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"From her queerness. No, I'll tell you what. I could kill that

damned old woman and make off with her money, I assure you,

without the faintest conscience-prick," the student added with

warmth. The officer laughed again while Raskolnikov shuddered.

How strange it was!

"Listen, I want to ask you a serious question," the student said

hotly. "I was joking of course, but look here; on one side we

have a stupid, senseless, worthless, spiteful, ailing, horrid old

woman, not simply useless but doing actual mischief, who has not

an idea what she is living for herself, and who will die in a day

or two in any case. You understand? You understand?"

"Yes, yes, I understand," answered the officer, watching his

excited companion attentively.