Chapter 6 three

General Ivan Epanchin, standing in the middle of his study, looked very curiously at the entering prince, and even took two steps forward.The Duke came up to him and introduced himself. "Well," replied the general, "what can I do for you?" "I don't have anything urgent to do. My purpose is just to meet you and get to know you. I don't want to disturb you, because I don't know when you will be visiting, and I don't know your other arrangements... But , I just got off the train... from Switzerland..." The general wanted to smile a little, but after thinking about it, he stopped laughing; after thinking about it, he first narrowed his eyes and looked the guest from head to toe, then pointed to the chair and gave him a seat in a hurry, while he himself gave up a little. He leaned over, sat down first, then turned impatiently to the Duke, waiting for him to say something.Ganya stood at a desk in the corner of the study, organizing files.

"Generally speaking, I don't have much time to meet and get to know people," said the general, "but since you're here for another purpose, then..." "I expected that," interrupted the duke, "you will think that I have some special purpose in my visit. But, I swear to God, I have no personal purpose except to have the honor of acquainting Your Excellency." .” "Of course, I am also very honored, but after all, life is not all about leisure and entertainment. Sometimes, you know, there are inevitable things... Then again, until now I have not seen anything between us. The common ground...the so-called fate..."

"There is no predestined relationship, this is indisputable, and naturally there are very few things in common. Because, even if I am Prince Myshkin, and your wife is of the same family as me, this is naturally not a predestined relationship. I am self-aware of this But then again, that's the only reason I'm here. I've been away from Russia for almost four years, and how I got there: I was almost insane. I didn't know anything then, and I don't know much now Needless to say. I need to find some good people to help me, maybe even something, but I don't know who to ask. When I was still in Berlin, I thought: 'Since it's almost a relative, let's start with them Come on, maybe we'll be useful to each other, and they'll be useful to me, and I'll be useful to them—if they're good people.' But you're good people, I've heard."

"Thank you very much," the general was surprised, "Excuse me, where are you staying?" "I don't have a place to live yet." "So, you got off the train as soon as you got off? And... with your luggage?" "My luggage is just a small change of clothes, nothing else, I always carry it with me. Even at night, I can go to the hotel in time." "Then you're going to stay at the hotel?" "Oh, yes, of course." "Judging from your tone, I thought you came directly to seek refuge with me." "It's also possible, but unless you invite me. But to be honest, even if you invite me, I won't live here. It's not because of anything, just like... I was born with this character."

"Well, then, it so happened that I did not invite you, nor did I intend to invite you. One more thing, Prince, please allow me to put my ugly words in my head: because we have just made it clear that we are related, Don't mention it, it's impossible—although, of course, it's a great honor for me—so..." "So it's time to stand up and say goodbye?" The Duke bowed slightly, and seemed to be laughing cheerfully despite the apparent embarrassment of his situation. "Look, General, I swear to God, although I know virtually nothing about the customs here, or how the people live here, I've always expected that what happened to us would happen like this It's nothing, maybe, it's better like this... In the past, didn't they reply to me... Well, excuse me, please forgive me."

At this moment, the prince's eyes were very kind, and his smile showed no trace of hidden displeasure, which surprised the general. He stopped suddenly, and suddenly changed his eyes, and looked at his guest. Changes happen in an instant. "Listen, Prince," he said, almost in a different tone, "you know, we are strangers, but Elizaveta Prokofievna might like to see her family... If you If you are willing and have time, please wait a moment." "Oh, I have plenty of time, and my time is entirely my own (so the prince put his floppy bowler hat back on the table at once). I'll tell you the truth, I figured it out, maybe Eliza Weta Prokofievna will remember that I wrote her a letter. Just now, while I was waiting outside, your servants also suspected that I was here to complain Poor. I can see this, and the government probably has strict orders about it. But, to be honest, I didn't come here for this, really, I just came to meet everyone. I was just a little worried, I'm bothering you, and I'm very upset about it."

"I say, my lord," said the general, with a pleasant smile, "that if you are what you look like, it will be a very pleasant acquaintance. But you see, I'm a busy man, and I have to sit down to review papers and sign documents, and then I have to see princes and ministers, and I have to go to work in the company. As a result, although I am happy to see people...that is, happy to see good people...but...then again, I firmly believe that you have received excellent treatment. Education, so...Your Excellency Gui Geng, Duke?" "Twenty-six." "Ho! I thought you were much younger."

"Yes, they say, I'm young. As for not bothering you, I'll learn quickly, and I'll understand it soon, because I myself don't like being disturbed. . . At last, I think, In many cases, we are so different in appearance that we may not, and cannot, have much in common, but, you know, I myself do not believe in the idea just now, because it is often the case that there is nothing in common Yunyun, it just looks like this, but in fact there are still some things in common, and there are many... This is because people are lazy, and they are divided into three schools and nine streams at a cursory glance, and they can't find anything in common... But then again After all, maybe I'm talking too dryly? You seem to..."

"There are two more questions: do you have any property? Perhaps you intend to find some work? Excuse me, please forgive me..." "Where is there, I attach great importance to your question, and I understand it very well. I don't have any property yet, and I don't have any job. Of course, this is also temporary. I really should find something to do. The money around me is also given by others , it was Schneider who gave me my travel expenses, that is, the professor who treated me and taught me in Switzerland. The money he gave me was just enough for my travel expenses, so now, if you laugh, I have only money left with me. A few kopeks. In truth, I have something to decide for me, but..."

"Excuse me, right now, what do you want to rely on for a living, and what are your plans?" the general interrupted him. "I want to find something to do." "Oh, you're such a dreamer, but... do you know what talents and abilities you have to earn a living? Even a little! Please forgive me again..." "Oh, no need to apologize. I don't think I have, neither talent nor special ability; even the opposite, since I'm sick and have no formal education. As for earning a living, I think..." The general interrupted him again to question him, and the prince repeated what he had said.It turned out that the general had not only heard of the late Pavlischev, but knew him very well, and why Pavlischev should care about his upbringing and education, the prince himself could not explain—perhaps, only because He was a family friend with his late father.After the death of his parents, the Duke was still a little boy, and because he was sick and needed fresh air, he lived and grew up in the country.Pavlishev entrusted him to his relatives, two elderly landowners, who hired him first a governess and then a governess, but he claimed that despite all the He remembered everything, but he couldn't explain many things clearly, because he couldn't figure out many things himself.His frequent fits made him almost a complete idiot (that's what the duke said: an idiot).Finally, he said that once, Pavlischeff met a Swiss in Berlin—Professor Schneider.Schneider specializes in treating this disease, and opened a free clinic in Baale, Switzerland. According to his own method, he uses cold water and gymnastics to treat not only idiots, but also mental illness. Education to improve the mental quality of patients.So, about five years ago, Pavlishev sent him to Switzerland to see this doctor, but he himself died two years ago, suddenly, without any arrangements.Schneider kept him for another two years for treatment. He failed to cure his disease, but his condition improved greatly.In the end, according to his own wishes and because of a situation, he was sent back to Russia now.

The general was surprised. "Then you don't have anyone in Russia? Nobody at all?" he asked. "There isn't anyone at the moment, but I hope... besides I have a letter..." "At least," the general interrupted him, failing to hear his mention of the letter, "you must have learned something, and your illness will not prevent you from finding something, for example, in a certain institution. Do something less strenuous?" "Oh, it probably won't get in the way. I'd really like to find something to do, because I'd like to see what I can do myself. I've been studying for four years without a break, though not quite formally, and I learned it according to his method, but read a lot of Russian books." "Russian? So you know how to write, can you write without mistakes?" "Oh, yes, very capable." "Excellent, what about calligraphy?" "Calligraphy is also excellent. My talent may be here. In this respect, I can be regarded as a calligrapher. Please let me, I can write something for you now, as a test pen." The Duke said enthusiastically. "Then it's a big favor. It's necessary... I really like your answering and responsiveness, Duke, and you're really lovely." "The house has such fine stationery, how many pencils and quills there are, and the paper is so strong and fine... What a beautiful study in the house! I know this landscape, it's a Swiss landscape. I believe that this artist drew from life on the ground, I believe that I have seen this place: this is in Uri..." "Very likely, although it was bought in the country. Ganya, give the Duke a piece of paper, here is a pen and paper, please come to this little table and write. What is this?" the general asked Ganya.Ganya was now taking an enlarged photograph from his briefcase and handing it to the general, "Hey! Nastasya Filippovna! It's from her herself, herself, Did she send it herself?" he asked Ganya with great interest and curiosity. "Just now, when I went to congratulate her, she gave it to me. I asked her for it a long time ago. I don't know if this is a hint from her: I went to congratulate her on her birthday, but I was empty-handed and didn't give a gift." Nia added with a wry smile. "Well, no," the general interrupted him firmly, "what are you thinking! She won't hint... She is not a woman who is only for profit. Besides, what gift do you give: what do you want?" You know, there must be thousands of rubles! Would you like a photograph? By the way, why hasn't she asked you for a photograph?" "No, she hasn't, and probably never will. Of course, Ivan Fyodorovitch, you remember the evening party? You are a special guest." "I remember, of course I remember, I'm going. Needless to say, it's her twenty-fifth birthday! . . . Listen to me, Ganya, or just tell you, you've got to be good." Ready. She promised Afanasy Ivanovitch and me that tonight at her house she will make the final decision: yes or no! You must be careful." Ganya suddenly panicked, even turning pale. "Did she really say that?" he asked, his voice trembling. "She made her promise the day before yesterday. We were both begging her to do it. But she begged us not to tell you." The general studied Ganya carefully, and Ganya's panicked expression clearly displeased him. "Don't you forget, Ivan Fyodorovich," said Ganya in a panic and hesitation, "you know that she gives me complete freedom to decide until she herself has made up her mind, and even then Sometimes, I can also make up my own mind..." "Could it be you...could you..." The general suddenly became frightened. "I'm fine." "Come on, what are you trying to do with us?" "I didn't say no. Maybe I didn't make myself clear..." "Need to say, you dare to refuse!" the general said angrily, and he didn't even intend to restrain his anger, "Little brother, the problem now is not that you don't refuse, the problem is that you have to accept her decision willingly and joyfully... ...what happened to your house?" "What's the matter with my family? Everyone in my family listens to me, but my father likes to mess around and has become an out-and-out troublemaker. I have ignored him, but I still keep him under strict control. Really, if it weren't for My mother, I told him to go away a long time ago. Of course, my mother cries all the time, and my sister often loses her temper. I once told them bluntly that I make my own decisions. I hope everyone in the family... can obey my decision .At least, I have made it clear to my sister in front of my mother." "But boy, I still don't understand," said the general thoughtfully, shrugging his shoulders a little and spreading his arms a little. "Do you remember? When Nina Alexandrovna came the other day I also sighed. I asked her: 'What's the matter with you?' It turned out that they found it disgraceful. Excuse me, what's so disgraceful about it? Who can accuse Nastasya Filippovna of anything wrong? , or point out something wrong with her? Is it because she lived with Totsky? But this is complete nonsense, especially in a certain situation! She said: 'You don't let her see the house Is it his daughter?' Huh! Damn her! This Nina Alexandrovna really has hers! Why doesn't she understand, doesn't understand why..." "Don't you understand your position?" Ganya helped the difficult general to say what he wanted to say, "She understands, don't be angry with her. However, I gave them a meal at that time and let them Mind your own business. Then again, our family has been peaceful so far only because the last sentence has not been said, but the storm will come. If the final decision is made today, everything will always explode." The duke overheard all their conversation while he was sitting in a corner doing a calligraphy test.After he finished writing, he walked to the desk and handed over the written paper. "Is this Nastasya Filippovna?" he looked at the picture with attention and curiosity. "It's beautiful!" he added immediately and enthusiastically.The photograph was of a woman of extraordinary beauty.She was wearing a black silk dress when the photo was taken, very simple but very elegant; her hair looked like dark brown, neatly combed, and she was dressed in a homely way; her eyes were dark, and the sockets were deep. , the forehead seems to be frowning but not frowning, thoughtful; the expression on the face is enthusiastic and seems to be very proud.Her face was thinner, maybe a little pale...Ganya and the general looked at the Duke in surprise... "Why, Nastasya Filippovna! Do you even know Nastasya Filippovna?" asked the general. "Yes, I have only been back in Russia for a day and a night, but I already know about this stunning beauty," replied the prince, and then told them about his encounter with Rogozhin, and also told the story Rogozhin told. Ten said it again. "Look, there's news again!" The general became worried after listening to the prince very carefully, and looked at Ganya to see his reaction. "Probably, it's just nonsense." Ganya was also a little at a loss, and muttered, "The young owner of a businessman's house is absurd outside. I've heard a little about what he did." "I've heard that too, my little brother," the general continued. "Nastasya Filippovna told me all the anecdote after the incident with the earring. But now the situation is different. Maybe he really has millions of furniture, and... there is still that kind of energy that will never give up until he achieves his goal, even if he is messing around, anyway, he has such energy, you know, these gentlemen drink When you're very drunk, you can do anything!...don't make any jokes!" The general said thoughtfully what he was worried about. "Are you worried about his millions of furniture?" Ganya grinned. "Of course you're not afraid?" "What is your opinion, Duke?" Ganya suddenly turned around and asked the Duke, "Is this a well-behaved person, or is this person not very good and just likes to mess around? What is your opinion on this?" When Ganya asked this question, he had a strange feeling in his heart.It seemed as if a new, special idea was burning in his head and began to sparkle eagerly in his eyes.The general was genuinely and honestly worried.At this moment, he looked sideways at the duke, but he didn't seem to have much hope for the duke's answer. "I don't know how to tell you," replied the prince, "but I think he is very enthusiastic, even morbidly enthusiastic. He himself seems to be quite an invalid. It is very likely that there will be no return to Petersburg." Falling ill again in a few days, especially if he drinks endlessly." "Is that so? You think so?" The general clung to the thought. "Yes, I think so." "But then again, this kind of joke may not happen within a few days, but today, maybe just before evening. Something will suddenly come up." Ganya smiled wryly at the general. "!...Of course...it will all depend on what's going on in her head at that time," said the general. "It's not that you don't know what she does sometimes?" "Tell me, what's the matter?" The general was very confused, and said aggressively to him again, "Listen to me, Ganya, don't fight her too much today, try to do it, you know... ... In a word, follow her as much as you can... What are you talking about? I say, Gavrila Ardalionitch, to tell you the truth, and now is the right time to say this: we are so busy before After busy, what is it for? Do you understand? As for my personal interests, they have long been guaranteed. No matter what, I will settle the matter in my favor. Totsky also unwaveringly I have made a decision, so I am completely confident. So, if there is anything I wish for now, it is nothing more than how to do it to your advantage. Think about it, can you still trust me? Besides, you are a... You are, in a word, you are a wise man, I had hoped in you... and this, in the present case, this... this..." "That's the main thing." Ganya helped the general who couldn't speak anymore. He bit his lips and let out a grin, which he didn't want to hide.He stared at the general with his bloodshot eyes, as if he wanted the general to read his whole mind in his gaze.The general blushed, and a wave of unknown anger rose. "That's right, be smart, that's the main thing!" he nodded, looking intently at Ganya with wide-eyed eyes, "you're too ridiculous, Gavrila Ardalionitch! I see that you seem to be happy that you have killed the businessman in the middle, thinking that you have found a way out for yourself. You should think about this matter carefully, and think about it from the beginning. Everyone should be honest and straightforward, or else... you should say hello in advance, don't hurt others' reputation, besides, there is still time, even now, the time left is enough (the general raised his eyebrows with ulterior motives), Even though it's only a few hours... Do you understand? Do you understand? Would you like it? If not, just say it—you're welcome. Nobody's stopping you from talking, add No one, Frila Ardalionitch, dragged you into a trap, if you thought it was a trap." "I would." Ganya said softly, but firmly.After finishing speaking, he lowered his eyes, kept a straight face, and stopped making a sound. The general was satisfied.The general lost his temper for a while, but apparently regretted going too far.He turned to the Duke suddenly, and there seemed to be a trace of uneasiness on his face. After all, the Duke heard it here.But he was instantly relieved: just looking at the Duke's appearance made him completely relieved. "Hey!" the general exclaimed, looking at the calligraphy handed to him by the prince, "this is simply a post! And it is a rare post. Look, Ganya, how good his handwriting is!" On a piece of heavy Dorian paper, the Duke wrote the following sentence in medieval Russian script: "That's the lettering," the prince explained with great joy and excitement. "It's Abbot Pavnudj's autograph, and it's copied from a fourteenth-century copy. We old abbots and metropolitans have all signed it." Good handwriting, sometimes written in a free and easy way, with strong pen force! General, don’t you even have a copy published by Pogodin in your house? Later, I wrote a line of words in another font on the paper: This is the last century. It is a thick and round French font, some letters are even written differently, this is a commercial style, a font commonly used by writers in teahouses and bookstores, I copied it after their copybooks, I have a copybook like this— — You can easily see that this typeface is not without its merits. Look at the round  and a's. I transferred the French to Russian, and it was difficult, but it turned out to be successful. Here is another Beautiful and unique font, look at this sentence: 'Diligence is enough to conquer all'. This is the font of the Russian secretary, and it can also be said to be the font of the military secretary. This is how the official documents for dignitaries are written, and it is also a It is a round typeface, a beautiful black typeface, written in black and thick, but strong. Calligraphers do not allow this kind of flowery strokes, or rather, this method of signature, such as this without writing The half of the tail is finished,—see it,—this is generally speaking, you see, the writing is just like the person, really, this kind of writing can see the soul of the secretary in the military circle: he wants to be chic and unrestrained, and does not stick to one pattern , also looks very talented, but the disciplinary buttons on the collar of the military uniform are fastened tightly, and even the calligraphy shows strict discipline, so beautiful! Not long ago, there was a book of calligraphy that made me amazed, and I found it by accident , where do you guess? In Switzerland! Look, this simple, commonplace, very pure British typeface: it cannot be more beautiful than this, everything is beautiful here, like a string of pearls, crystal clear and incomparable. But still There is a variant, also French, which I learned from a French salesman on errands: same British typeface, but with slightly thicker black lines than British type, slightly thicker, which destroys the chiaroscuro. You Look again: the arc has changed, it is slightly rounded, and there is a flower pen, and the flower pen is the most dangerous thing! The flower pen needs to have an unusual style: if it is well written, the lightness and darkness are also right , then this typeface will be incomparable, even cute.” "Hey! Your research is really meticulous and penetrating." The general laughed. "My little brother, you are not only a calligrapher, but also a person of high attainment, right? Ganya?" “Amazing,” says Garnia, “even aware of his mission,” he added derisively. "Don't make fun of it, don't make fun of it, it's a profession too," said the general. "You know, duke, who is the official document we're going to copy for you? A salary of thirty-five rubles. It's only half-past twelve," he said, looking at his watch. "Let's get down to business, Prince, because I don't have much time, and perhaps we won't see each other today! Sit down a moment, please." I have already told you that I cannot see you often, but I sincerely hope that I can help you a little, a small favor, of course, I mean a necessary and indispensable help, and as for the future, that is all. Take it easy. I can get you a little job in the office, not too difficult, but with seriousness and no mistakes. Now, one more thing: this gentleman's name is Gaff Lila Ardalionich Ivorkin, he is my old friend, please get acquainted with him at his house, that is, in his family, his mother and sister in their own apartment I have freed up two or three furnished houses in the town, and are going to let them to reliable tenants, who will take care of the meals and housekeeping. I am sure that Nina Alexandrovna will accept my recommendation. Yes. For you, Prince, this is desirable, because, first of all, you will not be alone, but, so to speak, in a family atmosphere, and it seems to me that you can never be alone when you are new. One appeared in such a good district as Petersburg. Nina Alexandrovna was the mother of Gavrila Ardalionovna, and Varvara Ardalionovna was his sister. , both are ladies whom I respect very much. Nina Alexandrovna is the wife of the retired General Ardalion Alexandrovitch. I worked with the General when I first started my career. However, due to certain circumstances, I ended my relationship with him. However, this does not prevent me from continuing to respect him on a certain point. I explain all this to you, duke, so that you can understand that you are recommended by me personally. , and therefore security for you. The rent is modest, no more, no less, and I hope your salary will soon be more than sufficient for that. Of course, one always needs some pocket money, if not more, but Don't be offended, my lord, if I advise you that you should have no pocket money, no money in your pocket at all. I say this from my opinion of your Excellency. But since you now have I am ashamed, as a gift, please allow me to lend you the twenty-five rubles first. Of course, we can settle the account later, because from your conversation, you are a very sincere and sincere person, then, Between you and me, there will be no trouble in this matter. I am so interested in you because I have a purpose for you, and what purpose you will know later. You See, I'm so free with you, I hope, Ganya, you don't object to having the duke live with you?" "Oh, on the contrary! My mother must have welcomed it..." Ganya agreed politely and very politely. "Your family seems to have rented out another room. What is this man's name, Fei De... Fei..." "Federsenko." "Well, yes. I don't like this Fedsenko who lives in your house: a dirty buffoon. I don't understand why Nastasya Filippovna lets him so much? He really is her." any relative of yours?" "Oh no, it's all a joke. Not even a trace of relatives." "Well, hell with him! So, Prince, what do you think, are you satisfied?" "Thank you, General, you have been so kind to me, I didn't even ask for it, you thought of it. I don't say this out of pride, I don't know where I'm going to live. But, just now, Lo Gezhin let me go." "Rogozhin? Well, no, I am like your father, or, to put it more pleasingly, I kindly advise your Excellency to forget about Mr. Rogozhin. I advise you to forget about Mr. It is the best policy to treat the family you enter as the same family.” "Thanks to your kindness," the Duke said, "I have something to ask. I have received a notice..." "Well, excuse me," interrupted the general, "now that I have no more time, I will tell Lizaveta Prokofievna about your visit: if she wishes to receive you now If so (and I will definitely recommend it), I advise you to take advantage of this opportunity and make her like you, because Lizaveta Prokofievna will be of great use to you, and you are of the same family. If she does not want to , don't be offended, let's find another time. And you, Ganya, first look at these accounts, which I worked out with Fedoseyev just now. Don't forget to add it ..." The General came out of the study, and the Duke was still unable to say what he had mentioned almost four times.Ganya lit a cigarette and offered the Duke another, which he accepted, but he did not want to interfere with Ganya's business, so he said nothing.He began to look around the study, but Ganya only glanced briefly at the sheet of paper covered with numbers the general had shown him.He was absent-minded: it seemed to the prince that Gania's smile, his eyes, his thoughts seemed even more preoccupied when the two of them were alone together.Suddenly he came up to the prince.At this moment the prince was standing before the photograph of Nastasya Filippovna, looking down. "It seems that you like such women very much, don't you, prince?" he asked suddenly, looking at the prince with piercing eyes.It seems that he has some special intentions. "A marvelous face!" replied the duke. "I believe her fate must be very extraordinary. The face is happy, but she must have suffered a great deal, hasn't she? The eyes, the cheekbones, And the two dots on the top of the cheeks and under the eyes, all show this point. This is a proud face, very proud, but I don’t know if she is kind? Well, it would be great if she was kind! Everything will be saved!" "Are you willing to marry such a woman?" Ganya continued to ask, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the Duke. "I am sick and cannot marry," said the duke. "Will Rogozhin marry her, then? Your Excellency's opinion?" "That goes without saying, I think, I will marry her, even tomorrow; after marrying her, maybe I will kill her in a week." As soon as the Duke finished speaking, Ganya suddenly trembled, and the Duke almost cried out when he saw this. "What's the matter with you?" he asked, taking his hand. "My lord duke! My lord general, please go see the general's wife." A servant appeared at the door and reported.The duke followed the servant and went out.