Pagina 682 van 1294

"Only think," he cried, "half an hour ago we had never seen each

other, we regarded each other as enemies; there is a matter

unsettled between us; we've thrown it aside, and away we've gone

into the abstract! Wasn't I right in saying that we were birds of

a feather?"

"Kindly allow me," Raskolnikov went on irritably, "to ask you to

explain why you have honoured me with your visit... and... and I

am in a hurry, I have no time to waste. I want to go out."

"By all means, by all means. Your sister, Avdotya Romanovna, is

going to be married to Mr. Luzhin, Pyotr Petrovitch?"

"Can you refrain from any question about my sister and from

mentioning her name? I can't understand how you dare utter her

name in my presence, if you really are Svidrigailov."

"Why, but I've come here to speak about her; how can I avoid

mentioning her?"

"Very good, speak, but make haste."