Page 189 - the-idiot

or a governess. Hearing the names she came forward with a
look of suspicion on her face.
‘Marie Alexandrovna is not at home,’ said she, staring
hard at the general. ‘She has gone to her mother’s, with Al-
exandra Michailovna.’
‘Alexandra Michailovna out, too! How disappointing!
Would you believe it, I am always so unfortunate! May I
most respectfully ask you to present my compliments to Al-
exandra Michailovna, and remind her ... tell her, that with
my whole heart I wish for her what she wished for herself on
Thursday evening, while she was listening to Chopin’s Bal-
lade. She will remember. I wish it with all sincerity. General
Ivolgin and Prince Muishkin!’
The woman’s face changed; she lost her suspicious ex-
pression.
‘I will not fail to deliver your message,’ she replied, and
bowed them out.
As they went downstairs the general regretted repeatedly
that he had failed to introduce the prince to his friends.
‘You know I am a bit of a poet,’ said he. ‘Have you noticed
it? The poetic soul, you know.’ Then he added suddenly—
‘But after all ... after all I believe we made a mistake this
time! I remember that the Sokolovitch’s live in another
house, and what is more, they are just now in Moscow. Yes,
I certainly was at fault. However, it is of no consequence.’
‘Just tell me,’ said the prince in reply, ‘may I count still
on your assistance? Or shall I go on alone to see Nastasia
Philipovna?’
‘Count on my assistance? Go alone? How can you ask

1 The Idiot