At this moment there was a terrific bang at the front door, almost enough to break it down. Some most unusual visitor must have arrived. Colia ran to open.
X
THE entrance-hall suddenly became full of noise and people. To judge from the sounds which penetrated to the drawing-room, a number of people had already come in, and the stampede continued. Several voices were talking and shouting at once; others were talking and shouting on the stairs outside; it was evidently a most extraordinary visit that was about to take place.
Everyone exchanged startled glances. Gania rushed out towards the dining-room, but a number of men had already made their way in, and met him.
Ah! here he is, the Judas! cried a voice which the prince recognized at once. How dye do, Gania, you old blackguard?
Yes, thats the man! said another voice.
There was no room for doubt in the princes mind: one of the voices was Rogojins, and the other Lebedeffs.
Gania stood at the door like a block and looked on in silence, putting no obstacle in the way of their entrance, and ten or a dozen men marched in behind Parfen Rogojin. They were a decidedly mixed-looking collection, and some of them came in in their furs and caps. None of them were quite drunk, but all appeared to De considerably excited.
They seemed to need each others support, morally, before they dared come in; not one of them would have entered alone but with the rest each one was brave enough. Even Rogojin entered rather cautiously at the head of his troop; but he was evidently preoccupied. He appeared to be gloomy and morose, and had clearly come with some end in view. All the rest were merely chorus, brought in to support the chief character. Besides Lebedeff there was the dandy Zalesheff, who came in without his coat and hat, two or three others followed his example; the rest were more uncouth. They included a couple of young merchants, a man in a great-coat, a medical student, a little Pole, a small fat man who laughed continuously, and an enormously tall stout one who apparently put great faith in the strength of his fists. A couple of ladies of some sort put their heads in at the front door, but did not dare come any farther. Colia promptly banged the door in their faces and locked it.
Hallo, Gania, you blackguard! You didnt expect Rogojin, eh? said the latter, entering the drawing-room, and stopping before Gania.
But at this moment he saw, seated before him, Nastasia Philipovna. He had not dreamed of meeting her here, evidently, for her appearance produced a marvellous effect upon him. He grew pale, and his lips became actually blue.
I suppose it is true, then! he muttered to himself, and his face took on an expression of despair. So thats the end of it! Now you, sir, will you answer me or not? he went on suddenly, gazing at Gania with ineffable malice. Now then, you
He panted, and could hardly speak for agitation. He advanced into the room mechanically; but perceiving Nina Alexandrovna and Varia he became more or less embarrassed, in spite of his excitement. His followers entered after him, and all paused a moment at sight of the ladies. Of course their modesty was not fated to be long- lived, but for a moment they were abashed. Once let them begin to shout, however, and nothing on earth should disconcert them.
What, you here too, prince? said Rogojin, absently, but a little surprised all the same Still in your gaiters, eh? He sighed, and forgot the prince next moment, and his wild eyes wandered over to Nastasia again, as though attracted in that direction by some magnetic force.
Nastasia looked at the new arrivals with great curiosity. Gania recollected himself at last.
Excuse me, sirs, he said, loudly, but what does all this mean? He glared at the advancing crowd generally, but addressed his remarks especially to their captain, Rogojin. You are not in a stable, gentlemen, though you may think it my mother and sister are present.
Yes, I see your mother and sister, muttered Rogojin, through his teeth; and Lebedeff seemed to feel himself called upon to second the statement.
At all events, I must request you to step into the salon, said Gania, his rage rising quite out of proportion to his words, and then I shall inquire
What, he doesnt know me! said Rogojin, showing his teeth disagreeably. He doesnt recognize Rogojin! He did not move an inch, however.
I have met you somewhere, I believe, but
Met me somewhere, pfu! Why, its only three months since I lost two hundred roubles of my fathers money to you, at cards. The old fellow died before he found out. Ptitsin knows all about it. Why, Ive only to pull out a three-rouble note and show it to you, and youd crawl on your hands and knees to the other end of the town for it; thats the sort of man you are. Why, Ive come now, at this moment, to buy you up! Oh, you neednt think that because I wear these boots I have no money. I have lots of money, my beauty, enough to buy up you and all yours together. So I shall, if I like to! Ill buy you up! I will! he yelled, apparently growing more and more intoxicated and excited. Oh, Nastasia Philipovna! dont turn me out! Say one word, do! Are you going to marry this man, or not?