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"It was base of me to say that.... My mother herself is almost a

beggar... and I told a lie to keep my lodging... and be fed,"

Raskolnikov said loudly and distinctly.

"Yes, you did very sensibly. But the worst of it is that at that

point Mr. Tchebarov turns up, a business man. Pashenka would

never have thought of doing anything on her own account, she is

too retiring; but the business man is by no means retiring, and

first thing he puts the question, 'Is there any hope of realising

the I O U?' Answer: there is, because he has a mother who would

save her Rodya with her hundred and twenty-five roubles pension,

if she has to starve herself; and a sister, too, who would go

into bondage for his sake. That's what he was building upon....

Why do you start? I know all the ins and outs of your affairs

now, my dear boy--it's not for nothing that you were so open with

Pashenka when you were her prospective son-in-law, and I say all

this as a friend.... But I tell you what it is; an honest and

sensitive man is open; and a business man 'listens and goes on

eating' you up.