Its a present from herself to him, said Varia; the question is to be finally decided this evening.
This evening! repeated her mother in a tone of despair, but softly, as though to herself. Then its all settled, of course, and theres no hope left to us. She has anticipated her answer by the present of her portrait. Did he show it you himself? she added, in some surprise.
You know we have hardly spoken to each other for a whole month. Ptitsin told me all about it; and the photo was lying under the table, and I picked it up.
Prince, asked Nina Alexandrovna, I wanted to inquire whether you have known my son long? I think he said that you had only arrived today from somewhere.
The prince gave a short narrative of what we have heard before, leaving out the greater part. The two ladies listened intently.
I did not ask about Gania out of curiosity, said the elder, at last. I wish to know how much you know about him, because he said just now that we need not stand on ceremony with you. What, exactly, does that mean?
At this moment Gania and Ptitsin entered the room together, and Nina Alexandrovna immediately became silent again. The prince remained seated next to her, but Varia moved to the other end of the room; the portrait of Nastasia Philipovna remained lying as before on the work-table. Gania observed it there, and with a frown of annoyance snatched it up and threw it across to his writing-table, which stood at the other end of the room.
Is it today, Gania? asked Nina Alexandrovna, at last.
Is what today? cried the former. Then suddenly recollecting himself, he turned sharply on the prince. Oh, he growled, I see, you are here, that explains it! Is it a disease, or what, that you cant hold your tongue? Look here, understand once for all, prince
I am to blame in this, Gania no one else, said Ptitsin.
Gania glanced inquiringly at the speaker.
Its better so, you know, Gania especially as, from one point of view, the matter may be considered as settled, said Ptitsin; and sitting down a little way from the table he began to study a paper covered with pencil writing.
Gania stood and frowned, he expected a family scene. He never thought of apologizing to the prince, however.
If its all settled, Gania, then of course Mr. Ptitsin is right, said Nina Alexandrovna. Dont frown. You need not worry yourself, Gania; I shall ask you no questions. You need not tell me anything you dont like. I assure you I have quite submitted to your will. She said all this, knitting away the while as though perfectly calm and composed.
Gania was surprised, but cautiously kept silence and looked at his mother, hoping that she would express herself more clearly. Nina Alexandrovna observed his cautiousness and added, with a bitter smile:
You are still suspicious, I see, and do not believe me; but you may be quite at your ease. There shall be no more tears, nor questions not from my side, at all events. All I wish is that you may be happy, you know that. I have submitted to my fate; but my heart will always be with you, whether we remain united, or whether we part. Of course I only answer for myself you can hardly expect your sister
My sister again, cried Gania, looking at her with contempt and almost hate. Look here, mother, I have already given you my word that I shall always respect you fully and absolutely, and so shall everyone else in this house, be it who it may, who shall cross this threshold.
Gania was so much relieved that he gazed at his mother almost affectionately.
I was not at all afraid for myself, Gania, as you know well. It was not for my own sake that I have been so anxious and worried all this time! They say it is all to be settled to-day. What is to be settled?
She has promised to tell me tonight at her own house whether she consents or not, replied Gania.
We have been silent on this subject for three weeks, said his mother, and it was better so; and now I will only ask you one question. How can she give her consent and make you a present of her portrait when you do not love her? How can such a such a
Practised hand eh?
I was not going to express myself so. But how could you so blind her?
Nina Alexandrovnas question betrayed intense annoyance. Gania waited a moment and then said, without taking the trouble to conceal the irony of his tone:
There you are, mother, you are always like that. You begin by promising that there are to be no reproaches or insinuations or questions, and here you are beginning them at once. We had better drop the subject we had, really. I shall never leave you, mother; any other man would cut and run from such a sister as this. See how she is looking at me at this moment! Besides, how do you know that I am blinding Nastasia Philipovna? As for Varia, I dont care she can do just as she pleases. There, thats quite enough!
Ganias irritation increased with every word he uttered, as he walked up and down the room. These conversations always touched the family sores before long.
I have said already that the moment she comes in I go out, and I shall keep my word, remarked Varia.