Page 663 - the-idiot

he cannot go to her without money, and I mean to catch
him at her house today—for his own good; but supposing
it was not only the widow, but that he had committed a real
crime, or at least some very dishonourable action (of which
he is, of course, incapable), I repeat that even in that case, if
he were treated with what I may call generous tenderness,
one could get at the whole truth, for he is very soft-hearted!
Believe me, he would betray himself before five days were
out; he would burst into tears, and make a clean breast of
the matter; especially if managed with tact, and if you and
his family watched his every step, so to speak. Oh, my dear
prince,’ Lebedeff added most emphatically, ‘I do not posi-
tively assert that he has ... I am ready, as the saying is, to
shed my last drop of blood for him this instant; but you
will admit that debauchery, drunkenness, and the captain’s
widow, all these together may lead him very far.’
‘I am, of course, quite ready to add my efforts to yours in
such a case,’ said the prince, rising; ‘but I confess, Lebedeff,
that I am terribly perplexed. Tell me, do you still think ...
plainly, you say yourself that you suspect Mr. Ferdishen-
ko?’
Lebedeff clasped his hands once more.
‘Why, who else could I possibly suspect? Who else, most
outspoken prince?’ he replied, with an unctuous smile.
Muishkin frowned, and rose from his seat.
‘You see, Lebedeff, a mistake here would be a dreadful
thing. This Ferdishenko, I would not say a word against him,
of course; but, who knows? Perhaps it really was he? I mean
he really does seem to be a more likely man than... than any

The Idiot