Chapter 24: VIII

VIII “I did not expect you, gentlemen,” began the prince. “I have been ill until today. A month ago,” he continued, addressing himself to Antip Burdovsky, “I put your business into Gavrila Ardalionovitch Ivolgin’s hands, as I told you then. I do not in the least object to having a personal interview … but you will agree with me that this is hardly the time … I propose that we go into another room, if you will not keep me long … As you see, I have friends here, and believe me …” “Fr…