and good people, your mother and Varia! I think
there is a good deal of moral strength in helping people in such
circumstances."

"Varia does it from pride, and likes showing off, and giving herself
airs. As to my mother, I really do admire her--yes, and honour her.
Hippolyte, hardened as he is, feels it. He laughed at first, and thought
it vulgar of her--but now, he is sometimes quite touched and overcome by
her kindness. H'm! You call that being strong and good? I will remember
that! Gania knows nothing about it. He would say that it was encouraging
vice."

"Ah, Gania knows nothing about it? It seems there are many things that
Gania does not know," exclaimed the prince, as he considered Colia's
last words.

"Do you know, I like you very much indeed, prince? I shall never forget
about this afternoon."

"I like you too, Colia."

"Listen to me! You are going to live here, are you not?" said Colia.
"I mean to get something to do directly, and earn money. Then shall we
three live together? You, and I, and Hippolyte? We will hire a flat, and
let the general come and visit us. What do you say?"

"It would be very pleasant," returned the prince. "But we must see. I am
really rather worried just now. What! are we there already? Is that the
house? What a long flight of steps! And there's a porter! Well, Colia I
don't know what will come of it all."

The prince seemed quite distracted for the moment.

"You must tell me all about it tomorrow! Don't be afraid. I wish you
success; we agree so entirely I that can do so, although I do not
understand why you are here. Good-bye!" cried Colia excitedly. "Now I
will rush back and tell Hippolyte all about our plans and proposals! But
as to your getting in--don't be in the least afraid. You will see her.
She is so original about everything. It's the first floor. The porter
will show you."

XIII.

THE prince was very nervous as he reached the outer door; but he did his
best to encourage himself with the reflection that the worst thing that
could happen to him would be that he would not be received, or, perhaps,
received, then laughed at for coming.

But there was another question, which terrified him considerably,
and that was: what was he going to do when he DID get in? And to this
question he could fashion no satisfactory reply.

If only he could find an opportunity of coming close up to Nastasia
Philipovna and saying to her: "Don't ruin yourself by marrying this man.
He