Page 47 - the-idiot

been counting on you; for, in this matter, that, that—‘
‘Yes, that’s the chief thing,’ said Gania, helping the gen-
eral out of his difficulties again, and curling his lips in an
envenomed smile, which he did not attempt to conceal. He
gazed with his fevered eyes straight into those of the gen-
eral, as though he were anxious that the latter might read
his thoughts.
The general grew purple with anger.
‘Yes, of course it is the chief thing!’ he cried, looking
sharply at Gania. ‘What a very curious man you are, Gania!
You actually seem to be GLAD to hear of this millionaire
fellow’s arrivaljust as though you wished for an excuse to
get out of the whole thing. This is an affair in which you
ought to act honestly with both sides, and give due warning,
to avoid compromising others. But, even now, there is still
time. Do you understand me? I wish to know whether you
desire this arrangement or whether you do not? If not, say
so,—and-and welcome! No one is trying to force you into
the snare, Gavrila Ardalionovitch, if you see a snare in the
matter, at least.’
‘I do desire it,’ murmured Gania, softly but firmly, lower-
ing his eyes; and he relapsed into gloomy silence.
The general was satisfied. He had excited himself, and
was evidently now regretting that he had gone so far. He
turned to the prince, and suddenly the disagreeable thought
of the latter’s presence struck him, and the certainty that he
must have heard every word of the conversation. But he felt
at ease in another moment; it only needed one glance at the
prince to see that in that quarter there was nothing to fear.

The Idiot