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been here since that day. His legs were numb and gave way under him, but still they moved forward. He stopped for a moment to take breath, to collect himself, so as to enter like a man. But why? what for? he wondered, reflecting. If I must drink the cup what difference does it make? The more revolting the better. He imagined for an instant the figure of the explosive lieutenant, Ilya Petrovitch. Was he actually going to him? Couldnt he go to someone else? To Nikodim Fomitch? Couldnt he turn back and go straight to Nikodim Fomitchs lodgings? At least then it would be done privately. No, no! To the explosive lieutenant! If he must drink it, drink it off at once. Turning cold and hardly conscious, he opened the door of the office. There were very few people in it this timeonly a house porter and a peasant. The doorkeeper did not even peep out from behind his screen. Raskolnikov walked into the next room. Perhaps I still need not speak, passed through his mind. Some sort of clerk not wearing a uniform was settling himself at a bureau to write. In a corner another clerk was seating himself. Zametov was not there, nor, of course, Nikodim Fomitch. No one in? Raskolnikov asked, addressing the person at the bureau. Whom do you want? A-ah! Not a sound was heard, not a sight was seen, but I scent the Russian how does it go on in the fairy tale Ive forgotten! At your service! a familiar voice cried suddenly. Raskolnikov shuddered. The Explosive Lieutenant stood before him. He had just come in from the third room. It is the hand of fate, thought Raskolnikov. Why is he here? Youve come to see us? What about? cried Ilya Petrovitch. He was obviously in an exceedingly good humour and perhaps a trifle exhilarated. If its on business you are rather early.1 Its only a chance that I am here however Ill do what I can. I must admit, I what is it, what is it? Excuse me. Raskolnikov. Of course, Raskolnikov. You didnt imagine Id forgotten? Dont think I am like that Rodion RoRoRodionovitch, thats it, isnt it? Rodion Romanovitch. Yes, yes, of course, Rodion Romanovitch! I was just getting at it. I made many inquiries about you. I assure you Ive been genuinely grieved since that since I behaved like that it was explained to me afterwards that you were a literary man and a learned one too and so to say the first steps Mercy on us! What literary or scientific man does not begin by some originality of conduct! My wife and I have the greatest respect for literature, in my wife its a genuine passion! Literature and art! If only a man is a gentleman, all the rest can be gained by talents, learning, good sense, genius. As for a hatwell, what does a hat matter? I can buy a hat as easily as I can a bun; but whats under the hat, what the hat covers, I cant buy that! I was even meaning to come and apologise to you, but thought maybe youd But I am forgetting to ask you, is there anything you want really? I hear your family have come? Yes, my mother and sister. Ive even had the honour and happiness of meeting your sistera highly cultivated and charming person. I confess I was sorry I got so hot with you. There it is! But as for my looking suspiciously at your fainting fitthat affair has been cleared up splendidly! Bigotry and fanaticism! I understand your indignation. Perhaps you are changing your lodging on account of your familys arriving? No, I only looked in I came to ask I thought that I should find Zametov here. Oh, yes! Of course, youve made friends, I heard. Well, no, Zametov is not here. Yes, weve lost Zametov. Hes not been here since yesterday he quarrelled with everyone on leaving in the rudest way. He is a |
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