Page 281 - the-idiot

fuse to help me.’ Now that was base-cowardly and base!’
‘That is so,’ observed Lebedeff quietly; ‘cowardly and
base.’
‘Well, wait a bit, before you begin to triumph,’ said the
nephew viciously; for the words seemed to irritate him. ‘He
is delighted! I came to him here and told him everything: I
acted honourably, for I did not excuse myself. I spoke most
severely of my conduct, as everyone here can witness. But I
must smarten myself up before I take up my new post, for I
am really like a tramp. Just look at my boots! I cannot possi-
bly appear like this, and if I am not at the bureau at the time
appointed, the job will be given to someone else; and I shall
have to try for another. Now I only beg for fifteen roubles,
and I give my word that I will never ask him for anything
again. I am also ready to promise to repay my debt in three
months’ time, and I will keep my word, even if I have to live
on bread and water. My salary will amount to seventy-five
roubles in three months. The sum I now ask, added to what
I have borrowed already, will make a total of about thirty-
five roubles, so you see I shall have enough to pay him and
confound him! if he wants interest, he shall have that, too!
Haven’t I always paid back the money he lent me before?
Why should he be so mean now? He grudges my having
paid that lieutenant; there can be no other reason! That’s
the kind he is— a dog in the manger!’
‘And he won’t go away!’ cried Lebedeff. ‘He has installed
himself here, and here he remains!’
‘I have told you already, that I will not go away until I
have got what I ask. Why are you smiling, prince? You look

0 The Idiot