told her Sofya Semyonovna’s story in every detail, concealing nothing. The effect was indescribable. That’s why Sofya Semyonovna was asked to come immediately, today, directly to ——aya Hotel, where my lady is temporarily residing before returning to her dacha.’
‘Never mind – I’ll still call by.’
‘As you wish, but count me out. Anyway, what’s it to me? Ah, we’re already home. I’m convinced you look at me so suspiciously because I was so very tactful and I still haven’t troubled you with any questions . . . Is that right? It struck you as rather extraordinary. I’m sure of it! Fancy being tactful after that!’
‘And listening in at doors!’
‘Ah, I see!’ laughed Svidrigailov. ‘Yes, it would have been rather surprising if, after everything, you’d let that pass without comment. Ha-ha! I do have some idea of the sort of pranks you got up to then . . . over there . . . and which you told Sofya Semyonovna about yourself. But still, what am I to make of it? Perhaps I’m hopelessly behind the times and no longer capable of understanding anything. Explain, my dear boy, for the love of God! Enlighten me about the latest principles.’
‘You couldn’t have heard a thing – these are all lies!’
‘Oh, I don’t mean that (although I did hear something). No, I mean the way you never stop sighing! As if you’ve got Schiller squirming about inside you. And then they tell us not to listen in at doors. In that case, go and tell the authorities that look, a peculiar thing’s happened to me: something went a bit wrong with the theory. If you’re convinced one mustn’t listen in at doors, but it’s all right to bash old hags with whatever comes to hand, whenever the mood takes you, then you’d better get yourself off to America23 or somewhere! Run, run, young man! There might still be time. I’m being sincere. No money, is that it? I’ll give you some for the journey.’
‘That’s the last thing on my mind,’ interrupted Raskolnikov with disgust.
‘I understand (still, you mustn’t overexert yourself: no need to talk too much if you don’t want to). I understand what kind of problems are in vogue now: moral problems, I suppose? Problems to do with being a citizen, a man? Forget about them. What good are they to you now? Heh-heh! Because you’re still a citizen and a man?24 But if that’s the case, there was no need to poke your nose in. You should have stuck to what you know. So shoot yourself – or don’t you want to?’
‘You seem to be taunting me on purpose, to shake me off . . .’
‘What a funny man you are. Well, here’s our staircase already – make yourself at home! Here’s Sofya Semyonovna’s door, and look – no one in! Don’t believe me? Ask the Kapernaumovs; she leaves them the key. And here’s Madame de Kapernaumov herself. What? (She’s a bit deaf.) She’s gone out? Where? There, do you see now? She’s not in and she might not be back until late evening. So let’s go to mine. You wanted to go to my place, too, didn’t you? Well, here we are. Madame Resslich’s out. That woman’s always got her hands full, but she’s a good sort, I assure you . . . She could be of real use to you if only you were a little more sensible. So, see for yourself: I’m taking this five per cent bond from the bureau (look how many I’ve got!) – it’s going straight to the money changer. See that? Right, enough time-wasting. I’m locking the writing desk, locking the apartment, and here we are on the stairs again. Why don’t we hire a cab? I’m off to the Islands, after all. What do you say to a ride? Take this carriage right here and go to Yelagin, eh? You’re refusing? All a bit too much for you? Come on, it’s just a ride. Is that rain on its way? Never mind, we’ll raise the hood . . .’
Svidrigailov was already seated in the carriage. Raskolnikov decided that, for the moment at least, his suspicions were unfounded. Without saying a word in reply, he turned and walked back in the direction of Haymarket. Had he looked back even once, he