Page 177 - the-idiot

prolong his visit.
‘If you know it so well,’ said the prince a little timidly,
‘why do you choose all this worry for the sake of the seventy-
five thousand, which, you confess, does not cover it?’
‘I didn’t mean that,’ said Gania; ‘but while we are upon
the subject, let me hear your opinion. Is all this worry worth
seventy-five thousand or not?
‘Certainly not.’
‘Of course! And it would be a disgrace to marry so, eh?’
‘A great disgrace.’
‘Oh, well, then you may know that I shall certainly do
it, now. I shall certainly marry her. I was not quite sure of
myself before, but now I am. Don’t say a word: I know what
you want to tell me—‘
‘No. I was only going to say that what surprises me most
of all is your extraordinary confidence.’
‘How so? What in?’
‘That Nastasia Philipovna will accept you, and that the
question is as good as settled; and secondly, that even if she
did, you would be able to pocket the money. Of course, I
know very little about it, but that’s my view. When a man
marries for money it often happens that the wife keeps the
money in her own hands.’
‘Of course, you don’t know all; but, I assure you, you
needn’t be afraid, it won’t be like that in our case. There are
circumstances,’ said Gania, rather excitedly. ‘And as to her
answer to me, there’s no doubt about that. Why should you
suppose she will refuse me?’
‘Oh, I only judge by what I see. Varvara Ardalionovna

1 The Idiot