Page 223 - the-idiot

and there he was shot.
‘I assure you this business left me no peace for many a
long year. Why did I do it? I was not in love with her my-
self; I’m afraid it was simply mischief—pure ‘cussedness’ on
my part.
‘If I hadn’t seized that bouquet from under his nose he
might have been alive now, and a happy man. He might
have been successful in life, and never have gone to fight
the Turks.’
Totski ended his tale with the same dignity that had
characterized its commencement.
Nastasia Philipovna’s eyes were flashing in a most un-
mistakable way, now; and her lips were all a-quiver by the
time Totski finished his story.
All present watched both of them with curiosity.
‘You were right, Totski,’ said Nastasia, ‘it is a dull game
and a stupid one. I’ll just tell my story, as I promised, and
then we’ll play cards.’
‘Yes, but let’s have the story first!’ cried the general.
‘Prince,’ said Nastasia Philipovna, unexpectedly turning
to Muishkin, ‘here are my old friends, Totski and Gener-
al Epanchin, who wish to marry me off. Tell me what you
think. Shall I marry or not? As you decide, so shall it be.’
Totski grew white as a sheet. The general was struck
dumb. All present started and listened intently. Gania sat
rooted to his chair.
‘Marry whom?’ asked the prince, faintly.
‘Gavrila Ardalionovitch Ivolgin,’ said Nastasia, firmly
and evenly.

The Idiot