 Section 34 of Crime and Punishment, this LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Crime and punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, translated by Konstantz Garnet, Part 6, Chapter 3. He hurried to Sfidrigalov's, what he had to hope from that man he did not know, but that man had some hidden power over him, having once recognized this, he could not rest, and now the time had come. On the way, one question particularly worried him. Had Sfidrigalov been to Porfiris? As far as he could judge, he would swear to it that he had not. He pondered again and again, went over Porfiris' visit. No, he hadn't been. Of course he hadn't. But if he had not been yet, would he go? Meanwhile, for the present, he fancied he couldn't. Why? He could not have explained. But if he could, he would not have wasted much thought over it at the moment. It all worried him, and at the same time, he could not attend to it. Strange to say, none would have believed it, perhaps, but he only felt a faint vague anxiety about his immediate future. Another, much more important anxiety tormented him. It concerned himself, but in a different, more vital way. Moreover, he was conscious of immense moral fatigue, though his mind was working better that morning than it had done of late. And was it worthwhile, after all that had happened, to contend with these new trivial difficulties? Was it worthwhile, for instance, to maneuver that Sfidrigalov should not go to Porfiris? Was it worthwhile to investigate, to ascertain the facts, to waste time over anyone like Sfidrigalov? Oh, how sick he was of it all. And yet he was hastening to Sfidrigalov. Could he be expecting something new from him? Information, or means of escape? Man will catch at straws. Was it destiny, or some instinct, bringing them together? Perhaps it was only fatigue, despair. Perhaps it was not Sfidrigalov, but some other whom he needed, and Sfidrigalov had simply presented himself by chance. Sonya? But what should he go to Sonya for now? To back her tears again? He was afraid of Sonya too. Sonya stood before him as an irrevocable sentence. He must go his own way of hers. At that moment especially he did not feel equal to seeing her. No, would it not be better to try Sfidrigalov? And he could not help inwardly owning that he had long felt that he must see him for some reason. But what could they have in common? Their very evil doing could not be of the same kind. The man, moreover, was very unpleasant, evidently depraved, undoubtedly cunning and deceitful, possibly malignant. Such stories were told about him. It is true he was befriending Katerina Ivanovna's children, but who could tell with what motive and what it meant? The man always had some design, some project. There was another thought, which had been continually hovering of late about Raskolnikov's mind and causing him great uneasiness. It was so painful that he made distinct efforts to get rid of it. He sometimes thought that Sfidrigalov was dogging his footsteps. Sfidrigalov had found out his secret and had had designs on Dunya. What if he had them still? Wasn't it practically certain that he had? And what if, having learned his secret, and so having gained power over him, he were to use it as a weapon against Dunya? This idea sometimes even tormented his dreams, but it had never presented itself so vividly to him as on his way to Sfidrigalov. The very thought moved him to gloomy rage. To begin with, this would transform everything, even his own position. He would have advanced to confess his secret to Dunya. Would he have to give himself up, perhaps to prevent Dunya from taking some rash step? The letter? This morning Dunya had received a letter, from whom could she get letters in Petersburg? Wuzhin, perhaps? It's true, Razumihin was there to protect her, but Razumihin knew nothing of the position. Perhaps it was his duty to tell Razumihin? He thought of it with repugnance. In any case, he must see Sfidrigalov as soon as possible, he decided finally. Thank God the details of the interview were of little consequence, if only he could get at the root of the matter, but if Sfidrigalov were capable, if he were intriguing against Dunya, then... Raskolnikov was so exhausted by what he had passed through that month, that he could only decide such questions in one way. Then I shall kill him, he thought in cold despair. A sudden anguish oppressed his heart. He stood still in the middle of the street, and began looking about, to see where he was and which way he was going. He found himself in ex-prospect, thirty or forty paces from the hay market, through which he had come. The whole second story of the house on the left was used as a tavern. All the windows were wide open, judging from the figures moving at the windows, the rooms were full to overflowing. There were sounds of singing, of clarionets, and violin, and the boom of a Turkish drum. He could hear women shrieking. He was about to turn back, wondering why he had come to ex-prospect, when suddenly, at one of the end windows, he saw Sfidrigalov, sitting at the tea table, right in the open window, with a pipe in his mouth. Raskolnikov was dreadfully taken aback, almost terrified. Sfidrigalov was silently watching and scrutinizing him, and, what struck Raskolnikov at once, seemed to be meaning to get up and slip away unobserved. Raskolnikov at once pretended not to have seen him, but to be looking absentmindedly away, while he watched him out of the corner of his eye. His heart was beating violently. Yet it was evident that Sfidrigalov did not want to be seen. He took the pipe out of his mouth, and was on the point of concealing himself. But as he got up and moved back his chair, he seemed to have become suddenly aware that Raskolnikov had seen him, and was watching him. What had passed between them was much the same as what happened at their first meeting at Raskolnikov's room. A sly smile came into Sfidrigalov's face, and grew broader and broader. Each knew that he was seen and watched by the other. At last Sfidrigalov broke into a loud laugh. Well, well, come in if you want me. I am here. He shouted from the window. Raskolnikov went up into the tavern. He found Sfidrigalov in a tiny back room, adjoining the saloon in which merchants, clerks, and numbers of people of all sorts were drinking tea at twenty little tables, to the desperate bowling of a chorus of singers. The click of billiard balls could be heard in the distance. On the table before Sfidrigalov stood an open bottle and a glass half full of champagne. In the room he found also a boy with a little hand organ, a healthy-looking, red-cheeked girl of eighteen, wearing a tucked-up striped skirt and a Tiroli's hat with ribbons. In spite of the chorus in the other room, she was singing some servant's whole song in a rather husky contralto to the accompaniment of the organ. Come, that's enough. Sfidrigalov stopped her at Raskolnikov's entrance. The girl at once broke off and stood waiting respectfully. She had sung her guttural rhymes, too, with a serious and respectful expression in her face. Hey, Philip, a glass! shouted Sfidrigalov. I won't drink anything, said Raskolnikov. As you like. I didn't mean it for you. Drink, Katya. I don't want anything more today. You can go. He poured her out a full glass and laid down a yellow note. Katya drank off her glass of wine, as women do, without putting it down, in twenty golps, took the note, and kissed Sfidrigalov's hands, which he allowed quite seriously. She went out of the room and then the boy trailed after her with the organ. Both had been brought in from the street. Sfidrigalov had not been a week in Petersburg, but everything about him was already, so to speak, on a patriarchal footing. The waiter, Philip, was by now an old friend, and very obsequious. The door leading to the saloon had a lock on it. Sfidrigalov was at home in this room, and perhaps spent whole days in it. The tavern was dirty and wretched, not even second-rate. I was going to see you and looking for you. Raskolnikov began. But I don't know what made me turn from the hay market into the ex-prospect just now. I never take this turning. I turn to the right from the hay market. And this isn't the way to you. I simply turned, and here you are. It is strange. Why don't you say at once, it's a miracle. Because it may be only chance. Oh, that's the way with all you folk. Sfidrigalov. You won't admit it, even if you do inwardly believe it a miracle. Here you say that it may be only chance. And what coward they all are here, about having an opinion of their own, you can't fancy Rodion Romanovich. I don't mean you. You have an opinion of your own, and are not afraid to have it. That's how it was you attracted my curiosity. Nothing else? Well, that's enough, you know. Sfidrigalov was obviously exhilarated, but only slightly so. He had not had more than half a glass of wine. I fancy you came to see me before you knew that I was capable of having what you call an opinion of my own. Observe, Raskolnikov. Oh well, it was a different matter. Everyone has his own plans, and I propose of the miracle let me tell you that I think you have been asleep for the last two or three days. I told you of this tavern myself, there is no miracle in your coming straight here. I explained the way myself told you where it was, and the hours you could find me here. Do you remember? I don't remember. Answer, Raskolnikov, with surprise. I believe you. I told you twice. The address has been stamped mechanically on your memory. You turned this way mechanically, and yet precisely according to the direction, though you are not aware of it. When I told you then, I hardly hoped you understood me. You give yourself away too much, Rodion Romanovich, and another thing. I'm convinced there are lots of people in Petersburg who talk to themselves as they walk. This is a town of crazy people. If only we had scientific men, doctors, lawyers, and philosophers, might make most valuable investigations in Petersburg each in his own line. There are few places where there are so many gloomy, strong, and queer influences on the soul of man as in Petersburg. The mere influences of climate mean so much. And it's the administrative center of all Russia, and its character must be reflected on the whole country. But that is neither here nor there now. The point is that I have several times watched you. You walk out of your house, holding your head high, twenty paces from home you let it sink, and fold your hands behind your back. You look and evidently see nothing before nor beside you. At last you begin moving your lips and talking to yourself, and sometimes you wave one hand and declaim, and at last stand still in the middle of the road. That's not at all the thing. Someone may be watching you besides me, and it won't do you any good. It's nothing really to do with me, and I can't cure you, but, of course, you understand me. You know that I am being followed. Ask Traskolnikov, looking inquisitively at him. No, I know nothing about it. Says Fidrigailov, seeming surprised. Well then, let us leave me alone. Ask Traskolnikov mattered, frowning. Very good. Let us leave you alone. You'd better tell me if you came here to drink, and directed me twice to come here to you. Why did you hide, and try to get away just now when I looked at the window from the street? I saw it. He-he. And why was it you lay on your sofa with closed eyes, and pretended to be asleep, though you were wide awake while I stood in your doorway? I saw it. I may have had reasons. You know that yourself. And I may have had my reasons, though you don't know them. Traskolnikov dropped his right elbow on the table, leaned his chin and the fingers of his right hand, and stared intently at Fidrigailov. For a full minute he scrutinized his face, which had impressed him before. It was a strange face, like a mask, white and red, with bright red lips, with a flux and beard, and still thick flux and hair. His eyes were somehow too blue, and their expressions somehow too heavy and fixed. There was something awfully unpleasant in that handsome face, which looked so wonderfully young for his age. Fidrigailov was smartly dressed in light summer clothes, and was particularly dainty in his linen. He wore a huge ring with a precious stone in it. Have I got to bother myself about you too, now? Traskolnikov suddenly, coming with nervous impatience straight to the point. Even though perhaps you are the most dangerous man if you care to injure me, I don't want to put myself out any more. I will show you at once that I don't prize myself as you probably think I do. I've come to tell you at once that if you keep to your former intentions with regard to my sister, and if you think to derive any benefit in that direction from what has been discovered of late, I will kill you before you get me locked up. You can reckon on my word. You know that I can keep it. And in the second place, if you want to tell me anything, for I keep fancying all this time that you have something to tell me, make haste and tell it, for time is precious and very likely it will soon be too late. Why in such haste? Asked Fidrigailov, looking at him curiously. Everyone has his plans. Traskolnikov answered gloomily and impatiently. You urged me yourself to frankness just now, and at the first question you refused to answer. Fidrigailov observed with a smile. You keep fancying that I have aims of my own and so you look at me with suspicion. Of course, it's perfectly natural in your position. But though I should like to be friends with you, I shan't trouble myself to convince you of the contrary. The game isn't worth the candle, and I wasn't intending to talk to you about anything special. What did you want me for, then? It was you who came hanging about me. Why, simply as an interesting subject for observation, I liked the fantastic nature of your position. That's what it was. Besides, you are the brother of a person who greatly interested me, and from that person I had in the past heard a very great deal about you, from which I gathered that you had a great influence over her. Isn't that enough? Still, I must admit that your question is rather complex and is difficult for me to answer. Here you, for instance, have come to me not only for a definite object, but for the sake of hearing something new. Isn't that so? Isn't that so? Persistence, Fidrigailov, with a sly smile. Well, can't you fancy then that I, too? On my way here in the train was reckoning on you, on your telling me something new, and on my making some profit out of you. You see what rich men we are. What profit could you make? How can I tell you? How do I know? You see in what a tavern I spend on my time, and it's my enjoyment. That's to say, it's no great enjoyment, but one must sit somewhere, that poor Katya now, you saw her. If only I had been a glutton now, a clubgulman, but you see I can eat this. He pointed to a little table in the corner, where the remnants of a terrible-looking beefsteak and potatoes lay on a tin dish. Have you dined, by the way? I've had something and want nothing more. I don't drink, for instance, at all. Except for champagne, I never touch anything, and not more than a glass of that all evening, and even that is enough to make my head ache. I ordered it just now to wind myself up, for I am just going off somewhere, and you see me in a peculiar state of mind. That was why I hit myself just now like a schoolboy, for I was afraid you would hinder me. But I believe... He pulled out his watch. I can spend an hour with you. It's half past four now. If only I'd been something, a landowner, a father, a cavalry officer, a photographer, a journalist. I am nothing, no specialty, and sometimes I am positively bored. I really thought you would tell me something new. What are you, and why have you come here? What am I? You know, a gentleman. I served for two years in the cavalry, then I knocked about here in Petersburg, then I married Marfa Petrovna and lived in the country. There you have my biography. You are a gambler, I believe. No, a poor sort of gambler, a card-sharper, not a gambler. You have been a card-sharper, then. Yes, I've been a card-sharper, too. Didn't you get thrashed sometimes? It did happen. Why? Why, you might have challenged them. Altogether, it must have been lively. I won't contradict you, and besides, I am no hand at philosophy. I confess that I hastened here for the sake of the women. As soon as you buried Marfa Petrovna. Quite so. Svidriga, I love smiles with engaging candor. What of it? You seem to find something wrong in my speaking like that about women. You ask whether I find anything wrong in vice. Vice? Oh, that's what you are after. When I'll answer you in order, first about women in general, you know I'm fond of talking. Tell me, what should I restrain myself for? Why should I give up women since I have a passion for them? It's an occupation anyway. So you hope for nothing here but vice? Oh, very well for vice then. You insist on its being vice. But anyway, I like a direct question. In this vice, at least, there is something permanent, founded indeed upon nature and not dependent on fantasy, something present in the blood like an ever-burning ember, forever setting one on fire and maybe not to be quickly extinguished even with years. You'll agree it's an occupation of a sort. That's nothing to rejoice at. It's a disease and a dangerous one. Oh, that's what you think, is it? I agree that it is a disease like everything that exceeds moderation and, of course, in this one must exceed moderation. But in the first place everybody does so in one way or another and in the second place, of course, one ought to be moderate and prudent, however mean it may be, but what am I to do? If I hadn't this, I might have to shoot myself. I'm ready to admit that a decent man ought to put up with being bored, but yet. And could you shoot yourself? Oh, come. Svidrigailov parrot with disgust. Please, don't speak of it. He added hurriedly and with none of the bragging tone he had shown in all the previous conversation his face quite changed. I admit it's an unpardonable weakness, but I can't help it. I'm afraid of death and I dislike its being talked of. Do you know that I am to a certain extent a mystic? Ah, the apparitions of Marfa Petrovna. Do they still go on visiting you? Oh, don't talk of them. There have been no more in Petersburg. Confound them. He cried with an air of irritation. Let's rather talk of that, though. Hmm. I've not much time and can't stay long with you. It's a pity. I should have found plenty to tell you. What's your engagement? A woman? Yes, a woman. A casual incident. No, that's not what I want to talk of. And the hideousness. The filthiness of all your surroundings. Doesn't that affect you? Have you lost the strength to stop yourself? And do you pretend to strength, too? He-he-he. You surprised me just now, Rodion Romanovich, though I knew beforehand it would be so. You preach to me about vice and aesthetics. You, a shiller, you, an idealist. Of course that's all as it should be and it would be surprising if it were not so. Yet it is strange in reality. Ah, what a pity I have no time, for you are a most interesting type. And, by the way, are you fond of Shiller? I am awfully fond of him. But what a braggart you are! Raskolnikov said with some disgust. Upon my word I am not. Anserts Vydrigailov laughing. However, I won't dispute it. Let me be a braggart. Why not brag, if it hurts no one? I spent seven years in the country with Marfa Petrovna, so now when I come across an intelligent person like you, intelligent and highly interesting, I am simply glad to talk, and besides, I've drunk that half glass of champagne and it's gone to my head a little. And besides, there is a certain fact that has wound me up tremendously. But about that I will keep quiet. Where are you off to? He asked in alarm. Raskolnikov had begun getting up. He fell depressed and stifled and as it were ill at ease at having come here, he felt convinced that Vydrigailov was the most worthless scoundrel on the face of the earth. Ah, ah, sit down. Stay a little. Vydrigailov begged. Let them bring you some tea, anyway. Stay a little. I won't talk nonsense about myself, I mean. I'll tell you something. If you'd like, I'll tell you how a woman tried to save me, as you would call it. It will be an answer to your first question indeed, for the woman was your sister. May I tell you, it will help to spend the time. Tell me, but I trusted you. Oh, don't be uneasy. Besides, even in a worthless low fellow like me, Avdotya Romanovna can only excite the deepest respect. End of Part 6, Chapter 3 Section 35 of Crime and Punishment This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, translated by Konstantz Garnet. Part 6, Chapter 4 You know, perhaps? Yes, I told you myself. That I was in the Depta's prison here for an immense sum and had not any expectation of being able to pay it. There is no need to go into particulars of how Marfa Petrovna bought me out. Do you know to what a point of insanity a woman can sometimes love? She was an honest woman and very sensible, although completely uneducated. Would you believe that this honest and jealous woman, after many scenes of hysterics and reproaches, condescended to enter into a kind of contract with me, which she kept throughout our married life? She was considerably older than I, and besides, she always kept a clove or something in her mouth. There was so much swinishness in my soul and honesty too, of a sort, as to tell her straight out that I couldn't be absolutely faithful to her. This confession drove her to frenzy, but yet she seems in a way to have liked my brutal frankness. She thought it showed I was unwilling to deceive her, if I warned her like this beforehand, and for a jealous woman, you know, that's the first consideration. After many tears, an unwritten contract was drawn up between us. First, that I would never leave Marfa Petrovna and would always be her husband. Secondly, that I would never absent myself without her permission. Thirdly, that I would never set up a permanent mistress. Fourthly, in return for this, Marfa Petrovna gave me a free hand with the maid servants, but only with her secret knowledge. Fifthly, God forbid my falling in love with a woman of our class. Sixthly, in case I, which God forbid, should be visited by a great serious passion, I was bound to reveal it to Marfa Petrovna. On this last score, however, Marfa Petrovna was fairly at ease. She was a sensible woman, and so she could not help looking upon me as a dissolute profligate incapable of real love. But a sensible woman and a jealous woman are two very different things, and that's where the trouble came in. But to judge some people impartially, we must renounce certain preconceived opinions and our habitual attitude to the ordinary people about us. I have reason to have faith in your judgment rather than in anyone's. Perhaps you have already heard a great deal that was ridiculous and absurd about Marfa Petrovna. She certainly had some very ridiculous ways, but I tell you, frankly, that I feel really sorry for the innumerable woes of which I was the cause. Well, and that's enough, I think, by way of a decorous raison-finebre, for the most tender wife of a most tender husband. When we quarreled, I usually held my tongue and did not irritate her, and that gentlemanly conduct rarely failed to attain its object. It influenced her, it pleased her, indeed. These were times when she was positively proud of me. But your sister she couldn't put up with anyway, and however she came to risk taking such a beautiful creature into her house as a governess. My explanation is that Marfa Petrovna was an ardent and impressionable woman and simply fell in love herself, literally fell in love, with your sister. Well, little wonder, look at Avdotya Romanovna! I saw the danger at the first glance, and what do you think I resolved not to look at her even? But Avdotya Romanovna herself made the first step, would you believe it? Would you believe it too, that Marfa Petrovna was positively angry with me at first for I'm a persistent silence about your sister, for my careless reception of her continual adoring praises of Avdotya Romanovna. I don't know what it was she wanted. Well, of course, Marfa Petrovna told Avdotya Romanovna every detail about me. She had the unfortunate habit of telling literally everyone all our family secrets and continually complaining of me. How could she fail to confine in such a delightful new friend? I expect they talked of nothing else but me, and no doubt Avdotya Romanovna heard all those dark, mysterious rumors that were current about me. I don't mind betting that you two have heard something of the sort already. I have? Luren charged you with having caused the death of a child. Is that true? Don't refer to those vulgar tales, I beg. Sets vidrigailov with disgust and annoyance. If you insist on wanting to know about all that idiocy, I will tell you one day, but now... I was told, too, about some foot-moon of yours in the country whom you treated badly. I beg you to drop the subject. Svetrigailov interrupted again with obvious impatience. Was that the foot-moon who came to you after death, to fill your pipe? You told me about it yourself. Raskolnikov felt more and more irritated. Svetrigailov looked at him attentively, and Raskolnikov fancied he caught a flash of spiteful mockery in that look, but Svetrigailov restrained himself and answered very civilly. Yes, it was. I see that you, too, are extremely interested and shall feel it my duty to satisfy your curiosity at the first opportunity. Upon my soul I see that I really might pass for a romantic figure with some people, judge how grateful I must be to Marfa Petrovna for having repeated to Avdotya Romanovna such mysterious and interesting gossip about me. I dare not guess what impression it made on her, but in any case it worked in my interests. With all Avdotya Romanovna's natural aversion and in spite of my invariably gloomy and repellent aspect, she did at least feel pity for me, pity for a lost soul. And if once a girl's heart is moved to pity, it's more dangerous than anything. She's bound to want to save him, to bring him to his senses and lift him up and draw him to nobler aims and restore him to new life and usefulness. Well, we all know how far such dreams can go. I saw at once that the bird was flying into the cage of herself, and I, too, made ready. I think you are frowning, Radion Romanovich. There is no need. As you know, it all ended in smoke. Hang it all, what a lot I am drinking. Do you know, I always, from the very beginning, regretted that it wasn't your sister's fate to be born in the second or third century AD as the daughter of a reigning prince or some governor or proconsul in Asia Minor. She would undoubtedly have been one of those who would endure martyrdom and would have smiled when they branded her a bosom with hot pincers, and she would have gone to it of herself. And in the fourth or fifth century she would have walked away into the Egyptian desert and would have stayed there 30 years living on roots and ecstasies and visions. She's simply thirsting to face some torture for someone, and if she can't get her torture, she'll throw herself out of a window. I've heard something of a Mr. Razumihin. He's said to be a sensible fellow. His surname suggests it indeed. He's probably a divinity student. Well, he had better look after your sister. I believe I understand her, and I am proud of it. But at the beginning of an acquaintance, as you know, one is apt to be born heedless and stupid. One doesn't see clearly. Hey, Tol, why is she so handsome? It's not my fault. In fact, it began on my side with a most irresistible physical desire. Avdatiara Manovna is awfully chased incredibly and phenomenally so. Take note, I tell you this about your sister as a fact. She is almost morbidly chased in spite of her broad intelligence, and it will stand in her way. There happened to be a girl in the house then, Parasha, a black-eyed wench whom I had never seen before. She had just come from another village, very pretty, but incredibly stupid. She burst into tears, wailed so that she could be heard all over the place, and caused scandal. One day after dinner, Avdatiara Manovna followed me into an avenue in the garden and with flashing eyes insisted on my leaving poor Parasha alone. It was almost our first conversation by ourselves. I, of course, was only too pleased to obey her wishes, tried to appear disconcerted, embarrassed, in fact played my part not badly, then came interviews, mysterious conversations, exhortations, entreaties, supplications, even tears. Would you believe it, even tears? Think what the passion for propaganda will bring some girls to. I, of course, threw it all on my destiny, posed as hungering and thirsting for light, and finally resulted to the most powerful weapon in the subjection of the female heart, a weapon which never fails one. It's the well-known resource, Flattery. Nothing in the world is harder than speaking to truth and nothing easier than Flattery. If there's the hundredth part of a false note in speaking to truth, it leads to a discord, and that leads to trouble. But if all, to the last note, is false in Flattery, it is just as agreeable and is heard not without satisfaction. It may be a coarse satisfaction, but still a satisfaction, and however coarse the Flattery, at least half will be sure to seem true. That's so for all stages of development and classes of society. A vestal virgin might be seduced by Flattery. I can never remember without laughter how I once seduced a lady who was devoted to her husband, her children, and her principles. What fun it was and how little trouble. And the lady really had principles of her own anyway. All my tactics lain, simply being utterly annihilated and prostrate before her purity. I flattered her shamelessly, and as soon as I succeeded in getting a pressure of the hand, even a glance from her, I would reproach myself for having snatched it by force and would declare that she had resisted so that I could never have gained anything but for my being so unprincipled. I maintained that she was so innocent that she could not foresee my treachery and yield it to me unconsciously, unawares, and so on. In fact, I triumphed while my lady remained firmly convinced that she was innocent, chased, and faithful to all her duties and obligations and had succumbed quite by accident. And how anger she was with me when I explained to her at last that it was my sincere conviction that she was just as eager as I. Poor Marfa Petrovna was awfully weak on the side of flattery, and if I had only cared to, I might have had all her property during her lifetime. I am drinking an awful lot of wine now and talking too much. I hope you won't be angry if I mention now that I was beginning to produce the same effect on Avdotya Romanovna, but I was stupid and impatient and spoiled it all. Avdotya Romanovna had several times and one time in particular being greatly displeased by the expression of my eyes would you believe it? There was sometimes a light in them which frightened her and grew stronger and stronger and more unguarded till it was hateful to her. No need to go into detail, but we parted. There I acted stupidly again. I felt jeering in the coarsest way at all such propaganda and efforts to convert me. Parasha came on to the scene again and soon in fact there was a tremendous to do. Ah, Avdotya Romanovich, if you could only see how your sister's eyes can flash sometimes. Never mind my being drunk at this moment and having had a whole glass of wine. I am speaking the truth. I assure you that this glance has haunted my dreams. The very rustle of her dress was more than I could stand at last. I really began to think that I might become epileptic. I could never have believed that I could be moved to such a frenzy. It was essential indeed to be reconciled, but by then it was impossible and imagine what I did then. To what a pitch of stability a man can be brought by frenzy. Never undertake anything in a frenzy, Rodion Romanovich. That Avdotya Romanovna was after all a beggar. Ah, excuse me, that's not the word, but does it matter if it expresses the meaning? That she lived by her work, that she had her mother and you to keep? Ah, hang it, you're frowning again. And I resolved to offer her all my money, 30,000 rubles I could have realized then, if she would run away with me here to work. Of course I should have vowed eternal love, rapture and so on. Do you know, I was so wild about her at that time that if she had told me to poison Marfa Petrovna or to cut her throat and to marry herself it would have been done at once. But it ended in the catastrophe of which you know already. You can fancy how frantic I was when I heard that Marfa Petrovna had got hold of that scoundrel-y attorney, Lusian, and had almost made a match between them, which would really have been just the same thing as I was proposing. Wouldn't it? Wouldn't it? I notice that you have begun to be very attentive. You interesting young man. Svirigailov struck the table with his fist impatiently, he was flushed and as Kolnikov saw clearly glass or glass and a half of champagne that he had sipped almost unconsciously was affecting him and he resolved to take advantage of the opportunity. He felt very suspicious of Svirigailov. Well, after what you have said I am fully convinced that you have come to Petersburg with designs on my sister. He said directly to Svirigailov in order to irritate him further. Oh, nonsense. Said Svirigailov seeming to rouse himself. Why, I told you besides your sister can't endure me. Yes, I am certain that she can't. But that's not the point. Are you so sure that she can't? Svirigailov screwed up his eyes and smiled mockingly. You are right. She doesn't love me. But you can never be sure of what has passed between husband and wife or lover and mistress. There is always a little corner which remains a secret to the world and is only known to those too. Will you answer for it that Avdotya Romanovna regarded me with aversion? From some word you've dropped I notice that you still have designs and of course evil ones on Donya and mean to carry them out promptly. What? Have I dropped words like that? Svirigailov asked in naive dismay taking not the slightest notice of the epitode bestowed on his designs. Why, you are dropping them even now. Why are you so frightened? What are you so afraid of now? Me? Afraid? Afraid of you? You have rather to be afraid of me, Cherami. But what nonsense. I have drunk too much though. I see that. I was almost saying too much again. And the wine. Hi, there, water. He snatched up the champagne bottle and flung it without ceremony out of the window. Philip brought the water. That's all nonsense. Svirigailov wetting a towel and putting it to his head. But I can answer you in one word and annihilate all your suspicions. Do you know that I'm going to get married? You told me so before. Did I? I've forgotten. But I couldn't have told you so for certain, for I had not even seen my betrothed. I only meant to. But now I really have a betrothed and it's a settled thing. And if it weren't that I have business that can't be put off, I would have taken you to see them at once, for I should like to ask your advice. Ah, hang it. Only ten minutes left. See, look at the watch. But I must tell you for it's an interesting story my marriage in its own way. Where are you off to? Going again? No, I'm not going away now. Not at all. We shall see. I'll take you there. I'll show you my betrothed only not now. For you'll soon have to be off. You have to go to the right and I to the left. You know that Madame Resslich, the woman I'm lodging with now, eh? I know what you're thinking that she's the woman whose girl they say drowned herself in the winter. Come, are you listening? She arranged it all for me. You're bored, she said. You want something to fill up your time? For you know I am a gloomy depressed person. Do you think I'm hearted? No, I'm gloomy. I do no harm, but sit in a corner without speaking a word for three days at a time. And that Resslich is a sly hussy, I tell you. I know what she has got in her mind. She thinks I shall get sick of it, abandon my wife and depart, and she'll get hold of her and make a profit out of her. In our class, of course, there is a father. She told me the father was a broken down retired official who has been sitting in a chair for the last three years with his legs paralyzed. The mama, she said, was a sensible woman. There is a son serving in the provinces, but he doesn't help. There is a daughter who is married, but she doesn't visit them. And they have two little nephews on their hands whose children were not enough and they have taken from school the youngest daughter, a girl who'll be sixteen in another month so that then she can be married. She was for me. We went there. How funny it was. I present myself a landowner, a widower of a well-known name with connections with a fortune. But if I am fifty and she's not sixteen, who thinks of that? But it's fascinating, isn't it? It is fascinating, ha-ha. You should have seen how I talked to the papa and mama. It was worth paying to have seen me at that moment. She comes in curtsies you can fancy still in a short frock an unopened bud flushing like a sunset she had been told no doubt. I don't know how you feel about female faces but to my mind these sixteen years these childish eyes shyness and tears of bashfulness are better than beauty and she is a perfect little picture, too. Fair hair in little curls like a lamb's full little rosy lips tiny feet a charmer. Well, we made friends. I told them I was in a hurry to domestic circumstances and the next day that is the day before yesterday we were betrothed. When I go now I take her on my knee at once and keep her there. Well, she flushes like a sunset and I kiss her every minute. Her mama, of course impresses on her face that this is her husband and that this must be so. It's simply delicious. The present betrothed condition is perhaps better than marriage. Here you have what is called la nature et la vérité. Ha ha. I've talked to her twice. She's far from a fool. Sometimes she steals a look at me that positively scorches me. Her face is like Raphael's Madonna. You know the Sistine Madonna's face has something fantastic in it. A face of mournful religious ecstasy. Haven't you noticed it? Well, she's something in that line. The day after we'd been betrothed I bought her presents to the value of 1500 rubles. A set of diamonds and another of pearls and a silver dressing case as large as this with all sorts of things in it so that even my Madonna's face glowed. I sat her on my knee yesterday and I suppose rather too unceremoniously. She flushed crimson and the tears started but she didn't want to show it. We were left alone. She suddenly flung herself on my neck for the first time of her own accord put her little arms around me kissed me and vowed that she would be an obedient, faithful and good wife would make me happy every minute of her life would sacrifice everything everything and that all she asks in return is my respect and that she wants nothing nothing more from me no presents. You'll admit that to hear such a confession alone from an angel of sixteen in a muslin frock with little curls with a flush of maiden shyness in her cheeks and tears of enthusiasm in her eyes is rather fascinating isn't it fascinating it's worth paying for isn't it well listen we'll go to see my betrothed only not just now the fact is this monstrous difference in age and development excites your sensuality will you really make such a marriage? Why of course everyone thinks of himself and he lives most gaily who knows best to deceive himself ha ha but why are you so keen about virtue have mercy on me my good friend I am a sinful man ha ha ha but you are provided for the children of Katerina Ivanovna though though you had your own reasons I understand it all now I am always fond of children very fond of them love sweet regalov I can tell you one curious instance of it the first day I came here I visited various haunts after seven years I simply rushed at them you probably notice that I am not in a hurry to renew acquaintance with my old friends I shall do without them as long as I can do you know when I was with Marfa Petrovna in the country I thought of these places where anyone who knows his way about can find a great deal yes, upon my soul the peasants have vodka the educated young people shut out from activity waste themselves in impossible dreams and visions and are crippled by theories Jews have sprung up and are amassing money and all the rest are amassing themselves up to debauchery from the first hour the town reeked of its familiar odours I chanced to be in a frightful den I like my dens dirty it was a dance so-called and there was a conkin such as I never saw in my day yes there you have progress all of a sudden I saw a little girl 13 nicely dressed with a specialist in that line with another one vis-à-vis her mother was sitting on a chair by the wall you can't fancy what a conkin that was the girl was ashamed blushed at last felt insulted and began to cry her partner seized her and began whirling her round and performing before her everyone laughed and said to her public even the can-can public they laughed and shouted serves her right serves her right shouldn't bring children well it's not my business whether that consoling reflection was logical or not I at once fixed on my plan sat down by the mother and began by saying that I too was a stranger and that they couldn't distinguish decent folks and treat them with respect gave her to understand that I had plenty of money offered to take them home in my carriage I took them home and got to know them they were lodging in a miserable little hole and had only just arrived from the country she told me that she and her daughter could only regard my acquaintance as an honor I found out that they had nothing of their own and had come to town upon some legal business I preferred my services and money I learned that they had gone to the dancing saloon by mistake believing that it was a genuine dancing class I offered to assist in the young girls education in French and dancing my offer was accepted with enthusiasm as an honor and we are still friendly if you like we'll go and see them only not just now stop enough of your vile nasty anecdotes depraved vile sensual man Schiller you are a regular Schiller Oula vertu vateles enicia but you know I shall tell you these things on purpose for the pleasure of hearing your outcries I dare say I can see I am ridiculous myself mattered Raskolnikov angrily Svidrigailov laughed hurtily finally he called Philip paid his bill and began getting up I say but I am drunk I see cause it's been a pleasure I should rather think it must be a pleasure cried Raskolnikov getting up no doubt it is a pleasure for a worn out profligate to describe such adventures with a monstrous project of the same sort in his mind especially under such circumstances and to such a man as me it's stimulating well if you come to that Svidrigailov answered scrutinizing Raskolnikov with some surprise if you come to that you are a thorough cynic yourself you have plenty to make you so anyway you can understand a great deal and you can do a great deal too but enough I sincerely regret not having had more talk with you but I shan't lose sight of you only wait a bit Svidrigailov walked out of the restaurant Raskolnikov walked out after him Svidrigailov was not however very drunk the wine affected him for a moment but it was passing off every minute he was preoccupied with something of importance and was frowning he was apparently excited and uneasy in anticipation of something his manner to Raskolnikov had changed during the last few minutes and he was rude and more sneering every moment Raskolnikov noticed all this and he too was uneasy he became very suspicious of Svidrigailov and resolved to follow him they came out on to the pavements you go to the right and I to the left or if you like the other way only add you him on plesia may we meet again and he walked to the right towards the hay market end of part 6 chapter 4 section 36 of crime and punishment this Libervox recording is in the public domain crime and punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky translated by Konstantz Garnet part 6 chapter 5 Raskolnikov walked after him what's this cried Svidrigailov turning ground I thought I said it means that I'm not going to lose sight of you now what both stood still and gazed at one another as though measuring their strengths from all of your half tipsy stories Raskolnikov observed harshly I am positive that you have not given up your designs on my sister but are pursuing them more actively than ever I have learned that my sister received a letter this morning you have hardly been able to sit still all this time you may have unearthed the wife on the way but that means nothing I should like to make certain myself Raskolnikov could hardly have said himself what he wanted and of what he wished to make certain upon my word I'll call the police call away then they stood for a minute facing each other at last Svidrigailov's face changed having satisfied himself that Raskolnikov was not frightened at his threat he assumed a mirthful and friendly air what a fellow I purposely refrain from referring to your affair though I am devoured by curiosity it's a fantastic affair I've put it off till another time but you are enough to rouse the dead well let us go only I warn you beforehand I'm only going home for a moment to get some money then I shall look up the flat take a cab and go to spend the evening at the islands now now are you going to follow me I'm coming to your lodgings not to see you but Sophia Simonovna to say I'm sorry not to have been at the funeral that's as you like but Sophia Simonovna is not at home she has taken the three children to an old lady of high rank the patroness of some orphan asylums whom I used to know years ago I charmed the old lady by depositing a sum of money with her to provide for the three children of Katerina Ivanovna and subscribing to the institution as well I told her to the story of Sophia Simonovna in full detail suppressing nothing it produced an indescribable effect on her that's why Sophia Simonovna has been invited to call today at the ex hotel where the lady is staying for the time no matter I'll come all the same as you like it's nothing to me but I won't come with you here we are at home by the way I'm convinced that you regard me with suspicion just because I have shown such delicacy and have not so far troubled you with questions you understand it struck you as extraordinary I don't mind betting it's that well it teaches one to show delicacy and to listen at doors ah that's it is it? yes I should have been surprised if you had let that pass after all that has happened though I did understand something of the pranks you had been up to and were telling Sophia Simonovna about what was the meaning of it perhaps I am quite behind the times and can't understand for goodness sake explain it my dear boy expound the latest theories you couldn't have heard anything you're making it all up but I'm not talking about that though I did hear something no I'm talking of the way you keep sighing and groaning now the shillar in you is in revolt every moment and now you tell me not to listen at doors if that's how you feel go and inform the police that you had this mischance you made a little mistake in your theory but if you are convinced that one mustn't listen at doors but one may murder old women at one's pleasure you had better be off to America and make haste run young man there may still be time I'm speaking sincerely haven't you the money I'll give you the fare I'm not thinking of that at all I understand but don't put yourself out don't discuss it if you don't want to I understand the questions you are worrying over moral ones aren't they duties of citizen and man lay them all aside they are nothing to you now haha you'll say you are still a man and a citizen if so you ought not to have got into this coil it's no use taking up a job you are not fit for well you had better shoot yourself or don't you want to you seem trying to enrage me to make me leave you what a queer fellow but here we are welcome to the staircase you see that's the way to Sofia Seminovna look there is no one at home don't you believe me ask Kapernaumov to take you with him here he is madame Kapernaumov herself hey what she's rather deaf has she gone out where did you hear she's not in and won't be till late in the evening probably welcome to my room you wanted to come and see me didn't you here we are madame Reslix not at home she's a woman who is always busy an excellent woman I assure you she might have been of use to you if you had been a little more sensible now see I take this 5% bond out of the bureau see what a lot I've got of them still this one will be turned into cash today I mustn't waste any more time the bureau is locked the flat is locked and here we are again on the stairs shall we take a cab I'm going to the islands I'm going to lift I'll take this carriage are you refuse you are tired of it come for a drive I believe it will come on to rain nevermind we'll put down the hood Svidrigailov was already in the carriage Raskolnikov decided that his suspicions were at least for that moment unjust without answering a word he turned and walked back towards the hay market suddenly turned round on his way he might have seen Svidrigailov get out not a hundred paces off dismissed the cab and walk along the pavement but he had turned the corner and could see nothing intense disgust drew him away from Svidrigailov to think that I could for one instant have looked for help from that coarse brute that depraved centralism blaggard he cried Raskolnikov's judgment was uttered and hastily there was something about Svidrigailov which gave him a certain original even a mysterious character as concerned his sister Raskolnikov was convinced that Svidrigailov would not leave her in peace but it was too tiresome and unbearable to go on thinking and thinking about this when he was alone he had not gone twenty paces before he sang as usual into deep thought on the bridge he stood by the railing and began gazing at the water and his sister was standing close by him he met her at the entrance to the bridge but passed by without seeing her Dunya had never met him like this in the street before and was struck with dismay she stood still and did not know whether to call to him or not suddenly she saw Svidrigailov coming quickly from the direction of the hay market he seemed to be approaching cautiously he did not go on to the bridge but stood aside on the pavement doing all he could to avoid Raskolnikov seeing him he had observed Dunya for some time and had been making signs to her she fancied he was signaling to beg her not to speak to her brother but to come to him that was what Dunya did she stole by her brother and went up to Svidrigailov let us make haste away Svidrigailov whispered to her I don't want Aradyon Romanovich to know of our meeting I must tell you I've been sitting with him in the restaurant close by where he looked me up and I had great difficulty in getting rid of him he has somehow heard of my letter to you and suspects something it wasn't you who told him of course but if not you who then well we've turned a corner now Dunya interrupted and my brother won't see us I have to tell you that I'm going no further with you speak to me here you can tell it all on the street in the first place I can't say it in the street secondly you must hear Sofia Semionovna too and thirdly I will show you some papers oh well if you won't agree to come with me I shall refuse to give any explanation and go away at once but I beg you not to forget that a very curious secret of your beloved brothers is entirely in my keeping Dunya stood still hesitating and looked at Svidrigaevov with searching eyes what are you afraid of he observed quietly the town is not the country and even in the country you did me more harm than I did you have you prepared Sofia Semionovna no I have not said a word to her and I'm not quite certain whether she's at home now but most likely she is she has buried her stepmother today she's not likely to go visiting on such a day for the time I don't want to speak to anyone about it and I have regret having spoken to you the slightest indiscretion is as bad as betrayal in a thing like this I live there in that house we are coming to it that's the porter of our house he knows me very well you see he's bowing he sees I'm coming with a lady and no doubt he has noticed your face already and you will be glad of that if you are afraid of me and suspicious excuse my putting things so coarsely I haven't a flat to myself Sofia Semionovna's room is next to mine she lodges in the next flat the whole floor is let out in lodgings why are you frightened like a child am I really so terrible Svidrigailov's lips were twisted in a condescending smile but he was in no smiling mood his heart was throbbing and he could scarcely breathe he spoke rather loud to cover his growing excitement but Dunja did not notice this peculiar excitement she was so irritated by his remark that she was frightened of him like a child and that he was so terrible to her though I know that you are not a man of honour I am not in the least afraid of you lead the way she said with apparent composure but her face was very pale Svidrigailov stopped at Sonya's room allow me to inquire whether she is at home she's not but I know she may come quite soon if she has gone out it can only be to see a lady about the orphans their mother is dead I've been meddling and making arrangements for them if Sofya Seminovna does not come back in ten minutes I will send her to you today if you like this is my flat these are my two rooms Madame Restlich, my landlady has the next room now look this way I will show you my chief piece of evidence this door from my bedroom leads into two perfectly empty rooms which are to let here they are you must look into them with some attention Svidrigailov occupied two fairly large furnished rooms Dunja was looking about her mistrustfully but saw nothing special in the furniture or position of the rooms yet there was something to observe for instance that Svidrigailov's flat was exactly between two sets of almost uninhabited apartments his rooms were not entered directly from the passage but through the landlady's two almost empty rooms unlocking a door leading out of his bedroom Svidrigailov showed Dunja the two empty rooms that were to let Dunja stopped in the doorway not knowing what she was called to look upon but Svidrigailov hastened to explain look here at this second large room notice that door it's locked by the door stands a chair the only one in the two rooms I brought it from my rooms so as to listen more conveniently just the other side of the door is Sofia Seminovna's table she sat there talking to Rudion Romanovich and I sat here listening on two successive evenings for two hours each time and of course I was able to learn something what do you think? you listened? yes I did now come back to my room we can't sit down here he brought Avdotya Romanovna back into his sitting room and offered her a chair he sat down at the opposite side of the table at least seven feet from her there was the same glow in his eyes which had once frightened Dunya so much she shuddered and once more looked about her distrustfully it was an involuntary gesture she evidently did not wish to betray her uneasiness but the secluded position of Svidrigailov's lodging had suddenly struck her she wanted to ask whether his landlady at least were at home but pride kept her from asking moreover she had another trouble in her heart incomparably greater than fear for herself she was in great distress here is your lesser she said laying it on the table can it be true what you write? you hinted a crime committed you say by my brother you hinted it too clearly you didn't deny it now I must tell you that I had heard of this stupid story before you wrote and don't believe a word of it it's a disgusting and ridiculous suspicion I know the story and why and how it was invented you can have no proofs you promise to prove it speak but let me warn you that I don't believe you I don't believe you Dunja said this speaking hurriedly and for an instant the color rushed to her face if you didn't believe it how could you risk coming alone to my rooms why have you come simply from curiosity don't torment me speak there is no denying that you are a brave girl upon my word I thought you would have asked Mr. Razumihin to escort you here but he was not with you nor anywhere near I was on a lookout it's spirited of you it proves you wanted to spare Radian Romanovich but everything is divine in you about your brother what am I to say to you you have just seen him yourself what did you think of him surely that's not the only thing you are building on no, not on that but on his own words he came here on two successive evenings to see Sofya Semionovna I have shown you where they sat he made a full confession to her he is a murderer he killed an old woman a pawnbroker with whom he had pawned things himself he killed her sister too a peddler woman called Lisaveta who happened to come in while he was murdering her sister he killed them with an axe he brought with him he murdered them to rob them and he did rob them he took money and various things he told all this word for word to Sofya Semionovna she was a person who knows he's secret but she has had no share by word or deed in the murder she was as horrified at it as you are now don't be anxious she won't betray him it cannot be mothered Dunya with white lips she gasped for breath it cannot be there was not a slightest cause no sort of ground it's a lie, a lie and that was the cause he took money and things it's true that by his own admission he made no use of the money or things but he did them under a stone where they are now but that was because he dared not make use of them but how could he steal? Rob how could he dream of it? cried Dunya and she jumped up from the chair why you know him and you've seen him can he be a thief? there are thousands and millions of combinations and possibilities of Dacharomanovna a thief steals and knows he's a scoundrel but I've heard of a gentleman who broke open the mail who knows very likely he thought he was doing a gentlemanly thing of course I should not have believed it myself if I had been told of it as you have but I believe my own ears he explained all the causes of it to Sofya Semyonovna too but she did not believe her ears at first yet she believed her own eyes at last what? what are the causes? it's a long story of Dacharomanovna yes how shall I tell you a theory of her sort the same one by which I for instance consider that a single misdeed is permissible if the principle aim is right a solitary wrongdoing and hundreds of good deeds it's galling too of course for a young man of gifts and overweening pride to know that if he had for instance a paltry three thousand his whole career his whole future would be differently shaped and yet not to have that add to that nervous irritability from hunger from lodging in a hole from rags from a vivid sense of the charm of his social position and his sisters and mothers position too above all vanity, pride and vanity though goodness knows he may have good qualities too I'm not blaming him please don't think it besides my business a special little theory came in too a theory of a sort dividing mankind you see into material and superior persons that is persons to whom the law doesn't apply owing to their superiority who make laws for the rest of mankind the material that is it's all right as a theory um ferri comunotru napoleon attracted him tremendously that is what affected him was that a great many men of genius have not hesitated at wrongdoing but have overstepped the law without thinking about it he seems to have fancied that he was a genius too that is he was convinced of it for a time he has suffered a great deal and is still suffering from the idea that he could make a theory but was incapable of boldly overstepping the law and so he's not a man of genius and that's humiliating for a young man of any pride in our day especially but primors do you deny him any moral feeling then is he like that ah of dottiaromanovna everything is in a muddle now not that it was ever in very good order russians in general are broad in their ideas of dottiaromanovna broad like their land exceedingly disposed to the fantastic the chaotic but it's a misfortune to be broad without a special genius do you remember what a lot of talk we had together on this subject sitting in the evenings on the terrace after supper why you used to reproach me with breath who knows perhaps we were talking at the very time when he was lying here thinking over his plan there are no sacred traditions amongst us especially in the educated class of dottiaromanovna at the best someone will make them up somehow for himself out of books or some old chronicle but those are for the most part the learned and all old fogies so that it would be almost ill-bred in a man of society you know my opinions in general though I never blame anyone I do nothing at all I persevere in that but we have talked of this more than once before I was so happy indeed as to interest you in my opinions you are very pale of dottiaromanovna I know his theory I read that article of his about men to whom all is permitted Razumihin brought it to me Mr. Razumihin your brother's article in a magazine is there such an article I didn't know it must be interesting but where are you going of dottiaromanovna I want to see Sofia Semyonovna Dunia articulated faintly how do I go to her she has come in perhaps I must see her at once perhaps she of dottiaromanovna could not finish her breath literally failed her Sofia Semyonovna will not be back till night at least I believe not she was to have been back at once but if not then she will not be until quite late Ah then you are lying I see you are lying lying all the time I don't believe you I don't believe you cried Dunia completely losing her head almost fainting she sank on a chair which Semyonovna made haste to give her of dottiaromanovna what is it control yourself here is some water drink a little he sprinkled some water over her Dunia shuddered and came to herself it has acted violently Svidrigailov muttered to himself frowning of dottiaromanovna calm yourself believe me he has friends we will save him would you like me to take him abroad I have money I can get a ticket in three days and as for the murder he will do all sorts of good deeds yet to atone for it calm yourself he may become a great man yet well how are you how do you feel cruel man to be able to jaret it let me go where are you going to him where is he do you know why is this door locked we came in at that door and now it is locked and it shall lock it we couldn't be shouting all over the flat on such a subject I am far from jeering it's simply that I am sick of talking like this but how can you go in such a state do you want to betray him you will drive him to fury and he will give himself up let me tell you he is already being watched they are already on his track I will simply be giving him away wait a little I saw him and was talking to him just now he can still be saved wait a bit sit down let us think it over together I asked you to come in order to discuss it alone with you and to consider it thoroughly but do sit down how can you save him can he really be saved dunja sat down he will sit down beside her it all depends on you on you on you alone he began with glowing eyes almost in a whisper and hardly able to utter the words for emotion dunja drew back from him an alarm he too was trembling all over you one word from you and he is saved I I'll save him I have money and friends I'll send him away at once I'll get a passport two passports one for him and one for me I have friends capable people if you like I'll take a passport for you for your mother what do you want with razumihin I love you too I love you beyond everything let me kiss the hem of your dress let me the very rustle of it is too much for me tell me do that and I'll do it I'll do everything I will do the impossible what you believe I will believe I'll do anything anything don't don't look at me like that do you know that you are killing me he was almost beginning to rave something seemed suddenly to go to his head dunja jumped up and rushed to the door open it open it she called shaking the door open it is there no one there see the guile of god up and came to himself his still trembling lips slowly broke into an angry mocking smile there is no one at home he said quietly and emphatically the landlady has gone out and it's waste of time to shout like that you are only exciting yourself uselessly where is the key open the door at once I have lost the key and cannot find it this is an outrage cried dunja turning pale as death she rushed to the furthest corner where she made haste to barricade herself with a little table she did not scream but she fixated her eyes on her tormentor and watched every movement he made swedrigalov remained standing at the other end of the room facing her he was positively composed at least in appearance but his face was pale as before the mocking smile did not leave his face you spoke of outrage just now avdiotya romanovna in that case you may be sure I have taken measures sofya semianovna is not at home the kapernomovs are far away there are five locked rooms between I am at least twice as strong as you are and I have nothing to fear besides for you could not complain afterwards you surely would not be willing actually to betray your brother besides no one would believe you how should a girl have come alone to visit a solitary man in his lodgings so that even if you do sacrifice your brother you could prove nothing it is very difficult to prove an assault avdiotya romanovna scoundrel whispered dunya indignantly as you like but observe I was only speaking by way of a general proposition it's my personal conviction that you are perfectly right violence is hateful I only spoke to show you that you need have no remorse even if you were willing to save your brother of your own accord as I suggest to you you would be simply submitting to circumstances the violence in fact if we must use that word think about it your brothers and your mother's fate are in your hands I will be your slave all my life I will wait here svidrigailov sat down on the sofa with the guards from dunya she had not the slightest doubt now of his unbending determination besides she knew him suddenly she pulled out of her pocket a revolver, cocked it and laid it in her hand on the table svidrigailov jumped up aha so that's it is it he cried surprised but smiling maliciously well that completely alters the aspect of affairs you have made things wonderfully for me at Fudocharomanovna but where did you get the revolver was it mr. Razumihin why it's my revolver an old friend and how I have hunted for it the shooting lessons I've given you in the country have not been thrown away it is not your revolver it belongs to Marfa Petrovna whom you killed wretch there was nothing of yours in her house I took it when I began to suspect what you were capable of if you dare to advance one step I swear I'll kill you she was frantic but your brother I ask from curiosity said svidrigailov still standing where he was inform if you want to don't stir don't come nearer I'll shoot you poisoned your wife I know you are a murderer yourself she held the revolver ready are you so positive I poisoned Marfa Petrovna you did you hinted it yourself you talked to me of poison I know you weren't to get it you had it in readiness it was your doing it must have been your doing scoundrel even if that were true it would have been for your sake you would have been the cause you're lying I hated you always always oh oh Avda Cheromanovna you seem to have forgotten how you softened to me in the heat of Agenda I saw it in your eyes do you remember that moonlight night when the Nightingale was singing that's a lie there was a flash of fury in Dunya's eyes that's a lie and a libel a lie well if you like it's a lie I made it up women ought not to be reminded of such things you smiled I know you will shoot you well shoot away Dunya raised the revolver and deadly pale gazed at him measuring the distance and awaiting the first movement on his part his lower lip was white and quivering and her big black eyes flashed like fire he had never seen her so handsome the fire glowing in her eyes at the moment she raised the revolver seemed to kindle him and there was a pang of anguish in his heart a step forward and a shot rang out the bullet grazed his hair and flew into the wall behind he stood still and laughed softly the wasp has stung me she aimed straight at my head what's this blood he pulled out his handkerchief to wipe the blood which flowed in a thin stream down his right temple the bullet seemed to have just grazed his skin Dunya lowered the revolver and looked at Svidrigailov not so much in terror as in a sort of wild amazement she seemed not to understand what she was doing and what was going on well you missed fire again I'll wait said Svidrigailov softly still smiling but gloomily if you go on like that I shall have time to seize you before you cock again Dunya started quickly cocked the pistol and again raised it let me be she cried in despair I swear I'll shoot again I'll kill you well at three paces you can hardly help it but if you don't then his eyes flashed and he took two steps forward Dunya shot again it missed fire you haven't loaded it properly never mind you have another charge there he stood facing her two paces away waiting and gazing at her with wild determination with feverishly passionate stubborn sad eyes Dunya saw that he would sooner died and let her go and now of course she would kill him at two paces suddenly she flung away the revolver she has dropped it said Svidrigailov with surprise and he drew a deep breath a weight seemed to have rolled from his heart perhaps not only the fear of death indeed he may scarcely have felt it at the moment it was the deliverance from another feeling darker and more bitter which he could not himself have defined he went to Dunya and gently put his arm round her waist she did not resist but trembling like a leaf looked at him with supply and eyes he tried to say something but his lips moved without being able to utter a sound let me go Dunya implored Svidrigailov shuddered her voice now was quite different then you don't love me he asked softly Dunya shook her head and and you can't never? he whispered in despair never there followed a moment of terrible dumb struggle in the heart of Svidrigailov he looked at her with an indescribable gaze suddenly he withdrew his arm turned quickly to the window and stood facing it another moment passed here's the key he took it out of the left pocket of his coat and laid it on the table behind him without turning or looking at Dunya take it make haste he looked stubbornly out of the window Dunya went up to the table to take the key make haste repeated Svidrigailov still without turning or moving but there seemed a terrible significance in the tone of that make haste Dunya understood it snatched up the key flew to the door, unlocked it quickly and rushed out of the room a minute later beside herself she ran out on the canal bank in the direction of X-bridge Svidrigailov remained three minutes standing at the window he slowly turned, looked about him and passed his hand over his forehead a strange smile contorted his face a pitiful, sad, weak smile a smile of despair the blood which was already getting dry smeared his hand he looked angrily at it then wetted the towel and washed his temple the revolver which Dunya had flung away lay near the door and suddenly caught his eye he picked it up and examined it it was a little pocket three-barrel revolver of old-fashioned construction there were still two charges and one capsule left in it it could be fired again he thought a little put the revolver in his pocket took his hat and went out End of Part 6, Chapter 5