Page 703 - the-idiot

On the contrary, if I am not mistaken, I believe you are
yourself indebted to Mr. Ptitsin’s hospitality. Four days ago
I begged my mother to come down here and find lodgings,
because I certainly do feel better here, though I am not fat,
nor have I ceased to cough. I am today informed that my
room is ready for me; therefore, having thanked your sister
and mother for their kindness to me, I intend to leave the
house this evening. I beg your pardon—I interrupted you—
I think you were about to add something?’
‘Oh—if that is the state of affairs—‘ began Gania.
‘Excuse me—I will take a seat,’ interrupted Hippolyte
once more, sitting down deliberately; ‘for I am not strong
yet. Now then, I am ready to hear you. Especially as this is
the last chance we shall have of a talk, and very likely the
last meeting we shall ever have at all.’
Gania felt a little guilty.
‘I assure you I did not mean to reckon up debits and cred-
its,’ he began, ‘and if you—‘
‘I don’t understand your condescension,’ said Hippolyte.
‘As for me, I promised myself, on the first day of my arrival
in this house, that I would have the satisfaction of settling
accounts with you in a very thorough manner before I said
good-bye to you. I intend to perform this operation now, if
you like; after you, though, of course.’
‘May I ask you to be so good as to leave this room?’
‘You’d better speak out. You’ll be sorry afterwards if you
don’t.’
‘Hippolyte, stop, please! It’s so dreadfully undignified,’
said Varia.

0 The Idiot