Page 525 - the-idiot

know, dear boy, under all circumstances, but— Well, here
we part; I must go down to the right. Rarely have I sat so
uncomfortably in my saddle, as they say, as I now sit. And
people talk of the charms of a country holiday!’
Left to himself at the cross-roads, the prince glanced
around him, quickly crossed the road towards the lighted
window of a neighbouring house, and unfolded a tiny scrap
of paper which he had held clasped in his right hand during
the whole of his conversation with the general.
He read the note in the uncertain rays that fell from the
window. It was as follows:
‘Tomorrow morning, I shall be at the green bench in the
park at seven, and shall wait there for you. I have made up
my mind to speak to you about a most important matter
which closely concerns yourself.
‘P.S.—I trust that you will not show this note to anyone.
Though I am ashamed of giving you such instructions, I
feel that I must do so, considering what you are. I therefore
write the words, and blush for your simple character.
‘P.P.S.—It is the same green bench that I showed you be-
fore. There! aren’t you ashamed of yourself? I felt that it was
necessary to repeat even that information.’
The note was written and folded anyhow, evidently in
a great hurry, and probably just before Aglaya had come
down to the verandah.
In inexpressible agitation, amounting almost to fear, the
prince slipped quickly away from the window, away from
the light, like a frightened thief, but as he did so he collided
violently with some gentleman who seemed to spring from

The Idiot