Page 352 - the-idiot

ceived her before she started, but the mischievous boy had
been careful not to do that, foreseeing the probably laugh-
able disgust that she would experience when she found her
dear friend, the prince, in good health. Colia was indelicate
enough to voice the delight he felt at his success in manag-
ing to annoy Lizabetha Prokofievna, with whom, in spite of
their really amicable relations, he was constantly sparring.
‘Just wait a while, my boy!’ said she; ‘don’t be too certain
of your triumph.’ And she sat down heavily, in the arm-
chair pushed forward by the prince.
Lebedeff, Ptitsin, and General Ivolgin hastened to find
chairs for the young ladies. Varia greeted them joyfully, and
they exchanged confidences in ecstatic whispers.
‘I must admit, prince, I was a little put out to see you up
and about like this—I expected to find you in bed; but I give
you my word, I was only annoyed for an instant, before I
collected my thoughts properly. I am always wiser on sec-
ond thoughts, and I dare say you are the same. I assure you I
am as glad to see you well as though you were my own son,—
yes, and more; and if you don’t believe me the more shame
to you, and it’s not my fault. But that spiteful boy delights in
playing all sorts of tricks. You are his patron, it seems. Well,
I warn you that one fine morning I shall deprive myself of
the pleasure of his further acquaintance.’
‘What have I done wrong now?’ cried Colia. ‘What was
the good of telling you that the prince was nearly well again?
You would not have believed me; it was so much more inter-
esting to picture him on his death-bed.’
‘How long do you remain here, prince?’ asked Madame

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