Page 718 - the-idiot

beyond that point. I do not for a moment complain—‘
‘Lebedeff, you seem to be angry for some reason!’ said
the prince.
‘Not the least bit in the world, esteemed and revered
prince! Not the least bit in the world!’ cried Lebedeff, sol-
emnly, with his hand upon his heart. ‘On the contrary, I am
too painfully aware that neither by my position in the world,
nor by my gifts of intellect and heart, nor by my riches, nor
by any former conduct of mine, have I in any way deserved
your confidence, which is far above my highest aspirations
and hopes. Oh no, prince; I may serve you, but only as your
humble slave! I am not angry, oh no! Not angry; pained per-
haps, but nothing more.
‘My dear Lebedeff, I—‘
‘Oh, nothing more, nothing more! I was saying to myself
but now... ‘I am quite unworthy of friendly relations with
him,’ say I; ‘but perhaps as landlord of this house I may, at
some future date, in his good time, receive information as
to certain imminent and much to be desired changes—‘’
So saying Lebedeff fixed the prince with his sharp little
eyes, still in hope that he would get his curiosity satisfied.
The prince looked back at him in amazement.
‘I don’t understand what you are driving at!’ he cried,
almost angrily, ‘and, and—what an intriguer you are, Leb-
edeff!’ he added, bursting into a fit of genuine laughter.
Lebedeff followed suit at once, and it was clear from his
radiant face that he considered his prospects of satisfaction
immensely improved.
‘And do you know,’ the prince continued, ‘I am amazed

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