He longed to solve the mystery of something in the face Nastasia Philipovna, something which had struck him as he looked at the portrait for the first time; the impression had not left him. It was partly the fact of her marvellous beauty that struck him, and partly something else. There was a suggestion of immense pride and disdain in the face almost of hatred, and at the same time something confiding and very full of simplicity. The contrast aroused a deep sympathy in his heart as he looked at the lovely face. The blinding loveliness of it was almost intolerable, this pale thin face with its flaming eyes; it was a strange beauty.
The prince gazed at it for a minute or two, then glanced around him, and hurriedly raised the portrait to his lips. When, a minute after, he reached the drawing-room door, his face was quite composed. But just as he reached the door he met Aglaya coming out alone.
Gavrila Ardalionovitch begged me to give you this, he said, handing her the note.
Aglaya stopped, took the letter, and gazed strangely into the princes eyes. There was no confusion in her face; a little surprise, perhaps, but that was all. By her look she seemed merely to challenge the prince to an explanation as to how he and Gania happened to be connected in this matter. But her expression was perfectly cool and quiet, and even condescending.
So they stood for a moment or two, confronting one another. At length a faint smile passed over her face, and she passed by him without a word.
Mrs. Epanchin examined the portrait of Nastasia Philipovna for some little while, holding it critically at arms length.
Yes, she is pretty, she said at last, even very pretty. I have seen her twice, but only at a distance. So you admire this kind of beauty, do you? she asked the prince, suddenly.
Yes, I do this kind.
Do you mean especially this kind?
Yes, especially this kind.
Why?
There is much suffering in this face, murmured the prince, more as though talking to himself than answering the question.
I think you are wandering a little, prince, Mrs. Epanchin decided, after a lengthened survey of his face; and she tossed the portrait on to the table, haughtily.
Alexandra took it, and Adelaida came up, and both the girls examined the photograph. Just then Aglaya entered the room.
What a power! cried Adelaida suddenly, as she earnestly examined the portrait over her sisters shoulder.
Whom? What power? asked her mother, crossly.
Such beauty is real power, said Adelaida. With such beauty as that one might overthrow the world. She returned to her easel thoughtfully.
Aglaya merely glanced at the portrait frowned, and put out her underlip; then went and sat down on the sofa with folded hands. Mrs. Epanchin rang the bell.
Ask Gavrila Ardalionovitch to step this way, said she to the man who answered.
Mamma! cried Alexandra, significantly.
I shall just say two words to him, thats all, said her mother, silencing all objection by her manner; she was evidently seriously put out. You see, prince, it is all secrets with us, just now all secrets. It seems to be the etiquette of the house, for some reason or, other. Stupid nonsense, and in a matter which ought to be approached with all candour and open- heartedness. There is a marriage being talked of, and I dont like this marriage
Mamma, what are you saying? said Alexandra again, hurriedly.
Well, what, my dear girl? As if you can possibly like it yourself? The heart is the great thing, and the rest is all rubbish though one must have sense as well. Perhaps sense is really the great thing. Dont smile like that, Aglaya. I dont contradict myself. A fool with a heart and no brains is just as unhappy as a fool with brains and no heart. I am one and you are the other, and therefore both of us suffer, both of us are unhappy.
Why are you so unhappy, mother? asked Adelaida, who alone of all the company seemed to have preserved her good temper and spirits up to now.
In the first place, because of my carefully brought-up daughters, said Mrs. Epanchin, cuttingly; and as that is the best reason I can give you we need not bother about any other at present. Enough of words, now! We shall see how both of you (I dont count Aglaya) will manage your business, and whether you, most revered Alexandra Ivanovna, will be happy with your fine mate.
Ah! she added, as Gania suddenly entered the room, heres another marrying subject. How do you do? she continued, in response to Ganias bow; but she did not invite him to sit down. You are going to be married?
Married? how what marriage? murmured Gania, overwhelmed with confusion.
Are you about to take a wife? I ask, if you prefer that expression.
No, no I-I no! said Gania, bringing out his lie with a telltale blush of shame. He glanced keenly at Aglaya, who was sitting some way off, and dropped his eyes immediately.
Aglaya gazed coldly, intently, and composedly at him, without taking her eyes off his face, and watched his confusion.
No? You say no, do you? continued the pitiless Mrs. General. Very well, I shall remember that you told me this Wednesday morning, in answer to my question, that you are not going to be married. What day is it, Wednesday, isnt it?