Page 399 - the-idiot

loosened, Tchebaroff thought it would be a simple matter
to fleece me, especially by trading on my gratitude to Pav-
licheff. But the main point is—listen, gentlemen, let me
finish!—the main point is that Mr. Burdovsky is not Pav-
licheff’s son at all. Gavrila Ardalionovitch has just told me
of his discovery, and assures me that he has positive proofs.
Well, what do you think of that? It is scarcely credible, even
after all the tricks that have been played upon me. Please
note that we have positive proofs! I can hardly believe it my-
self, I assure you; I do not yet believe it; I am still doubtful,
because Gavrila Ardalionovitch has not had time to go into
details; but there can be no further doubt that Tchebaroff
is a rogue! He has deceived poor Mr. Burdovsky, and all of
you, gentlemen, who have come forward so nobly to sup-
port your friend—(he evidently needs support, I quite see
that!). He has abused your credulity and involved you all in
an attempted fraud, for when all is said and done this claim
is nothing else!’
‘What! a fraud? What, he is not Pavlicheff’s son? Impos-
sible!’
These exclamations but feebly expressed the profound
bewilderment into which the prince’s words had plunged
Burdovsky’s companions.
‘Certainly it is a fraud! Since Mr. Burdovsky is not Pavli-
cheff’s son, his claim is neither more nor less than attempted
fraud (supposing, of course, that he had known the truth),
but the fact is that he has been deceived. I insist on this
point in order to justify him; I repeat that his simple-mind-
edness makes him worthy of pity, and that he cannot stand

The Idiot