Pagina 718 van 1294

"But now in any case I cannot reckon on it, and I particularly

desire not to hinder your discussion of the secret proposals of

Arkady Ivanovitch Svidrigailov, which he has entrusted to your

brother and which have, I perceive, a great and possibly a very

agreeable interest for you."

"Good heavens!" cried Pulcheria Alexandrovna.

Razumihin could not sit still on his chair.

"Aren't you ashamed now, sister?" asked Raskolnikov.

"I am ashamed, Rodya," said Dounia. "Pyotr Petrovitch, go away,"

she turned to him, white with anger.

Pyotr Petrovitch had apparently not at all expected such a

conclusion. He had too much confidence in himself, in his power

and in the helplessness of his victims. He could not believe it

even now. He turned pale, and his lips quivered.

"Avdotya Romanovna, if I go out of this door now, after such a

dismissal, then, you may reckon on it, I will never come back.

Consider what you are doing. My word is not to be shaken."