Pagina 661 de 1294

"I've come to you for two reasons. In the first place, I wanted

to make your personal acquaintance, as I have already heard a

great deal about you that is interesting and flattering;

secondly, I cherish the hope that you may not refuse to assist me

in a matter directly concerning the welfare of your sister,

Avdotya Romanovna. For without your support she might not let me

come near her now, for she is prejudiced against me, but with

your assistance I reckon on..."

"You reckon wrongly," interrupted Raskolnikov.

"They only arrived yesterday, may I ask you?"

Raskolnikov made no reply.

"It was yesterday, I know. I only arrived myself the day before.

Well, let me tell you this, Rodion Romanovitch, I don't consider

it necessary to justify myself, but kindly tell me what was there

particularly criminal on my part in all this business, speaking

without prejudice, with common sense?"

Raskolnikov continued to look at him in silence.