Page 282 - the-idiot

as if you disapproved of me.’
‘I am not smiling, but I really think you are in the wrong,
somewhat,’ replied Muishkin, reluctantly.
‘Don’t shuffle! Say plainly that you think that I am quite
wrong, without any ‘somewhat’! Why ‘somewhat’?’
‘I will say you are quite wrong, if you wish.’
‘If I wish! That’s good, I must say! Do you think I am de-
ceived as to the flagrant impropriety of my conduct? I am
quite aware that his money is his own, and that my action
-As much like an attempt at extortion. But you-you don’t
know what life is! If people don’t learn by experience, they
never understand. They must be taught. My intentions are
perfectly honest; on my conscience he will lose nothing, and
I will pay back the money with interest. Added to which he
has had the moral satisfaction of seeing me disgraced. What
does he want more? and what is he good for if he never helps
anyone? Look what he does himself! just ask him about his
dealings with others, how he deceives people! How did he
manage to buy this house? You may cut off my head if he
has not let you in for something-and if he is not trying to
cheat you again. You are smiling. You don’t believe me?’
‘It seems to me that all this has nothing to do with your
affairs,’ remarked the prince.
‘I have lain here now for three days,’ cried the young man
without noticing, ‘and I have seen a lot! Fancy! he suspects
his daughter, that angel, that orphan, my cousin—he sus-
pects her, and every evening he searches her room, to see
if she has a lover hidden in it! He comes here too on tiptoe,
creeping softly—oh, so softly—and looks under the sofa—

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