\"Allowme，Mr。Ivolgin，\"hesaidirritably。\"Whatisthegoodofallthisrigmarole？Pardonme。Allisnowclear，andweacknowledgethetruthofyourmainpoint。Whygointothesetediousdetails？Youwishperhapstoboastoftheclevernessofyourinvestigation，tocryupyourtalentsasdetective？OrperhapsyourintentionistoexcuseBurdovsky，byrovingthathetookupthematterinignorance？Well，Iconsiderthatextremelyimpudentonyourpart！YououghttoknowthatBurdovskyhasnoneedofbeingexcusedorjustifiedbyyouoranyoneelse！Itisaninsult！Theaffairisquitepainfulenoughforhimwithoutthat。Willnothingmakeyouunderstand？\"
\"Enough！enough！Mr。Terentieff，\"interruptedGania。
\"Don’texciteyourself；youseemveryill，andIamsorryforthat。Iamalmostdone，butthereareafewfactstowhichI
mustbrieflyrefer，asIamconvincedthattheyoughttobeclearlyexplainedonceforall……\"Amovementofimpatiencewasnoticedinhisaudienceasheresumed:\"Imerelywishtostate，fortheinformationofallconcerned，thatthereasonforMr。Pavlicheff’sinterestinyourmother，Mr。Burdovsky，wassimplythatshewasthesisterofaserf-girlwithwhomhewasdeeplyinloveinhisyouth，andwhommostcertainlyhewouldhavemarriedbutforhersuddendeath。Ihaveproofsthatthiscircumstanceisalmost，ifnotquite，forgotten。Imayaddthatwhenyourmotherwasabouttenyearsold，Pavlichefftookherunderhiscare，gaveheragoodeducation，andlater，aconsiderabledowry。Hisrelationswerealarmed，andfearedhemightgosofarastomarryher，butshegaveherhandtoayoungland-surveyornamedBurdovskywhenshereachedtheageoftwenty。
Icanevensaydefinitelythatitwasamarriageofaffection。
Afterhisweddingyourfathergaveuphisoccupationasland-
surveyor，andwithhiswife’sdowryoffifteenthousandroubleswentinforcommercialspeculations。Ashehadhadnoexperience，hewascheatedonallsides，andtooktodrinkinordertoforgethistroubles。Heshortenedhislifebyhisexcesses，andeightyearsafterhismarriagehedied。Yourmothersaysherselfthatshewasleftinthedirestpoverty，andwouldhavediedofstarvationhaditnotbeenforPavlicheff，whogenerouslyallowedherayearlypensionofsixhundredroubles。Manypeoplerecallhisextremefondnessforyouasalittleboy。Yourmotherconfirmsthis，andagreeswithothersinthinkingthathelovedyouthemorebecauseyouwereasicklychild，stammeringinyourspeech，andalmostdeformed——foritisknownthatallhislifeNicolaiAndreevitchhadapartialityforunfortunatesofeverykind，especiallychildren。Inmyopinionthisismostimportant。
ImayaddthatIdiscoveredyetanotherfact，thelastonwhichI
employedmydetectivepowers。SeeinghowfondPavlicheffwasofyou，——itwasthankstohimyouwenttoschool，andalsohadtheadvantageofspecialteachers——hisrelationsandservantsgrewtobelievethatyouwerehisson，andthatyourfatherhadbeenbetrayedbyhiswife。ImaypointoutthatthisideawasonlyaccreditedgenerallyduringthelastyearsofPavlicheff’slife，whenhisnext-of-kinweretremblingaboutthesuccession，whentheearlierstorywasquiteforgotten，andwhenallopportunityfordiscoveringthetruthhadseeminglypassedaway。Nodoubtyou，Mr。Burdovsky，heardthisconjecture，anddidnothesitatetoacceptitastrue。Ihavehadthehonourofmakingyourmother’sacquaintance，andIfindthatsheknowsallaboutthesereports。Whatshedoesnotknowisthatyou，herson，shouldhavelistenedtothemsocomplaisantly。IfoundyourrespectedmotheratPskoff，illandindeeppoverty，asshehasbeeneversincethedeathofyourbenefactor。Shetoldmewithtearsofgratitudehowyouhadsupportedher；sheexpectsmuchofyou，andbelievesferventlyinyourfuturesuccess……\"
\"Oh，thisisunbearable！\"saidLebedeff’snephewimpatiently。
\"Whatisthegoodofallthisromancing？\"
\"Itisrevoltingandunseemly！\"criedHippolyte，jumpingupinafury。
Burdovskyalonesatsilentandmotionless。
\"Whatisthegoodofit？\"repeatedGavrilaArdalionovitch，withpretendedsurprise。\"Well，firstly，becausenowperhapsMr。
BurdovskyisquiteconvincedthatMr。Pavlicheff’sloveforhimcamesimplyfromgenerosityofsoul，andnotfrompaternalduty。
Itwasmostnecessarytoimpressthisfactuponhismind，consideringthatheapprovedofthearticlewrittenbyMr。
Keller。IspeakthusbecauseIlookonyou，Mr。Burdovsky，asanhonourableman。Secondly，itappearsthattherewasnointentionofcheatinginthiscase，evenonthepartofTchebaroff。Iwishtosaythisquiteplainly，becausetheprincehintedawhileagothatItoothoughtitanattemptatrobberyandextortion。Onthecontrary，everyonehasbeenquitesincereinthematter，andalthoughTchebaroffmaybesomewhatofarogue，inthisbusinesshehasactedsimplyasanysharplawyerwoulddounderthecircumstances。Helookedatitasacasethatmightbringhiminalotofmoney，andhedidnotcalculatebadly；becauseontheonehandhespeculatedonthegenerosityoftheprince，andhisgratitudetothelateMr。Pavlicheff，andontheothertohischivalrousideasastotheobligationsofhonourandconscience。
AstoMr。Burdovsky，allowingforhisprinciples，wemayacknowledgethatheengagedinthebusinesswithverylittlepersonalaiminview。AttheinstigationofTchebaroffandhisotherfriends，hedecidedtomaketheattemptintheserviceoftruth，progress，andhumanity。Inshort，theconclusionmaybedrawnthat，inspiteofallappearances，Mr。Burdovskyisamanofirreproachablecharacter，andthustheprincecanallthemorereadilyofferhimhisfriendship，andtheassistanceofwhichhespokejustnow……\"
\"Hush！hush！GavrilaArdalionovitch！\"criedMuishkinindismay，butitwastoolate。
\"Isaid，andIhaverepeateditoverandoveragain，\"shoutedBurdovskyfuriously，\"thatIdidnotwantthemoney。Iwillnottakeit……why……Iwillnot……Iamgoingaway！\"
Hewasrushinghurriedlyfromtheterrace，whenLebedeff’snephewseizedhisarms，andsaidsomethingtohiminalowvoice。
Burdovskyturnedquickly，anddrawinganaddressedbutunsealedenvelopefromhispocket，hethrewitdownonalittletablebesidetheprince。
\"There’sthemoney！……Howdareyou？……Themoney！\"
\"Thosearethetwohundredandfiftyroublesyoudaredtosendhimasacharity，bythehandsofTchebaroff，\"explainedDoktorenko。
\"Thearticleinthenewspaperputitatfifty！\"criedColia。
\"Ibegyourpardon，\"saidtheprince，goinguptoBurdovsky。\"I
havedoneyouagreatwrong，butIdidnotsendyouthatmoneyasacharity，believeme。AndnowIamagaintoblame。Ioffendedyoujustnow。\"Theprincewasmuchdistressed；heseemedwornoutwithfatigue，andspokealmostincoherently。\"Ispokeofswindling……butIdidnotapplythattoyou。Iwasdeceived……Isaidyouwere……afflicted……likeme……Butyouarenotlikeme……yougivelessons……yousupportyourmother。I
saidyouhaddishonouredyourmother，butyouloveher。Shesayssoherself……Ididnotknow……GavrilaArdalionovitchdidnottellmethat……Forgiveme！Idaredtoofferyoutenthousandroubles，butIwaswrong。Ioughttohavedoneitdifferently，andnow……thereisnowayofdoingit，foryoudespiseme……\"
\"Ideclare，thisisalunaticasylum！\"criedLizabethaProkofievna。
\"Ofcourseitisalunaticasylum！\"repeatedAglayasharply，butherwordswereoverpoweredbyothervoices。Everybodywastalkingloudly，makingremarksandcomments；somediscussedtheaffairgravely，otherslaughed。IvanFedorovitchEpanchinwasextremelyindignant。Hestoodwaitingforhiswifewithanairofoffendeddignity。Lebedeff’snephewtookupthewordagain。
\"Well，prince，todoyoujustice，youcertainlyknowhowtomakethemostofyour——letuscallitinfirmity，forthesakeofpoliteness；youhavesetaboutofferingyourmoneyandfriendshipinsuchawaythatnoself-respectingmancouldpossiblyacceptthem。Thisisanexcessofingenuousnessorofmalice——yououghttoknowbetterthananyonewhichwordbestfitsthecase。\"
\"Allowme，gentlemen，\"saidGavrilaArdalionovitch，whohadjustexaminedthecontentsoftheenvelope，\"thereareonlyahundredroubleshere，nottwohundredandfifty。Ipointthisout，prince，topreventmisunderstanding。\"
\"Nevermind，nevermind，\"saidtheprince，signingtohimtokeepquiet。
\"Butwedomind，\"saidLebedeff’snephewvehemently。\"Prince，your’nevermind’isaninsulttous。Wehavenothingtohide；
ouractionscanbeardaylight。Itistruethatthereareonlyahundredroublesinsteadoftwohundredandfifty，butitisallthesame。\"
\"Why，no，itishardlythesame，\"remarkedGavrilaArdalionovitch，withanairofingenuoussurprise。
\"Don’tinterrupt，wearenotsuchfoolsasyouthink，Mr。
Lawyer，\"criedLebedeff’snephewangrily。\"Ofcoursethereisadifferencebetweenahundredroublesandtwohundredandfifty，butinthiscasetheprincipleisthemainpoint，andthatahundredandfiftyroublesaremissingisonlyasideissue。ThepointtobeemphasizedisthatBurdovskywillnotacceptyourhighness’scharity；heflingsitbackinyourface，anditscarcelymattersifthereareahundredroublesortwohundredandfifty。Burdovskyhasrefusedtenthousandroubles；youheardhim。Hewouldnothavereturnedevenahundredroublesifhewasdishonest！ThehundredandfiftyroubleswerepaidtoTchebaroffforhistravellingexpenses。Youmayjeeratourstupidityandatourinexperienceinbusinessmatters；youhavedoneallyoucouldalreadytomakeuslookridiculous；butdonotdaretocallusdishonest。Thefourofuswillclubtogethereverydaytorepaythehundredandfiftyroublestotheprince，ifwehavetopayitininstalmentsofaroubleatatime，butwewillrepayit，withinterest。Burdovskyispoor，hehasnomillions。AfterhisjourneytoseetheprinceTchebaroffsentinhisbill。Wecountedonwinning……Whowouldnothavedonethesameinsuchacase？\"
\"Whoindeed？\"exclaimedPrinceS。
\"Ishallcertainlygomad，ifIstayhere！\"criedLizabethaProkofievna。
\"Itremindsme，\"saidEvgeniePavlovitch，laughing，\"ofthefamouspleaofacertainlawyerwholatelydefendedamanformurderingsixpeopleinordertorobthem。Heexcusedhisclientonthescoreofpoverty。’Itisquitenatural，’hesaidinconclusion，’consideringthestateofmiseryhewasin，thatheshouldhavethoughtofmurderingthesesixpeople；whichofyou，gentlemen，wouldnothavedonethesameinhisplace？’\"
\"Enough，\"criedLizabethaProkofievnaabruptly，tremblingwithanger，\"wehavehadenoughofthisbalderdash！\"
Inastateofterribleexcitementshethrewbackherhead，withflamingeyes，castinglooksofcontemptanddefianceuponthewholecompany，inwhichshecouldnolongerdistinguishfriendfromfoe。Shehadrestrainedherselfsolongthatshefeltforcedtoventherrageonsomebody。ThosewhoknewLizabethaProkofievnasawatoncehowitwaswithher。\"Shefliesintotheseragessometimes，\"saidIvanFedorovitchtoPrinceS。thenextday，\"butsheisnotoftensoviolentasshewasyesterday；
itdoesnothappenmorethanonceinthreeyears。\"
\"Bequiet，IvanFedorovitch！Leavemealone！\"criedMrs。
Epanchin。\"Whydoyouoffermeyourarmnow？Youhadnotsenseenoughtotakemeawaybefore。Youaremyhusband，youareafather，itwasyourdutytodragmeawaybyforce，ifinmyfollyIrefusedtoobeyyouandgoquietly。Youmightatleasthavethoughtofyourdaughters。Wecanfindourwayoutnowwithoutyourhelp。Hereisshameenoughforayear！Waitamoment’tillI
thanktheprince！Thankyou，prince，fortheentertainmentyouhavegivenus！Itwasmostamusingtoheartheseyoungmen……Itisvile，vile！Achaos，ascandal，worsethananightmare！Isitpossiblethattherecanbemanysuchpeopleonearth？Bequiet，Aglaya！Bequiet，Alexandra！Itisnoneofyourbusiness！Don’tfussroundmelikethat，EvgeniePavlovitch；youexasperateme！
So，mydear，\"shecried，addressingtheprince，\"yougosofarastobegtheirpardon！Hesays，’Forgivemeforofferingyouafortune。’Andyou，youmountebank，whatareyoulaughingat？\"shecried，turningsuddenlyonLebedeff’snephew。\"’Werefusetenthousandroubles；wedonotbeseech，wedemand！’Asifhedidnotknowthatthisidiotwillcallonthemtomorrowtorenewhisoffersofmoneyandfriendship。Youwill，won’tyou？Youwill？
Come，willyou，orwon’tyou？\"
\"Ishall，\"saidtheprince，withgentlehumility。
\"Youhearhim！Youcountuponit，too，\"shecontinued，turninguponDoktorenko。\"Youareassureofhimnowasifyouhadthemoneyinyourpocket。Andthereyouareplayingtheswaggerertothrowdustinoureyes！No，mydearsir，youmaytakeotherpeoplein！Icanseethroughallyourairsandgraces，Iseeyourgame！\"
\"LizabethaProkofievna！\"exclaimedtheprince。
\"Come，LizabethaProkofievna，itisquitetimeforustobegoing，wewilltaketheprincewithus，\"saidPrinceS。withasmile，inthecoolestpossibleway。
Thegirlsstoodapart，almostfrightened；theirfatherwaspositivelyhorrified。Mrs。Epanchin’slanguageastonishedeverybody。Somewhostoodalittlewayoffsmiledfurtively，andtalkedinwhispers。Lebedeffworeanexpressionofutmostecstasy。
\"Chaosandscandalaretobefoundeverywhere，madame，\"remarkedDoktorenko，whowasconsiderablyputoutofcountenance。
\"Notlikethis！Nothinglikethespectacleyouhavejustgivenus，sir，\"answeredLizabethaProkofievna，withasortofhystericalrage。\"Leavemealone，willyou？\"shecriedviolentlytothosearoundher，whoweretryingtokeepherquiet。\"No，EvgeniePavlovitch，if，asyousaidyourselfjustnow，alawyersaidinopencourtthathefounditquitenaturalthatamanshouldmurdersixpeoplebecausehewasinmisery，theworldmustbecomingtoanend。Ihadnotheardofitbefore。NowI
understandeverything。Andthisstutterer，won’theturnoutamurderer？\"shecried，pointingtoBurdovsky，whowasstaringatherwithstupefaction。\"Ibethewill！Hewillhavenoneofyourmoney，possibly，hewillrefuseitbecausehisconsciencewillnotallowhimtoacceptit，buthewillgomurderingyoubynightandwalkingoffwithyourcashbox，withaclearconscience！Hedoesnotcallitadishonestactionbut’theimpulseofanobledespair’；’anegation’；orthedevilknowswhat！Bah！everythingisupsidedown，everyonewalksheaddownwards。Ayounggirl，broughtupathome，suddenlyjumpsintoacabinthemiddleofthestreet，saying:’Good-bye，mother，ImarriedKarlitch，orIvanitch，theotherday！’Andyouthinkitquiteright？Youcallsuchconductestimableandnatural？The’womanquestion’？Lookhere，\"shecontinued，pointingtoColia，\"theotherdaythatwhippersnappertoldmethatthiswasthewholemeaningofthe’womanquestion。’Butevensupposingthatyourmotherisafool，youarenonetheless，boundtotreatherwithhumanity。Whydidyoucomeheretonightsoinsolently？’Giveusourrights，butdon’tdaretospeakinourpresence。Showuseverymarkofdeepestrespect，whilewetreatyoulikethescumoftheearth。’
Themiscreantshavewrittenatissueofcalumnyintheirarticle，andthesearethemenwhoseekfortruth，anddobattlefortheright！’Wedonotbeseech，wedemand，youwillgetnothanksfromus，becauseyouwillbeactingtosatisfyyourownconscience！’
Whatmorality！But，good。heavens！ifyoudeclarethattheprince’sgenerositywill，excitenogratitudeinyou，hemightanswerthatheisnot，boundtobegratefultoPavlicheff，whoalsowasonlysatisfyinghisownconscience。Butyoucountedontheprince’s，gratitudetowardsPavlicheff；youneverlenthimanymoney；heowesyounothing；thenwhatwereyoucountinguponifnotonhisgratitude？Andifyouappealtothatsentimentinothers，whyshouldyouexpecttobeexemptedfromit？Theyaremad！Theysaysocietyissavageand。inhumanbecauseitdespisesayounggirlwhohasbeenseduced。Butifyoucallsocietyinhumanyouimplythattheyounggirlismadetosufferbyitscensure。Howthen，canyouholdheruptothescornofsocietyinthenewspaperswithoutrealizingthatyouaremakinghersuffering，stillgreater？Madmen！Vainfools！Theydon’tbelieveinGod，theydon’tbelieveinChrist！Butyouaresoeaten。upbyprideandvanity，thatyouwillendbydevouringeachother——thatismyprophecy！Isnotthisabsurd？Isitnotmonstrouschaos？
Andafterallthis，thatshamelesscreaturewillgoandbegtheirpardon！Aretheremanypeoplelikeyou？Whatareyousmilingat？
BecauseIamnotashamedtodisgracemyselfbeforeyou？——Yes，I
amdisgraced——itcan’tbehelpednow！Butdon’tyoujeeratme，youscum！\"thiswasaimedatHippolyte。\"Heisalmostathislastgasp，yethecorruptsothers。You，havegotholdofthislad\"——shepointedtoColia；\"you，haveturnedhishead，youhavetaughthimtobeanatheist，youdon’tbelieveinGod，andyouarenottoooldtobewhipped，sir！Aplagueuponyou！Andso，PrinceLefNicolaievitch，youwillcallonthemtomorrow，willyou？\"sheaskedtheprincebreathlessly，forthesecondtime。
\"Yes。\"
\"ThenIwillneverspeaktoyouagain。\"Shemadeasuddenmovementtogo，andthenturnedquicklyback。\"Andyouwillcallonthatatheist？\"shecontinued，pointingtoHippolyte。\"Howdareyougrinatmelikethat？\"sheshoutedfuriously，rushingattheinvalid，whosemockingsmiledrovehertodistraction。
Exclamationsaroseonallsides。
\"LizabethaProkofievna！LizabethaProkofievna！LizabethaProkofievna！\"
\"Mother，thisisdisgraceful！\"criedAglaya。
Mrs。EpanchinhadapproachedHippolyteandseizedhimfirmlybythearm，whilehereyes，blazingwithfury，werefixeduponhisface。
\"Donotdistressyourself，AglayaIvanovitch，\"heansweredcalmly；\"yourmotherknowsthatonecannotstrikeadyingman。I
amreadytoexplainwhyIwaslaughing。Ishallbedelightedifyouwillletme——\"
Aviolentfitofcoughing，whichlastedafullminute，preventedhimfromfinishinghissentence。
\"Heisdying，yethewillnotstopholdingforth！\"criedLizabethaProkofievna。Sheloosedherholdonhisarm，almostterrified，asshesawhimwipingthebloodfromhislips。\"Whydoyoutalk？Yououghttogohometobed。\"
\"SoIwill，\"hewhisperedhoarsely。\"AssoonasIgethomeIwillgotobedatonce；andIknowIshallbedeadinafortnight；
Botkinetoldmesohimselflastweek。ThatiswhyIshouldliketosayafewfarewellwords，ifyouwillletme。\"
\"Butyoumustbemad！Itisridiculous！Youshouldtakecareofyourself；whatistheuseofholdingaconversationnow？Gohometobed，do！\"criedMrs。Epanchininhorror。
\"WhenIdogotobedIshallnevergetupagain，\"saidHippolyte，withasmile。\"ImeanttotaketomybedyesterdayandstaytheretillIdied，butasmylegscanstillcarryme，Iputitofffortwodays，soastocomeherewiththemto-day——butIamverytired。\"
\"Oh，sitdown，sitdown，whyareyoustanding？\"
LizabethaProkofievnaplacedachairforhimwithherownhands。
\"Thankyou，\"hesaidgently。\"Sitoppositetome，andletustalk。Wemusthaveatalknow，LizabethaProkofievna；Iamveryanxiousforit。\"Hesmiledatheroncemore。\"Rememberthattoday，forthelasttime，Iamoutintheair，andinthecompanyofmyfellow-men，andthatinafortnightIshallIcertainlybenolongerinthisworld。So，inaway，thisismyfarewelltonatureandtomen。Iamnotverysentimental，butdoyouknow，I
amquitegladthatallthishashappenedatPavlofsk，whereatleastonecanseeagreentree。\"
\"Butwhytalknow？\"repliedLizabethaProkofievna，moreandmorealarmed；\"arequitefeverish。Justnowyouwouldnotstopshouting，andnowyoucanhardlybreathe。Youaregasping。\"
\"Ishallhavetimetorest。Whywillyounotgrantmylastwish？
Doyouknow，LizabethaProkofievna，thatIhavedreamedofmeetingyouforalongwhile？IhadoftenheardofyoufromColia；heisalmosttheonlypersonwhostillcomestoseeme。
Youareanoriginalandeccentricwoman；Ihaveseenthatformyself——Doyouknow，Ihaveevenbeenratherfondofyou？\"
\"Goodheavens！AndIverynearlystruckhim！\"
\"YouwerepreventedbyAglayaIvanovna。IthinkIamnotmistaken？Thatisyourdaughter，AglayaIvanovna？SheissobeautifulthatIrecognizedherdirectly，althoughIhadneverseenherbefore。Letme，atleast，lookonbeautyforthelasttimeinmylife，\"hesaidwithawrysmile。\"Youareherewiththeprince，andyourhusband，andalargecompany。Whyshouldyourefusetogratifymylastwish？\"
\"Givemeachair！\"criedLizabethaProkofievna，butsheseizedoneforherselfandsatdownoppositetoHippolyte。\"Colia，youmustgohomewithhim，\"shecommandedandtomorrowIwillcomemyself。\"
\"Willyouletmeasktheprinceforacupoftea？……Iamexhausted。Doyouknowwhatyoumightdo，LizabethaProkofievna？
Ithinkyouwantedtotaketheprincehomewithyoufortea。Stayhere，andletusspendtheeveningtogether。Iamsuretheprincewillgiveusallsometea。Forgivemeforbeingsofreeandeasy——
butIknowyouarekind，andtheprinceiskind，too。Infact，weareallgood-naturedpeople——itisreallyquitecomical。\"
Theprincebestirredhimselftogiveorders。Lebedeffhurriedout，followedbyVera。
\"Itisquitetrue，\"saidMrs。Epanchindecisively。\"Talk，butnottooloud，anddon’texciteyourself。Youhavemademesorryforyou。Prince，youdon’tdeservethatIshouldstayandhaveteawithyou，yetIwill，allthesame，butIwon’tapologize。I
apologizetonobody！Nobody！Itisabsurd！However，forgiveme，prince，ifIblewyouup——thatis，ifyoulike，ofcourse。Butpleasedon’tletmekeepanyone，\"sheaddedsuddenlytoherhusbandanddaughters，inatoneofresentment，asthoughtheyhadgrievouslyoffendedher。\"Icancomehomealonequitewell。\"
Buttheydidnotletherfinish，andgatheredroundhereagerly。
Theprinceimmediatelyinvitedeveryonetostayfortea，andapologizedfornothavingthoughtofitbefore。Thegeneralmurmuredafewpolitewords，andaskedLizabethaProkofievnaifshedidnotfeelcoldontheterrace。HeverynearlyaskedHippolytehowlonghehadbeenattheUniversity，butstoppedhimselfintime。EvgeniePavlovitchandPrinceS。suddenlygrewextremelygayandamiable。AdelaidaandAlexandrahadnotrecoveredfromtheirsurprise，butitwasnowmingledwithsatisfaction；inshort，everyoneseemedverymuchrelievedthatLizabethaProkofievnahadgotoverherparoxysm。Aglayaalonestillfrowned，andsatapartinsilence。Alltheotherguestsstayedonaswell；noonewantedtogo，notevenGeneralIvolgin，butLebedeffsaidsomethingtohiminpassingwhichdidnotseemtopleasehim，forheimmediatelywentandsulkedinacorner。
TheprincetookcaretoofferteatoBurdovskyandhisfriendsaswellastherest。Theinvitationmadethemratheruncomfortable。
TheymutteredthattheywouldwaitforHippolyte，andwentandsatbythemselvesinadistantcorneroftheverandah。Teawasservedatonce；Lebedeffhadnodoubtordereditforhimselfandhisfamilybeforetheothersarrived。Itwasstrikingeleven。
X。
AFTERmoisteninghislipswiththeteawhichVeraLebedeffbroughthim，Hippolytesetthecupdownonthetable，andglancedround。Heseemedconfusedandalmostataloss。
\"Justlook，LizabethaProkofievna，\"hebegan，withakindoffeverishhaste；\"thesechinacupsaresupposedtobeextremelyvaluable。Lebedeffalwayskeepsthemlockedupinhischina-
cupboard；theywerepartofhiswife’sdowry。Yethehasbroughtthemouttonight——inyourhonour，ofcourse！Heissopleased——\"
Hewasabouttoaddsomethingelse，butcouldnotfindthewords。
\"There，heisfeelingembarrassed；Iexpectedasmuch，\"whisperedEvgeniePavlovitchsuddenlyintheprince’sear。\"Itisabadsign；whatdoyouthink？Now，outofspite，hewillcomeoutwithsomethingsooutrageousthatevenLizabethaProkofievnawillnotbeabletostandit。\"
Muishkinlookedathiminquiringly。
\"Youdonotcareifhedoes？\"addedEvgeniePavlovitch。\"NeitherdoI；infact，Ishouldbeglad，merelyasaproperpunishmentforourdearLizabethaProkofievna。Iamveryanxiousthatsheshouldgetit，withoutdelay，andIshallstaytillshedoes。Youseemfeverish。\"
\"Nevermind；by-and-by；yes，Iamnotfeelingwell，\"saidtheprinceimpatiently，hardlylistening。HehadjustheardHippolytementionhisownname。
\"Youdon’tbelieveit？\"saidtheinvalid，withanervouslaugh。
\"Idon’twonder，buttheprincewillhavenodifficultyinbelievingit；hewillnotbeatallsurprised。\"
\"Doyouhear，prince——doyouhearthat？\"saidLizabethaProkofievna，turningtowardshim。
Therewaslaughterinthegrouparoundher，andLebedeffstoodbeforehergesticulatingwildly。
\"Hedeclaresthatyourhumbugofalandlordrevisedthisgentleman’sarticle——thearticlethatwasreadaloudjustnow——inwhichyougotsuchacharmingdressing-down。\"
TheprinceregardedLebedeffwithastonishment。
\"Whydon’tyousaysomething？\"criedLizabethaProkofievna，stampingherfoot。
\"Well，\"murmuredtheprince，withhiseyesstillfixedonLebedeff，\"Icanseenowthathedid。\"
\"Isittrue？\"sheaskedeagerly。
\"Absolutely，yourexcellency，\"saidLebedeff，withouttheleasthesitation。
Mrs。Epanchinalmostsprangupinamazementathisanswer，andattheassuranceofhistone。
\"Heactuallyseemstoboastofit！\"shecried。
\"Iambase——base！\"mutteredLebedeff，beatinghisbreast，andhanginghishead。
\"WhatdoIcareifyouarebaseornot？Hethinkshehasonlytosay，’Iambase，’andthereisanendofit。Astoyou，prince，areyounotashamed？——Irepeat，areyounotashamed，tomixwithsuchriff-raff？Iwillneverforgiveyou！\"
\"Theprincewillforgiveme！\"saidLebedeffwithemotionalconviction。
Kellersuddenlylefthisseat，andapproachedLizabetha。
Prokofievna。
\"Itwasonlyoutofgenerosity，madame，\"hesaidinaresonantvoice，\"andbecauseIwouldnotbetrayafriendinanawkwardposition，thatIdidnotmentionthisrevisionbefore；thoughyouheardhimyourselfthreateningtokickusdownthesteps。Toclearthematterup，IdeclarenowthatIdidhaverecoursetohisassistance，andthatIpaidhimsixroublesforit。ButIdidnotaskhimtocorrectmystyle；Isimplywenttohimforinformationconcerningthefacts，ofwhichIwasignoranttoagreatextent，andwhichhewascompetenttogive。Thestoryofthegaiters，theappetiteintheSwissprofessor’shouse，thesubstitutionoffiftyroublesfortwohundredandfifty——allsuchdetails，infact，weregotfromhim。Ipaidhimsixroublesforthem；buthedidnotcorrectthestyle。\"
\"ImuststatethatIonlyrevisedthefirstpartofthearticle，\"
interposedLebedeffwithfeverishimpatience，whilelaughterrosefromallaroundhim；\"butwefelloutinthemiddleoveroneidea，soInevercorrectedthesecondpart。ThereforeIcannotbeheldresponsibleforthenumerousgrammaticalblundersinit。\"
\"Thatisallhethinksof！\"criedLizabethaProkofievna。
\"MayIaskwhenthisarticlewasrevised？\"saidEvgeniePavlovitchtoKeller。
\"Yesterdaymorning，\"hereplied，\"wehadaninterviewwhichweallgaveourwordofhonourtokeepsecret。\"
\"Theverytimewhenhewascringingbeforeyouandmakingprotestationsofdevotion！Oh，themeanwretches！IwillhavenothingtodowithyourPushkin，andyourdaughtershallnotsetfootinmyhouse！\"
LizabethaProkofievnawasabouttorise，whenshesawHippolytelaughing，andturneduponhimwithirritation。
\"Well，sir，Isupposeyouwantedtomakemelookridiculous？\"
\"Heavenforbid！\"heanswered，withaforcedsmile。\"ButIammorethaneverstruckbyyoureccentricity，LizabethaProkofievna。I
admitthatItoldyouofLebedeff’sduplicity，onpurpose。Iknewtheeffectitwouldhaveonyou，——onyoualone，fortheprincewillforgivehim。Hehasprobablyforgivenhimalready，andisrackinghisbrainstofindsomeexcuseforhim——isnotthatthetruth，prince？\"
Hegaspedashespoke，andhisstrangeagitationseemedtoincrease。
\"Well？\"saidMrs。Epanchinangrily，surprisedathistone；\"well，whatmore？\"
\"Ihaveheardmanythingsofthekindaboutyou……theydelightedme……Ihavelearnedtoholdyouinthehighestesteem，\"continuedHippolyte。
Hiswordsseemedtingedwithakindofsarcasticmockery，yethewasextremelyagitated，castingsuspiciousglancesaroundhim，growingconfused，andconstantlylosingthethreadofhisideas。
Allthis，togetherwithhisconsumptiveappearance，andthefrenziedexpressionofhisblazingeyes，naturallyattractedtheattentionofeveryonepresent。
\"ImighthavebeensurprisedthoughIadmitIknownothingoftheworld，notonlythatyoushouldhavestayedonjustnowinthecompanyofsuchpeopleasmyselfandmyfriends，whoarenotofyourclass，butthatyoushouldletthese……youngladieslistentosuchascandalousaffair，thoughnodoubtnovel-readinghastaughtthemallthereistoknow。Imaybemistaken；IhardlyknowwhatIamsaying；butsurelynoonebutyouwouldhavestayedtopleaseawhippersnapperyes，awhippersnapper；Iadmitittospendtheeveningandtakepartineverything——onlytobeashamedofittomorrow。IknowIexpressmyselfbadly。I
admireandappreciateitallextremely，thoughtheexpressiononthefaceofhisexcellency，yourhusband，showsthathethinksitveryimproper。He-he！\"Heburstoutlaughing，andwasseizedwithafitofcoughingwhichlastedfortwominutesandpreventedhimfromspeaking。
\"Hehaslosthisbreathnow！\"saidLizabethaProkofievnacoldly，lookingathimwithmorecuriositythanpity:\"Come，mydearboy，thatisquiteenough——letusmakeanendofthis。\"
IvanFedorovitch，nowquiteoutofpatience，interruptedsuddenly。\"Letmeremarkinmyturn，sir，\"hesaidintonesofdeepannoyance，\"thatmywifeishereastheguestofPrinceLefNicolaievitch，ourfriendandneighbour，andthatinanycase，youngman，itisnotforyoutopassjudgmentontheconductofLizabethaProkofievna，ortomakeremarksaloudinmypresenceconcerningwhatfeelingsyouthinkmaybereadinmyface。Yes，mywifestayedhere，\"continuedthegeneral，withincreasingirritation，\"moreoutofamazementthananythingelse。Everyonecanunderstandthatacollectionofsuchstrangeyoungmenwouldattracttheattentionofapersoninterestedincontemporarylife。Istayedmyself，justasIsometimesstoptolookoninthestreetwhenIseesomethingthatmayberegardedas-as-as-\"
\"Asacuriosity，\"suggestedEvgeniePavlovitch，seeinghisexcellencyinvolvedinacomparisonwhichhecouldnotcomplete。
\"ThatisexactlythewordIwanted，\"saidthegeneralwithsatisfaction——\"acuriosity。However，themostastonishingand，ifImaysoexpressmyself，themostpainful，thinginthismatter，isthatyoucannotevenunderstand，youngman，thatLizabethaProkofievna，onlystayedwithyoubecauseyouareill，——ifyoureallyaredying——movedbythepityawakenedbyyourplaintiveappeal，andthathername，character，andsocialpositionplaceheraboveallriskofcontamination。LizabethaProkofievna！\"hecontinued，nowcrimsonwithrage，\"ifyouarecoming，wewillsaygoodnighttotheprince，and——\"
\"Thankyouforthelesson，general，\"saidHippolyte，withunexpectedgravity，regardinghimthoughtfully。
\"Twominutesmore，ifyouplease，dearIvanFedorovitch，\"saidLizabethaProkofievnatoherhusband；\"itseemstomethatheisinafeveranddelirious；youcanseebyhiseyeswhatastateheisin；itisimpossibletolethimgobacktoPetersburgtonight。Canyouputhimup，LefNicolaievitch？Ihopeyouarenotbored，dearprince，\"sheaddedsuddenlytoPrinceS。\"Alexandra，mydear，comehere！Yourhairiscomingdown。\"
Shearrangedherdaughter’shair，whichwasnotintheleastdisordered，andgaveherakiss。Thiswasallthatshehadcalledherfor。
\"Ithoughtyouwerecapableofdevelopment，\"saidHippolyte，comingoutofhisfitofabstraction。\"Yes，thatiswhatImeanttosay，\"headded，withthesatisfactionofonewhosuddenlyrememberssomethinghehadforgotten。\"HereisBurdovsky，sincerelyanxioustoprotecthismother；isnotthatso？Andhehimselfisthecauseofherdisgrace。TheprinceisanxioustohelpBurdovskyandoffershimfriendshipandalargesumofmoney，inthesincerityofhisheart。Andheretheystandliketwoswornenemies——ha，ha，ha！YouallhateBurdovskybecausehisbehaviourwithregardtohismotherisshockingandrepugnanttoyou；doyounot？Isnotthattrue？Isitnottrue？Youallhaveapassionforbeautyanddistinctioninoutwardforms；thatisallyoucarefor，isn’tit？Ihavesuspectedforalongtimethatyoucaredfornothingelse！Well，letmetellyouthatperhapsthereisnotoneofyouwholovedyourmotherasBurdovskylovedhis。
Astoyou，prince，IknowthatyouhavesentmoneysecretlytoBurdovsky’smotherthroughGania。Well，Ibetnow，\"hecontinuedwithanhystericallaugh，\"thatBurdovskywillaccuseyouofindelicacy，andreproachyouwithawantofrespectforhismother！Yes，thatisquitecertain！Ha，ha，ha！\"
Hecaughthisbreath，andbegantocoughoncemore。
\"Come，thatisenough！Thatisallnow；youhavenomoretosay？
Nowgotobed；youareburningwithfever，\"saidLizabethaProkofievnaimpatiently。Heranxiouseyeshadneverlefttheinvalid。\"Goodheavens，heisgoingtobeginagain！\"
\"Youarelaughing，Ithink？Whydoyoukeeplaughingatme？\"saidHippolyteirritablytoEvgeniePavlovitch，whocertainlywaslaughing。
\"Ionlywanttoknow，Mr。Hippolyte——excuseme，Iforgetyoursurname。\"
\"Mr。Terentieff，\"saidtheprince。
\"Ohyes，Mr。Terentieff。Thankyouprince。Ihearditjustnow，buthadforgottenit。Iwanttoknow，Mr。Terentieff，ifwhatI
haveheardaboutyouistrue。Itseemsyouareconvincedthatifyoucouldspeaktothepeoplefromawindowforaquarterofanhour，youcouldmakethemalladoptyourviewsandfollowyou？\"
\"Imayhavesaidso，\"answeredHippolyte，asiftryingtoremember。\"Yes，Icertainlysaidso，\"hecontinuedwithsuddenanimation，fixinganunflinchingglanceonhisquestioner。\"Whatofit？\"
\"Nothing。Iwasonlyseekingfurtherinformation，toputthefinishingtouch。\"
EvgeniePavlovitchwassilent，butHippolytekepthiseyesfixeduponhim，waitingimpatientlyformore。
\"Well，haveyoufinished？\"saidLizabethaProkofievnatoEvgenie。
\"Makehaste，sir；itistimehewenttobed。Haveyoumoretosay？\"Shewasveryangry。
\"Yes，Ihavealittlemore，\"saidEvgeniePavlovitch，withasmile。\"Itseemstomethatallyouandyourfriendshavesaid，Mr。Terentieff，andallyouhavejustputforwardwithsuchundeniabletalent，maybesummedupinthetriumphofrightaboveall，independentofeverythingelse，totheexclusionofeverythingelse；perhapsevenbeforehavingdiscoveredwhatconstitutestheright。Imaybemistaken？\"
\"Youarecertainlymistaken；Idonotevenunderstandyou。Whatelse？\"
MurmursaroseintheneighbourhoodofBurdovskyandhiscompanions；Lebedeff’snephewprotestedunderhisbreath。
\"Ihavenearlyfinished，\"repliedEvgeniePavlovitch。
\"Iwillonlyremarkthatfromthesepremissesonecouldconcludethatmightisright——Imeantherightoftheclenchedfist，andofpersonalinclination。Indeed，theworldhasoftencometothatconclusion。Prudhonupheldthatmightisright。IntheAmericanWarsomeofthemostadvancedLiberalstooksideswiththeplantersonthescorethattheblackswereaninferiorracetothewhites，andthatmightwastherightofthewhiterace。\"
\"Well？\"
\"Youmean，nodoubt，thatyoudonotdenythatmightisright？\"
\"Whatthen？\"
\"Youareatleastlogical。Iwouldonlypointoutthatfromtherightofmight，totherightoftigersandcrocodiles，orevenDaniloffandGorsky，isbutastep。\"
\"Iknownothingaboutthat；whatelse？\"
Hippolytewasscarcelylistening。Hekeptsayingwell？\"and\"whatelse？\"mechanically，withouttheleastcuriosity，andbymereforceofhabit。
\"Why，nothingelse；thatisall。\"
\"However，Ibearyounogrudge，\"saidHippolytesuddenly，and，hardlyconsciousofwhathewasdoing，heheldouthishandwithasmile。ThegesturetookEvgeniePavlovitchbysurprise，butwiththeutmostgravityhetouchedthehandthatwasofferedhimintokenofforgiveness。
\"Icanbutthankyou，\"hesaid，inatonetoorespectfultobesincere，\"foryourkindnessinlettingmespeak，forIhaveoftennoticedthatourLiberalsneverallowotherpeopletohaveanopinionoftheirown，andimmediatelyanswertheiropponentswithabuse，iftheydonothaverecoursetoargumentsofastillmoreunpleasantnature。\"
\"Whatyousayisquitetrue，\"observedGeneralEpanchin；then，claspinghishandsbehindhisback，hereturnedtohisplaceontheterracesteps，whereheyawnedwithanairofboredom。
\"Come，sir，thatwilldo；youwearyme，\"saidLizabethaProkofievnasuddenlytoEvgeniePavlovitch。
Hippolyteroseallatonce，lookingtroubledandalmostfrightened。
\"Itistimeformetogo，\"hesaid，glancingroundinperplexity。
\"Ihavedetainedyou……Iwantedtotellyoueverything……I
thoughtyouall……forthelasttime……itwasawhim……\"
Heevidentlyhadsuddenfitsofreturninganimation，whenheawokefromhissemi-delirium；then，recoveringfullself-
possessionforafewmoments，hewouldspeak，indisconnectedphraseswhichhadperhapshauntedhimforalongwhileonhisbedofsuffering，duringweary，sleeplessnights。
\"Well，good-bye，\"hesaidabruptly。\"Youthinkitiseasyformetosaygood-byetoyou？Ha，ha！\"
Feelingthathisquestionwassomewhatgauche，hesmiledangrily。
Thenasifvexedthathecouldnoteverexpresswhathereallymeant，hesaidirritably，inaloudvoice:
\"Excellency，Ihavethehonourofinvitingyoutomyfuneral；
thatis，ifyouwilldeigntohonouritwithyourpresence。I
inviteyouall，gentlemen，aswellasthegeneral。\"
Heburstoutlaughingagain，butitwasthelaughterofamadman。
LizabethaProkofievnaapproachedhimanxiouslyandseizedhisarm。Hestaredatherforamoment，stilllaughing，butsoonhisfacegrewserious。
\"DoyouknowthatIcameheretoseethosetrees？\"pointingtothetreesinthepark。\"Itisnotridiculous，isit？Saythatitisnotridiculous！\"hedemandedurgentlyofLizabethaProkofievna。Thenheseemedtobeplungedinthought。Amomentlaterheraisedhishead，andhiseyessoughtforsomeone。HewaslookingforEvgeniePavlovitch，whowasclosebyonhisrightasbefore，buthehadforgottenthis，andhiseyesrangedovertheassembledcompany。\"Ah！youhavenotgone！\"hesaid，whenhecaughtsightofhimatlast。\"Youkeptonlaughingjustnow，becauseIthoughtofspeakingtothepeoplefromthewindowforaquarterofanhour。ButIamnoteighteen，youknow；lyingonthatbed，andlookingoutofthatwindow，Ihavethoughtofallsortsofthingsforsuchalongtimethat……adeadmanhasnoage，youknow。Iwassayingthattomyselfonlylastweek，whenI
wasawakeinthenight。Doyouknowwhatyoufearmost？Youfearoursinceritymorethananything，althoughyoudespiseus！Theideacrossedmymindthatnight……YouthoughtIwasmakingfunofyoujustnow，LizabethaProkofievna？No，theideaofmockerywasfarfromme；Ionlymeanttopraiseyou。Coliatoldmetheprincecalledyouachild——verywell——butletmesee，I
hadsomethingelsetosay……\"Hecoveredhisfacewithhishandsandtriedtocollecthisthoughts。
\"Ah，yes——youweregoingawayjustnow，andIthoughttomyself:
’Ishallneverseethesepeopleagain-neveragain！ThisisthelasttimeIshallseethetrees，too。IshallseenothingafterthisbuttheredbrickwallofMeyer’shouseoppositemywindow。
Tellthemaboutit——trytotellthem，’Ithought。’Hereisabeautifulyounggirl——youareadeadman；makethemunderstandthat。Tellthemthatadeadmanmaysayanything——andMrs。Grundywillnotbeangry——ha-ha！Youarenotlaughing？\"Helookedanxiouslyaround。\"ButyouknowIgetsomanyqueerideas，lyingthereinbed。Ihavegrownconvincedthatnatureisfullofmockery——youcalledmeanatheistjustnow，butyouknowthisnature……whyareyoulaughingagain？Youareverycruel！\"headdedsuddenly，regardingthemallwithmournfulreproach。\"I
havenotcorruptedColia，\"heconcludedinadifferentandveryserioustone，asifrememberingsomethingagain。
\"Nobodyhereislaughingatyou。Calmyourself\"saidLizabethaProkofievna，muchmoved。\"Youshallseeanewdoctortomorrow；
theotherwasmistaken；butsitdown，donotstandlikethat！Youaredelirious——Oh，whatshallwedowithhimshecriedinanguish，asshemadehimsitdownagaininthearm-chair。
Atearglistenedonhercheek。AtthesightofitHippolyteseemedamazed。Heliftedhishandtimidlyand，touchedthetearwithhisfinger，smilinglikeachild。
\"I……you，\"hebeganjoyfully。\"YoucannottellhowI……healwaysspokesoenthusiasticallyofyou，Coliahere；Ilikedhisenthusiasm。Iwasnotcorruptinghim！ButImustleavehim，too——
Iwantedtoleavethemall——therewasnotoneofthem——notone！I
wantedtobeamanofaction——Ihadarighttobe。Oh！whatalotofthingsIwanted！NowIwantnothing；Irenounceallmywants；IsworetomyselfthatIwouldwantnothing；letthemseekthetruthwithoutme！Yes，natureisfullofmockery！Why\"——hecontinuedwithsuddenwarmth——\"doesshecreatethechoicestbeingsonlytomockatthem？Theonlyhumanbeingwhoisrecognizedasperfect，whennatureshowedhimtomankind，wasgiventhemissiontosaythingswhichhavecausedthesheddingofsomuchbloodthatitwouldhavedrownedmankindifithadallbeenshedatonce！Oh！itisbetterformetodie！Ishouldtellsomedreadfullietoo；naturewouldsocontriveit！Ihavecorruptednobody。Iwantedtoliveforthehappinessofallmen，tofindandspreadthetruth。IusedtolookoutofmywindowatthewallofMeyer’shouse，andsaytomyselfthatifIcouldspeakforaquarterofanhourIwouldconvincethewholeworld，andnowforonceinmylifeIhavecomeintocontactwith……
you——ifnotwiththeothers！Andwhatistheresult？Nothing！Thesoleresultisthatyoudespiseme！ThereforeImustbeafool，I
amuseless，itistimeIdisappeared！AndIshallleavenotevenamemory！Notasound，notatrace，notasingledeed！Ihavenotspreadasingletruth！……Donotlaughatthefool！Forgethim！Forgethimforever！Ibeseechyou，donotbesocruelastoremember！DoyouknowthatifIwerenotconsumptive，Iwouldkillmyself？\"
Thoughheseemedtowishtosaymuchmore，hebecamesilent。Hefellbackintohischair，and，coveringhisfacewithhishands，begantosoblikealittlechild。
\"Oh！whatoneartharewetodowithhim？\"criedLizabethaProkofievna。Shehastenedtohimandpressedhisheadagainstherbosom，whilehesobbedconvulsively。
\"Come，come，come！There，youmustnotcry，thatwilldo。Youareagoodchild！Godwillforgiveyou，becauseyouknewnobetter。
Comenow，beaman！Youknowpresentlyyouwillbeashamed。\"
Hippolyteraisedhisheadwithaneffort，saying:
\"Ihavelittlebrothersandsisters，overthere，pooravidinnocent。Shewillcorruptthem！Youareasaint！Youareachildyourself——savethem！Snatchthemfromthat……sheis……itisshameful！Oh！helpthem！Godwillrepayyouahundredfold。FortheloveofGod，fortheloveofChrist！\"
\"Speak，IvanFedorovitch！Whatarewetodo？\"criedLizabethaProkofievna，irritably。\"Pleasebreakyourmajesticsilence！I
tellyou，ifyoucannotcometosomedecision，Iwillstayhereallnightmyself。Youhavetyrannizedovermeenough，youautocrat！\"
Shespokeangrily，andingreatexcitement，andexpectedanimmediatereply。Butinsuchacase，nomatterhowmanyarepresent，allprefertokeepsilence:noonewilltaketheinitiative，butallreservetheircommentstillafterwards。Thereweresomepresent——VarvaraArdalionovna，forinstance——whowouldhavewillinglysattheretillmorningwithoutsayingaword。
Varvarahadsatapartalltheeveningwithoutopeningherlips，butshelistenedtoeverythingwiththeclosestattention；
perhapsshehadherreasonsforsodoing。
\"Mydear，\"saidthegeneral，\"itseemstomethatasick-nursewouldbeofmoreuseherethananexcitablepersonlikeyou。
Perhapsitwouldbeaswelltogetsomesober，reliablemanforthenight。Inanycasewemustconsulttheprince，andleavethepatienttorestatonce。Tomorrowwecanseewhatcanbedoneforhim。\"
\"Itisnearlymidnight；wearegoing。Willhecomewithus，orishetostayhere？\"Doktorenkoaskedcrosslyoftheprince。
\"Youcanstaywithhimifyoulike，\"saidMuishkin。
\"Thereisplentyofroomhere。\"
Suddenly，totheastonishmentofall，Kellerwentquicklyuptothegeneral。
\"Excellency，\"hesaid，impulsively，\"ifyouwantareliablemanforthenight，Iamreadytosacrificemyselfformyfriend——suchasoulashehas！Ihavelongthoughthimagreatman，excellency！Myarticleshowedmylackofeducation，butwhenhecriticizeshescatterspearls！\"
IvanFedorovitchturnedfromtheboxerwithagestureofdespair。
\"Ishallbedelightedifhewillstay；itwouldcertainlybedifficultforhimtogetbacktoPetersburg，\"saidtheprince，inanswertotheeagerquestionsofLizabethaProkofievna。
\"Butyouarehalfasleep，areyounot？Ifyoudon’twanthim，I
willtakehimbacktomyhouse！Why，goodgracious！Hecanhardlystanduphimself！Whatisit？Areyouill？\"
Notfindingtheprinceonhisdeath-bed，LizabethaProkofievnahadbeenmisledbyhisappearancetothinkhimmuchbetterthanhewas。Buthisrecentillness，thepainfulmemoriesattachedtoit，thefatigueofthisevening，theincidentwith\"Pavlicheff’sson，\"andnowthisscenewithHippolyte，hadallsoworkedonhisoversensitivenaturethathewasnowalmostinafever。Moreover，anewtrouble，almostafear，showeditselfinhiseyes；hewatchedHippolyteanxiouslyasifexpectingsomethingfurther。
SuddenlyHippolytearose。Hisface，shockinglypale，wasthatofamanoverwhelmedwithshameanddespair。Thiswasshownchieflyinthelookoffearandhatredwhichhecastupontheassembledcompany，andinthewildsmileuponhistremblinglips。Thenhecastdownhiseyes，andwiththesamesmile，staggeredtowardsBurdovskyandDoktorenko，whostoodattheentrancetotheverandah。Hehaddecidedtogowiththem。
\"There！thatiswhatIfeared！\"criedtheprince。\"Itwasinevitable！\"
Hippolyteturneduponhim，apreytomaniacalrage，whichsetallthemusclesofhisfacequivering。
\"Ah！thatiswhatyoufeared！Itwasinevitable，yousay！Well，letmetellyouthatifIhateanyonehere——Ihateyouall，\"hecried，inahoarse，strainedvoice-\"butyou，you，withyourjesuiticalsoul，yoursoulofsicklysweetness，idiot，beneficentmillionaire——Ihateyouworsethananythingoranyoneonearth！I
sawthroughyouandhatedyoulongago；fromthedayIfirstheardofyou。Ihatedyouwithmywholeheart。Youhavecontrivedallthis！Youhavedrivenmeintothisstate！Youhavemadeadyingmandisgracehimself。You，you，youarethecauseofmyabjectcowardice！IwouldkillyouifIremainedalive！Idonotwantyourbenefits；Iwillacceptnonefromanyone；doyouhear？
Notfromanyone！Iwantnothing！Iwasdelirious，donotdaretotriumph！Icurseeveryoneofyou，onceforall！\"
Breathfailedhimhere，andhewasobligedtostop。
\"Heisashamedofhistears！\"whisperedLebedefftoLizabethaProkofievna。\"Itwasinevitable。Ah！whatawonderfulmantheprinceis！Hereadhisverysoul。\"
ButMrs。EpanchinwouldnotdeigntolookatLebedeff。Drawnuphaughtily，withherheadheldhigh，shegazedatthe\"riff-raff，\"
withscornfulcuriosity。WhenHippolytehadfinished，IvanFedorovitchshruggedhisshoulders，andhiswifelookedhimangrilyupanddown，asiftodemandthemeaningofhismovement。
Thensheturnedtotheprince。
\"Thanks，prince，manythanks，eccentricfriendofthefamily，forthepleasanteveningyouhaveprovidedforus。Iamsureyouarequitepleasedthatyouhavemanagedtomixusupwithyourextraordinaryaffairs。Itisquiteenough，dearfamilyfriend；
thankyouforgivingusanopportunityofgettingtoknowyousowell。\"
Shearrangedhercloakwithhandsthattrembledwithangerasshewaitedforthe\"riff-raff\"togo。ThecabwhichLebedeff’ssonhadgonetofetchaquarterofanhourago，byDoktorenko’sorder，arrivedatthatmoment。Thegeneralthoughtfittoputinawordafterhiswife。
\"Really，prince，Ihardlyexpectedafter——afterallourfriendlyintercourse——andyousee，LizabethaProkofievna——\"
\"Papa，howcanyou？\"criedAdelaida，walkingquicklyuptotheprinceandholdingoutherhand。
Hesmiledabsentlyather；thensuddenlyhefeltaburningsensationinhisearasanangryvoicewhispered:
\"Ifyoudonotturnthosedreadfulpeopleoutofthehousethisveryinstant，Ishallhateyouallmylife——allmylife！\"ItwasAglaya。Sheseemedalmostinafrenzy，butsheturnedawaybeforetheprincecouldlookather。However，therewasnoonelefttoturnoutofthehouse，fortheyhadmanagedmeanwhiletogetHippolyteintothecab，andithaddrivenoff。
\"Well，howmuchlongeristhisgoingtolast，IvanFedorovitch？
Whatdoyouthink？ShallIsoonbedeliveredfromtheseodiousyouths？\"
\"Mydear，Iamquiteready；naturally……theprince。\"
IvanFedorovitchheldouthishandtoMuishkin，butranafterhiswife，whowasleavingwitheverysignofviolentindignation，beforehehadtimetoshakeit。Adelaida，herfiance，andAlexandra，saidgood-byetotheirhostwithsincerefriendliness。
EvgeniePavlovitchdidthesame，andhealoneseemedingoodspirits。
\"WhatIexpectedhashappened！ButIamsorry，youpoorfellow，thatyoushouldhavehadtosufferforit，\"hemurmured，withamostcharmingsmile。
Aglayaleftwithoutsayinggood-bye。Buttheeveningwasnottoendwithoutalastadventure。AnunexpectedmeetingwasyetinstoreforLizabethaProkofievna。
ShehadscarcelydescendedtheterracestepsleadingtothehighroadthatskirtstheparkatPavlofsk，whensuddenlytheredashedbyasmartopencarriage，drawnbyapairofbeautifulwhitehorses。Havingpassedsometenyardsbeyondthehouse，thecarriagesuddenlydrewup，andoneofthetwoladiesseatedinitturnedsharproundasthoughshehadjustcaughtsightofsomeacquaintancewhomsheparticularlywishedtosee。
\"EvgeniePavlovitch！Isthatyou？\"criedaclear，sweetvoice，whichcausedtheprince，andperhapssomeoneelse，totremble。
\"Well，IAMgladI’vefoundyouatlast！I’vesenttotownforyoutwicetodaymyself！Mymessengershavebeensearchingforyoueverywhere！\"
EvgeniePavlovitchstoodonthestepslikeonestruckbylightning。Mrs。Epanchinstoodstilltoo，butnotwiththepetrifiedexpressionofEvgenie。Shegazedhaughtilyattheaudaciouspersonwhohadaddressedhercompanion，andthenturnedalookofastonishmentuponEvgeniehimself。
\"There’snews！\"continuedtheclearvoice。\"YouneednotbeanxiousaboutKupferof’sIOU’s——Rogojinhasboughtthemup。I
persuadedhimto！——IdaresayweshallsettleBiscuptoo，soit’sallright，yousee！Aurevoir，tomorrow！Anddon’tworry！\"Thecarriagemovedon，anddisappeared。
\"Thewoman’smad！\"criedEvgenie，atlast，crimsonwithanger，andlookingconfusedlyaround。\"Idon’tknowwhatshe’stalkingabout！WhatIOU’s？Whoisshe？\"Mrs。Epanchincontinuedtowatchhisfaceforacoupleofseconds；thenshemarchedbrisklyandhaughtilyawaytowardsherownhouse，therestfollowingher。
Aminuteafterwards，EvgeniePavlovitchreappearedontheterrace，ingreatagitation。
\"Prince，\"hesaid，\"tellmethetruth；doyouknowwhatallthismeans？\"
\"Iknownothingwhateveraboutit！\"repliedthelatter，whowas，himself，inastateofnervousexcitement。
\"No？\"
\"No？
\"Well，nordoI！\"saidEvgeniePavlovitch，laughingsuddenly。\"I
haven’ttheslightestknowledgeofanysuchIOU’sasshementioned，IswearIhaven’t——What’sthematter，areyoufainting？\"
\"Oh，no-no-I’mallright，Iassureyou！\"
XI。
THEangeroftheEpanchinfamilywasunappeasedforthreedays。
Asusualtheprincereproachedhimself，andhadexpectedpunishment，buthewasinwardlyconvincedthatLizabethaProkofievnacouldnotbeseriouslyangrywithhim，andthatsheprobablywasmoreangrywithherself。Hewaspainfullysurprised，therefore，whenthreedayspassedwithnowordfromher。Otherthingsalsotroubledandperplexedhim，andoneofthesegrewmoreimportantinhiseyesasthedayswentby。Hehadbeguntoblamehimselffortwooppositetendencies——ontheonehandtoextreme，almost\"senseless，\"confidenceinhisfellows，ontheothertoa\"vile，gloomysuspiciousness。\"
BytheendofthethirddaytheincidentoftheeccentricladyandEvgeniePavlovitchhadattainedenormousandmysteriousproportionsinhismind。Hesorrowfullyaskedhimselfwhetherhehadbeenthecauseofthisnew\"monstrosity，\"orwasit……butherefrainedfromsayingwhoelsemightbeinfault。AsforthelettersN。P。B。，helookedonthatasaharmlessjoke，amerechildishpieceofmischief——sochildishthathefeltitwouldbeshameful，almostdishonourable，toattachanyimportancetoit。
Thedayafterthesescandalousevents，however，theprincehadthehonourofreceivingavisitfromAdelaidaandherfiance，PrinceS。Theycame，ostensibly，toinquireafterhishealth。
Theyhadwanderedoutforawalk，andcalledin\"byaccident，\"
andtalkedforalmostthewholeofthetimetheywerewithhimaboutacertainmostlovelytreeinthepark，whichAdelaidahadsetherheartuponforapicture。This，andalittleamiableconversationonPrinceS。’spart，occupiedthetime，andnotawordwassaidaboutlastevening’sepisodes。AtlengthAdelaidaburstoutlaughing，apologized，andexplainedthattheyhadcomeincognito；fromwhich，andfromthecircumstancethattheysaidnothingabouttheprince’seitherwalkingbackwiththemorcomingtoseethemlateron，thelatterinferredthathewasinMrs。Epanchin’sblackbooks。Adelaidamentionedawatercolourthatshewouldmuchliketoshowhim，andexplainedthatshewouldeithersenditbyColia，orbringitherselfthenextday——
whichtotheprinceseemedverysuggestive。
Atlength，however，justasthevisitorswereonthepointofdeparting，PrinceS。seemedsuddenlytorecollecthimself。\"Ohyes，by-the-by，\"hesaid，\"doyouhappentoknow，mydearLefNicolaievitch，whothatladywaswhocalledouttoEvgeniePavlovitchlastnight，fromthecarriage？\"
\"ItwasNastasiaPhilipovna，\"saidtheprince；\"didn’tyouknowthat？Icannottellyouwhohercompanionwas。\"
\"Butwhatonearthdidshemean？Iassureyouitisarealriddletome——tome，andtoothers，too！\"PrinceS。seemedtobeundertheinfluenceofsincereastonishment。
\"ShespokeofsomebillsofEvgeniePavlovitch’s，\"saidtheprince，simply，\"whichRogojinhadboughtupfromsomeone；andimpliedthatRogojinwouldnotpresshim。\"
\"Oh，Iheardthatmuch，mydearfellow！Butthethingissoimpossiblyabsurd！AmanofpropertylikeEvgenietogiveIOU’stoamoney-lender，andtobeworriedaboutthem！Itisridiculous。Besides，hecannotpossiblybeonsuchintimatetermswithNastasiaPhilipovnaasshegaveustounderstand；that’stheprincipalpartofthemystery！Hehasgivenmehiswordthatheknowsnothingwhateveraboutthematter，andofcourseIbelievehim。Well，thequestionis，mydearprince，doyouknowanythingaboutit？Hasanysortofsuspicionofthemeaningofitcomeacrossyou？\"
\"No，Iknownothingwhateveraboutit。IassureyouIhadnothingatalltodowithit。\"
\"Oh，prince，howstrangeyouhavebecome！Iassureyou，Ihardlyknowyouforyouroldself。HowcanyousupposethatIeversuggestedyoucouldhavehadafingerinsuchabusiness？Butyouarenotquiteyourselftoday，Icansee。\"Heembracedtheprince，andkissedhim。
\"Whatdoyoumean，though，\"askedMuishkin，\"’bysuchabusiness’？Idon’tseeanyparticular’business’aboutitatall！\"
\"Oh，undoubtedly，thispersonwishedsomehow，andforsomereason，todoEvgeniePavlovitchabadturn，byattributingtohim——beforewitnesses——qualitieswhichheneitherhasnorcanhave，\"repliedPrinceS。drilyenough。
Muiskhinlookeddisturbed，butcontinuedtogazeintentlyandquestioninglyintoPrinceS。’sface。Thelatter，however，remainedsilent。
\"Thenitwasnotsimplyamatterofbills？\"Muishkinsaidatlast，withsomeimpatience。\"Itwasnotasshesaid？\"
\"ButIaskyou，mydearsir，howcantherebeanythingincommonbetweenEvgeniePavlovitch，and——her，andagainRogojin？Itellyouheisamanofimmensewealth——asIknowforafact；andhehasfurtherexpectationsfromhisuncle。SimplyNastasiaPhilipovna——\"
PrinceS。paused，asthoughunwillingtocontinuetalkingaboutNastasiaPhilipovna。
\"Thenatalleventsheknowsher！\"remarkedtheprince，afteramoment’ssilence。
\"Oh，thatmaybe。Hemayhaveknownhersometimeago——twoorthreeyears，atleast。HeusedtoknowTotski。Butitisimpossiblethatthereshouldbeanyintimacybetweenthem。Shehasnotevenbeenintheplace——manypeopledon’tevenknowthatshehasreturnedfromMoscow！Ihaveonlyobservedhercarriageaboutforthelastthreedaysorso。\"
\"It’salovelycarriage，\"saidAdelaida。
\"Yes，itwasabeautifulturn-out，certainly！\"
Thevisitorsleftthehouse，however，onnolessfriendlytermsthanbefore。Butthevisitwasofthegreatestimportancetotheprince，fromhisownpointofview。Admittingthathehadhissuspicions，fromthemomentoftheoccurrenceoflastnight，perhapsevenbefore，thatNastasiahadsomemysteriousendinview，yetthisvisitconfirmedhissuspicionsandjustifiedhisfears。Itwasallcleartohim；PrinceS。waswrong，perhaps，inhisviewofthematter，buthewassomewherenearthetruth，andwasrightinsofarasthatheunderstoodtheretobeanintrigueofsomesortgoingon。PerhapsPrinceS。sawitallmoreclearlythanhehadallowedhishearerstounderstand。Atallevents，nothingcouldbeplainerthanthatheandAdelaidahadcomefortheexpresspurposeofobtainingexplanations，andthattheysuspectedhimofbeingconcernedintheaffair。Andifallthiswereso，thenSHEmusthavesometerribleobjectinview！Whatwasit？TherewasnostoppingHER，asMuishkinknewfromexperience，intheperformanceofanythingshehadsethermindon！\"Oh，sheismad，mad！\"thoughtthepoorprince。
Butthereweremanyotherpuzzlingoccurrencesthatday，whichrequiredimmediateexplanation，andtheprincefeltverysad。A
visitfromVeraLebedeffdistractedhimalittle。ShebroughttheinfantLubotchkawithherasusual，andtalkedcheerfullyforsometime。Thencameheryoungersister，andlaterthebrother，whoattendedaschoolcloseby。HeinformedMuishkinthathisfatherhadlatelyfoundanewinterpretationofthestarcalled\"wormwood，\"whichfelluponthewater-springs，asdescribedintheApocalypse。HehaddecidedthatitmeantthenetworkofrailroadsspreadoverthefaceofEuropeatthepresenttime。TheprincerefusedtobelievethatLebedeffcouldhavegivensuchaninterpretation，andtheydecidedtoaskhimaboutitattheearliestopportunity。VerarelatedhowKellerhadtakenuphisabodewiththemonthepreviousevening。Shethoughthewouldremainforsometime，ashewasgreatlypleasedwiththesocietyofGeneralIvolginandofthewholefamily。Buthedeclaredthathehadonlycometotheminordertocompletehiseducation！
TheprincealwaysenjoyedthecompanyofLebedeff’schildren，andtodayitwasespeciallywelcome，forColiadidnotappearallday。EarlythatmorninghehadstartedforPetersburg。Lebedeffalsowasawayonbusiness。ButGavrilaArdalionovitchhadpromisedtovisitMuishkin，whoeagerlyawaitedhiscoming。
Aboutsevenintheevening，soonafterdinner，hearrived。Atthefirstglanceitstrucktheprincethathe，atanyrate，mustknowallthedetailsoflastnight’saffair。Indeed，itwouldhavebeenimpossibleforhimtoremaininignoranceconsideringtheintimaterelationshipbetweenhim，VarvaraArdalionovna，andPtitsin。Butalthoughheandtheprincewereintimate，inasense，andalthoughthelatterhadplacedtheBurdovskyaffairinhishands-andthiswasnottheonlymarkofconfidencehehadreceived——itseemedcurioushowmanymatterstherewerethatweretacitlyavoidedintheirconversations。MuishkinthoughtthatGaniaattimesappearedtodesiremorecordialityandfrankness。
Itwasapparentnow，whenheentered，thathe，wasconvincedthatthemomentforbreakingtheicebetweenthemhadcomeatlast。
ButallthesameGaniawasinhaste，forhissisterwaswaitingatLebedeff’stoconsulthimonanurgentmatterofbusiness。Ifhehadanticipatedimpatientquestions，orimpulsiveconfidences，hewassoonundeceived。Theprincewasthoughtful，reserved，evenalittleabsent-minded，andaskednoneofthequestions——oneinparticular——thatGaniahadexpected。Soheimitatedtheprince’sdemeanour，andtalkedfastandbrilliantlyuponallsubjectsbuttheoneonwhichtheirthoughtswereengaged。AmongotherthingsGaniatoldhishostthatNastasiaPhilipovnahadbeenonlyfourdaysinPavlofsk，andthateveryonewastalkingaboutheralready。ShewasstayingwithDariaAlexeyevna，inanuglylittlehouseinMattrosskyStreet，butdroveaboutinthesmartestcarriageintheplace。Acrowdoffollowershadpursuedherfromthefirst，youngandold。Someescortedheronhorse-backwhenshetooktheairinhercarriage。