Page 249 - the-idiot

Alexeyevna was approaching to protest against Nastasia’s
conduct. ‘Get away, she’s mine, everything’s mine! She’s a
queen, get away!’
He was panting with ecstasy. He walked round and
round Nastasia Philipovna and told everybody to ‘keep
their distance.’
All the Rogojin company were now collected in the draw-
ing-room; some were drinking, some laughed and talked:
all were in the highest and wildest spirits. Ferdishenko was
doing his best to unite himself to them; the general and
Totski again made an attempt to go. Gania, too stood hat in
hand ready to go; but seemed to be unable to tear his eyes
away from the scene before him
‘Get out, keep your distance!’ shouted Rogojin.
‘What are you shouting about there!’ cried Nastasia ‘I’m
not yours yet. I may kick you out for all you know I haven’t
taken your money yet; there it all is on the table Here, give
me over that packet! Is there a hundred thousand roubles
in that one packet? Pfu! what abominable stuff it looks! Oh!
nonsense, Daria Alexeyevna; you surely did not expect me
to ruin HIM?’ (indicating the prince). ‘Fancy him nursing
me! Why, he needs a nurse himself! The general, there, will
be his nurse now, you’ll see. Here, prince, look here! Your
bride is accepting money. What a disreputable woman she
must be! And you wished to marry her! What are you cry-
ing about? Is it a bitter dose? Never mind, you shall laugh
yet. Trust to time.’ (In spite of these words there were two
large tears rolling down Nastasia’s own cheeks.) ‘It’s far
better to think twice of it now than afterwards. Oh! you

The Idiot