Page 536 - the-idiot

‘How can she be mad,’ Rogojin interrupted, ‘when she is
sane enough for other people and only mad for you? How
can she write letters to HER, if she’s mad? If she were insane
they would observe it in her letters.’
‘What letters?’ said the prince, alarmed.
‘She writes to HER—and the girl reads the letters. Haven’t
you heard?—You are sure to hear; she’s sure to show you the
letters herself.’
‘I won’t believe this!’ cried the prince.
‘Why, prince, you’ve only gone a few steps along this
road, I perceive. You are evidently a mere beginner. Wait
a bit! Before long, you’ll have your own detectives, you’ll
watch day and night, and you’ll know every little thing that
goes on there— that is, if—‘
‘Drop that subject, Rogojin, and never mention it again.
And listen: as I have sat here, and talked, and listened, it has
suddenly struck me that tomorrow is my birthday. It must
be about twelve o’clock, now; come home with me—do, and
we’ll see the day in! We’ll have some wine, and you shall
wish me—I don’t know what—but you, especially you, must
wish me a good wish, and I shall wish you full happiness
in return. Otherwise, hand me my cross back again. You
didn’t return it to me next day. Haven’t you got it on now?’
‘Yes, I have,’ said Rogojin.
‘Come along, then. I don’t wish to meet my new year
without you— my new life, I should say, for a new life is be-
ginning for me. Did you know, Parfen, that a new life had
begun for me?’
‘I see for myself that it is so—and I shall tell HER. But