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"You've told us a great deal that is interesting about my

brother's character... and have told it impartially. I am glad. I

thought that you were too uncritically devoted to him," observed

Avdotya Romanovna with a smile. "I think you are right that he

needs a woman's care," she added thoughtfully.

"I didn't say so; but I daresay you are right, only..."

"What?"

"He loves no one and perhaps he never will," Razumihin declared

decisively.

"You mean he is not capable of love?"

"Do you know, Avdotya Romanovna, you are awfully like your

brother, in everything, indeed!" he blurted out suddenly to his

own surprise, but remembering at once what he had just before

said of her brother, he turned as red as a crab and was overcome

with confusion. Avdotya Romanovna couldn't help laughing when she

looked at him.