“The prince has this to do with it⁠—that I see in him for the first time in all my life, a man endowed with real truthfulness of spirit, and I trust him. He trusted me at first sight, and I trust him!”

“It only remains for me, then, to thank Nastasia Philipovna for the great delicacy with which she has treated me,” said Gania, as pale as death, and with quivering lips. “That is my plain duty, of course; but the prince⁠—what has he to do in the matter?”

“I see what you are driving at,” said Nastasia Philipovna. “You imply that the prince is after the 75,000 roubles⁠—I quite understand you. Mr. Totski, I forgot to say, ‘Take your 75,000 roubles’⁠—I don’t want them. I let you go free for nothing⁠—take your freedom! You must need it. Nine years and three months’ captivity is enough for anybody. Tomorrow I shall start afresh⁠—today I am a free agent for the first time in my life.