Page 653 - the-idiot

shall not oppose in the slightest degree any suggestions it
may please you to make.’
‘What’s up with you this morning, Lebedeff? You look
so important and dignified, and you choose your words so
carefully,’ said the prince, smiling.
‘Nicolai Ardalionovitch!’ said Lebedeff, in a most amiable
tone of voice, addressing the boy. ‘As I have a communica-
tion to make to the prince which concerns only myself—‘
‘Of course, of course, not my affair. All right,’ said Colia,
and away he went.
‘I love that boy for his perception,’ said Lebedeff, looking
after him. ‘My dear prince,’ he continued, ‘I have had a ter-
rible misfortune, either last night or early this morning. I
cannot tell the exact time.’
‘What is it?’
‘I have lost four hundred roubles out of my side pocket!
They’re gone!’ said Lebedeff, with a sour smile.
‘You’ve lost four hundred roubles? Oh! I’m sorry for
that.’
‘Yes, it is serious for a poor man who lives by his toil.’
‘Of course, of course! How was it?’
‘Oh, the wine is to blame, of course. I confess to you,
prince, as I would to Providence itself. Yesterday I received
four hundred roubles from a debtor at about five in the af-
ternoon, and came down here by train. I had my purse in my
pocket. When I changed, I put the money into the pocket of
my plain clothes, intending to keep it by me, as I expected
to have an applicant for it in the evening.’
‘It’s true then, Lebedeff, that you advertise to lend money

The Idiot