Page 44 - the-idiot

At least, I gave my sister to understand as much, and my
mother was present.’
‘Well, I must say, I cannot understand it!’ said the gen-
eral, shrugging his shoulders and dropping his hands. ‘You
remember your mother, Nina Alexandrovna, that day she
came and sat here and groaned-and when I asked her what
was the matter, she says, ‘Oh, it’s such a DISHONOUR to
us!’ dishonour! Stuff and nonsense! I should like to know
who can reproach Nastasia Philipovna, or who can say a
word of any kind against her. Did she mean because Nas-
tasia had been living with Totski? What nonsense it is! You
would not let her come near your daughters, says Nina Al-
exandrovna. What next, I wonder? I don’t see how she can
fail to—to understand—‘
‘Her own position?’ prompted Gania. ‘She does under-
stand. Don’t be annoyed with her. I have warned her not to
meddle in other people’s affairs. However, although there’s
comparative peace at home at present, the storm will break
if anything is finally settled tonight.’
The prince heard the whole of the foregoing conversa-
tion, as he sat at the table, writing. He finished at last, and
brought the result of his labour to the general’s desk.
‘So this is Nastasia Philipovna,’ he said, looking atten-
tively and curiously at the portrait. ‘How wonderfully
beautiful!’ he immediately added, with warmth. The pic-
ture was certainly that of an unusually lovely woman. She
was photographed in a black silk dress of simple design, her
hair was evidently dark and plainly arranged, her eyes were
deep and thoughtful, the expression of her face passionate,