First, the definition of
disarming is to diminish or reduce the feeling of suspicion
or hostility by winning the favor or confidence of another. So, to answer your question,
yes, Zaroff's behavior toward Rainsford was disarming--at first. When Rainsford first
reached Zaroff's mansion, he was greeted by Ivan, armed with a pointed pistol. But
Zaroff soon made Rainsford feel at ease.
In a
cultivated voice marked by a slight accent that gave it added precision and
deliberateness, he said, "It is a very great pleasure and honor to welcome Mr. Sanger
Rainsford, the celebrated hunter, to my home."
Automatically Rainsford shook the man's
hand.
Zaroff's cultured
mannerisms and the beautiful luxuries within his home soon made Rainsford feel
comfortable. Zaroff assured him it was "a most-restful spot." The good food and drink
calmed Rainsford, who
... was finding the general a most thoughtful and
affable host, a true
cosmopolite.
But the
general's habit of constantly staring at him, studying him, began to make
Rainsford more uncomfortable. Zaroff's talk of his hunting past enthralled Rainsford,
escpecially when the Cossack spoke of having invented "a new animal to
hunt."
Rainsford leaned across the
table, absorbed in what his host was
saying.
But when Rainsford
finally understood the true nature of Zaroff's new type of prey, Rainsford's shock
became evident, and he soon excused himself for his bedroom to reconsider the murderous
man who was his host.
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