Page 562 - the-idiot

orator? Where’s Lebedeff? Has he finished? What did he talk
about? Is it true, prince, that you once declared that ‘beauty
would save the world’? Great Heaven! The prince says that
beauty saves the world! And I declare that he only has such
playful ideas because he’s in love! Gentlemen, the prince is
in love. I guessed it the moment he came in. Don’t blush,
prince; you make me sorry for you. What beauty saves the
world? Colia told me that you are a zealous Christian; is it
so? Colia says you call yourself a Christian.’
The prince regarded him attentively, but said nothing.
‘You don’t answer me; perhaps you think I am very fond
of you?’ added Hippolyte, as though the words had been
drawn from him.
‘No, I don’t think that. I know you don’t love me.’
‘What, after yesterday? Wasn’t I honest with you?’
‘I knew yesterday that you didn’t love me.’
‘Why so? why so? Because I envy you, eh? You always
think that, I know. But do you know why I am saying all
this? Look here! I must have some more champagne—pour
me out some, Keller, will you?’
‘No, you’re not to drink any more, Hippolyte. I won’t let
you.’ The prince moved the glass away.
‘Well perhaps you’re right,’ said Hippolyte, musing. They
might say—yet, devil take them! what does it matter?—
prince, what can it matter what people will say of us THEN,
eh? I believe I’m half asleep. I’ve had such a dreadful dream—
I’ve only just remembered it. Prince, I don’t wish you such
dreams as that, though sure enough, perhaps, I DON’T love
you. Why wish a man evil, though you do not love him, eh?

1