Page 309 - the-idiot

speak his mind out seemed to flash in the man’s eyes, com-
bined with an intense anger.
‘Your love is mingled with hatred, and therefore, when
your love passes, there will be the greater misery,’ said the
prince. ‘I tell you this, Parfen—‘
‘What! that I’ll cut her throat, you mean?’
The prince shuddered.
‘You’ll hate her afterwards for all your present love, and
for all the torment you are suffering on her account now.
What seems to me the most extraordinary thing is, that she
can again consent to marry you, after all that has passed be-
tween you. When I heard the news yesterday, I could hardly
bring myself to believe it. Why, she has run twice from you,
from the very altar rails, as it were. She must have some pre-
sentiment of evil. What can she want with you now? Your
money? Nonsense! Besides, I should think you must have
made a fairly large hole in your fortune already. Surely it is
not because she is so very anxious to find a husband? She
could find many a one besides yourself. Anyone would be
better than you, because you will murder her, and I feel sure
she must know that but too well by now. Is it because you
love her so passionately? Indeed, that may be it. I have heard
that there are women who want just that kind of love ... but
still ...’ The prince paused, reflectively.
‘What are you grinning at my father’s portrait again for?’
asked Rogojin, suddenly. He was carefully observing every
change in the expression of the prince’s face.
‘I smiled because the idea came into my head that if it
were not for this unhappy passion of yours you might have,

0 The Idiot