Well, I must say, I cannot understand it! said the general, shrugging his shoulders and dropping his hands. You remember your mother, Nina Alexandrovna, that day she came and sat here and groaned-and when I asked her what was the matter, she says, Oh, its such a DISHONOUR to us! dishonour! Stuff and nonsense! I should like to know who can reproach Nastasia Philipovna, or who can say a word of any kind against her. Did she mean because Nastasia had been living with Totski? What nonsense it is! You would not let her come near your daughters, says Nina Alexandrovna. What next, I wonder? I dont see how she can fail to to understand
Her own position? prompted Gania. She does understand. Dont be annoyed with her. I have warned her not to meddle in other peoples affairs. However, although theres comparative peace at home at present, the storm will break if anything is finally settled tonight.
The prince heard the whole of the foregoing conversation, as he sat at the table, writing. He finished at last, and brought the result of his labour to the generals desk.
So this is Nastasia Philipovna, he said, looking attentively and curiously at the portrait. How wonderfully beautiful! he immediately added, with warmth. The picture was certainly that of an unusually lovely woman. She was photographed in a black silk dress of simple design, her hair was evidently dark and plainly arranged, her eyes were deep and thoughtful, the expression of her face passionate, but proud. She was rather thin, perhaps, and a little pale. Both Gania and the general gazed at the prince in amazement.
So this is Nastasia Philipovna, he said, looking attentively and curiously at the portrait. How wonderfully beautiful! he immediately added, with warmth. The picture was certainly that of an unusually lovely woman. She was photographed in a black silk dress of simple design, her hair was evidently dark and plainly arranged, her eyes were deep and thoughtful, the expression of her face passionate, but proud. She was rather thin, perhaps, and a little pale. Both Gania and the general gazed at the prince in amazement.
How do you know its Nastasia Philipovna? asked the general; you surely dont know her already, do you?
Yes, I do! I have only been one day in Russia, but I have heard of the great beauty! And the prince proceeded to narrate his meeting with Rogojin in the train and the whole of the latters story.
Theres news! said the general in some excitement, after listening to the story with engrossed attention.
Oh, of course its nothing but humbug! cried Gania, a little disturbed, however. Its all humbug; the young merchant was pleased to indulge in a little innocent recreation! I have heard something of Rogojin!
Yes, so have I! replied the general. Nastasia Philipovna told us all about the earrings that very day. But now it is quite a different matter. You see the fellow really has a million of roubles, and he is passionately in love. The whole story smells of passion, and we all know what this class of gentry is capable of when infatuated. I am much afraid of some disagreeable scandal, I am indeed!
You are afraid of the million, I suppose, said Gania, grinning and showing his teeth.
And you are NOT, I presume, eh?
How did he strike you, prince? asked Gania, suddenly. Did he seem to be a serious sort of a man, or just a common rowdy fellow? What was your own opinion about the matter?
While Gania put this question, a new idea suddenly flashed into his brain, and blazed out, impatiently, in his eyes. The general, who was really agitated and disturbed, looked at the prince too, but did not seem to expect much from his reply.
I really dont quite know how to tell you, replied the prince, but it certainly did seem to me that the man was full of passion, and not, perhaps, quite healthy passion. He seemed to be still far from well. Very likely he will be in bed again in a day or two, especially if he lives fast.
No! do you think so? said the general, catching at the idea.
Yes, I do think so!
Yes, but the sort of scandal I referred to may happen at any moment. It may be this very evening, remarked Gania to the general, with a smile.
Of course; quite so. In that case it all depends upon what is going on in her brain at this moment.
You know the kind of person she is at times.
How? What kind of person is she? cried the general, arrived at the limits of his patience. Look here, Gania, dont you go annoying her tonight What you are to do is to be as agreeable towards her as ever you can. Well, what are you smiling at? You must understand, Gania, that I have no interest whatever in speaking like this. Whichever way the question is settled, it will be to my advantage. Nothing will move Totski from his resolution, so I run no risk. If there is anything I desire, you must know that it is your benefit only. Cant you trust me? You are a sensible fellow, and I have been counting on you; for, in this matter, that, that
Yes, thats the chief thing, said Gania, helping the general out of his difficulties again, and curling his lips in an envenomed smile, which he did not attempt to conceal. He gazed with his fevered eyes straight into those of the general, as though he were anxious that the latter might read his thoughts.