Pagina 26 di 1294

But he was restless; he ruffled up his hair and from time to time

let his head drop into his hands dejectedly resting his ragged

elbows on the stained and sticky table. At last he looked

straight at Raskolnikov, and said loudly and resolutely:

"May I venture, honoured sir, to engage you in polite

conversation? Forasmuch as, though your exterior would not

command respect, my experience admonishes me that you are a man

of education and not accustomed to drinking. I have always

respected education when in conjunction with genuine sentiments,

and I am besides a titular counsellor in rank. Marmeladov--such

is my name; titular counsellor. I make bold to inquire--have you

been in the service?"