The Idiot — Part IV — Chapter X

As the hasty wedding approaches, Prince Myshkin appears kind but pensive, attracting public scrutiny linking him with Nastasia Philipovna. He attends Lebedeff’s father’s funeral, senses Rogojin’s presence, and grows uneasy. Keller exults in his best-man role, while Lebedeff confesses failed schemes to place Myshkin under guardianship. Hippolyte, ill and embittered, warns that Rogojin could harm Aglaya to wound the prince, leaving Myshkin alarmed.

Meanwhile, Nastasia oscillates between gaiety and dread. She suffers a panic, imagining Rogojin in the garden, later learning it was delusion. Fixated on public humiliation and the possibility Aglaya might witness the ceremony, she plans a dazzling display. The night before the wedding, she collapses in hysterics, then appears cheerful by morning, absorbed in dresses and diamonds.

That evening, crowds gather. Myshkin arrives at church, and Keller goes to fetch the bride. As Nastasia emerges, pale but radiant, the crowd jeers and marvels. Catching sight of Rogojin, she breaks from her escort, begs him to save her, and rushes with him to the station. Rogojin disguises her with a bought cloak, and they catch the train.

News reaches the church; Myshkin turns pale but remains composed, calling the outcome natural in her condition. Returning home, he faces intrusive onlookers. Instead of confrontation, he invites representatives inside, serves tea, and, with simple dignity, steers conversation away from scandal, winning reluctant respect before they disperse.

Late at night, Myshkin, alone and exhausted, asks Vera Lebedeff to wake him for the first train to Petersburg and to keep his plan secret. In the morning he appears calm, tells her he may return by evening, and departs without informing others.