Page 393 - the-idiot

timidate me by this publication and to be revenged for my
supposed refusal. But what did you know of my intentions?
It may be that I have resolved to satisfy Mr. Burdovsky’s
claim. I now declare openly, in the presence of these wit-
nesses, that I will do so.’
‘The noble and intelligent word of an intelligent and most
noble man, at last!’ exclaimed the boxer.
‘Good God!’ exclaimed Lizabetha Prokofievna involun-
tarily.
‘This is intolerable,’ growled the general.
‘Allow me, gentlemen, allow me,’ urged the prince.
‘I will explain matters to you. Five weeks ago I received a
visit from Tchebaroff, your agent, Mr. Burdovsky. You have
given a very flattering description of him in your article, Mr.
Keller,’ he continued, turning to the boxer with a smile, ‘but
he did not please me at all. I saw at once that Tchebaroff
was the moving spirit in the matter, and, to speak frankly,
I thought he might have induced you, Mr. Burdovsky, to
make this claim, by taking advantage of your simplicity.’
‘You have no right.... I am not simple,’ stammered Burdo-
vsky, much agitated.
‘You have no sort of right to suppose such things,’ said
Lebedeff’s nephew in a tone of authority.
‘It is most offensive!’ shrieked Hippolyte; ‘it is an insult-
ing suggestion, false, and most ill-timed.’
‘I beg your pardon, gentlemen; please excuse me,’ said the
prince. ‘I thought absolute frankness on both sides would
be best, but have it your own way. I told Tchebaroff that,
as I was not in Petersburg, I would commission a friend to

The Idiot