Page 662 - the-idiot

said the prince, much agitated, and speaking in a low voice.
‘Not for the world, not for the world! I merely wish to
make him ashamed of himself. Oh, prince, great though
this misfortune be to myself, I cannot help thinking of his
morals! I have a great favour to ask of you, esteemed prince;
I confess that it is the chief object of my visit. You know the
Ivolgins, you have even lived in their house; so if you would
lend me your help, honoured prince, in the general’s own
interest and for his good.’
Lebedeff clasped his hands in supplication.
‘What help do you want from me? You may be certain
that I am most anxious to understand you, Lebedeff.’
‘I felt sure of that, or I should not have come to you. We
might manage it with the help of Nina Alexandrovna, so
that he might be closely watched in his own house. Un-
fortunately I am not on terms ... otherwise ... but Nicolai
Ardalionovitch, who adores you with all his youthful soul,
might help, too.’
‘No, no! Heaven forbid that we should bring Nina Alex-
androvna into this business! Or Colia, either. But perhaps I
have not yet quite understood you, Lebedeff?’
Lebedeff made an impatient movement.
‘But there is nothing to understand! Sympathy and ten-
derness, that is all—that is all our poor invalid requires!
You will permit me to consider him an invalid?’
‘Yes, it shows delicacy and intelligence on your part.’
‘I will explain my idea by a practical example, to make it
clearer. You know the sort of man he is. At present his only
failing is that he is crazy about that captain’s widow, and

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