Prince. Prince Mother begs you to come to her, said Collier, appearing at the door. The Prince rose to go, but the General once more laid his hand in a friendly manner on his shoulder and dragged him down onto the sofa. As the true friend of your father, I wish to say a few words to you, he began. I have suffered. There was a catastrophe. I suffered without a trial. I had no trial. Nina Alexandrovna, my wife, is an excellent woman. So is my daughter of Arvara. We have to let lodgings, because we are poor. A dreadful unheard of come down for us, for me, who should have been a Governor General. But we are very glad to have you at all events. Meanwhile, there is a tragedy in the house. The Prince looked inquiringly at the other. Yes, a marriage is being arranged. A marriage between a questionable woman and a young fellow who might be a flunky. They wish to bring this woman into the house where my wife and daughter reside. But while I live and breathe, she shall never enter my doors. I shall lie at the threshold, and she shall trample me under forts if she does. I hardly talk to Gania now and avoid him as much as I can. I warn you of this beforehand, but you cannot fail to observe it. But you are the son of my old friend, and I hope. Prince, be so kind as to come to me for a moment in the drawing-room, said Nina Alexandrovna herself, appearing at the door. Imagine, my dear, cried the General. It turns out that I have nursed the Prince on my knee in the old days. His wife looked searchingly at him and glanced at the Prince, but said nothing. The Prince rose and followed her, but hardly had they reached the drawing-room, and Nina Alexandrovna had begun to talk hurriedly when in came the General. She immediately relapsed into silence. The Master of the House may have observed this, but at all events he did not take any notice of it. He was in high good humour. A son of my old friend, dear, he cried, surely you must remember Prince Nikolai Lvovich. You saw him at Tver. I don't remember any Nikolai Lvovich. Was that your father? she inquired of the Prince. Yes, but he died at Liza Vietgrad. Not at Tver, said the Prince rather timidly. So Pavlicev told me. No, Tver! insisted the General. He removed just before his death. You were very small and cannot remember. And Pavlicev, though an excellent fellow, may have made a mistake. You knew Pavlicev then? Oh yes, a wonderful fellow! But I was present myself. I gave him my blessing. My father was just about to be tried when he died, said the Prince, although I never knew of what he was accused. He died in hospital. Oh, it was the Kalpakov business, and of course he would have been acquitted. Yes, do you know that for a fact? asked the Prince, whose curiosity was aroused by the General's words. I should think so indeed, cried the latter. The court-martial came to no decision. It was a mysterious and impossible business, one might say. Captain Larionov, commander of the company, had died. His command was handed over to the Prince for the moment. Very well. This soldier, Kalpakov, stole some leather from one of his comrades, intending to sell it and spend the money on drink. Well, the Prince, he understand that what follows took place in the presence of the Sergeant Major and the Corporal. The Prince rated Kalpakov soundly and threatened to have him flogged. Well, Kalpakov went back to the barracks, laid down on a camp bedstead, and in a quarter of an hour was dead. You quite understand. It was, as I said, a strange or most impossible affair. In due course, Kalpakov was buried. The Prince wrote his report. The deceased's name was removed from the roll. All as it should be, is it not. But exactly three months later, at the inspection of the brigade, the Mankelpakov was found in the third company of the Second Battalion of Infantry, Nova Zimliansky Division, just as if nothing had happened. What? said the Prince, much astonished. It did not occur. It's a mistake, said Nina Alexandrovna quickly, looking at the Prince rather anxiously. « Mon mari se trompe!» she added, speaking in French. « My dear, se trompe is easily said. Do you remember any case at all like it? Everybody was at their wit's end. I should be the first to say qu'en se trompe. But, unfortunately, I was an eyewitness, and was also on the commission of inquiry. Everything proved that it was really he, the very same soldier, Kelpakov, who had been given the usual military funeral to the sound of the drum. It is, of course, a most curious case, nearly an impossible one. I recognise that. But father, your dinner is ready, said Varvara at this point, putting her head in at the door. Very glad, I'm particularly hungry. Yes, yes, a strange coincidence. Almost a psychological—your soup will be cold, do come. Coming, coming, said the General, Son of my old friend, he was heard muttering as he went down the passage. You will have to excuse very much in my husband, if you stay with us, said Nina Alexandrovna, but he will not disturb you often. He dines alone. Everyone has his little peculiarities, you know, and some people perhaps have more than those who are most pointed at and laughed at. One thing I must beg of you, if my husband applies to you for payment, for board and lodging, tell him that you have already paid me. Of course, anything paid by you to the General would be as fully settled as if paid to me, so far as you are concerned, but I wish it to be so, if you please, for convenience sake. What is it, Varvara? Varvara had quietly entered the room and was holding out the portrait of Nastasia Filipovna to her mother. Nina Alexandrovna started and examined the photograph intently, gazing at it long and sadly. At last she looked up inquiringly at Varvara. It's a present from herself to him, said Varvara. The question is to be finally decided this evening. This evening, repeated her mother in a tone of despair, but softly as though to herself. Then it's all settled, of course, and there's no hope left to us. She has anticipated her answer by the present of her portrait. Did he show it to himself? She added in some surprise. You know we have hardly spoken to each other for a whole month. Ptitsyn told me all about it, and the photo was lying under the table, and I picked it up. Prince asked Nina Alexandrovna, I wanted to inquire whether you have known my son long. I think he said you had only arrived to-day from somewhere. The prince gave a short narrative of what we have heard before, leaving out the greater part. The two ladies listened intently. I did not ask about Gania out of curiosity, said the elder at last. I wish to know how much you know about him, because he said just now that we need not stand on ceremony with you. What exactly does that mean? At this moment Gania and Ptitsyn entered the room together, and Nina Alexandrovna immediately became silent again. The prince remained seated next to her, but Varia moved to the other end of the room. The portrait of Nastasia Filipovna remained lying as before on the work-table. Gania observed it there, and with a frown of annoyance snatched it up, and threw it across to his writing-table, which stood at the other end of the room. "'Is it to-day, Gania?' asked Nina Alexandrovna at last. "'Is what to-day?' cried the former, then suddenly recollecting himself, he turned sharply on the prince. "'Oh!' he growled. "'I see you are here. That explains it. Is it a disease, or what, that you can't hold your tongue? Look here, understand once for all, prince. I am to blame in this Gania no one else,' said Ptitsyn. Gania glanced inquiringly at the speaker. "'It's better so, you know, Gania, especially as, from one point of view, the matter may be considered as settled,' said Ptitsyn, and sitting down a little away from the table, he began to study a paper covered with pencil writing. Gania stood and frowned. He expected a family scene. He never thought of apologizing to the prince, however. "'If it's all settled, Gania, then of course Mr. Ptitsyn is right,' said Nina Alexandrovna. "'Don't frown. You need not worry yourself, Gania. I shall ask you no questions. You need not tell me anything you don't like. I assure you I have quite submitted to your will.' She said all this, knitting away the while, as though perfectly calm and composed. Gania was surprised, but cautiously kept silence, and looked at his mother, hoping that she would express herself more clearly. Nina Alexandrovna observed his cautiousness, and added with a bitter smile, "'You are still suspicious, I see, and do not believe me. But you may be quite at your ease. There shall be no more tears nor questions, not from my side at all events. All I wish is that you may be happy. You know that. I have submitted to my fate. But my heart will always be with you, whether we remain united or whether we part. Of course I only answer for myself. You can hardly expect your sister. My sister again,' cried Gania, looking at her with contempt and almost hate. "'Look here, mother, I have already given you my word, that I shall always respect you, fully and absolutely. And so shall everyone else in this house be it who it may, who shall cross this threshold?' Gania was so much relieved that he gazed at his mother almost affectionately. I was not at all afraid for myself, Gania, as you know well. It was not for my own sake that I have been so anxious and worried all this time. They say it is all to be settled to-day. What is to be settled?' She has promised to tell me to-night at her own house whether she consents or not, replied Gania. "'We have been silent on this subject for three weeks,' said his mother, and it was better so, and now I will only ask you one question. How can she give her consent and make you a present of her portrait, when you do not love her? How can such a— such a practised hand, eh? I was not going to express myself so, but how could you so blind her?' Nina Alexandrovna's question betrayed intense annoyance. Gania waited a moment and then said, without taking the trouble to conceal the irony of his tone, "'There you are, mother, you are always like that. You begin by promising that there are to be no reproaches or insinuations or questions, and here you are beginning them at once. We had better drop the subject, we had, really. I shall never leave you, mother, any other man would cut and run from such a sister as this. See how she is looking at me at this moment. Besides, how do you know that I am blinding Nastasia Philipovna? As for Varya, I don't care. She can do just as she pleases. There, that's quite enough.' Gania's irritation increased with every word he uttered, as he walked up and down the room. These conversations always touched the family's sores before long. I have said already that the moment she comes in I go out, and I shall keep my word,' remarked Varya. "'Out of obstinacy!' shouted Gania. "'You haven't married either, thanks to your obstinacy. Oh, you needn't frown at me, Varvara. You can go at once, for all I care. I am sick enough of your company. What you are going to leave us, are you, too?' He cried, turning to the prince, who was rising from his chair. Gania's voice was full of the most uncontrolled and uncontrollable irritation. The prince turned at the door to say something, but perceiving in Gania's expression that there was but that one drop wanting to make the cup overflow, he changed his mind and left the room without a word. A few minutes later he was aware from the noisy voices in the drawing-room that the conversation had become more quarrelsome than ever after his departure. He crossed the salon and the entrance-hall so as to pass down the corridor into his own room. As he came near the front door he heard someone outside vainly endeavouring to ring the bell, which was evidently broken, and only shook a little without emitting any sound. The prince took down the chain and opened the door. He started back in amazement, for there stood Nastasia Philipovna. He knew her at once from her photograph, her eyes blazed with anger as she looked at him. She quickly pushed by him into the hall, shouldering him out of her way, and said furiously as she threw off her fur cloak, if you are too lazy to mend your bell you should at least wait in the hall to let people in when they rattle the bell-handle. There now you've dropped my fur cloak, dummy! Sure enough the cloak was lying on the ground. Nastasia had thrown it off towards the prince, expecting him to catch it, but the prince had missed it. Now, then, announce me quick! The prince wanted to say something, but was so confused and astonished that he could not. However, he moved off towards the drawing-room with the cloak over his arm. Now, then, where are you taking my cloak to? Ah, ah, are you mad? The prince turned and came back, more confused than ever. When she burst out laughing, he smiled, but his tongue could not form a word as yet. At first, when he had opened the door and saw her standing before him, he had become as pale as death. But now the red blood had rushed back to his cheeks in a torrent. Why, what an idiot it is! cried Nastasia, stamping her foot with irritation. Go on, do! Whom are you going to announce? Nastasia Philipovna, murmured the prince. And how do you know that? she asked him sharply. I have never seen you before. Go on, announce me. What's that noise? They are quarrelling, said the prince, and entered the drawing-room, just as matters in there had almost reached a crisis. Nina Aleksandrovna had forgotten that she had submitted to everything. She was defending Varya. Ptitsin was taking her part, too. Not that Varya was afraid of standing up for herself. She was by no means that sort of a girl. But her brother was becoming ruder and more intolerable every moment. Her usual practice in such cases as the present was to say nothing, but stare at him without taking her eyes off his face for an instant. This manoeuvre, as she well knew, could drive Gania distracted. Just at this moment the door opened, and the prince entered, announcing Nastasia Philipovna. End of Part 1, Chapter 8. Part 1, Chapter 9 of The Idiot. Gania immediately fell on the room. All looked at the prince as though they neither understood, nor hoped to understand. Gania was motionless with horror. Nastasia's arrival was a most unexpected and overwhelming event to all parties, in the first place she had never been before. Up to now she had been so haughty that she had never even asked Gania to introduce her to his parents. Of late she had not so much as mentioned them. Gania was partly glad of this. But still he had put it to her debit in the account to be settled after marriage. He would have borne anything from her rather than this visit. But one thing seemed to him quite clear. Her visit now, and the present of her portrait on this particular day, pointed out plainly enough which way she intended to make her decision. The incredulous amazement with which all regarded the prince did not last long, for Nastasia herself appeared at the door, and passed in, pushing by the prince again. At last I've stormed the citadel. Why do you tie up your bell? She said merrily, as she pressed Gania's hand, the latter having rushed up to her as soon as she made her appearance. What are you looking so upset about? Introduce me, please! The bewildered Gania introduced her first to Varia, and both women before shaking hands exchanged looks of strange import. Nastasia, however, smiled amiably. But Varia did not try to look amiable, and kept her gloomy expression. She did not even vouchsafe the usual courteous smile of Etiquette. Gania darted a terrible glance of wrath at her for this. But Nina Alexandrovna mended matters a little when Gania introduced her at last. Hardly, however, had the old lady begun about her highly gratified feelings, and so on, when Nastasia left her, and flounced into a chair by Gania's side in the corner by the window, and cried, Where's your study? And where are the lodgers? You do take in lodgers, don't you? Gania looked dreadfully put out, and tried to say something in reply, but Nastasia interrupted him. Why, where are you going to squeeze lodgers in here? Don't you use a study? Does this sort of thing pay? she added, turning to Nina Alexandrovna. Well, it is troublesome, rather, said the latter, but I suppose it will pay pretty well. We have only just begun, however. Again Nastasia Philipovna did not hear the sentence out. She glanced at Gania, and cried, laughing, What a face! My goodness, what a face you have on at this moment! Indeed Gania did not look in the least like himself. His bewilderment and his alarmed perplexity passed off, however, and his lips now twitched with rage as he continued to stare evilly at his laughing guest, while his countenance became absolutely livid. There was another witness who, though standing at the door motionless and bewildered himself, still managed to remark Gania's death-like pallor and the dreadful change that had come over his face. This witness was the Prince, who now advanced in alarm and muttered to Gania, Drink some water, and don't look like that. It was clear that he came out with these words quite spontaneously on the spur of the moment, but his speech was productive of much, for it appeared that all Gania's rage now overflowed upon the Prince. He seized him by the shoulder, and gazed with an intensity of loathing and revenge at him, but said nothing, as though his feelings were too strong to permit of words. General agitation prevailed. Nina Alexandrovna gave a little cry of anxiety. Ptitsin took a step forward in alarm. Kolya and Ferdishenko stood stock still at the door in amazement. Only Varya remained coolly watching the scene from under her eyelashes. She did not sit down, but stood by her mother with folded hands. However Gania recollected himself almost immediately. He let go of the Prince and burst out laughing. Why are you a doctor, Prince, or what? He asked as naturally as possible. I declare you quite frightened me. Nastasia Philipovna, let me introduce this interesting character to you, though I have only known him myself since the morning. Nastasia gazed at the Prince in bewilderment. Prince? He a Prince? Why, I took him for the footman just now, and sent him in to announce me. Isn't that good? Not bad, that not bad at all, put in Ferdishenko. I rather think I pitched into you too, didn't I? Forgive me, do. Who is he, did you say? What Prince? Mwishkin, she added, addressing Gania. He is a lodger of ours, explained the latter. An idiot! The Prince distinctly heard the word half-whispered from behind him. This was Ferdishenko's voluntary information for Nastasia's benefit. Tell me, why didn't you put me right when I made such a dreadful mistake just now? continued the latter, examining the Prince from head to foot without the slightest ceremony. She awaited the answer, as though convinced that it would be so foolish that she must inevitably fail to restrain her laughter over it. I was astonished, seeing you so suddenly, murmured the Prince. How did you know who I was? Where had you seen me before? And why were you so struck dumb at the sight of me? What was there so overwhelming about me? Oh ho, ho, ho, ho! cried Ferdishenko. Now then, Prince, my word, what things I would say if I had such a chance as that. My goodness, Prince, go on. So should I, in your place, I've no doubt. laughed the Prince to Ferdishenko, then continued addressing Nastasia. Your portrait struck me very forcibly this morning. Then I was talking about you to the Yepanchins. And then in the train, before I reached Petersburg, Parfion Rogozhin told me a good deal about you. And at the very moment that I opened the door to you, I happened to be thinking of you, when there you stood before me. And how did you recognise me? From the portrait. What else? I seemed to imagine you exactly as you are. I seemed to have seen you somewhere. Where? Where? I seemed to have seen your eyes somewhere. But it cannot be. I have not seen you. I never was here before. I may have dreamed of you, I don't know. The Prince said all this with manifest effort, in broken sentences, and with many drawings of breath. He was evidently much agitated. Nastasia Philipovna looked at him inquisitively, but did not laugh. Bravo, Prince! cried Ferdishenko, delighted. At this moment a loud voice from behind the group which hedged in the Prince and Nastasia Philipovna divided the crowd, as it were, and before them stood the head of the family, General Evolgin. He was dressed in evening clothes, his moustache was dyed. This apparition was too much for Gania, vain and ambitious almost to morbidness. He had had much to put up with in the last two months, and was seeking feverishly for some means of enabling himself to lead a more presentable kind of existence. At home he now adopted an attitude of absolute cynicism. But he could not keep this up before Nastasia Philipovna, although he had sworn to make her pay after marriage for all he suffered now. He was experiencing a last humiliation, the bitterest of all at this moment, the humiliation of blushing for his own kindred in his own house. A question flashed through his mind as to whether the game was really worth the candle, for that had happened at this moment which for two months had been his nightmare, which had filled his soul with dread and shame, the meeting between his father and Nastasia Philipovna. He had often tried to imagine such an event, but had found the picture too mortifying and exasperating, and had quietly dropped it. Very likely he anticipated far worse things, than was at all necessary. It is often so with vain persons. He had long since determined, therefore, to get his father out of the way, anywhere, before his marriage, in order to avoid such a meeting. But when Nastasia entered the room just now, he had been so overwhelmed with astonishment, that he had not thought of his father, and had made no arrangements to keep him out of the way. And now it was too late. There he was, and got up, too, in a dress-coat and white tie, and Nastasia in the very humour to heap ridicule on him and his family circle. Of this last fact he felt quite persuaded. What else had she come for? There were his mother and his sister sitting before her, and she seemed to have forgotten their very existence already, and if she behaved like that, he thought, she must have some object in view. Ferdishenko led the general up to Nastasia Philipovna. Ardalion Alexandrovich Ivolgin said the smiling general with a low bow of great dignity. An old soldier, unfortunate, and the father of this family, but happy in the hope of including in that family so exquisite. He did not finish his sentence, for at this moment Ferdishenko pushed a chair up from behind, and the general, not very firm on his legs, at this post-Prandial hour, flopped into it backwards. It was always a difficult thing to put this warrior to confusion, and his sudden dissent left him as composed as before. He had sat down just opposite to Nastasia, whose fingers he now took and raised to his lips with great elegance and much courtesy. The general had once belonged to a very select circle of society, but he had been turned out of it two or three years since on account of certain weaknesses, in which he now indulged with all the less restraint, but his good manners remained with him to this day in spite of all. Nastasia Philipovna seemed delighted at the appearance of this latest arrival, of whom she had of course heard a good deal by report. I have heard that my son began Ardalion Alexandrovich. Your son, indeed! A nice papa you are! You might have come to see me anyhow, without compromising any one. Do you hide yourself, or does your son hide you? The children of the nineteenth century and their parents began the general again. Nastasia Philipovna, will you excuse the general for a moment? Someone is inquiring for him, said Nina Alexandrovna in a loud voice, interrupting the conversation. Excuse him? Oh, no! I have wished to see him too long for that. Why, what business can he have? He has retired, hasn't he? You won't leave me, general, will you? I give you my word that he shall come and see you, but he needs rest just now. General, they say you require rest, said Nastasia Philipovna, with the melancholy face of a child whose toy is taken away. Ardalion Alexandrovich immediately did his best to make his foolish position a great deal worse. My dear! My dear! he said solemnly and reproachfully, looking at his wife with one hand on his heart. Won't you leave the room, mamma? asked Varya aloud. No, Varya, I shall sit it out to the end. Nastasia must have heard both question and reply, but her vivacity was not in the least damped. On the contrary, it seemed to increase. She immediately overwhelmed the general once more with questions, and within five minutes that gentleman was as happy as a king, and holding forth at the top of his voice, amid the laughter of almost all who heard him. Kolia jogged the prince's arm. Can't you get him out of the room somehow? Do please! And tears of annoyance stood in the boy's eyes. Curse that Ganya! he muttered between his teeth. Oh yes! I knew General Yepanchin well! General Evolygin was saying at this moment, he and Prince Nikolay Ivanovich Mwishkin, whose son I have this day embraced after an absence of twenty years, and I wear three inseparables. Alas! one is in the grave, torn to pieces by calamities and bullets. Another is now before you, still battling with calamities and bullets. Bullets! cried Nastasia. Yes, here in my chest. I received them at the siege of Kars, and I feel them in bad weather now. And as to the third of our trio, Yepanchin, of course, after that little affair with the poodle in the railway carriage, it was all up between us. Poodle? What was that? At in a railway carriage, dear me, said Nastasia thoughtfully, as though trying to recall something to mind. Oh, just a silly little occurrence, not really worth telling, about Princess Bialokonsky's governess, Miss Smith. And oh, it is really not worth telling. No, no, we must have it, cried Nastasia merrily. Yes, of course, cried Verdeshenko, said Du Nouveau. Arda Leon, said Nina Alexandrovich, intriguingly. Papa, you are wanted, cried Collier. Well, it is a silly little story, in a few words, began the delighted general, a couple of years ago, soon after the new railway was opened. I had to go somewhere or other on business. Well, I took a first-class ticket, sat down, and began to smoke, or rather continued to smoke, for I had lighted up before. I was alone in the carriage. Smoking is not allowed, but is not prohibited, either. It is half-allowed. So to speak, winked at. I had the window open. Suddenly, just before the whistle, in came two ladies, with a little poodle, and sat down opposite to me. Not bad-looking women. One was in light blue, the other in black silk. The poodle, a beauty with a silver collar, lay on light blue's knee. They looked haughtily about, and talked English together. I took no notice, just went on smoking. I observed that the ladies were getting angry, over my cigar, doubtless. One looked at me through her tortoise shell eyeglass. I took no notice, because they never said a word. If they didn't like the cigar, why couldn't they say so? Not a word, not a hint. Suddenly, and without the very slightest suspicion of warning, light blue seizes my cigar from between my fingers, and out of the window with it. Well, on flew the train, and I sat bewildered. And the young woman, tall and fair, and rather red in the face, too red, glared at me with flashing eyes. I didn't say a word, but with extreme courtesy. I may say with the most refined courtesy. I reached my finger and thumb over towards the poodle, took it up delicately by the nape of the neck, and chucked it out of the window after the cigar. The train went flying on, and the poodle's yells were lost in the distance. How you naughty man! cried Nastasia, laughing and clapping her hands like a child. Bravo! said Ferdishenko. Ptitsin laughed, too, though he had been very sorry to see the general appear. Even Collier laughed and said, Bravo! And I was right, truly right, cried the general with warmth and solemnity, for if cigars are forbidden in railway carriages, poodles are much more so. Well, and what did the lady do? asked Nastasia impatiently. She, ah, that's where all the mischief of it lies, replied Evolgin, frowning. Without a word, as it were, of warning, she slapped me on the cheek. An extraordinary woman! And you, the general, dropped his eyes and elevated his brows, shrugged his shoulders, tightened his lips, spread his hands, and remained silent. At last he blurted out, I lost my head! Did you hit her? No, oh, no! There was a great flare-up, but I didn't hit her. I had to struggle a little purely to defend myself, but the very devil was in the business. It turned out that light blue was an English woman, governess or something, at Princess Bielokonskij, and the other woman was one of the old maid-princesses Bielokonskij. Well, everybody knows what great friends the princess and Mrs. Yepanchin are, so there was a pretty kettle of fish. All the Bielokonskijs went into mourning for the poodle. Six princesses in tears, and the English woman shrieking. Of course I wrote an apology and called, but they would not receive either me or my apology, and the Yepanchins cut me too. But wait, said Nastasia, how is it that five or six days since I read exactly the same story in the paper, as happening between a Frenchman and an English girl. The cigar was snatched away exactly as you describe, and the poodle was chucked out of the window after it. The slapping came off too, as in your case, and the girl's dress was light blue. The general blushed dreadfully. Kolia blushed too, and Ptitsyn turned hastily away. Verdyshenko was the only one who laughed as gaily as before. As to Gania, I need not say that he was miserable. He stood dumb and wretched, and took no notice of anybody. I assure you, said the general, but exactly the same thing happened to myself. I remembered there was some quarrel between Father and Miss Smith. The Bielokonskij's governess, said Kolia. How very curious! Point for point the same anecdote, and happening at different ends of Europe. Even the light blue dress the same, continued the pitiless Nastasia. I must really send you the paper. You must observe, insisted the general, that my experience was two years earlier. Ah, that's it! No doubt! Nastasia Philipovna laughed hysterically. Father, will you hear a word from me outside? said Gania, his voice shaking with agitation, as he seized his father by the shoulder. His eyes shone with a blaze of hatred. At this moment there was a terrific bang at the front door, almost enough to break it down. Some most unusual visitor must have arrived. Kolia ran to open. End of part one, chapter nine. Recording by Martin Giesen in Hazelmere Surrey. Part one, chapter ten of The Idiot. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Martin Giesen. The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky. Translated by Eva M. Martin. Part one, chapter ten. The entrance hall suddenly became full of noise and people. To judge from the sounds which penetrated to the drawing-room, a number of people had already come in, and the stampede continued. Several voices were talking and shouting at once. Others were talking and shouting on the stairs outside. It was evidently a most extraordinary visit that was about to take place. Everyone exchanged startled glances. Gania rushed out towards the dining-room, but a number of men had already made their way in, and met him. Ah, here he is, the Judas! cried a voice which the prince recognized at once. How do you do, Gania, you old black-guard? Yes, that's the man! said another voice. There was no room for doubt in the prince's mind. One of the voices was Ragozhin's, and the other Lebedyev's. Gania stood at the door like a block and looked on in silence, putting no obstacle in the way of their entrance, and ten or a dozen men marched in behind Parfion Ragozhin. They were a decidedly mixed-looking collection, and some of them came in in their furs and caps. None of them were quite drunk, but all appeared to be considerably excited. They seemed to need each other's support, morally, before they dared come in. Not one of them would have entered alone, but with the rest each one was brave enough. Even Ragozhin entered rather cautiously at the head of his troop, but he was evidently preoccupied. He appeared to be gloomy and morose, and had clearly come with some end in view. All the rest were merely chorus brought in to support the chief character. Besides Lebedyev there was the dandy Zalezhyev, who came in with his coat and hat. Two or three others followed his example. The rest were more uncouth. They included a couple of young merchants, a man in a great coat, a medical student, a little pole, a small fat man who laughed continuously, and an enormously tall stout one who apparently put great faith in the strength of his fists. A couple of ladies of some sort put their heads in at the front door, but did not dare come any farther. Kolia promptly banged the door in their faces and locked it. Hello, Gania, you blaggard! You didn't expect Ragozhin, hey! said the latter, entering the drawing-room, and stopping before Gania. But at this moment he saw seated before him Nastasia Philipovna. He had not dreamed of meeting her here, evidently, for her appearance produced a marvellous effect upon him. He grew pale, and his lips became actually blue. I suppose it is true then, he muttered himself, and his face took on an expression of despair. So that's the end of it. Now you, sir, will you answer me or not? He went on suddenly gazing at Gania with ineffable malice. Now then, you! He panted and could hardly speak for agitation. He advanced into the room mechanically, but perceiving Nina Alexandrovna and Varya, he became more or less embarrassed in spite of his excitement. His followers entered after him, and all paused a moment at sight of the ladies. Of course their modesty was not fated to be long lived, but for a moment they were abashed. Once let them begin to shout, however, and nothing on earth should disconcert them. What you here, too, Prince? said Ragozhin absently, but a little surprised all the same. Still in your gaiters, eh? He sighed and forgot the Prince the next moment, and his wild eyes wandered over to Nastasia again, as they were attracted in that direction by some magnetic force. Nastasia looked at the new arrivals with great curiosity. Gania recollected himself at last. Excuse me, sirs, he said loudly, but what does all this mean? He glared at the advancing crowd generally, but addressed his remarks especially to their Captain Ragozhin. You are not in a stable, gentlemen, though you may think it. My mother and sister are present. Yes, I see your mother and sister, muttered Ragozhin through his teeth, and Lebedyev seemed to feel himself called upon to second the statement. At all events I must request you to step into the sanon, said Gania, his rage rising quite out of proportion to his words, and then I shall inquire. What, he doesn't know me, said Ragozhin, showing his teeth disagreeably. He doesn't recognize Ragozhin. He did not move an inch, however. I have met you somewhere, I believe, but— Met me somewhere? Why, it's only three months since I lost two hundred rubles of my father's money to you at cards. The old fellow died before he found out. Ptitsyn knows all about it. Why, I've only to pull out a three-ruble note and show it to you, and you'd crawl on your hands and knees to the other end of the town for it. That's the sort of man you are. Why, I've come now at this moment to buy you up. Oh, you needn't think that because I wear these boots I have no money. I have lots of money, my beauty, enough to buy up you and all yours together. So I shall, if I like to, I'll buy you up. I will! he yelled, apparently growing more and more intoxicated and excited. Oh, Nastasia Philipovna, don't turn me out. Say one word, do. Are you going to marry this man or not? Ragozhin asked his question like a lost soul, appealing to some divinity, with the reckless daring of one appointed to die, who has nothing to lose. He awaited the reply in deadly anxiety. Nastasia Philipovna gazed at him with a haughty, ironical expression of faith. But when she glanced at Nina Alexandrovna and Varya, and from them to Gania, she changed her tone all of a sudden. Certainly not. What are you thinking of? What could have induced you to ask such a question? She replied quietly and seriously, and even, apparently, with some astonishment. No! No! shouted Ragozhin, almost out of his mind with joy. You are not going to, after all. And they told me. Oh, Nastasia Philipovna, they said you had promised to marry him. Him! As if you could do it. Him! I don't mind saying it to everyone, I'd buy him off for a hundred rubles any day. Give him a thousand, or three, if he likes, poor devil. And he'd cut and run the day before his wedding, and leave his bride to me. Wouldn't you, Gania, you blaggard? You'd take three thousand, wouldn't you? Here's the money. Look, I've come on purpose to pay you off and get your receipt, formally. I said I'd buy you up, and so I will. Get out of this, you drunken beast! cried Gania, who was red and white by turns. Ragozhin's troop, who were only waiting for an excuse, set up a howl at this. Lebed you have stepped forward and whispered something in Parfion's ear. You're right, Clarke, said the latter. You're right, tipsy spirit. You're right. Nastasia Philipovna, he added, looking at her like some lunatic, harmless generally, but suddenly wound up to a pitch of audacity. Here are eighteen thousand rubles, and you shall have more. Here he threw a packet of banknotes tied up in white paper on the table before her, not daring to say all he wished to say. No, no, no! muttered Lebed you have clutching at his arm. He was clearly aghast at the largeness of the sum, and thought a far smaller amount should have been tried first. No, you fool! You don't know whom you are dealing with, and it appears I am a fool, too! said Parfion, trembling beneath the flashing glance of Nastasia. Oh, curse it all! What a fool I was to listen to you! he added with profound melancholy. Nastasia Philipovna, observing his woe-begone expression, suddenly burst out laughing. Eighteen thousand rubles for me! Why, you declare yourself a fool at once! She said with impudence, familiarity, as she rose from the sofa and prepared to go. Gania watched the whole scene with a sinking of the heart. Forty thousand, then! Forty thousand rubles instead of eighteen! Ptitsin and another have promised to find me forty thousand rubles by seven o'clock tonight. Forty thousand rubles! Paid down on the nail! The scene was growing more and more disgraceful, but Nastasia Philipovna continued to laugh and did not go away. Nina Alexandrovna and Varya had both risen from their places, and were waiting, in silent horror, to see what would happen. Varya's eyes were all ablaze with anger, but the scene had a different effect on Nina Alexandrovna. She paled and trembled, and looked more and more like fainting every moment. Very well, then! A hundred thousand! A hundred thousand! Paid this very day! Ptitsin, find it for me! A good share shall stick to your fingers! Come! You are mad! said Ptitsin, coming up quickly and seizing him by the hand. You're drunk! The police will be sent for if you don't look out. Think where you are! Yes, he's boasting like a drunkard! I did Nastasia, as though with the sole intention of goading him. I do not boast! You shall have a hundred thousand this very day! Ptitsin, get the money, you gay usurer! Take what you like for it, but get it by the evening. I'll show that I'm in earnest! cried Trogozhin, working himself up into a frenzy of excitement. Come, come, what's all this? cried General Evoligin, suddenly and angrily coming close up to Trogozhin. The unexpectedness of this sally on the part of the hitherto silent old man caused some laughter among the intruders. Oh, lo, what's this now, laughed Trogozhin? You come along with me, old fellow! You shall have as much to drink as you like. Oh, it's too horrible! cried Porcolia, sobbing with shame and annoyance. Surely there must be someone among all of you here who will turn this shameless creature out of the room! cried Varya, suddenly. She was shaking and trembling with rage. That's me, I suppose. I'm the shameless creature, cried Nastasia Philipovna, with amused indifference. Dear me, and I came, like a fool as I am, to invite them over to my house for the evening. Look how your sister treats me, Gabriela Ardalionovich! For some moments Gania stood as if stunned or struck by lightning after his sister's speech. But seeing that Nastasia Philipovna was really about to leave the room this time, he sprang at Varya and seized her by the arm like a madman. What have you done? he hissed glaring at her, as though he would like to annihilate her on the spot. He was quite beside himself, and could hardly articulate his words for rage. What have I done? Where are you dragging me to? Do you wish me to beg pardon of this creature, because she has come here to insult our mother, and disgrace the whole household? You low, base wretch! cried Varya, looking back at her brother with proud defiance. A few moments passed as they stood there face to face, Gania still holding her wrist tightly. Varya struggled once, twice, to get free. Then could restrain herself no longer, and spat in his face. There's a girl for you! cried Nastasia Philipovna. Mr. Ptitsin, I congratulate you on your choice. Gania lost his head. Forgetful of everything, he aimed a blow at Varya, which would inevitably have laid her low, but suddenly another hand caught his. Between him and Varya stood the prince. Enough! enough! said the latter with insistence, but all of a tremble with excitement. Are you going to cross my path for ever, damn you! cried Gania, and loosening his hold on Varya, he slapped the prince's face with all his force. Exclamations of horror arose on all sides. The prince grew pale as death. He gazed into Gania's eyes with a strange, wild, reproachful look. His lips trembled, and vainly endeavoured to form some words. Then his mouth twisted into an incongruous smile. Very well, never mind about me, but I shall not allow you to strike her. He said at last quietly. Then suddenly he could bear it no longer, and covering his face with his hands turned to the wall, and murmured in broken accents. Oh! how ashamed he will be of this, afterwards! Gania certainly did look dreadfully abashed. Kolya rushed up to comfort the prince, and after him crowded Varya, Rogojin, and all, even the general. It's nothing, it's nothing, said the prince, and again he wore the smile which was so inconsistent with the circumstances. Yes, he will be ashamed, cried Rogojin. You will be properly ashamed of yourself for having injured such a sheep. He could not find a better word. Prince, my dear fellow, leave this and come away with me. I'll show you how Rogojin shows his affection for his friends. Nastasia Philipovna was also much impressed, both with Gania's action and with the prince's reply. A usually thoughtful, pale face, which all this while had been so little in harmony with the jests and laughter which she had seemed to put on for the occasion, was now evidently agitated by new feelings, though she tried to conceal the fact, and to look as though she were as ready as ever for jesting and irony. I really think I must have seen him somewhere, she murmured seriously enough. Oh, aren't you ashamed of yourself? Aren't you ashamed? Are you really the sort of woman you are trying to represent yourself to be? Is it possible? The prince was now addressing Nastasia in a tone of reproach which evidently came from his very heart. Nastasia Philipovna looked surprised and smiled, but evidently concealed something beneath her smile, and with some confusion and a glance at Gania she left the room. However she had not reached the outer hall when she turned round, walked quickly up to Nina Alexandrovna, seized her hand and lifted it to her lips. He guessed quite right. I am not that sort of woman, she whispered hurriedly, flushing red all over. Then she turned again and left the room so quickly that no one could imagine what she had come back for. All they saw was that she said something to Nina Alexandrovna in a hurried whisper and seemed to kiss her hand. Varya, however, both saw and heard all, and watched Nastasia out of the room with an expression of wonder. Gania recollected himself in time to rush after her in order to show her out, but she had gone. He followed her to the stairs. Don't come with me, she cried. Au revoir till the evening. Do hear, au revoir! He returned thoughtful and confused. The riddle lay heavier than ever on his soul. He was troubled about the prince, too, and so bewildered that he did not even observe Rogojin's rowdy band crowd past him and step on his toes at the door as they went out. They were all talking at once. Rogojin went ahead of the others, talking to Ptitsin, and apparently insisting vehemently upon something very important. You've lost the game, Gania! he cried as he passed the latter. Gania gazed after him uneasily, but said nothing.