Page 239 - the-idiot

that you will leave this house and all that is in it, which is
a line of conduct that not one person here would imitate.
Nastasia Philipovna, I love you! I would die for you. I shall
never let any man say one word against you, Nastasia Phili-
povna! and if we are poor, I can work for both.’
As the prince spoke these last words a titter was heard
from Ferdishenko; Lebedeff laughed too. The general grunt-
ed with irritation; Ptitsin and Totski barely restrained their
smiles. The rest all sat listening, open-mouthed with won-
der.
‘But perhaps we shall not be poor; we may be very rich,
Nastasia Philipovna.’ continued the prince, in the same
timid, quivering tones. ‘I don’t know for certain, and I’m
sorry to say I haven’t had an opportunity of finding out
all day; but I received a letter from Moscow, while I was in
Switzerland, from a Mr. Salaskin, and he acquaints me with
the fact that I am entitled to a very large inheritance. This
letter—‘
The prince pulled a letter out of his pocket.
‘Is he raving?’ said the general. ‘Are we really in a mad-
house?’
There was silence for a moment. Then Ptitsin spoke.
‘I think you said, prince, that your letter was from
Salaskin? Salaskin is a very eminent man, indeed, in his
own world; he is a wonderfully clever solicitor, and if he
really tells you this, I think you may be pretty sure that he
is right. It so happens, luckily, that I know his handwriting,
for I have lately had business with him. If you would allow
me to see it, I should perhaps be able to tell you.’

The Idiot