Page 134 - the-idiot

derously 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 agree-
able 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 Al-
exandrovna addressed a few kind words to the prince and
forthwith requested Colia, who had just appeared at the
door, to show him to the ‘ middle room.’
Colia was a nice-looking boy. His expression was simple
and confiding, and his manners were very polite and en-
gaging.
‘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 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 loses her temper over it. Gania says
you have only just arrived from Switzerland? ‘
‘Yes.’

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