Page 692 - the-idiot

‘Don’t lose your temper. You are just like a schoolboy. You
think that all this sort of thing would harm you in Aglaya’s
eyes, do you? You little know her character. She is capable
of refusing the most brilliant party, and running away and
starving in a garret with some wretched student; that’s the
sort of girl she is. You never could or did understand how
interesting you would have seen in her eyes if you had come
firmly and proudly through our misfortunes. The prince
has simply caught her with hook and line; firstly, because
he never thought of fishing for her, and secondly, because
he is an idiot in the eyes of most people. It’s quite enough
for her that by accepting him she puts her family out and
annoys them all round—that’s what she likes. You don’t un-
derstand these things.’
‘We shall see whether I understand or no!’ said Gania,
enigmatically. ‘But I shouldn’t like her to know all about
father, all the same. I thought the prince would manage to
hold his tongue about this, at least. He prevented Lebedeff
spreading the news—he wouldn’t even tell me all when I
asked him—‘
‘Then you must see that he is not responsible. What does
it matter to you now, in any case? What are you hoping for
still? If you HAVE a hope left, it is that your suffering air
may soften her heart towards you.’
‘Oh, she would funk a scandal like anyone else. You are
all tarred with one brush!’
‘What! AGLAYA would have funked? You are a chick-
en-hearted fellow, Gania!’ said Varia, looking at her brother
with contempt. ‘Not one of us is worth much. Aglaya may

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