Page 237 - the-idiot

my word! What a lot of money he spent over me! And he
tried to find me an honest husband first, and then this Ga-
nia, here. And what do you think? All these five years I did
not live with him, and yet I took his money, and considered
I was quite justified.
‘You say, take the hundred thousand and kick that man
out. It is true, it is an abominable business, as you say. I
might have married long ago, not Gania—Oh, no!—but
that would have been abominable too.
‘Would you believe it, I had some thoughts of marrying
Totski, four years ago! I meant mischief, I confess—but I
could have had him, I give you my word; he asked me him-
self. But I thought, no! it’s not worthwhile to take such
advantage of him. No! I had better go on to the streets, or
accept Rogojin, or become a washerwoman or something—
for I have nothing of my own, you know. I shall go away
and leave everything behind, to the last rag—he shall have
it all back. And who would take me without anything? Ask
Gania, there, whether he would. Why, even Ferdishenko
wouldn’t have me!’
‘No, Ferdishenko would not; he is a candid fellow, Nasta-
sia Philipovna,’ said that worthy. ‘But the prince would. You
sit here making complaints, but just look at the prince. I’ve
been observing him for a long while.’
Nastasia Philipovna looked keenly round at the prince.
‘Is that true?’ she asked.
‘Quite true,’ whispered the prince.
‘You’ll take me as I am, with nothing?’
‘I will, Nastasia Philipovna.’

The Idiot