Page 209 - the-idiot

without leaving his place at the table, should relate some-
thing about himself. It had to be something that he really
and honestly considered the very worst action he had ever
committed in his life. But he was to be honest—that was the
chief point! He wasn’t to be allowed to lie.’
‘What an extraordinary idea!’ said the general.
‘That’s the beauty of it, general!’
‘It’s a funny notion,’ said Totski, ‘and yet quite natural—
it’s only a new way of boasting.’
‘Perhaps that is just what was so fascinating about it.’
‘Why, it would be a game to cry over—not to laugh at!’
said the actress.
‘Did it succeed?’ asked Nastasia Philipovna. ‘Come, let’s
try it, let’s try it; we really are not quite so jolly as we might
be— let’s try it! We may like it; it’s original, at all events!’
‘Yes,’ said Ferdishenko; ‘it’s a good idea—come along—
the men begin. Of course no one need tell a story if he
prefers to be disobliging. We must draw lots! Throw your
slips of paper, gentlemen, into this hat, and the prince shall
draw for turns. It’s a very simple game; all you have to do is
to tell the story of the worst action of your life. It’s as simple
as anything. I’ll prompt anyone who forgets the rules!’
No one liked the idea much. Some smiled, some frowned
some objected, but faintly, not wishing to oppose Nastasia’s
wishes; for this new idea seemed to be rather well received
by her. She was still in an excited, hysterical state, laugh-
ing convulsively at nothing and everything. Her eyes were
blazing, and her cheeks showed two bright red spots against
the white. The melancholy appearance of some of her guests

0 The Idiot