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Ah, the golden days of our youth, where are they?). Well, as for

the gentleman who thrashed the German, I feel no sympathy with

him, because after all what need is there for sympathy? But I

must say that there are sometimes such provoking 'Germans' that I

don't believe there is a progressive who could quite answer for

himself. No one looked at the subject from that point of view

then, but that's the truly humane point of view, I assure you."

After saying this, Svidrigailov broke into a sudden laugh again.

Raskolnikov saw clearly that this was a man with a firm purpose

in his mind and able to keep it to himself.

"I expect you've not talked to anyone for some days?" he asked.

"Scarcely anyone. I suppose you are wondering at my being such an

adaptable man?"

"No, I am only wondering at your being too adaptable a man."