Pagina 647 di 1294

He heard the hurried footsteps of Razumihin; he closed his eyes

and pretended to be asleep. Razumihin opened the door and stood

for some time in the doorway as though hesitating, then he

stepped softly into the room and went cautiously to the sofa.

Raskolnikov heard Nastasya's whisper:

"Don't disturb him! Let him sleep. He can have his dinner later."

"Quite so," answered Razumihin. Both withdrew carefully and

closed the door. Another half-hour passed. Raskolnikov opened his

eyes, turned on his back again, clasping his hands behind his

head.