Page 615 - the-idiot

‘Yes, it’s a droll situation; I really don’t know what advice
to give you,’ replied Evgenie, laughing. Hippolyte gazed
steadfastly at him, but said nothing. To look at him one
might have supposed that he was unconscious at intervals.
‘Excuse me,’ said Lebedeff, ‘but did you observe the
young gentleman’s style? ‘I’ll go and blow my brains out in
the park,’ says he,’ so as not to disturb anyone.’ He thinks he
won’t disturb anybody if he goes three yards away, into the
park, and blows his brains out there.’
‘Gentlemen—‘ began the prince.
‘No, no, excuse me, most revered prince,’ Lebedeff inter-
rupted, excitedly. ‘Since you must have observed yourself
that this is no joke, and since at least half your guests must
also have concluded that after all that has been said this
youth MUST blow his brains out for honour’s sake—I—as
master of this house, and before these witnesses, now call
upon you to take steps.’
‘Yes, but what am I to do, Lebedeff? What steps am I to
take? I am ready.’
‘I’ll tell you. In the first place he must immediately deliver
up the pistol which he boasted of, with all its appurtenanc-
es. If he does this I shall consent to his being allowed to
spend the night in this house—considering his feeble state
of health, and of course conditionally upon his being under
proper supervision. But tomorrow he must go elsewhere.
Excuse me, prince! Should he refuse to deliver up his weap-
on, then I shall instantly seize one of his arms and General
Ivolgin the other, and we shall hold him until the police
arrive and take the matter into their own hands. Mr. Fer-

1 The Idiot