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"You are not a bear, perhaps, at all," he said. "I fancy indeed

that you are a man of very good breeding, or at least know how on

occasion to behave like one."

"I am not particularly interested in anyone's opinion,"

Svidrigailov answered, dryly and even with a shade of

haughtiness, "and therefore why not be vulgar at times when

vulgarity is such a convenient cloak for our climate... and

especially if one has a natural propensity that way," he added,

laughing again.

"But I've heard you have many friends here. You are, as they say,

'not without connections.' What can you want with me, then,

unless you've some special object?"