Page 113 - the-idiot

about Aglaya yet, prince; and Aglaya and I are both wait-
ing 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, Aglaya Ivanov-
na, so beautiful that one is afraid to look at you.’
‘Is that all? What about her character?’ persisted Mrs. Ep-
anchin.
‘It is difficult to judge when such beauty is concerned. I
have not prepared my judgment. Beauty is a riddle.’
‘That means that you have set Aglaya a riddle!’ said Ad-
elaida. ‘Guess it, Aglaya! But she’s pretty, prince, isn’t she?’
‘Most wonderfully so,’ said the latter, warmly, gazing at
Aglaya with admiration. ‘Almost as lovely as Nastasia Phili-
povna, but quite a different type.’
All present exchanged looks of surprise.
‘As lovely as WHO?’ said Mrs. Epanchin. ‘As NASTASIA
PHILIPOVNA? Where have you seen Nastasia Philipovna?
What Nastasia Philipovna?’
‘Gavrila Ardalionovitch 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
Ardalionovitch today, and the latter brought it here to show
to the general.’
‘I must see it!’ cried Mrs. Epanchin. ‘Where is the por-
trait? 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 Wednes-
days. Send for Gavrila Ardalionovitch at once. No, I don’t

11 The Idiot