Page 146 - the-idiot

‘Is what today?’ cried the former. Then suddenly recol-
lecting 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, under-
stand once for all, prince—‘
‘I am to blame in this, Gania—no one else,’ said Ptitsin.
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
Ptitsin; and sitting down a little way 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. Ptitsin 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

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