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I should be the first to be ready to clean out any cesspool you like. And its not a question of self-sacrifice, its simply work, honourable, useful work which is as good as any other and much better than the work of a Raphael and a Pushkin, because it is more useful. And more honourable, more honourable, he-he-he! What do you mean by more honourable? I dont understand such expressions to describe human activity. More honourable, nobler all those are old-fashioned prejudices which I reject. Everything which is of use to mankind is honourable. I only understand one word: useful! You can snigger as much as you like, but thats so! Pyotr Petrovitch laughed heartily. He had finished counting the money and was putting it away. But some of the notes he left on the table. The cesspool question had already been a subject of dispute between them. What was absurd was that it made Lebeziatnikov really angry, while it amused Luzhin and at that moment he particularly wanted to anger his young friend. Its your ill-luck yesterday that makes you so ill-humoured and annoying, blurted out Lebeziatnikov, who in spite of his independence and his protests did not venture to oppose Pyotr Petrovitch and still behaved to him with some of the respect habitual in earlier years. Youd better tell me this, Pyotr Petrovitch interrupted with haughty displeasure, can you or rather are you really friendly enough with that young person to ask her to step in here for a minute? I think theyve all come back from the cemetery I heard the sound of steps I want to see her, that young person. What for? Lebeziatnikov asked with surprise. Oh, I want to. I am leaving here to-day or to-morrow and therefore I wanted to speak to her about However, you may be present during the interview. Its better you should be, indeed. For theres no knowing what you might imagine. I shant imagine anything. I only asked and, if youve anything to say to her, nothing is easier than to call her in. Ill go directly and you may be sure I wont be in your way. Five minutes later Lebeziatnikov came in with Sonia. She came in very much surprised and overcome with shyness as usual. She was always shy in such circumstances and was always afraid of new people, she had been as a child and was even more so now. Pyotr Petrovitch met her politely and affably, but with a certain shade of bantering familiarity which in his opinion was suitable for a man of his respectability and weight in dealing with a creature so young and so interesting as she. He hastened to reassure her and made her sit down facing him at the table. Sonia sat down, looked about herat Lebeziatnikov, at the notes lying on the table and then again at Pyotr Petrovitch and her eyes remained riveted on him. Lebeziatnikov was moving to the door. Pyotr Petrovitch signed to Sonia to remain seated and stopped Lebeziatnikov. Is Raskolnikov in there? Has he come? he asked him in a whisper. Raskolnikov? Yes. Why? Yes, he is there. I saw him just come in. Why? Well, I particularly beg you to remain here with us and not to leave me alone with this young woman. I only want a few words with her, but God knows what they may make of it. I shouldnt like Raskolnikov to repeat anything. You understand what I mean? I understand! Lebeziatnikov saw the point. Yes, you are right. Of course, I am convinced personally that you have no reason to be uneasy, but still, you are right. Certainly Ill stay. Ill stand here at the window and not be in your way I think you are right |
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