Chapter 16 Thirteen

The duke was in a state of disquiet as he went up the stairs, and so he cheered himself up as hard as he could.He thought: "At worst, don't let me in, think I'm up to something, or let me in, and make fun of me in my face... well, I don't care!" True, this doesn't frighten him very much, but there is a question: "Would he want to go in?" What is he doing there, what is he going to do?" For this question, he couldn't find an answer that was enough to make him feel at ease.Even if he tried his best to seize this opportunity and told Nastasya Filippovna: "Don't marry this man, don't hurt yourself, he doesn't love you, he loves your money. He told me himself, and Miss Aglaya Epanchina told me that I have come here to tell you what they said." In every respect, this was not quite right either.Besides, there was a problem which was still unsolved, a problem of such importance that the duke did not dare to think about it, could not even assume that it existed, and what it was, he did not know, he just When I think of this question, I blush and shudder.But, in spite of all these fears and doubts, he knocked at the door, went in, and begged to see Nastasya Filippovna.

Nastasya Filippovna lived in a small, though very finely furnished room.During her five years of sojourn in Petersburg, there was a period, that is, at the beginning, when Afanasy Ivanovitch was particularly willing to spend money on her behalf.At that time, he was still counting on her love, trying to seduce her, mainly with comfort and luxury.He knew that it was easy to form a habit of luxury, but very difficult to get rid of it when it became necessary.In this respect, Totsky remains faithful to the good old teachings of our country, does not make any changes to them, and respects infinitely the invincible power of the sensual dog and the horse.Nastasya Filippovna did not refuse to live in luxury, and even liked it very much, but (this seemed very surprising) she never indulged in luxury, as if she could give up luxury at any time. And Poverty even tried to assert that she would do what she said, which surprised and displeased Totsky.Then again, there was much about Nastasya Filippovna that displeased and astonished Afanasy Ivanovitch (later this displeasure and surprise reached the point of disgust). .Not to mention that she sometimes likes to approach unrefined people, besides this, she has some very strange habits: two opposite temperaments can be combined frighteningly, and she has an ability to muddle along. Satisfied with certain things and certain conditions, a man of decency and good taste cannot even imagine that such inferior things exist in the world.In all seriousness, for example, if Nastasya Filippovna suddenly displayed some lovely and elegant ignorance, for example, that she did not know that it was impossible for country girls to wear the linen underwear she used to wear. , then Afanasy Ivanovich would find it very interesting and flattering.Initially, according to Totsky's plan, Nastasya Filippovna's entire education was aimed at achieving these results, and Totsky himself was an expert in this field.But what a shame!It turned out to be so strange.But, nevertheless, there remained something about Nastasya Filippovna, and sometimes it was so original, so lovable, so attractive that Alpha Nacy Ivanovitch was astonished, and even now, when all his former hopes for Nastasya Filippovna had been dashed, he sometimes read them with great fascination. .

The prince was greeted by a young maid (Nastasia Filippovna's servants are always women), and to the prince's surprise she heard him beseeching his mistress for a favor. When reporting, there was no expression of bewilderment.His dirty boots, his wide-brimmed top hat, his sleeveless coat, and his awkward embarrassment did not move her in the slightest.She helped him take off his coat, asked him to enter the reception room to wait, and immediately went in to report. Today the guests assembled at Nastasya Filippovna's were the most ordinary and frequent acquaintances.Compared with the annual birthday parties in the past, the number of people this time is even quite small.Chief among the guests were Afanasy Ivanovich Totsky and Ivan Fyodorovitch Epanchin, both very polite, but as they were waiting they had promised to announce today There was a certain hidden uneasiness about everything about Ganya.They tried to hide their unease, but couldn't.Besides these two distinguished guests, there was, of course, Ganya—also very sullen, brooding, almost "very rude" to people, who stood at a distance most of the time, taciturn.He did not dare to bring Varya, but Nastasya Filippovna did not mention why she did not come.But as soon as she had said hello to Ganya, she mentioned the incident that had happened not long ago between him and the prince.The general hadn't heard about it before, so he asked what was going on.Then Ganya told coldly, restrainedly, but quite frankly what had happened not long ago, and said that he had visited the prince and asked him to forgive him.While talking about it, he also expressed his opinion enthusiastically: it is very strange that someone calls the duke "idiot", and God knows why, he has the opposite opinion of the duke, "Of course, this man of the city very deep".Nastasya Filippovna listened to his remarks about the prince with great attention, and looked at Ganya curiously, but the conversation immediately turned to Rogozhin, who Afanasy Ivanovitch and Ivan Fyodorovich, who were the main participants in the morning's event, were also very curious to know who Rogozhin was.It turned out that Ptitsyn, who could provide Rogozhin with special information, was with Rogozhin almost until nine o'clock in the evening, racking his brains about his affairs.Rogozhin insisted that he must get a hundred thousand rubles today. "He's really drunk," said Ptitsyn, describing his situation, "but a hundred thousand rubles, no matter how hard it is, will be obtained for him, but I don't know if it will be available today, and if it will be possible. Get it all. Many people are working on his behalf, Kinder, Trepalov, Biskup, etc., he pays as much interest as he wants, all because he is drunk, of course, and because the first time he met To such a happy event..." concluded Ptitsyn.After hearing the news, everyone was very interested, but also a little worried.Nastasya Filippovna was silent, evidently not wishing to express herself, and so was Ganya.In private, he was probably most worried about General Ye Panqin: he accepted the string of pearls he sent in the morning, very politely, but also very coldly, even with a special kind of ridicule.Among all the guests, only Fedishenko was in high spirits and cheerfulness, and sometimes laughed, and he didn't know what he was laughing at. Even so, it was only because he volunteered to play the role of clown.As for Afanasy Ivanovich, who in the past was known for his eloquence and elegance, and who used to influence and control the conversation at such evenings, he seemed to be in a bad mood today, and even in a state of distress. In a kind of coyness and anxiety that he has never had before.Other guests, few in number (one was a schoolteacher who God knows why—a poor little old man, one a very young boy whom he did not know, timid and silent all the time, one an actress , about forty, lively-looking, and the last a very pretty, well-dressed, very well-dressed, very quiet young lady) not only can't make the conversation particularly lively, but sometimes I just don't know what to say.

Therefore, the Duke's appearance was too coincidental.When the maid reported the prince's arrival, everyone was puzzled at first, and then some strange smiles arose, especially when they saw Nastasya Filippovna's surprised look, and they realized that she had never thought of going to the prince. When inviting him, everyone was even more puzzled, and more people showed strange smiles.But after a moment of surprise, Nastasya Filippovna suddenly appeared very welcome, and most of the people were at once ready to welcome the unexpected guest with all smiles. "Even if he did it out of innocence," Ivan Epanchin concluded at last, "it is nevertheless quite dangerous to encourage the habit, and at this moment he thought of calling, although the visit In such a peculiar way, indeed, it is not so bad: at least, so far as I know the man, perhaps, he can entertain us."

"Besides, he came uninvited!" Fedsenko interrupted immediately. "What does that mean?" asked the general coldly, hating Fedsenko. "This means that tickets should be bought," Fedsenko explained. "Well, after all, Prince Myshkin is not you Fedsenko," said the general, unable to bear the thought that he and Fedsenko were in the same company, and on an equal footing, until now. "Well, General, please spare me Fedsenko," he replied, laughing, "I have the privilege." "What privilege?" "Last time I had the honor of explaining this to all the gentlemen and ladies present here, and I may as well repeat it to your lordship today. Look, lord: everyone can make wisecracks, but I am not capable of it. To make up for this deficiency, I So I begged permission to tell the truth, because it is well known that a man speaks the truth because he cannot tell the truth. Besides, I am a man who takes revenge for revenge, and it is also because I am too stupid to tell the truth. No one cares. I listened to and endured any insult to me, but only until the man began to lose his temper. As soon as he was frustrated and depressed, I immediately remembered all the insults he gave me in the past, and immediately tried to retaliate. Von Petrovich Ptitsyn, against my words, is a kicker, and of course Mr. Ptitsyn never kicks a kicker. Your Excellency, you know a fable by Krylov called "The Lion And Donkey? Hey, it’s us, it’s about us.”

"It seems that you are talking nonsense again, Fedsenko." The general broke out. "My lord, why do you bother?" Fedsenko interjected, who had long been waiting for the opportunity to speak out, "don't worry, my lord, I know my position: since I said that we are the two of us in Krylov's fable The lion and the donkey, of course, the role of the donkey is my role, and you, my lord, are of course the lion, as Krylov's fable says: a lion, powerful in the forest, loses his strength because of old age. As for me, my lord , that donkey." "I agree with that last sentence." The general blurted out carelessly.

This was, of course, very rude and pre-edited, but everyone was used to Fedsenko being allowed to play the role of a clown. "I was offered to come here just to make such nonsense," Fedsenko exclaimed once, "seriously, is it possible to receive a man like me? I'm still a little self-aware. Just imagine, can I let a low-ranking man like Fedsenko sit with an elegant gentleman like Afanasy Ivanovich? Naturally, there is only one explanation for all this: let me To be on an equal footing with him is to make it unthinkable." The remark was offensive, but it was sharp, sometimes very sharp, and it was probably precisely in this that Nastasya Filippovna liked it.Anyone who had to come to her house had to grit their teeth and put up with Fedsenko's vitriolic jokes.His idea that his reception might have been due to the fact that from the first time he was embarrassing Totsky by his presence was quite reasonable, and perhaps he guessed rightly.As far as Ganya was concerned, he too suffered from the sarcasm of Fedsenko, who was of great use to Nastasya Filippovna in this respect.

"When the prince comes, he will certainly sing us a popular love song first," said Fedsenko, watching Nastasya Filippovna's reaction. "No, Fedsenko, please don't be too presumptuous," she said coldly. "Ah-ah! If he is under special protection, I have no choice but to show mercy..." But Nastasya Filippovna had already got up and went to meet the prince herself, ignoring Fedsenko's words. "I am sorry," she said, appearing suddenly before the prince, "in my haste this morning, I forgot to invite you to the cottage, but you have now given me the opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation for your resolute presence. ——I'm very happy about that."

As she spoke, she looked the prince carefully, trying to understand the purpose of his visit. The prince should have said something in return for her kind welcome, but he was now dazed and bewildered, and could not utter a word.Nastasya Filippovna was glad to see him like this.On this evening, she was dressed in all her splendor and made an impression of extraordinary splendor.She took his hand and asked him to meet the guests.When he was almost at the door of the drawing-room, the prince stopped suddenly, and, very excited, whispered hastily to her: "Everything about you is perfect... Even your thin body and pale face have a special beauty... I imagine you should be like this...I want to see you very much...I...please forgive me... "

"You don't have to ask for forgiveness," laughed Nastasya Filippovna, "you would spoil the beauty of the novelty if you asked for forgiveness. You're called a queer, and it seems you're right. So what do you think?" I'm a perfect person, aren't I?" "yes." "Although you are a good guesser, you guessed wrong. Today I will show you that I am far from a perfect person..." She introduced the Duke to the guests, most of whom already knew him.Totsky immediately said a few polite words.Everyone seemed to be a little more active, talking and laughing all at once.Nastasya Filippovna made the prince sit down beside her.

"But what's so surprising about the prince's presence?" said Fedsenko louder than anyone else. "It's clear that this speaks for itself." "That's too clear, the story speaks for itself," Ganya, who had been silent until now, said abruptly, "since the prince saw Nastasya Nastasya for the first time this morning at Ivan Fyodorovich's table." From the moment of Filippovna's picture, I could not stop watching him. I remember it very well, and I thought of it then, and I am absolutely convinced of it now, and the prince, by the way, is also convinced of this. Admitted to me." When Ganya said this long series of words, his expression was extremely serious, without any joke, and even depressed, which made people feel a little puzzled. "I did not admit it to you," replied the prince, blushing, "but I only answered your question." "Great, great!" exclaimed Fedsenko, "at least he told the truth, avoided the problem, and told the truth." Everyone laughed in unison. "Don't shout, Fedsenko," Ptitsyn whispered to him in disgust. "Prince, I didn't expect you to do such a feat," said Ivan Fyodorovitch. "Do you know who this skill is for? I thought you were just talking! Good man!" A gentle, quiet gentleman!" "The Duke accidentally made a joke, and flushed like an innocent girl, from which it can be concluded that he is a noble young man with great ambitions." A toothless man who has never said a word The little old man of seventy, who was the teacher, said suddenly and quite unexpectedly, or rather, because his teeth had fallen out, he slurred.Regarding this gentleman, everyone did not expect him to speak, and thought that he would not speak tonight.After listening to him, everyone laughed even harder.The little old man probably thought that they were laughing at his jest, so he looked at everyone, opened his mouth too, and laughed, but when he laughed, he coughed violently, and Nastasya Filippovna immediately She stepped forward to ask questions, kissed him, and ordered to bring him another cup of tea.For some reason Nastasya Filippovna liked such queer old men and women, and even madmen.She asked a maid who came in for a short cloak, which she wrapped tightly around her, and ordered more wood to be added to the fireplace.She asked what time it was, and the maid replied that it was half-past ten. "Gentlemen, would you like some champagne?" Nastasya Filippovna suddenly invited everyone to drink, "I have already prepared it. Maybe you will be more cheerful with some champagne. Please, You're welcome." Everyone thought it strange to invite everyone to drink, especially in such a casual tone, and from Nastasya Filippovna.You know she used to give parties in a very serious way.In short, the party gradually became lively, but it was different from usual.However, no one objected to drinking, and first the general led the way, then the brisk lady, the little old man, Fedsenko, and after them the big guys raised their glasses together.Totsky also took up his glass, hoping to harmonize the coming new tune with wine, and to give it as light-hearted and playful as possible.Only Ganya did not drink at all.Nastasya Filippovna was behaving erratically tonight, sometimes in capricious and unpredictable moods, and she also picked up the wine, announcing that she would drink three glasses tonight, hysterically and for no reason Laughing, silence for a while, a sad, thoughtful look—this was difficult for everyone to explain.Some people wondered if she had malaria, and finally everyone began to notice that she seemed to be waiting for something, and often looked up at the clock, looking very restless and absent-minded. "You seem to be playing around a bit, don't you?" asked the brisk lady. "Not a little, but a lot, and that's why I put on my cloak," answered Nastasya Filippovna, who indeed grew paler, as if from time to time trying to suppress the pain in her body. Shaking violently. Everyone began to fidget and panic. "Should we let the mistress take a break?" Totsky looked at Ivan Fyodorovich and was the first to express his opinion. "Absolutely not, gentlemen! I invite you to sit down. It is very important to me that you are here, especially today," Nastasya Filippovna suddenly declared obstinately and with deep meaning.Since almost all the guests knew that very important decisions were to be made that evening, her words carried extraordinary weight.The general and Totsky exchanged glances again.Ganya moved as if convulsed. "Funniest thing is Petit jeu," said the brisk lady. "I know a wonderful new Petit jeu," Fedsenko interjected. "This game has been played at least once in high society, and it has not been successfully played." "What game?" asked Mrs. Quickly. "One time, a few of us got together, of course, for a drink, and suddenly someone suggested that each of us tell an impromptu story about ourselves, but it must be a story he asked himself, and he thought he had done it all his life. Worst thing, but you have to be honest, mostly honest, don't lie!" "Strange idea," said the general. "The weirder the better, my lord." "It's a ridiculous idea," Totsky said, "but it's easy to understand: it's okay to be creative and to brag about yourself." "Perhaps that's what's needed, Afanasy Ivanovich." "Playing games like this will only make people cry, not laugh," said Mrs. Bliss. "It is absolutely impossible and absurd to play this game," said Ptitsyn. "Did you succeed that time?" asked Nastasya Filippovna. "Here's the problem, it didn't work out, it turned out badly, and everybody did tell a story, and a lot of them told the truth, you think, and some were happy to tell it, but then everyone felt ashamed, I can't stand it. But, on the whole, it's a good time, and it's funny." "Really, that's a good idea!" said Nastasya Filippovna with sudden interest. "Really, try it, gentlemen! It seems that we are indeed a little unhappy. If each of us Agree to say something... say something of that kind... of course, he has to agree to it himself, it's completely voluntary, okay? Maybe we can bear it, at least it's very interesting and has a special flavor..." "A brilliant idea!" Fedsenko interjected, "except for the ladies, let the men speak first. Like that time, draw lots! Must, must draw lots! Some people really don't want to, so naturally No, but it would be too shameful! Well, gentlemen, please bring me the lottery you wrote, put it in the hat, and let the duke draw lots. The topic is very simple. Tell me about the worst thing you have done in your life. It's so easy, gentlemen! You'll see right away. If anyone forgets, I'll remind him right away!" No one liked the idea.Some frowned, others smiled slyly.Others objected, but not very firmly, like Ivan Fyodorovitch, who did not want to disappoint Nastasya Filippovna, because he saw how much she was interested in this strange idea. .Whatever Nastasya Filippovna wished, as long as she said it, even if it was very weird and did not benefit her at all, she would insist on it to the end, no one could stop her, and it would be useless to ask her .And now she seemed hysterical, scratching and laughing convulsively, especially at the disapproval of the terrified Totsky.The pupils of her dark eyes shone, and a blush came over her pale cheeks.The listlessness and disgust on the faces of some of the guests only fueled her desire to taunt someone with it.Perhaps it was the brazenness and brutality of the idea that she appreciated.Some people thought that she must have ulterior motives in doing this, but everyone agreed, anyway, it was very interesting, and very tempting to many people.Fedsenko was busier than anyone else. "What if there's something...you can't speak in front of the lady, what should you do?" The young man who had been taciturn all this time asked timidly. "If you don't talk about it, you'll be fine. If you don't talk about it, there will be a scandal," replied Fedsenko. "Oh, you boy!" "But I don't know which is the worst thing I've ever done, so what?" put in the brisk lady. "Ladies can be exempted," Federsenko reiterated, "but only an exemption. If you are willing to speak on a whim, you are most welcome. As for men, if you really don't want to, you will also be exempted." "And how do you prove that I'm not lying?" Ganya asked. "If I don't tell the truth, the game loses all meaning. Who wouldn't lie? Anyone can lie, and they will." "Even if someone is lying, it is very interesting to hear him. As for you, Ganecka, there is no need to worry about you lying, because even if you don't tell, everyone knows your worst behavior. Now what do you think? Rather," Fedsenko suddenly exclaimed with great interest, "what to think about is, after telling these stories, for example, tomorrow, what face will we have to see each other again?" "Is this really going to be done? Is it being done seriously, Nastasya Filippovna?" asked Totsky, seriously. "Don't go into the woods if you're afraid of wolves!" laughed Nastasya Filippovna. "But, I would like to ask, Mr. Fedsenko, can this really be a game?" Totsky became more and more worried, and then asked, "I can guarantee that you will never succeed in playing this kind of game." , Didn’t you say that you have failed once?” "Why did you fail! Last time I told you about stealing three rubles, I just gritted my teeth and told it!" "Let's say so. But you have to tell the truth, and you have to convince others. It's not very possible. Gavrila Ardalionovich was right just now, and you only need to hear a little bit of falsehood." , the game is completely meaningless. Even if the truth is told, it is purely accidental, that is, the taste is very bad, and one wants to boast about one's originality, but to do so here is unthinkable and very unseemly." "You are such a cunning and scheming man, Afanasy Ivanovitch, that I am convinced!" cried Fedsenko. "Think about it, according to him. It is impossible to tell the truth about my own stealing, and Afanasy Ivanovich wanted to hint mildly that it was impossible for me to really steal money (since it was a public statement). Disgraceful), although, perhaps, he secretly believes that it is quite possible for me, Fedsenko, to steal the money! But without further ado, gentlemen, let’s get down to business, everyone’s signatures are accepted, Afanasy Ivan Norwich, you put in your lot, too, so there is no objection to the game. Duke, draw!" The prince silently put his hand into his hat, and the first lottery drawn was that of Fedsenko, the second was that of Ptitsyn, the third was that of the general, and the fourth was that of Afanasy Ivanovich. Yes, the fifth was his own, the sixth Ganya's, and so on.The ladies didn't put the check in. "Oh God, what a pity!" cried Fedsenko. "I thought that the first place would be the prince, and the second should be the general. But, thank God, at least Ivan Fyodorovitch is on my side." In the future, I will balance the gains and losses, and feel at ease. Well, everyone, of course I should set a good example, but at the moment I feel very regretful that I am too small and ordinary, and even my official rank is the lowest. Well, what's the fun of what dirty things I, Fedsenko, did? Well, what was the worst thing I did? That's embarras de richesse. Or about the money-stealing thing Well, to convince Afanasy Ivanovich that one can steal without being a thief." "You have convinced me, Mr. Fedsenko, that although no one asks you, there is indeed an intoxicating pleasure in telling about your indecent behavior.... But... excuse me, Fei Mr Desenko." "Let's go, Fedeshenko, you've got too much nonsense to talk about!" Nastasya Filippovna ordered angrily and impatiently. It was noticed that, after her fits and laughs, she suddenly became sullen, nagging, and angry again, but she continued to play this embarrassing game stubbornly and imperiously.Afanasy Ivanovitch was in agony.But Ivan Fyodorovitch was sitting there drinking champagne as if nothing had happened.Possibly even thinking about what he was going to say when it was his turn to speak—this made Afanasy Ivanovich even more irritated.