Whatdidhethinkofallthistime，then？Whatdidhewishfor？
　　Thereisnodoubtthathewasaperfectlyfreeagentallthrough，andthatasfarasNastasiawasconcerned，therewasnoforceofanykindbroughttobearonhim。Nastasiawishedforaspeedymarriage，true！——buttheprinceagreedatoncetoherproposals；
　　heagreed，infact，socasuallythatanyonemightsupposehewasbutaccedingtothemostsimpleandordinarysuggestion。
　　Therearemanystrangecircumstancessuchasthisbeforeus；butinouropiniontheydobutdeepenthemystery，anddonotinthesmallestdegreehelpustounderstandthecase。
　　However，letustakeonemoreexample。Thus，weknowforafactthatduringthewholeofthisfortnighttheprincespentallhisdaysandeveningswithNastasia；hewalkedwithher，drovewithher；hebegantoberestlesswheneverhepassedanhourwithoutseeingher——infact，toallappearances，hesincerelylovedher。
　　Hewouldlistentoherforhoursatatimewithaquietsmileonhisface，scarcelysayingawordhimself。Andyetweknow，equallycertainly，thatduringthisperiodheseveraltimessetoff，suddenly，totheEpanchins’，notconcealingthefactfromNastasiaPhilipovna，anddrivingthelattertoabsolutedespair。
　　WeknowalsothathewasnotreceivedattheEpanchins’solongastheyremainedatPavlofsk，andthathewasnotallowedaninterviewwithAglaya；——butnextdayhewouldsetoffoncemoreonthesameerrand，apparentlyquiteobliviousofthefactofyesterday’svisithavingbeenafailure，——and，ofcourse，meetingwithanotherrefusal。Weknow，too，thatexactlyanhourafterAglayahadfledfromNastasiaPhilipovna’shouseonthatfatefulevening，theprincewasattheEpanchins’，——andthathisappearancetherehadbeenthecauseofthegreatestconsternationanddismay；forAglayahadnotbeenhome，andthefamilyonlydiscoveredthen，forthefirsttime，thatthetwoofthemhadbeentoNastasia’shousetogether。
　　ItwassaidthatElizabethaProkofievnaandherdaughtershadthereandthendenouncedtheprinceinthestrongestterms，andhadrefusedanyfurtheracquaintanceandfriendshipwithhim；
　　theirrageanddenunciationsbeingredoubledwhenVariaArdalionovnasuddenlyarrivedandstatedthatAglayahadbeenatherhouseinaterriblestateofmindforthelasthour，andthatsherefusedtocomehome。
　　Thislastitemofnews，whichdisturbedLizabethaProkofievnamorethananythingelse，wasperfectlytrue。OnleavingNastasia’s，Aglayahadfeltthatshewouldratherdiethanfaceherpeople，andhadthereforegonestraighttoNinaAlexandrovna’s。Onreceivingthenews，LizabethaandherdaughtersandthegeneralallrushedofftoAglaya，followedbyPrinceLefNicolaievitch——undeterredbyhisrecentdismissal；butthroughVariahewasrefusedasightofAglayaherealso。TheendoftheepisodewasthatwhenAglayasawhermotherandsisterscryingoverherandnotutteringawordofreproach，shehadflungherselfintotheirarmsandgonestraighthomewiththem。
　　ItwassaidthatGaniamanagedtomakeafoolofhimselfevenonthisoccasion；for，findinghimselfalonewithAglayaforaminuteortwowhenVariahadgonetotheEpanchins’，hehadthoughtitafittingopportunitytomakeadeclarationofhislove，andonhearingthisAglaya，inspiteofherstateofmindatthetime，hadsuddenlyburstoutlaughing，andhadputastrangequestiontohim。Sheaskedhimwhetherhewouldconsenttoholdhisfingertoalightedcandleinproofofhisdevotion！
　　Gania——itwassaid——lookedsocomicallybewilderedthatAglayahadalmostlaughedherselfintohysterics，andhadrushedoutoftheroomandupstairs，——whereherparentshadfoundher。
　　Hippolytetoldtheprincethislaststory，sendingforhimonpurpose。WhenMuishkinheardaboutthecandleandGania’sfingerhehadlaughedsothathehadquiteastonishedHippolyte，——andthenshudderedandburstintotears。Theprince’sconditionduringthosedayswasstrangeandperturbed。Hippolyteplainlydeclaredthathethoughthewasoutofhismind；——this，however，washardlytobereliedupon。
　　Offeringallthesefactstoourreadersandrefusingtoexplainthem，wedonotforamomentdesiretojustifyourhero’sconduct。Onthecontrary，wearequitepreparedtofeelourshareoftheindignationwhichhisbehaviourarousedintheheartsofhisfriends。EvenVeraLebedeffwasangrywithhimforawhile；
　　sowasColia；sowasKeller，untilhewasselectedforbestman；
　　sowasLebedeffhimself，——whobegantointrigueagainsthimoutofpureirritation；——butofthisanon。InfactweareinfullaccordwithcertainforciblewordsspokentotheprincebyEvgeniePavlovitch，quiteunceremoniously，duringthecourseofafriendlyconversation，sixorsevendaysaftertheeventsatNastasiaPhilipovna’shouse。
　　WemayremarkherethatnotonlytheEpanchinsthemselves，butallwhohadanythingtodowiththem，thoughtitrighttobreakwiththeprinceinconsequenceofhisconduct。PrinceS。evenwentsofarastoturnawayandcuthimdeadinthestreet。ButEvgeniePavlovitchwasnotafraidtocompromisehimselfbypayingtheprinceavisit，anddidso，inspiteofthefactthathehadrecommencedtovisitattheEpanchins’，wherehewasreceivedwithredoubledhospitalityandkindnessafterthetemporaryestrangement。
　　EvgeniecalledupontheprincethedayafterthatonwhichtheEpanchinsleftPavlofsk。Heknewofallthecurrentrumours，——infact，hehadprobablycontributedtothemhimself。Theprincewasdelightedtoseehim，andimmediatelybegantospeakoftheEpanchins；——whichsimpleandstraightforwardopeningquitetookEvgenie’sfancy，sothathemeltedatonce，andplungedinmediasreswithoutceremony。
　　Theprincedidnotknow，uptothis，thattheEpanchinshadlefttheplace。Hegrewverypaleonhearingthenews；butamomentlaterhenoddedhishead，andsaidthoughtfully:
　　"Iknewitwasboundtobeso。"Thenheaddedquickly:
　　"Wherehavetheygoneto？"
　　Evgeniemeanwhileobservedhimattentively，andtherapidityofthequestions，their，simplicity，theprince’scandour，andatthesametime，hisevidentperplexityandmentalagitation，surprisedhimconsiderably。However，hetoldMuishkinallhecould，kindlyandindetail。Theprincehardlyknewanything，forthiswasthefirstinformantfromthehouseholdwhomhehadmetsincetheestrangement。
　　EvgeniereportedthatAglayahadbeenreallyill，andthatfortwonightsshehadnotsleptatall，owingtohighfever；thatnowshewasbetterandoutofseriousdanger，butstillinanervous，hystericalstate。
　　"It’sagoodthingthatthereispeaceinthehouse，atallevents，"hecontinued。"Theyneverutterahintaboutthepast，notonlyinAglaya’spresence，butevenamongthemselves。Theoldpeoplearetalkingofatripabroadintheautumn，immediatelyafterAdelaida’swedding；Aglayareceivedthenewsinsilence。"
　　Evgeniehimselfwasverylikelygoingabroadalso；sowerePrinceS。andhiswife，ifaffairsallowedofit；thegeneralwastostayathome。TheywereallattheirestateofColminanow，abouttwentymilesorsofromSt。Petersburg。PrincessBielokonskihadnotreturnedtoMoscowyet，andwasapparentlystayingonforreasonsofherown。LizabethaProkofievnahadinsistedthatitwasquiteimpossibletoremaininPavlofskafterwhathadhappened。Evgeniehadtoldherofalltherumourscurrentintownabouttheaffair；sothattherecouldbenotalkoftheirgoingtotheirhouseontheYelaginasyet。
　　"Andinpointoffact，prince，"addedEvgeniePavlovitch，"youmustallowthattheycouldhardlyhavestayedhere，consideringthattheyknewofallthatwentonatyourplace，andinthefaceofyourdailyvisitstotheirhouse，visitswhichyouinsisteduponmakinginspiteoftheirrefusaltoseeyou。"
　　"Yes——yes，quiteso；youarequiteright。IwishedtoseeAglayaIvanovna，youknow！"saidtheprince，noddinghishead。
　　"Oh，mydearfellow，"criedEvgenie，warmly，withrealsorrowinhisvoice，"howcouldyoupermitallthattocomeaboutasithas？Ofcourse，ofcourse，Iknowitwasallsounexpected。I
　　admitthatyou，onlynaturally，lostyourhead，and——andcouldnotstopthefoolishgirl；thatwasnotinyourpower。Iquiteseesomuch；butyoureallyshouldhaveunderstoodhowseriouslyshecaredforyou。Shecouldnotbeartoshareyouwithanother；
　　andyoucouldbringyourselftothrowawayandshattersuchatreasure！Oh，prince，prince！"
　　"Yes，yes，youarequiterightagain，"saidthepoorprince，inanguishofmind。"Iwaswrong，Iknow。ButitwasonlyAglayawholookedonNastasiaPhilipovnaso；nooneelsedid，youknow。"
　　"Butthat’sjusttheworstofitall，don’tyousee，thattherewasabsolutelynothingseriousaboutthematterinreality！"
　　criedEvgenie，besidehimself:"Excuseme，prince，butIhavethoughtoverallthis；Ihavethoughtagreatdealoverit；I
　　knowallthathadhappenedbefore；Iknowallthattookplacesixmonthssince；andIknowtherewasNOTHINGseriousaboutthematter，itwasbutfancy，smoke，fantasy，distortedbyagitation，andonlythealarmedjealousyofanabsolutelyinexperiencedgirlcouldpossiblyhavemistakenitforseriousreality。"
　　HereEvgeniePavlovitchquitelethimselfgo，andgavethereinstohisindignation。
　　Clearlyandreasonably，andwithgreatpsychologicalinsight，hedrewapictureoftheprince’spastrelationswithNastasiaPhilipovna。EvgeniePavlovitchalwayshadareadytongue，butonthisoccasionhiseloquence，surprisedhimself。"Fromtheverybeginning，"hesaid，"youbeganwithalie；whatbeganwithaliewasboundtoendwithalie；suchisthelawofnature。Idonotagree，infactIamangry，whenIhearyoucalledanidiot；youarefartoointelligenttodeservesuchanepithet；butyouaresofarSTRANGEastobeunlikeothers；thatyoumustallow，yourself。Now，Ihavecometotheconclusionthatthebasisofallthathashappened，hasbeenfirstofallyourinnateinexperienceremarktheexpression’innate，’prince。Thenfollowsyourunheard-ofsimplicityofheart；thencomesyourabsolutewantofsenseofproportiontothiswantyouhaveseveraltimesconfessed；andlastly，amass，anaccumulation，ofintellectualconvictionswhichyou，inyourunexampledhonestyofsoul，acceptunquestionablyasalsoinnateandnaturalandtrue。
　　Admit，prince，thatinyourrelationswithNastasiaPhilipovnatherehasexisted，fromtheveryfirst，somethingdemocratic，andthefascination，sotospeak，ofthe’womanquestion’？IknowallaboutthatscandaloussceneatNastasiaPhilipovna’shousewhenRogojinbroughtthemoney，sixmonthsago。I’llshowyouyourselfasinalooking-glass，ifyoulike。Iknowexactlyallthatwenton，ineverydetail，andwhythingshaveturnedoutastheyhave。
　　Youthirsted，whileinSwitzerland，foryourhome-country，forRussia；youread，doubtless，manybooksaboutRussia，excellentbooks，Idaresay，buthurtfultoYOU；andyouarrivedhere；asitwere，onfirewiththelongingtobeofservice。Then，ontheverydayofyourarrival，theytellyouasadstoryofanill-
　　usedwoman；theytellYOU，aknight，pureandwithoutreproach，thistaleofapoorwoman！ThesamedayyouactuallySEEher；youareattractedbyherbeauty，herfantastic，almostdemoniacal，beauty——Iadmitherbeauty，ofcourse。
　　"Addtoallthisyournervousnature，yourepilepsy，andyoursuddenarrivalinastrangetown——thedayofmeetingsandofexcitingscenes，thedayofunexpectedacquaintanceships，thedayofsuddenactions，thedayofmeetingwiththethreelovelyEpanchingirls，andamongthemAglaya——addyourfatigue，yourexcitement；addNastasia’seveningparty，andthetoneofthatparty，and——whatwereyoutoexpectofyourselfatsuchamomentasthat？"
　　"Yes，yes，yes！"saidtheprince，oncemore，noddinghishead，andblushingslightly。"Yes，itwasso，ornearlyso——Iknowit。
　　Andbesides，yousee，Ihadnotsleptthenightbefore，inthetrain，orthenightbeforethat，either，andIwasverytired。"
　　"Ofcourse，ofcourse，quiteso；that’swhatIamdrivingat！"
　　continuedEvgenie，excitedly。"Itisasclearaspossible，andmostcomprehensible，thatyou，inyourenthusiasm，shouldplungeheadlongintothefirstchancethatcameofpubliclyairingyourgreatideathatyou，aprince，andapure-livingman，didnotconsiderawomandisgracedifthesinwerenotherown，butthatofadisgustingsociallibertine！Oh，heavens！it’scomprehensibleenough，mydearprince，butthatisnotthequestion，unfortunately！Thequestionis，wasthereanyrealityandtruthinyourfeelings？Wasitnature，ornothingbutintellectualenthusiasm？Whatdoyouthinkyourself？Wearetold，ofcourse，thatafarworsewomanwasFORGIVEN，butwedon’tfindthatshewastoldthatshehaddonewell，orthatshewasworthyofhonourandrespect！Didnotyourcommon-senseshowyouwhatwastherealstateofthecase，afewmonthslater？Thequestionisnow，notwhethersheisaninnocentwomanIdonotinsistonewayortheother——Idonotwishto；butcanherwholecareerjustifysuchintolerablepride，suchinsolent，rapaciousegotismasshehasshown？Forgiveme，Iamtooviolent，perhaps，but——"
　　"Yes——Idaresayitisallasyousay；Idaresayyouarequiteright，"mutteredtheprinceoncemore。"Sheisverysensitiveandeasilyputout，ofcourse；butstill，she……"
　　"Sheisworthyofsympathy？Isthatwhatyouwishedtosay，mygoodfellow？Butthen，forthemeresakeofvindicatingherworthinessofsympathy，youshouldnothaveinsultedandoffendedanobleandgenerousgirlinherpresence！Thisisaterribleexaggerationofsympathy！Howcanyouloveagirl，andyetsohumiliateherastothrowheroverforthesakeofanotherwoman，beforetheveryeyesofthatotherwoman，whenyouhavealreadymadeheraformalproposalofmarriage？AndyouDIDproposetoher，youknow；youdidsobeforeherparentsandsisters。Canyoubeanhonestman，prince，ifyouactso？Iaskyou！Anddidyounotdeceivethatbeautifulgirlwhenyouassuredherofyourlove？"
　　"Yes，youarequiteright。Oh！IfeelthatIamveryguilty！"
　　saidMuishkin，indeepestdistress。
　　"Butasifthatisenough！"criedEvgenie，indignantly。"Asifitisenoughsimplytosay:’IknowIamveryguilty！’Youaretoblame，andyetyoupersevereinevil-doing。Wherewasyourheart，Ishouldliketoknow，yourCHRISTIANHEART，allthattime？Didshelookasthoughsheweresufferingless，atthatmoment？Yousawherface——wasshesufferinglessthantheotherwoman？Howcouldyouseehersufferingandallowittocontinue？Howcouldyou？"
　　"ButIdidnotallowit，"murmuredthewretchedprince。
　　"How——whatdoyoumeanyoudidn’tallow？"
　　"Uponmyword，Ididn’t！TothismomentIdon’tknowhowitallhappened。I——IranafterAglayaIvanovna，butNastasiaPhilipovnafelldowninafaint；andsincethatdaytheywon’tletmeseeAglaya——that’sallIknow。"
　　"It’sallthesame；yououghttohaverunafterAglayathoughtheotherwasfainting。"
　　"Yes，yes，Iought——butIcouldn’t！Shewouldhavedied——shewouldhavekilledherself。Youdon’tknowher；andIshouldhavetoldAglayaeverythingafterwards——butIsee，EvgeniePavlovitch，youdon’tknowall。Tellmenow，whyamInotallowedtoseeAglaya？Ishouldhavecleareditallup，youknow。Neitherofthemkepttotherealpoint，yousee。IcouldneverexplainwhatImeantoyou，butIthinkIcouldtoAglaya。Oh！myGod，myGod！YouspokejustnowofAglaya’sfaceatthemomentwhensheranaway。Oh，myGod！Irememberit！Comealong，comealong——
　　quick！"HepulledatEvgenie’scoat-sleevenervouslyandexcitedly，androsefromhischair。
　　"Whereto？"
　　"CometoAglaya——quick，quick！"
　　"ButItoldyousheisnotatPavlofsk。Andwhatwouldbetheuseifshewere？"
　　"Oh，she’llunderstand，she’llunderstand！"criedtheprince，claspinghishands。"Shewouldunderstandthatallthisisnotthepoint——notabittherealpoint——itisquiteforeigntotherealquestion。"
　　"Howcanitbeforeign？YouAREgoingtobemarried，areyounot？
　　Verywell，thenyouarepersistinginyourcourse。AREyougoingtomarryherornot？"
　　"Yes，Ishallmarryher——yes。"
　　"Thenwhyisit’notthepoint’？"
　　"Oh，no，itisnotthepoint，notabit。Itmakesnodifference，mymarryingher——itmeansnothing。"
　　"How’meansnothing’？Youaretalkingnonsense，myfriend。Youaremarryingthewomanyouloveinordertosecureherhappiness，andAglayaseesandknowsit。Howcanyousaythatit’s’notthepoint’？"
　　"Herhappiness？Oh，no！Iamonlymarryingher——well，becauseshewishedit。Itmeansnothing——it’sallthesame。Shewouldcertainlyhavedied。IseenowthatthatmarriagewithRogojinwasaninsaneidea。IunderstandallnowthatIdidnotunderstandbefore；and，doyouknow，whenthosetwostoodoppositetooneanother，IcouldnotbearNastasiaPhilipovna’sface！Youmustknow，EvgeniePavlovitch，Ihavenevertoldanyonebefore——notevenAglaya——thatIcannotbearNastasiaPhilipovna’sface。"Heloweredhisvoicemysteriouslyashesaidthis。YoudescribedthateveningatNastasiaPhilipovna’ssixmonthssinceveryaccuratelyjustnow；butthereisonethingwhichyoudidnotmention，andofwhichyoutooknoaccount，becauseyoudonotknow。ImeanherFACE——Ilookedatherface，yousee。EveninthemorningwhenIsawherportrait，IfeltthatIcouldnotBEAR
　　tolookatit。Now，there’sVeraLebedeff，forinstance，hereyesarequitedifferent，youknow。I’mAFRAIDofherface！"headded，withrealalarm。
　　"YouareAFRAIDofit？"
　　"Yes——she’smad！"hewhispered，growingpale。
　　"Doyouknowthisforcertain？"askedEvgenie，withthegreatestcuriosity。
　　"Yes，forcertain——quiteforcertain，now！IhavediscovereditABSOLUTELYforcertain，theselastfewdays。"
　　"Whatareyoudoing，then？"criedEvgenie，inhorror。"YoumustbemarryinghersolelyoutofFEAR，then！Ican’tmakeheadortailofit，prince。Perhapsyoudon’tevenloveher？"
　　"Oh，no；Iloveherwithallmysoul。Why，sheisachild！She’sachildnow——arealchild。Oh！youknownothingaboutitatall，Isee。"
　　"Andareyouassured，atthesametime，thatyouloveAglayatoo？"
　　"Yes——yes——oh；yes！"
　　"Howso？DoyouwanttomakeoutthatyoulovethemBOTH？"
　　"Yes——yes——both！Ido！"
　　"Excuseme，prince，butthinkwhatyouaresaying！Recollectyourself！"
　　"WithoutAglaya——I——IMUSTseeAglaya！——Ishalldieinmysleepverysoon——IthoughtIwasdyinginmysleeplastnight。Oh！ifAglayaonlyknewall——Imeanreally，REALLYall！BecauseshemustknowALL——that’sthefirstconditiontowardsunderstanding。Whycannotweeverknowallaboutanother，especiallywhenthatotherhasbeenguilty？ButIdon’tknowwhatI’mtalkingabout——I’msoconfused。Youpainedmesodreadfully。Surely——surelyAglayahasnotthesameexpressionnowasshehadatthemomentwhensheranaway？Oh，yes！IamguiltyandIknowit——Iknowit！ProbablyI
　　aminfaultallround——Idon’tquiteknowhow——butIaminfault，nodoubt。Thereissomethingelse，butIcannotexplainittoyou，EvgeniePavlovitch。Ihavenowords；butAglayawillunderstand。IhavealwaysbelievedAglayawillunderstand——Iamassuredshewill。"
　　"No，prince，shewillnot。Aglayalovedlikeawoman，likeahumanbeing，notlikeanabstractspirit。Doyouknowwhat，mypoorprince？Themostprobableexplanationofthematteristhatyouneverlovedeithertheoneortheotherinreality。"
　　"Idon’tknow——perhapsyouarerightinmuchthatyouhavesaid，EvgeniePavlovitch。Youareverywise，EvgeniePavlovitch——oh！
　　howmyheadisbeginningtoacheagain！Cometoher，quick——forGod’ssake，come！"
　　"ButItellyousheisnotinPavlofsk！She’sinColmina。"
　　"Oh，cometoColmina，then！Come——letusgoatonce！"
　　"No——no，impossible！"saidEvgenie，rising。
　　"Lookhere——I’llwritealetter——takealetterforme！"
　　"No——no，prince；youmustforgiveme，butIcan’tundertakeanysuchcommissions！Ireallycan’t。"
　　Andsotheyparted。
　　EvgeniePavlovitchleftthehousewithstrangeconvictions。He，too，feltthattheprincemustbeoutofhismind。
　　"AndwhatdidhemeanbythatFACE——afacewhichhesofears，andyetsoloves？Andmeanwhilehereallymaydie，ashesays，withoutseeingAglaya，andshewillneverknowhowdevotedlyhelovesher！Ha，ha，ha！Howdoesthefellowmanagetolovetwoofthem？Twodifferentkindsoflove，Isuppose！Thisisveryinteresting——pooridiot！Whatonearthwillbecomeofhimnow？"
　　X。
　　THEprincedidnotdiebeforehiswedding——eitherbydayornight，ashehadforetoldthathemight。Veryprobablyhepasseddisturbednights，andwasafflictedwithbaddreams；but，duringthedaytime，amonghisfellow-men，heseemedaskindasever，andevencontented；onlyalittlethoughtfulwhenalone。
　　Theweddingwashurriedon。ThedaywasfixedforexactlyaweekafterEvgenie’svisittotheprince。Inthefaceofsuchhasteasthis，eventheprince’sbestfriendsifhehadhadanywouldhavefeltthehopelessnessofanyattempttosave"thepoormadman。"RumoursaidthatinthevisitofEvgeniePavlovitchwastobediscernedtheinfluenceofLizabethaProkofievnaandherhusband……Butifthosegoodsouls，intheboundlesskindnessoftheirhearts，weredesirousofsavingtheeccentricyoungfellowfromruin，theywereunabletotakeanystrongermeasurestoattainthatend。Neithertheirposition，northeirprivateinclination，perhapsandonlynaturally，wouldallowthemtouseanymorepronouncedmeans。
　　Wehaveobservedbeforethatevensomeoftheprince’snearestneighbourshadbeguntoopposehim。VeraLebedeff’spassivedisagreementwaslimitedtothesheddingofafewsolitarytears；
　　tomorefrequentsittingaloneathome，andtoadiminishedfrequencyinhervisitstotheprince’sapartments。
　　Coliawasoccupiedwithhisfatheratthistime。Theoldmandiedduringasecondstroke，whichtookplacejusteightdaysafterthefirst。Theprinceshowedgreatsympathyinthegriefofthefamily，andduringthefirstdaysoftheirmourninghewasatthehouseagreatdealwithNinaAlexandrovna。Hewenttothefuneral，anditwasobservablethatthepublicassembledinchurchgreetedhisarrivalanddeparturewithwhisperings，andwatchedhimclosely。
　　Thesamethinghappenedintheparkandinthestreet，whereverhewent。Hewaspointedoutwhenhedroveby，andheoftenoverheardthenameofNastasiaPhilipovnacoupledwithhisownashepassed。Peoplelookedoutforheratthefuneral，too，butshewasnotthere；andanotherconspicuousabsenteewasthecaptain’swidow，whomLebedeffhadpreventedfromcoming。
　　Thefuneralserviceproducedagreateffectontheprince。HewhisperedtoLebedeffthatthiswasthefirsttimehehadeverheardaRussianfuneralservicesincehewasalittleboy。
　　Observingthathewaslookingabouthimuneasily，Lebedeffaskedhimwhomhewasseeking。
　　"Nothing。IonlythoughtI——"
　　"IsitRogojin？"
　　"Why——ishehere？"
　　"Yes，he’sinchurch。"
　　"IthoughtIcaughtsightofhiseyes！"mutteredtheprince，inconfusion。"Butwhatofit！——Whyishehere？Washeasked？"
　　"Oh，dear，no！Why，theydon’tevenknowhim！Anyonecancomein，youknow。Whydoyoulooksoamazed？Ioftenmeethim；I’veseenhimatleastfourtimes，hereatPavlofsk，withinthelastweek。"
　　"Ihaven’tseenhimonce——sincethatday！"theprincemurmured。
　　AsNastasiaPhilipovnahadnotsaidawordabouthavingmetRogojinsince"thatday，"theprinceconcludedthatthelatterhadhisownreasonsforwishingtokeepoutofsight。Allthedayofthefuneralourhero，wasinadeeplythoughtfulstate，whileNastasiaPhilipovnawasparticularlymerry，bothinthedaytimeandintheevening。
　　Coliahadmadeitupwiththeprincebeforehisfather’sdeath，anditwashewhourgedhimtomakeuseofKellerandBurdovsky，promisingtoanswerhimselffortheformer’sbehaviour。NinaAlexandrovnaandLebedefftriedtopersuadehimtohavetheweddinginSt。Petersburg，insteadofinthepublicfashioncontemplated，downhereatPavlofskintheheightoftheseason。
　　ButtheprinceonlysaidthatNastasiaPhilipovnadesiredtohaveitso，thoughhesawwellenoughwhatpromptedtheirarguments。
　　ThenextdayKellercametovisittheprince。Hewasinahighstateofdelightwiththepostofhonourassignedtohimatthewedding。
　　Beforeenteringhestoppedonthethreshold，raisedhishandasifmakingasolemnvow，andcried:
　　"Iwon’tdrink！"
　　Thenhewentuptotheprince，seizedbothhishands，shookthemwarmly，anddeclaredthathehadatfirstfelthostiletowardstheprojectofthismarriage，andhadopenlysaidsointhebilliard-rooms，butthatthereasonsimplywasthat，withtheimpatienceofafriend，hehadhopedtoseetheprincemarryatleastaPrincessdeRohanordeChabot；butthatnowhesawthattheprince’swayofthinkingwastentimesmorenoblethanthatof"alltherestputtogether。"Forhedesiredneitherpompnorwealthnorhonour，butonlythetruth！Thesympathiesofexaltedpersonageswerewellknown，andtheprincewastoohighlyplacedbyhiseducation，andsoon，nottobeinsomesenseanexaltedpersonage！
　　"Butallthecommonherdjudge’differently；inthetown，atthemeetings，inthevillas，attheband，intheinnsandthebilliard-rooms，thecomingeventhasonlytobementionedandthereareshoutsandcriesfromeverybody。Ihaveevenheardtalkofgettingupa’charivari’underthewindowsonthewedding-
　　night。Soif’youhaveneedofthepistol’ofanhonestman，prince，Iamreadytofirehalfadozenshotsevenbeforeyourisefromyournuptialcouch！"
　　Kelleralsoadvised，inanticipationofthecrowdmakingarushaftertheceremony，thatafire-hoseshouldbeplacedattheentrancetothehouse；butLebedeffwasopposedtothismeasure，whichhesaidmightresultintheplacebeingpulleddown。
　　"Iassureyou，prince，thatLebedeffisintriguingagainstyou。
　　Hewantstoputyouundercontrol。Imaginethat！Totake’fromyoutheuseofyourfree-willandyourmoney——that’istosay，thetwothingsthatdistinguishusfromtheanimals！Ihavehearditsaidpositively。Itisthesobertruth。"
　　Theprincerecollectedthatsomebodyhadtoldhimsomethingofthekindbefore，andhehad，ofcourse，scoffedatit。Heonlylaughednow，andforgotthehintatonce。
　　Lebedeffreallyhadbeenbusyforsomelittlewhile；but，asusual，hisplanshadbecometoocomplextosucceed，throughsheerexcessofardour。Whenhecametotheprince——theverydaybeforethewedding——toconfessforhealwaysconfessedtothepersonsagainstwhomheintrigued，especiallywhentheplanfailed，heinformedourherothathehimselfwasabornTalleyrand，butforsomeunknownreasonhadbecomesimpleLebedeff。Hethenproceededtoexplainhiswholegametotheprince，interestingthelatterexceedingly。
　　AccordingtoLebedeff’saccount，hehadfirsttriedwhathecoulddowithGeneralEpanchin。Thelatterinformedhimthathewishedwelltotheunfortunateyoungman，andwouldgladlydowhathecouldto"savehim，"butthathedidnotthinkitwouldbeseemlyforhimtointerfereinthismatter。LizabethaProkofievnawouldneitherhearnorseehim。PrinceS。andEvgeniePavlovitchonlyshruggedtheirshoulders，andimpliedthatitwasnobusinessoftheirs。However，Lebedeffhadnotlostheart，andwentofftoacleverlawyer，——aworthyandrespectableman，whomheknewwell。
　　ThisoldgentlemaninformedhimthatthethingwasperfectlyfeasibleifhecouldgetholdofcompetentwitnessesastoMuishkin’smentalincapacity。Then，withtheassistanceofafewinfluentialpersons，hewouldsoonseethematterarranged。
　　Lebedeffimmediatelyprocuredtheservicesofanolddoctor，andcarriedthelatterawaytoPavlofsktoseetheprince，bywayofviewingtheground，asitwere，andtogivehimLebedeff
　　counselastowhetherthethingwastobedoneornot。Thevisitwasnottobeofficial，butmerelyfriendly。
　　Muishkinrememberedthedoctor’svisitquitewell。HerememberedthatLebedeffhadsaidthathelookedill，andhadbetterseeadoctor；andalthoughtheprincescoutedtheidea，Lebedeffhadturnedupalmostimmediatelywithhisoldfriend，explainingthattheyhadjustmetatthebedsideofHippolyte，whowasveryill，andthatthedoctorhadsomethingtotelltheprinceaboutthesickman。
　　Theprincehad，ofcourse，atoncereceivedhim，andhadplungedintoaconversationaboutHippolyte。HehadgiventhedoctoranaccountofHippolyte’sattemptedsuicide；andhadproceededthereaftertotalkofhisownmalady，——ofSwitzerland，ofSchneider，andsoon；andsodeeplywastheoldmaninterestedbytheprince’sconversationandhisdescriptionofSchneider’ssystem，thathesatonfortwohours。
　　Muishkingavehimexcellentcigarstosmoke，andLebedeff，forhispart，regaledhimwithliqueurs，broughtinbyVera，towhomthedoctor——amarriedmanandthefatherofafamily——addressedsuchcomplimentsthatshewasfilledwithindignation。Theypartedfriends，and，afterleavingtheprince，thedoctorsaidtoLebedeff:"Ifallsuchpeoplewereputunderrestraint，therewouldbenooneleftforkeepers。"Lebedeffthen，intragictones，toldoftheapproachingmarriage，whereupontheothernoddedhisheadandrepliedthat，afterall，marriageslikethatwerenotsorare；thathehadheardthattheladywasveryfascinatingandofextraordinarybeauty，whichwasenoughtoexplaintheinfatuationofawealthyman；that，further，thankstotheliberalityofTotskiandofRogojin，shepossessed——sohehadheard——notonlymoney，butpearls，diamonds，shawls，andfurniture，andconsequentlyshecouldnotbeconsideredabadmatch。Inbrief，itseemedtothedoctorthattheprince’schoice，farfrombeingasignoffoolishness，denoted，onthecontrary，ashrewd，calculating，andpracticalmind。Lebedeffhadbeenmuchstruckbythispointofview，andheterminatedhisconfessionbyassuringtheprincethathewasready，ifneedbe，toshedhisverylife’sbloodforhim。
　　Hippolyte，too，wasasourceofsomedistractiontotheprinceatthistime；hewouldsendforhimatanyandeveryhouroftheday。Theylived，——Hippolyteandhismotherandthechildren，——inasmallhousenotfaroff，andthelittleoneswerehappy，ifonlybecausetheywereabletoescapefromtheinvalidintothegarden。TheprincehadenoughtodoinkeepingthepeacebetweentheirritableHippolyteandhismother，andeventuallytheformerbecamesomaliciousandsarcasticonthesubjectoftheapproachingwedding，thatMuishkintookoffenceatlast，andrefusedtocontinuehisvisits。
　　Acoupleofdayslater，however，Hippolyte’smothercamewithtearsinhereyes，andbeggedtheprincetocomeback，"orHE
　　wouldeatherupbodily。"SheaddedthatHippolytehadagreatsecrettodisclose。Ofcoursetheprincewent。Therewasnosecret，however，unlesswereckoncertainpantingsandagitatedglancesaroundprobablyallputonastheinvalidbeggedhisvisitorto"bewareofRogojin。"
　　"Heisthesortofman，"hecontinued，。"whowon’tgiveuphisobject，youknow；heisnotlikeyouandme，prince——hebelongstoquiteadifferentorderofbeings。Ifhesetshisheartonathinghewon’tbeafraidofanything——"andsoon。
　　Hippolytewasveryill，andlookedasthoughhecouldnotlongsurvive。Hewastearfulatfirst，butgrewmoreandmoresarcasticandmaliciousastheinterviewproceeded。
　　TheprincequestionedhimindetailastohishintsaboutRogojin。HewasanxioustoseizeuponsomefactswhichmightconfirmHippolyte’svaguewarnings；buttherewerenone；onlyHippolyte’sownprivateimpressionsandfeelings。
　　However，theinvalid——tohisimmensesatisfaction——endedbyseriouslyalarmingtheprince。
　　AtfirstMuishkinhadnotcaredtomakeanyreplytohissundryquestions，andonlysmiledinresponsetoHippolyte’sadviceto"runforhislife——abroad，ifnecessary。ThereareRussianpriestseverywhere，andonecangetmarriedallovertheworld。"
　　ButitwasHippolyte’slastideawhichupsethim。
　　"WhatIamreallyalarmedabout，though，"hesaid，"isAglayaIvanovna。Rogojinknowshowyouloveher。Loveforlove。YoutookNastasiaPhilipovnafromhim。HewillmurderAglayaIvanovna；forthoughsheisnotyours，ofcourse，now，stillsuchanactwouldpainyou，——wouldn’tit？"
　　Hehadattainedhisend。Theprinceleftthehousebesidehimselfwithterror。
　　ThesewarningsaboutRogojinwereexpressedonthedaybeforethewedding。ThateveningtheprincesawNastasiaPhilipovnaforthelasttimebeforetheyweretomeetatthealtar；butNastasiawasnotinapositiontogivehimanycomfortorconsolation。Onthecontrary，sheonlyaddedtohismentalperturbationastheeveningwenton。Uptothistimeshehadinvariablydoneherbesttocheerhim——shewasafraidofhislookingmelancholy；shewouldtrysingingtohim，andtellinghimeverysortoffunnystoryorreminiscencethatshecouldrecall。Theprincenearlyalwayspretendedtobeamused，whetherheweresoactuallyorno；butoftenenoughhelaughedsincerely，delightedbythebrilliancyofherwitwhenshewascarriedawaybyhernarrative，assheveryoftenwas。Nastasiawouldbewildwithjoytoseetheimpressionshehadmade，andtohearhislaughofrealamusement；andshewouldremainthewholeeveninginastateofprideandhappiness。
　　Butthiseveninghermelancholyandthoughtfulnessgrewwitheveryhour。
　　TheprincehadtoldEvgeniePavlovitchwithperfectsinceritythathelovedNastasiaPhilipovnawithallhissoul。Inhisloveforhertherewasthesortoftendernessonefeelsforasick，unhappychildwhichcannotbeleftalone。HeneverspokeofhisfeelingsforNastasiatoanyone，noteventoherself。Whentheyweretogethertheyneverdiscussedtheir"feelings，"andtherewasnothingintheircheerful，animatedconversationwhichanoutsidercouldnothaveheard。DariaAlexeyevna，withwhomNastasiawasstaying，toldafterwardshowshehadbeenfilledwithjoyanddelightonlytolookatthem，allthistime。
　　ThankstothemannerinwhichheregardedNastasia’smentalandmoralcondition，theprincewastosomeextentfreedfromotherperplexities。Shewasnowquitedifferentfromthewomanhehadknownthreemonthsbefore。Hewasnotastonished，forinstance，toseehernowsoimpatienttomarryhim——shewhoformerlyhadweptwithrageandhurledcursesandreproachesathimifhementionedmarriage！"Itshowsthatshenolongerfears，asshedidthen，thatshewouldmakemeunhappybymarryingme，"hethought。Andhefeltsurethatsosuddenachangecouldnotbeanaturalone。Thisrapidgrowthofself-confidencecouldnotbedueonlytoherhatredforAglaya。Tosupposethatwouldbetosuspectthedepthofherfeelings。NorcoulditarisefromdreadofthefatethatawaitedherifshemarriedRogojin。Thesecauses，indeed，aswellasothers，mighthaveplayedapartinit，butthetruereason，Muishkindecided，wastheonehehadlongsuspected——thatthepoorsicksoulhadcometotheendofitsforces。Yetthiswasanexplanationthatdidnotprocurehimanypeaceofmind。Attimesheseemedtobemakingviolenteffortstothinkofnothing，andonewouldhavesaidthathelookedonhismarriageasanunimportantformality，andonhisfuturehappinessasathingnotworthconsidering。AstoconversationssuchastheoneheldwithEvgeniePavlovitch，heavoidedthemasfaraspossible，feelingthattherewerecertainobjectionstowhichhecouldmakenoanswer。
　　TheprincehadobservedthatNastasiaknewwellenoughwhatAglayawastohim。Heneverspokeofit，buthehadseenherfacewhenshehadcaughthimstartingofffortheEpanchins’houseonseveraloccasions。WhentheEpanchinsleftPavlofsk，shehadbeamedwithradianceandhappiness。Unsuspiciousandunobservantashewas，hehadfearedatthattimethatNastasiamighthavesomeschemeinhermindforasceneorscandalwhichwoulddriveAglayaoutofPavlofsk。Shehadencouragedtherumoursandexcitementamongtheinhabitantsoftheplaceastohermarriagewiththeprince，inordertoannoyherrival；and，findingitdifficulttomeettheEpanchinsanywhere，shehad，ononeoccasion，takenhimforadrivepasttheirhouse。Hedidnotobservewhatwashappeninguntiltheywerealmostpassingthewindows，whenitwastoolatetodoanything。Hesaidnothing，butfortwodaysafterwardshewasill。
　　Nastasiadidnottrythatparticularexperimentagain。Afewdaysbeforethatfixedforthewedding，shegrewgraveandthoughtful。
　　Shealwaysendedbygettingthebetterofhermelancholy，andbecomingmerryandcheerfulagain，butnotquitesounaffectedlyhappyasshehadbeensomedaysearlier。
　　Theprinceredoubledhisattentivestudyofhersymptoms。Itwasamostcuriouscircumstance，inhisopinion，thatsheneverspokeofRogojin。Butonce，aboutfivedaysbeforethewedding，whentheprincewasathome，amessengerarrivedbegginghimtocomeatonce，asNastasiaPhilipovnawasveryill。
　　Hehadfoundherinaconditionapproachingtoabsolutemadness。
　　Shescreamed，andtrembled，andcriedoutthatRogojinwashidingoutthereinthegarden——thatshehadseenhimherself——andthathewouldmurderherinthenight——thathewouldcutherthroat。
　　Shewasterriblyagitatedallday。ButitsohappenedthattheprincecalledatHippolyte’shouselateron，andheardfromhismotherthatshehadbeenintownallday，andhadtherereceivedavisitfromRogojin，whohadmadeinquiriesaboutPavlofsk。Oninquiry，itturnedoutthatRogojinvisitedtheoldladyintownatalmostthesamemomentwhenNastasiadeclaredthatshehadseenhiminthegarden；sothatthewholethingturnedouttobeanillusiononherpart。NastasiaimmediatelywentacrosstoHippolyte’stoinquiremoreaccurately，andreturnedimmenselyrelievedandcomforted。
　　Onthedaybeforethewedding，theprinceleftNastasiainastateofgreatanimation。Herwedding-dressandallsortsoffineryhadjustarrivedfromtown。Muishkinhadnotimaginedthatshewouldbesoexcitedoverit，buthepraisedeverything，andhispraiserenderedherdoublyhappy。
　　ButNastasiacouldnothidethecauseofherintenseinterestinherweddingsplendour。Shehadheardoftheindignationinthetown，andknewthatsomeofthepopulacewasgettingupasortofcharivariwithmusic，thatverseshadbeencomposedfortheoccasion，andthattherestofPavlofsksocietymoreorlessencouragedthesepreparations。So，sinceattemptswerebeingmadetohumiliateher，shewantedtoholdherheadevenhigherthanusual，andtooverwhelmthemallwiththebeautyandtasteofhertoilette。"Letthemshoutandwhistle，iftheydare！"Hereyesflashedatthethought。But，underneaththis，shehadanothermotive，ofwhichshedidnotspeak。ShethoughtthatpossiblyAglaya，oratanyratesomeonesentbyher，wouldbepresentincognitoattheceremony，orinthecrowd，andshewishedtobepreparedforthiseventuality。
　　Theprinceleftherateleven，fullofthesethoughts，andwenthome。Butitwasnottwelveo’clockwhenamessengercametosaythatNastasiawasverybad，andhemustcomeatonce。
　　Onhurryingbackhefoundhisbridelockedupinherownroomandcouldhearherhystericalcriesandsobs。Itwassometimebeforeshecouldbemadetohearthattheprincehadcome，andthensheopenedthedooronlyjustsufficientlytolethimin，andimmediatelylockeditbehindhim。Shethenfellonherkneesathisfeet。SoatleastDanaAlexeyevnareported。
　　"WhatamIdoing？WhatamIdoingtoyou？"shesobbedconvulsively，embracinghisknees。
　　Theprincewasawholehoursoothingandcomfortingher，andlefther，atlength，pacifiedandcomposed。Hesentanothermessengerduringthenighttoinquireafterher，andtwomorenextmorning。
　　ThelastbroughtbackamessagethatNastasiawassurroundedbyawholearmyofdressmakersandmaids，andwasashappyandasbusyassuchabeautyshouldbeonherweddingmorning，andthattherewasnotavestigeofyesterday’sagitationremaining。Themessageconcludedwiththenewsthatatthemomentofthebearer’sdeparturetherewasagreatconfabulationinprogressastowhichdiamondsweretobeworn，andhow。
　　Thismessageentirelycalmedtheprince’smind。
　　Thefollowingreportoftheproceedingsontheweddingdaymaybedependedupon，ascomingfromeye-witnesses。
　　Theweddingwasfixedforeighto’clockintheevening。NastasiaPhilipovnawasreadyatseven。Fromsixo’clockgroupsofpeoplebegantogatheratNastasia’shouse，attheprince’s，andatthechurchdoor，butmoreespeciallyattheformerplace。Thechurchbegantofillatseven。
　　ColiaandVeraLebedeffwereveryanxiousontheprince’saccount，buttheyweresobusyoverthearrangementsforreceivingtheguestsafterthewedding，thattheyhadnotmuchtimefortheindulgenceofpersonalfeelings。
　　Thereweretobeveryfewguestsbesidesthebestmenandsoon；
　　onlyDanaAlexeyevna，thePtitsins，Gania，andthedoctor。WhentheprinceaskedLebedeffwhyhehadinvitedthedoctor，whowasalmostastranger，Lebedeffreplied:
　　"Why，hewearsan’order，’anditlookssowell！"
　　Thisideaamusedtheprince。
　　KellerandBurdovskylookedwonderfullycorrectintheirdress-
　　coatsandwhitekidgloves，althoughKellercausedthebridegroomsomealarmbyhisundisguisedlyhostileglancesatthegatheringcrowdofsight-seersoutside。
　　Atabouthalf-pastseventheprincestartedforthechurchinhiscarriage。
　　Wemayremarkherethatheseemedanxiousnottoomitasingleoneoftherecognizedcustomsandtraditionsobservedatweddings。Hewishedalltobedoneasopenlyaspossible，and"indueorder。"
　　Arrivedatthechurch，Muishkin，underKeller’sguidance，passedthroughthecrowdofspectators，amidcontinuouswhisperingandexcitedexclamations。Theprincestayednearthealtar，whileKellermadeoffoncemoretofetchthebride。
　　OnreachingthegateofDariaAlexeyevna’shouse，Kellerfoundafardensercrowdthanhehadencounteredattheprince’s。TheremarksandexclamationsofthespectatorsherewereofsoirritatinganaturethatKellerwasverynearmakingthemaspeechontheimproprietyoftheirconduct，butwasluckilycaughtbyBurdovsky，intheactofturningtoaddressthem，andhurriedindoors。
　　NastasiaPhilipovnawasready。Sherosefromherseat，lookedintotheglassandremarked，asKellertoldthetaleafterwards，thatshewas"aspaleasacorpse。"Shethenbentherheadreverently，beforetheikoninthecorner，andlefttheroom。
　　Atorrentofvoicesgreetedherappearanceatthefrontdoor。Thecrowdwhistled，clappeditshands，andlaughedandshouted；butinamomentortwoisolatedvoicesweredistinguishable。
　　"Whatabeauty！"criedone。
　　"Well，sheisn’tthefirstintheworld，northelast，"saidanother。
　　"Marriagecoverseverything，"observedathird。
　　"Idefyyoutofindanotherbeautylikethat，"saidafourth。
　　"She’sarealprincess！I’dsellmysoulforsuchaprincessasthat！"
　　Nastasiacameoutofthehouselookingaswhiteasanyhandkerchief；butherlargedarkeyesshoneuponthevulgarcrowdlikeblazingcoals。Thespectators’crieswereredoubled，andbecamemoreexultantandtriumphanteverymoment。Thedoorofthecarriagewasopen，andKellerhadgivenhishandtothebridetohelpherin，whensuddenlywithaloudcrysherushedfromhim，straightintothesurgingcrowd。Herfriendsaboutherwerestupefiedwithamazement；thecrowdpartedassherushedthroughit，andsuddenly，atadistanceoffiveorsixyardsfromthecarriage，appearedRogojin。Itwashislookthathadcaughthereyes。
　　Nastasiarushedtohimlikeamadwoman，andseizedbothhishands。
　　"Saveme！"shecried。"Takemeaway，anywhereyoulike，quick！"
　　Rogojinseizedherinhisarmsandalmostcarriedhertothecarriage。Then，inaflash，hetoreahundred-roublenoteoutofhispocketandheldittothecoachman。
　　"Tothestation，quick！Ifyoucatchthetrainyoushallhaveanother。Quick！"
　　HeleapedintothecarriageafterNastasiaandbangedthedoor。
　　Thecoachmandidnothesitateamoment；hewhippedupthehorses，andtheywereoft。
　　"OnemoresecondandIshouldhavestoppedhim，"saidKeller，afterwards。Infact，heandBurdovskyjumpedintoanothercarriageandsetoffinpursuit；butitstruckthemastheydrovealongthatitwasnotmuchusetryingtobringNastasiabackbyforce。
　　"Besides，"saidBurdovsky，"theprincewouldnotlikeit，wouldhe？"Sotheygaveupthepursuit。
　　RogojinandNastasiaPhilipovnareachedthestationjustintimeforthetrain。Ashejumpedoutofthecarriageandwasalmostonthepointofenteringthetrain，Rogojinaccostedayounggirlstandingontheplatformandwearinganold-fashioned，butrespectable-looking，blackcloakandasilkhandkerchiefoverherhead。
　　"Takefiftyroublesforyourcloak？"heshouted，holdingthemoneyouttothegirl。Beforetheastonishedyoungwomancouldcollectherscatteredsenses，hepushedthemoneyintoherhand，seizedthemantle，andthrewitandthehandkerchiefoverNastasia’sheadandshoulders。Thelatter’swedding-arraywouldhaveattractedtoomuchattention，anditwasnotuntilsometimelaterthatthegirlunderstoodwhyheroldcloakandkerchiefhadbeenboughtatsuchaprice。
　　Thenewsofwhathadhappenedreachedthechurchwithextraordinaryrapidity。WhenKellerarrived，ahostofpeoplewhomhedidnotknowthrongedaroundtoaskhimquestions。Therewasmuchexcitedtalking，andshakingofheads，evensomelaughter；butnooneleftthechurch，allbeinganxioustoobservehowthenowcelebratedbridegroomwouldtakethenews。Hegrewverypaleuponhearingit，buttookitquitequietly。
　　"Iwasafraid，"hemuttered，scarcelyaudibly，"butIhardlythoughtitwouldcometothis。"Thenafterashortsilence，headded:"However，inherstate，itisquiteconsistentwiththenaturalorderofthings。"
　　EvenKelleradmittedafterwardsthatthiswas"extraordinarilyphilosophical"ontheprince’spart。Heleftthechurchquitecalm，toallappearances，asmanywitnesseswerefoundtodeclareafterwards。Heseemedanxioustoreachhomeandbeleftaloneasquicklyaspossible；butthiswasnottobe。Hewasaccompaniedbynearlyalltheinvitedguests，andbesidesthis，thehousewasalmostbesiegedbyexcitedbandsofpeople，whoinsisteduponbeingallowedtoentertheverandah。TheprinceheardKellerandLebedeffremonstratingandquarrellingwiththeseunknownindividuals，andsoonwentouthimself。Heapproachedthedisturbersofhispeace，requestedcourteouslytobetoldwhatwasdesired；thenpolitelyputtingLebedeffandKelleraside，headdressedanoldgentlemanwhowasstandingontheverandahstepsattheheadofthebandofwould-beguests，andcourteouslyrequestedhimtohonourhimwithavisit。Theoldfellowwasquitetakenabackbythis，butentered，followedbyafewmore，whotriedtoappearattheirease。Therestremainedoutside，andpresentlythewholecrowdwascensuringthosewhohadacceptedtheinvitation。Theprinceofferedseatstohisstrangevisitors，teawasserved，andageneralconversationsprangup。Everythingwasdonemostdecorously，totheconsiderablesurpriseoftheintruders。Afewtentativeattemptsweremadetoturntheconversationtotheeventsoftheday，andafewindiscreetquestionswereasked；butMuishkinrepliedtoeverybodywithsuchsimplicityandgood-humour，andatthesametimewithsomuchdignity，andshowedsuchconfidenceinthegoodbreedingofhisguests，thattheindiscreettalkerswerequicklysilenced。Bydegreestheconversationbecamealmostserious。Onegentlemansuddenlyexclaimed，withgreatvehemence:"Whateverhappens，I
　　shallnotsellmyproperty；Ishallwait。Enterpriseisbetterthanmoney，andthere，sir，youhavemywholesystemofeconomy，ifyouwish！"Headdressedtheprince，whowarmlycommendedhissentiments，thoughLebedeffwhisperedinhisearthatthisgentleman，whotalkedsomuchofhis"property，"hadneverhadeitherhouseorhome。
　　Nearlyanhourpassedthus，andwhenteawasoverthevisitorsseemedtothinkthatitwastimetogo。Astheywentout，thedoctorandtheoldgentlemanbadeMuishkinawarmfarewell，andalltheresttooktheirleavewithheartyprotestationsofgood-
　　will，droppingremarkstotheeffectthat"itwasnouseworrying，"andthat"perhapsallwouldturnoutforthebest，"
　　andsoon。Someoftheyoungerintruderswouldhaveaskedforchampagne，buttheywerecheckedbytheolderones。Whenallhaddeparted，KellerleanedovertoLebedeff，andsaid:
　　"Withyouandmetherewouldhavebeenascene。Weshouldhaveshoutedandfought，andcalledinthepolice。Buthehassimplymadesomenewfriends——andsuchfriends，too！Iknowthem！"
　　Lebedeff，whowasslightlyintoxicated，answeredwithasigh:
　　"Thingsarehiddenfromthewiseandprudent，andrevealeduntobabes。Ihaveappliedthosewordstohimbefore，butnowIaddthatGodhaspreservedthebabehimselffromtheabyss，HeandallHissaints。"
　　Atlast，abouthalf-pastten，theprincewasleftalone。Hisheadached。Coliawasthelasttogo，afterhavinghelpedhimtochangehisweddingclothes。Theypartedonaffectionateterms，and，withoutspeakingofwhathadhappened，Coliapromisedtocomeveryearlythenextday。Hesaidlaterthattheprincehadgivennohintofhisintentionswhentheysaidgood-bye，buthadhiddenthemevenfromhim。Soontherewashardlyanyoneleftinthehouse。BurdovskyhadgonetoseeHippolyte；KellerandLebedeffhadwanderedofftogethersomewhere。
　　OnlyVeraLebedeffremainedhurriedlyrearrangingthefurnitureintherooms。Asshelefttheverandah，sheglancedattheprince。Hewasseatedatthetable，withbothelbowsuponit，andhisheadrestingonhishands。Sheapproachedhim，andtouchedhisshouldergently。Theprincestartedandlookedatherinperplexity；heseemedtobecollectinghissensesforaminuteorso，beforehecouldrememberwherehewas。Asrecollectiondawneduponhim，hebecameviolentlyagitated。Allhedid，however，wastoaskVeraveryearnestlytoknockathisdoorandawakehimintimeforthefirsttraintoPetersburgnextmorning。Verapromised，andtheprinceentreatedhernottotellanyoneofhisintention。Shepromisedthis，too；andatlast，whenshehadhalf-closedthedoor，becalledherbackathirdtime，tookherhandsinhis，kissedthem，thenkissedherforehead，andinaratherpeculiarmannersaidtoher，"Untiltomorrow！"
　　SuchwasVera’sstoryafterwards。
　　Shewentawayingreatanxietyabouthim，butwhenshesawhiminthemorning，heseemedtobequitehimselfagain，greetedherwithasmile，andtoldherthathewouldverylikelybebackbytheevening。ItappearsthathedidnotconsideritnecessarytoinformanyoneexceptingVeraofhisdeparturefortown。
　　XI。
　　ANhourlaterhewasinSt。Petersburg，andbyteno’clockhehadrungthebellatRogojin’s。
　　Hehadgonetothefrontdoor，andwaskeptwaitingalongwhilebeforeanyonecame。AtlastthedoorofoldMrs。Rogojin’sflatwasopened，andanagedservantappeared。
　　"ParfenSemionovitchisnotathome，"sheannouncedfromthedoorway。"Whomdoyouwant？"
　　"ParfenSemionovitch。"
　　"Heisnotin。"
　　Theoldwomanexaminedtheprincefromheadtofootwithgreatcuriosity。
　　"Atalleventstellmewhetherhesleptathomelastnight，andwhetherhecamealone？"
　　Theoldwomancontinuedtostareathim，butsaidnothing。
　　"WasnotNastasiaPhilipovnaherewithhim，yesterdayevening？"
　　"And，pray，whoareyouyourself？"
　　"PrinceLefNicolaievitchMuishkin；heknowsmewell。"
　　"Heisnotathome。"
　　Thewomanloweredhereyes。
　　"AndNastasiaPhilipovna？"
　　"Iknownothingaboutit。"
　　"Stopaminute！Whenwillhecomeback？"
　　"Idon’tknowthateither。"
　　Thedoorwasshutwiththesewords，andtheoldwomandisappeared。Theprincedecidedtocomebackwithinanhour。Passingoutofthehouse，hemettheporter。
　　"IsParfenSemionovitchathome？"heasked。
　　"Yes。"
　　"Whydidtheytellmehewasnotathome，then？""Wheredidtheytellyouso，——athisdoor？""No，athismother’sflat；IrangatParfenSemionovitch’sdoorandnobodycame。"
　　"Well，hemayhavegoneout。Ican’ttell。Sometimeshetakesthekeyswithhim，andleavestheroomsemptyfortwoorthreedays。"
　　"Doyouknowforcertainthathewasathomelastnight？"
　　"Yes，hewas。"
　　"WasNastasiaPhilipovnawithhim？"
　　"Idon’tknow；shedoesn’tcomeoften。IthinkIshouldhaveknownifshehadcome。"
　　Theprincewentoutdeepinthought，andwalkedupanddownthepavementforsometime。ThewindowsofalltheroomsoccupiedbyRogojinwereclosed，thoseofhismother’sapartmentswereopen。
　　Itwasahot，brightday。Theprincecrossedtheroadinordertohaveagoodlookatthewindowsagain；notonlywereRogojin’sclosed，butthewhiteblindswerealldownaswell。
　　Hestoodthereforaminuteandthen，suddenlyandstrangelyenough，itseemedtohimthatalittlecornerofoneoftheblindswaslifted，andRogojin’sfaceappearedforaninstantandthenvanished。Hewaitedanotherminute，anddecidedtogoandringthebelloncemore；however，hethoughtbetterofitagainandputitoffforanhour。
　　ThechiefobjectinhismindatthismomentwastogetasquicklyashecouldtoNastasiaPhilipovna’slodging。Herememberedthat，notlongsince，whenshehadleftPavlofskathisrequest，hehadbeggedhertoputupintownatthehouseofarespectablewidow，whohadwell-furnishedroomstolet，neartheIsmailofskybarracks。ProbablyNastasiahadkepttheroomswhenshecamedowntoPavlofskthislasttime；andmostlikelyshewouldhavespentthenightinthem，Rogojinhavingtakenherstraighttherefromthestation。
　　Theprincetookadroshky。Itstruckhimashedroveonthatheoughttohavebegunbycominghere，sinceitwasmostimprobablethatRogojinshouldhavetakenNastasiatohisownhouselastnight。Herememberedthattheportersaidsheveryrarelycameatall，sothatitwasstilllesslikelythatshewouldhavegonetheresolateatnight。
　　Vainlytryingtocomforthimselfwiththesereflections，theprincereachedtheIsmailofskybarracksmoredeadthanalive。
　　TohisconsternationthegoodpeopleatthelodgingshadnotonlyheardnothingofNastasia，butallcameouttolookathimasifhewereamarvelofsomesort。Thewholefamily，ofallages，surroundedhim，andhewasbeggedtoenter。Heguessedatoncethattheyknewperfectlywellwhohewas，andthatyesterdayoughttohavebeenhiswedding-day；andfurtherthattheyweredyingtoaskaboutthewedding，andespeciallyaboutwhyheshouldbeherenow，inquiringforthewomanwhoinallreasonablehumanprobabilitymighthavebeenexpectedtobewithhiminPavlofsk。
　　Hesatisfiedtheircuriosity，inasfewwordsaspossible，withregardtothewedding，buttheirexclamationsandsighsweresonumerousandsincerethathewasobligedtotellthewholestory——
　　inashortform，ofcourse。TheadviceofalltheseagitatedladieswasthattheprinceshouldgoatonceandknockatRogojin’suntilhewasletin:andwhenletininsistuponasubstantialexplanationofeverything。IfRogojinwasreallynotathome，theprincewasadvisedtogotoacertainhouse，theaddressofwhichwasgiven，wherelivedaGermanlady，afriendofNastasiaPhilipovna’s。Itwaspossiblethatshemighthavespentthenightthereinheranxietytoconcealherself。
　　Theprincerosefromhisseatinaconditionofmentalcollapse。
　　Thegoodladiesreportedafterwardsthat"hispallorwasterribletosee，andhislegsseemedtogivewayunderneathhim。"Withdifficultyhewasmadetounderstandthathisnewfriendswouldbegladofhisaddress，inordertoactwithhimifpossible。
　　Afteramoment’sthoughthegavetheaddressofthesmallhotel，onthestairsofwhichhehadhadafitsomefiveweekssince。HethensetoffoncemoreforRogojin’s。
　　ThistimetheyneitheropenedthedooratRogojin’sflatnorattheoneopposite。Theprincefoundtheporterwithdifficulty，butwhenfound，themanwouldhardlylookathimoranswerhisquestions，pretendingtobebusy。Eventually，however，hewaspersuadedtoreplysofarastostatethatRogojinhadleftthehouseearlyinthemorningandgonetoPavlofsk，andthathewouldnotreturntodayatall。
　　"Ishallwait；hemaycomebackthisevening。"
　　"Hemaynotbehomeforaweek。"
　　"Then，atallevents，heDIDsleephere，didhe？"
　　"Well——hedidsleephere，yes。"