He jokes about accepting Nastasya's decision, but it is far from a joking matter. General Epanchin seems to have much at stake in Nastasya's decision to marry Ganya. Four times he begins, but four times he is interrupted.
And, in this chapter Myshkin attempts to explain more fully the business he wants advice about. Already he has mentioned this business and a desire to meet the Epanchins as though the two matters were related. And adding to our growing interest in Myshkin are the many hints in this chapter of a certain "business" that Myshkin must transact here in Petersburg. Epanchin does not believe in surface appearances, nor can he imagine a man who confesses to knowing nothing of practical life. The strangeness of Myshkin is once more impressed upon us by the general's reaction to the prince. He admires the combination of beauty and suffering he sees in the woman's face, then startles Ganya by wondering if Rogozhin might not marry Nastasya one day and murder her in the same week. Alone with Ganya, Myshkin once again studies the portrait of Nastasya Filippovna. He promises Myshkin a place in his office and leaves to tell his wife that a certain Prince Myshkin, a relative of hers, is waiting to be introduced. To change the subject, the general sizes up Myshkin's samples of calligraphy and is genuinely pleased by them. The general fears trouble but Ganya, Myshkin notices, seems amused by the news of Rogozhin's return. But they are even more surprised to hear that Rogozhin has returned to Petersburg. Then, both Epanchin and Ganya are startled to learn that Myshkin has already heard of Nastasya Filippovna.
He notices the anxiety in both men and when he finishes with his sample of penmanship he takes a look at the photograph. Myshkin cannot help overhearing the talk. The general and Ganya discuss the portrait and also discuss the coming evening party honoring Nastasya's birthday: At last Nastasya has promised to announce whether or not she will leave Mr. Ganya, the general's secretary, has taken a large photograph of Nastasya Filippovna from his portfolio and shows it to Epanchin. He warms to the young man and questions him about his talents and when Myshkin explains that he is a master of calligraphy, he sets the prince to writing various specimens. He seems so genuinely pleased, however, to have at last met the general and to have talked with him that Epanchin softens.
Myshkin confesses that he expected such a reception and prepares to leave. General Epanchin is rather curt to his visitor, assuming that he has come for money, lodging, or both.
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