白痴 英文版 The Idiot
陀思妥耶夫斯基 Fyodor Dostoyevsky
The Idiot III. Page 1
General Ivan Fedorovitch Epanchin was standing In the middle ofthe room, and gazed with great curiosity at the prince as heentered. He even advanced a couple of steps to meet him.
The prince came forward and introduced himself.
"Quite so," replied the general, "and what can I do for you?"
"Oh, I have no special business; my principal object was to makeyour acquaintance. I should not like to disturb you. I do notknow your times and arrangements here, you see, but I have onlyjust arrived. I came straight from the station. I am come directfrom Switzerland."
The general very nearly smiled, but thought better of it and kepthis smile back. Then he reflected, blinked his eyes, stared at his guestonce more from head to foot; then abruptly motioned him to achair, sat down himself, and waited with some impatience for theprince to speak.
Gania stood at his table in the far corner of the room, turningover papers.
"I have not much time for making acquaintances, as a rule," saidthe general, "but as, of course, you have your object in coming,I--"
"I felt sure you would think I had some object in view when Iresolved to pay you this visit," the prince interrupted; "but Igive you my word, beyond the pleasure of making your acquaintanceI had no personal object whatever."
"The pleasure is, of course, mutual; but life is not allpleasure, as you are aware. There is such a thing as business,and I really do not see what possible reason there can be, orwhat we have in common to--"
"Oh, there is no reason, of course, and I suppose there isnothing in common between us, or very little; for if I am PrinceMuishkin, and your wife happens to be a member of my house, thatcan hardly be called a 'reason.' I quite understand that. And yetthat was my whole motive for coming. You see I have not been inRussia for four years, and knew very little about anything when Ileft. I had been very ill for a long time, and I feel now theneed of a few good friends. In fact, I have a certain questionupon which I much need advice, and do not know whom to go to forit. I thought of your family when I was passing through Berlin.'They are almost relations,' I said to myself,' so I'll beginwith them; perhaps we may get on with each other, I with them andthey with me, if they are kind people;' and I have heard that youare very kind people!"
"Oh, thank you, thank you, I'm sure," replied the general,considerably taken aback. "May I ask where you have taken up yourquarters?"
"Nowhere, as yet."
"What, straight from the station to my house? And how about yourluggage?"
"I only had a small bundle, containing linen, with me, nothingmore. I can carry it in my hand, easily. There will be plenty oftime to take a room in some hotel by the evening."
"Oh, then you DO intend to take a room?"
"Of course."
"To judge from your words, you came straight to my house with theintention of staying there."
"That could only have been on your invitation. I confess,however, that I should not have stayed here even if you hadinvited me, not for any particular reason, but because it is--well, contrary to my practice and nature, somehow."
"Oh, indeed! Then it is perhaps as well that I neither DID inviteyou, nor DO invite you now. Excuse me, prince, but we had bettermake this matter clear, once for all. We have just agreed thatwith regard to our relationship there is not much to be said,though, of course, it would have been very delightful to us tofeel that such relationship did actually exist; therefore,perhaps--"
"Therefore, perhaps I had better get up and go away?" said theprince, laughing merrily as he rose from his place; just asmerrily as though the circumstances were by no means strained ordifficult. "And I give you my word, general, that though I knownothing whatever of manners and customs of society, and howpeople live and all that, yet I felt quite sure that this visitof mine would end exactly as it has ended now. Oh, well, Isuppose it's all right; especially as my letter was not answered.Well, good-bye, and forgive me for having disturbed you!"
The prince's expression was so good-natured at this moment, andso entirely free from even a suspicion of unpleasant feeling wasthe smile with which he looked at the general as he spoke, thatthe latter suddenly paused, and appeared to gaze at his guestfrom quite a new point of view, all in an instant.
"Do you know, prince," he said, in quite a different tone, "I donot know you at all, yet, and after all, Elizabetha Prokofievnawould very likely be pleased to have a peep at a man of her ownname. Wait a little, if you don't mind, and if you have time tospare?"
"Oh, I assure you I've lots of time, my time is entirely my own!"And the prince immediately replaced his soft, round hat on thetable. "I confess, I thought Elizabetha Prokofievna would verylikely remember that I had written her a letter. Just now yourservant--outside there--was dreadfully suspicious that I had cometo beg of you. I noticed that! Probably he has very strictinstructions on that score; but I assure you I did not come tobeg. I came to make some friends. But I am rather bothered athaving disturbed you; that's all I care about.--"
"Look here, prince," said the general, with a cordial smile, "ifyou really are the sort of man you appear to be, it may be asource of great pleasure to us to make your better acquaintance;but, you see, I am a very busy man, and have to be perpetuallysitting here and signing papers, or off to see his excellency, orto my department, or somewhere; so that though I should be gladto see more of people, nice people--you see, I--however, I amsure you are so well brought up that you will see at once, and--but how old are you, prince?"
"Twenty-six."
"No? I thought you very much younger."
"Yes, they say I have a 'young' face. As to disturbing you Ishall soon learn to avoid doing that, for I hate disturbingpeople. Besides, you and I are so differently constituted, Ishould think, that there must be very little in common betweenus. Not that I will ever believe there is NOTHING in commonbetween any two people, as some declare is the case. I am surepeople make a great mistake in sorting each other into groups, byappearances; but I am boring you, I see, you--"
"Just two words: have you any means at all? Or perhaps you may beintending to undertake some sort of employment? Excuse myquestioning you, but--"
"Oh, my dear sir, I esteem and understand your kindness inputting the question. No; at present I have no means whatever,and no employment either, but I hope to find some. I was livingon other people abroad. Schneider, the professor who treated meand taught me, too, in Switzerland, gave me just enough money formy journey, so that now I have but a few copecks left. Therecertainly is one question upon which I am anxious to have advice,but--"
"Tell me, how do you intend to live now, and what are yourplans?" interrupted the general.
"I wish to work, somehow or other."
"Oh yes, but then, you see, you are a philosopher. Have you anytalents, or ability in any direction--that is, any that wouldbring in money and bread? Excuse me again--"
"Oh, don't apologize. No, I don't think I have either talents orspecial abilities of any kind; on the contrary. I have alwaysbeen an invalid and unable to learn much. As for bread, I shouldthink--"
The general interrupted once more with questions; while theprince again replied with the narrative we have heard before. Itappeared that the general had known Pavlicheff; but why thelatter had taken an interest in the prince, that young gentlemancould not explain; probably by virtue of the old friendship withhis father, he thought.
The prince had been left an orphan when quite a little child, andPavlicheff had entrusted him to an old lady, a relative of hisown, living in the country, the child needing the fresh air andexercise of country life. He was educated, first by a governess,and afterwards by a tutor, but could not remember much about thistime of his life. His fits were so frequent then, that they madealmost an idiot of him (the prince used the expression "idiot"himself). Pavlicheff had met Professor Schneider in Berlin, andthe latter had persuaded him to send the boy to Switzerland, toSchneider's establishment there, for the cure of his epilepsy,and, five years before this time, the prince was sent off. ButPavlicheff had died two or three years since, and Schneider hadhimself supported the young fellow, from that day to this, at hisown expense. Although he had not quite cured him, he had greatlyimproved his condition; and now, at last, at the prince's owndesire, and because of a certain matter which came to the ears ofthe latter, Schneider had despatched the young man to Russia.
The general was much astonished.
"Then you have no one, absolutely NO one in Russia?" he asked.
"No one, at present; but I hope to make friends; and then I havea letter from--"
"At all events," put in the general, not listening to the newsabout the letter, "at all events, you must have learnedSOMETHING, and your malady would not prevent your undertakingsome easy work, in one of the departments, for instance?
"Oh dear no, oh no! As for a situation, I should much like tofind one for I am anxious to discover what I really am fit for. Ihave learned a good deal in the last four years, and, besides, Iread a great many Russian books."
"Russian books, indeed ? Then, of course, you can read and writequite correctly?"
"Oh dear, yes!"
"Capital! And your handwriting?"
"Ah, there I am REALLY talented! I may say l am a realcaligraphist. Let me write you something, just to show you," saidthe prince, with some excitement.
"With pleasure! In fact, it is very necessary. I like yourreadiness, prince; in fact, I must say--I-I-like you very well,altogether," said the general.
"What delightful writing materials you have here, such a lot ofpencils and things, and what beautiful paper! It's a charmingroom altogether. I know that picture, it's a Swiss view. I'm surethe artist painted it from nature, and that I have seen the veryplace--"
"Quite likely, though I bought it here. Gania, give the princesome paper. Here are pens and paper; now then, take this table.What's this?" the general continued to Gania, who had that momenttaken a large photograph out of his portfolio, and shown it tohis senior. "Halloa! Nastasia Philipovna! Did she send it youherself? Herself?" he inquired, with much curiosity and greatanimation.
"She gave it me just now, when I called in to congratulate her. Iasked her for it long ago. I don't know whether she meant it fora hint that I had come empty-handed, without a present for herbirthday, or what," added Gania, with an unpleasant smile.
mean?"watched Gania's confusion intently, and clearly didnot .
"Oh, nonsense, nonsense," said the general, with decision. " Whatextraordinary ideas you have, Gania! As if she would hint; that'snot her way at all. Besides, what could you give her, withouthaving thousands at your disposal? You might have given her yourportrait, however. Has she ever asked you for it?"
"No, not yet. Very likely she never will. I suppose you haven'tforgotten about tonight, have you, Ivan Fedorovitch? You wereone of those specially invited, you know."
"Oh no, I remember all right, and I shall go, of course. I shouldthink so! She's twenty-five years old today! And, you know,Gania, you must be ready for great things; she has promised bothmyself and Afanasy Ivanovitch that she will give a decided answertonight, yes or no. So be prepared!"
Gania suddenly became so ill at ease that his face grew palerthan ever.
"Are you sure she said that?" he asked, and his voice seemed toquiver as he spoke.
"Yes, she promised. We both worried her so that she gave in; butshe wished us to tell you nothing about it until the day. "
The general watched Gania's confusion intently, and clearly didnot like it.
"Remember, Ivan Fedorovitch," said Gania, in great agitation,"that I was to be free too, until her decision; and that eventhen I was to have my 'yes or no' free."
"Why, don't you, aren't you--" began the general, in alarm.
"Oh, don't misunderstand--"
"But, my dear fellow, what are you doing, what do you mean?"
"Oh, I'm not rejecting her. I may have expressed myself badly,but I didn't mean that."
"Reject her! I should think not!" said the general withannoyance, and apparently not in the least anxious to conceal it."Why, my dear fellow, it's not a question of your rejecting her,it is whether you are prepared to receive her consent joyfully,and with proper satisfaction. How are things going on at home?"
"At home? Oh, I can do as I like there, of course; only my fatherwill make a fool of himself, as usual. He is rapidly becoming ageneral nuisance. I don't ever talk to him now, but I hold him incheek, safe enough. I swear if it had not been for my mother, Ishould have shown him the way out, long ago. My mother is alwayscrying, of course, and my sister sulks. I had to tell them atlast that I intended to be master of my own destiny, and that Iexpect to be obeyed at home. At least, I gave my sister tounderstand as much, and my mother was present."
"Well, I must say, I cannot understand it!" said the general,shrugging his shoulders and dropping his hands. "You rememberyour mother, Nina Alexandrovna, that day she came and sat hereand groaned-and when I asked her what was the matter, she says,'Oh, it's such a DISHONOUR to us!' dishonour! Stuff and nonsense!I should like to know who can reproach Nastasia Philipovna, orwho can say a word of any kind against her. Did she mean becauseNastasia had been living with Totski? What nonsense it is! Youwould not let her come near your daughters, says NinaAlexandrovna. What next, I wonder? I don't see how she can failto--to understand--"
"Her own position?" prompted Gania. "She does understand. Don'tbe annoyed with her. I have warned her not to meddle in otherpeople's affairs. However, although there's comparative peace athome at present, the storm will break if anything is finallysettled tonight."
The prince heard the whole of the foregoing conversation, as hesat at the table, writing. He finished at last, and brought theresult of his labour to the general's desk.
"So this is Nastasia Philipovna," he said, looking attentivelyand curiously at the portrait. "How wonderfully beautiful!" heimmediately added, with warmth. The picture was certainly that ofan unusually lovely woman. She was photographed in a black silkdress of simple design, her hair was evidently dark and plainlyarranged, her eyes were deep and thoughtful, the expression ofher face passionate, but proud. She was rather thin, perhaps, anda little pale. Both Gania and the general gazed at the prince inamazement.
"How do you know it's Nastasia Philipovna?" asked the general;"you surely don't know her already, do you? "
"Yes, I do! I have only been one day in Russia, but I have heardof the great beauty!" And the prince proceeded to narrate hismeeting with Rogojin in the train and the whole of the latter'sstory.
"There's news!" said the general in some excitement, afterlistening to the story with engrossed attention.
"Oh, of course it's nothing but humbug!" cried Gania, a littledisturbed, however. "It's all humbug; the young merchant waspleased to indulge in a little innocent recreation! I have heardsomething of Rogojin!"
"Yes, so have I!" replied the general. "Nastasia Philipovna toldus all about the earrings that very day. But now it is quite adifferent matter. You see the fellow really has a million ofroubles, and he is passionately in love. The whole story smellsof passion, and we all know what this class of gentry is capableof when infatuated. I am much afraid of some disagreeablescandal, I am indeed!"
"You are afraid of the million, I suppose," said Gania, grinningand showing his teeth.
"And you are NOT, I presume, eh?"
"How did he strike you, prince?" asked Gania, suddenly. "Did heseem to be a serious sort of a man, or just a common rowdyfellow? What was your own opinion about the matter?"
While Gania put this question, a new idea suddenly flashed intohis brain, and blazed out, impatiently, in his eyes. The general,who was really agitated and disturbed, looked at the prince too,but did not seem to expect much from his reply.
"I really don't quite know how to tell you," replied the prince,"but it certainly did seem to me that the man was full ofpassion, and not, perhaps, quite healthy passion. He seemed to bestill far from well. Very likely he will be in bed again in a dayor two, especially if he lives fast."
"No! do you think so?" said the general, catching at the idea.
"Yes, I do think so!"
,Gania, you must be ready.
"Yes, but the sort of scandal I referred to may happen at anymoment. It may be this very evening," remarked Gania to thegeneral, with a smile.
"Of course; quite so. In that case it all depends upon what isgoing on in her brain at this moment."
"You know the kind of person she is at times."
"How? What kind of person is she?" cried the general, arrived atthe limits of his patience. Look here, Gania, don't you goannoying her tonight What you are to do is to be as agreeabletowards her as ever you can. Well, what are you smiling at? Youmust understand, Gania, that I have no interest whatever inspeaking like this. Whichever way the question is settled, itwill be to my advantage. Nothing will move Totski from hisresolution, so I run no risk. If there is anything I desire, youmust know that it is your benefit only. Can't you trust me? Youare a sensible fellow, and I have been counting on you; for, inthis matter, that, that--"
"Yes, that's the chief thing," said Gania, helping the generalout of his difficulties again, and curling his lips in anenvenomed smile, which he did not attempt to conceal. He gazedwith his fevered eyes straight into those of the general, asthough he were anxious that the latter might read his thoughts.
The general grew purple with anger.
"Yes, of course it is the chief thing!" he cried, looking sharplyat Gania. "What a very curious man you are, Gania! You actuallyseem to be GLAD to hear of this millionaire fellow's arrival-just as though you wished for an excuse to get out of the wholething. This is an affair in which you ought to act honestlywith both sides, and give due warning, to avoid compromisingothers. But, even now, there is still time. Do you understand me?I wish to know whether you desire this arrangement or whether youdo not? If not, say so,--and-and welcome! No one is trying toforce you into the snare, Gavrila Ardalionovitch, if you seea snare in the matter, at least."
"I do desire it," murmured Gania, softly but firmly, lowering hiseyes; and he relapsed into gloomy silence.
The general was satisfied. He had excited himself, and wasevidently now regretting that he had gone so far. He turned tothe prince, and suddenly the disagreeable thought of the latter'spresence struck him, and the certainty that he must have heardevery word of the conversation. But he felt at ease in anothermoment; it only needed one glance at the prince to see that inthat quarter there was nothing to fear.