Page 714 - the-idiot

portant matter. A very important matter, prince.’
The latter requested him to take a seat once more, and sat
down himself.
‘Well—just for one second, then. The fact is, I came for
advice. Of course I live now without any very practical ob-
jects in life; but, being full of self-respect, in which quality
the ordinary Russian is so deficient as a rule, and of activity,
I am desirous, in a word, prince, of placing myself and my
wife and children in a position of—in fact, I want advice.’
The prince commended his aspirations with warmth.
‘Quite so—quite so! But this is all mere nonsense. I came
here to speak of something quite different, something very
important, prince. And I have determined to come to you
as to a man in whose sincerity and nobility of feeling I can
trust like—like—are you surprised at my words, prince?’
The prince was watching his guest, if not with much sur-
prise, at all events with great attention and curiosity.
The old man was very pale; every now and then his lips
trembled, and his hands seemed unable to rest quietly, but
continually moved from place to place. He had twice al-
ready jumped up from his chair and sat down again without
being in the least aware of it. He would take up a hook from
the table and open it—talking all the while,—look at the
heading of a chapter, shut it and put it back again, seizing
another immediately, but holding it unopened in his hand,
and waving it in the air as he spoke.
‘But enough!’ he cried, suddenly. ‘I see I have been boring
you with my—‘
‘Not in the least—not in the least, I assure you. On the

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