Page 210 - the-idiot

seemed to add to her sarcastic humour, and perhaps the very
cynicism and cruelty of the game proposed by Ferdishenko
pleased her. At all events she was attracted by the idea, and
gradually her guests came round to her side; the thing was
original, at least, and might turn out to be amusing. ‘And
supposing it’s something that one—one can’t speak about
before ladies?’ asked the timid and silent young man.
‘Why, then of course, you won’t say anything about it. As
if there are not plenty of sins to your score without the need
of those!’ said Ferdishenko.
‘But I really don’t know which of my actions is the worst,’
said the lively actress.
‘Ladies are exempted if they like.’
‘And how are you to know that one isn’t lying? And if one
lies the whole point of the game is lost,’ said Gania.
‘Oh, but think how delightful to hear how one’s friends
lie! Besides you needn’t be afraid, Gania; everybody knows
what your worst action is without the need of any lying on
your part. Only think, gentlemen,’—and Ferdishenko here
grew quite enthusiastic, ‘only think with what eyes we shall
observe one another tomorrow, after our tales have been
told!’
‘But surely this is a joke, Nastasia Philipovna?’ asked
Totski. ‘You don’t really mean us to play this game.’
‘Whoever is afraid of wolves had better not go into the
wood,’ said Nastasia, smiling.
‘But, pardon me, Mr. Ferdishenko, is it possible to make
a game out of this kind of thing?’ persisted Totski, growing
more and more uneasy. ‘I assure you it can’t be a success.’

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