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"He has been conscious a long time, since the morning," went on

Razumihin, whose familiarity seemed so much like unaffected

good-nature that Pyotr Petrovitch began to be more cheerful,

partly, perhaps, because this shabby and impudent person had

introduced himself as a student.

"Your mamma," began Luzhin.

"Hm!" Razumihin cleared his throat loudly. Luzhin looked at him

inquiringly.

"That's all right, go on."

Luzhin shrugged his shoulders.

"Your mamma had commenced a letter to you while I was sojourning

in her neighbourhood. On my arrival here I purposely allowed a

few days to elapse before coming to see you, in order that I

might be fully assured that you were in full possession of the

tidings; but now, to my astonishment..."

"I know, I know!" Raskolnikov cried suddenly with impatient

vexation. "So you are the fiance? I know, and that's enough!"