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Ach, as though we could take it amiss in you! drawled Marya Kondratyevna, flattered by Alyoshas apology. For Dmitri Fyodorovitch often goes to the summer-house in that way. We dont know he is here and he is sitting in the summer-house. I am very anxious to find him, or to learn from you where he is now. Believe me, its on business of great importance to him. He never tells us, lisped Marya Kondratyevna. Though I used to come here as a friend, Smerdyakov began again, Dmitri Fyodorovitch has pestered me in a merciless way even here by his incessant questions about the master. What news? hell ask. Whats going on in there now? Whos coming and going? and cant I tell him something more. Twice already hes threatened me with death. With death? Alyosha exclaimed in surprise. Do you suppose hed think much of that, with his temper, which you had a chance of observing yourself yesterday? He says if I let Agrafena Alexandrovna in and she passes the night there, Ill be the first to suffer for it. I am terribly afraid of him, and if I were not even more afraid of doing so, I ought to let the police know. God only knows what he might not do! His honour said to him the other day, Ill pound you in a mortar! added Marya Kondratyevna. Oh, if its pounding in a mortar, it may be only talk, observed Alyosha. If I could meet him, I might speak to him about that too. Well the only thing I can tell you is this, said Smerdyakov, as though thinking better of it; I am here as an old friend and neighbour, and it would be odd if I didnt come. On the other hand, Ivan Fyodorovitch sent me first thing this morning to your brothers lodging in Lake Street, without a letter, but with a message to Dmitri Fyodorovitch to go to dine with him at the restaurant here, in the market-place. I went, but didnt find Dmitri Fyodorovitch at home, though it was eight oclock. Hes been here, but he is quite gone, those were the very words of his landlady. Its as though there was an understanding between them. Perhaps at this moment he is in the restaurant with Ivan Fyodorovitch, for Ivan Fyodorovitch has not been home to dinner and Fyodor Pavlovitch dined alone an hour ago, and is gone to lie down. But I beg you most particularly not to speak of me and of what I have told you, for hed kill me for nothing at all. Brother Ivan invited Dmitri to the restaurant to-day? repeated Alyosha quickly. Thats so. The Metropolis tavern in the market-place? The very same. Thats quite likely, cried Alyosha, much excited. Thank you, Smerdyakov; thats important. Ill go there at once. Dont betray me, Smerdyakov called after him. Oh, no, Ill go to the tavern as though by chance. Dont be anxious. But wait a minute, Ill open the gate to you, cried Marya Kondratyevna. No; its a short cut, Ill get over the fence again. |
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