than the cousin of the Princess Osinin, the rich chamberlain, Count Reisenbach. Noticing the sensation produced by Irina on certain personages of the highest rank, and instantaneously reflecting what advantages might mit etwas Accuratesse be derived from the fact, the count made his plan at once like a man of energy and a skilful courtier. He decided to act swiftly, in Napoleonic style. 'I will take that original girl into my house,' was what he meditated, 'in Petersburg; I will make her my heiress, devil take me, of my whole property even; as I have no children. She is my niece, and my countess is dull all alone. ... It 's always more agreeable to have a pretty face in one's drawing-room. . . . Yes, yes ; . . . that 's it; es ist eine Idee, es ist eine Idee!' He would have to dazzle, bewilder, and impress the parents. 'They 've not enough to eat'—the count pursued his reflection when he was in the carriage and on his way to Dogs' Place—'so, I warrant, they won't be obstinate. They're not such over-sentimental folks either. I might give them a sum of money down into the bargain. And she? She will consent. Honey is sweet—she had a taste of it last night. It 's a whim on my part, granted; let them profit by it, . . . the fools. I shall say to them one thing and another . . . and you must decide—otherwise
92
