Page 78 - the-idiot

hungry?’
‘Yes; I must say that I am pretty hungry, thanks very
much.’
‘H’m! I like to see that you know your manners; and you
are by no means such a person as the general thought fit to
describe you. Come along; you sit here, opposite to me,’ she
continued, ‘I wish to be able to see your face. Alexandra,
Adelaida, look after the prince! He doesn’t seem so very ill,
does he? I don’t think he requires a napkin under his chin,
after all; are you accustomed to having one on, prince?’
‘Formerly, when I was seven years old or so. I believe I
wore one; but now I usually hold my napkin on my knee
when I eat.’
‘Of course, of course! And about your fits?’
‘Fits?’ asked the prince, slightly surprised. ‘I very sel-
dom have fits nowadays. I don’t know how it may be here,
though; they say the climate may be bad for me. ‘
‘He talks very well, you know!’ said Mrs. Epanchin, who
still continued to nod at each word the prince spoke. ‘I
really did not expect it at all; in fact, I suppose it was all
stuff and nonsense on the general’s part, as usual. Eat away,
prince, and tell me where you were born, and where you
were brought up. I wish to know all about you, you interest
me very much!’
The prince expressed his thanks once more, and eat-
ing heartily the while, recommenced the narrative of his
life in Switzerland, all of which we have heard before. Mrs.
Epanchin became more and more pleased with her guest;
the girls, too, listened with considerable attention. In talk-