Page 845 - the-idiot

up to this very moment! Do you know why you are afraid
of me, and what is your object now? You wished to satisfy
yourself with your own eyes as to which he loves best, my-
self or you, because you are fearfully jealous.’
‘He has told me already that he hates you,’ murmured
Aglaya, scarcely audibly.
‘Perhaps, perhaps! I am not worthy of him, I know. But
I think you are lying, all the same. He cannot hate me, and
he cannot have said so. I am ready to forgive you, in con-
sideration of your position; but I confess I thought better of
you. I thought you were wiser, and more beautiful, too; I did,
indeed! Well, take your treasure! See, he is gazing at you, he
can’t recollect himself. Take him, but on one condition; go
away at once, this instant!’
She fell back into a chair, and burst into tears. But sud-
denly some new expression blazed in her eyes. She stared
fixedly at Aglaya, and rose from her seat.
‘Or would you like me to bid him, BID HIM, do you hear,
COMMAND HIM, now, at once, to throw you up, and re-
main mine for ever? Shall I? He will stay, and he will marry
me too, and you shall trot home all alone. Shall I?—shall
I say the word?’ she screamed like a madwoman, scarcely
believing herself that she could really pronounce such wild
words.
Aglaya had made for the door in terror, but she stopped
at the threshold, and listened. ‘Shall I turn Rogojin off? Ha!
ha! you thought I would marry him for your benefit, did
you? Why, I’ll call out NOW, if you like, in your presence,
‘Rogojin, get out!’ and say to the prince, ‘Do you remember

The Idiot