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As soon as Porfiry Petrovitch heard that his visitor had a little

matter of business with him, he begged him to sit down on the

sofa and sat down himself on the other end, waiting for him to

explain his business, with that careful and over-serious

attention which is at once oppressive and embarrassing,

especially to a stranger, and especially if what you are

discussing is in your opinion of far too little importance for

such exceptional solemnity. But in brief and coherent phrases

Raskolnikov explained his business clearly and exactly, and was

so well satisfied with himself that he even succeeded in taking a

good look at Porfiry. Porfiry Petrovitch did not once take his

eyes off him. Razumihin, sitting opposite at the same table,

listened warmly and impatiently, looking from one to the other

every moment with rather excessive interest.

"Fool," Raskolnikov swore to himself.