|
||||||||
Chapter 5 Raskolnikov walked after him. Whats this? cried Svidrigailov turning round, I thought I said It means that I am not going to lose sight of you now. What? Both stood still and gazed at one another, as though measuring their strength. From all your half tipsy stories, Raskolnikov observed harshly, I am positive that you have not given up your designs on my sister, but are pursuing them more actively than ever. I have learnt that my sister received a letter this morning. You have hardly been able to sit still all this time. You may have unearthed a wife on the way, but that means nothing. I should like to make certain myself. Raskolnikov could hardly have said himself what he wanted and of what he wished to make certain. Upon my word! Ill call the police! Call away! Again they stood for a minute facing each other. At last Svidrigailovs face changed. Having satisfied himself that Raskolnikov was not frightened at his threat, he assumed a mirthful and friendly air. What a fellow! I purposely refrained from referring to your affair, though I am devoured by curiosity. Its a fantastic affair. Ive put it off till another time, but youre enough to rouse the dead. Well, let us go, only I warn you beforehand I am only going home for a moment, to get some money; then I shall lock up the flat, take a cab and go to spend the evening at the Islands. Now, now are you going to follow me? Im coming to your lodgings, not to see you but Sofya Semyonovna, to say Im sorry not to have been at the funeral. Thats as you like, but Sofya Semyonovna is not at home. She has taken the three children to an old lady of high rank, the patroness of some orphan asylums, whom I used to know years ago. I charmed the old lady by depositing a sum of money with her to provide for the three children of Katerina Ivanovna and subscribing to the institution as well. I told her too the story of Sofya Semyonovna in full detail, suppressing nothing. It produced an indescribable effect on her. Thats why Sofya Semyonovna has been invited to call to-day at the X. Hotel where the lady is staying for the time. No matter, Ill come all the same. As you like, its nothing to me, but I wont come with you; here we are at home. By the way, I am convinced that you regard me with suspicion just because I have shown such delicacy and have not so far troubled you with questions you understand? It struck you as extraordinary; I dont mind betting its that. Well, it teaches one to show delicacy! And to listen at doors! Ah, thats it, is it? laughed Svidrigailov. Yes, I should have been surprised if you had let that pass after all that has happened. Ha-ha! Though I did understand something of the pranks you had been up to and were telling Sofya Semyonovna about, what was the meaning of it? Perhaps I am quite behind the times and cant understand. For goodness sake, explain it, my dear boy. Expound the latest theories! You couldnt have heard anything. Youre making it all up! |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
Copyright: All texts on Bibliomania are © Bibliomania.com Ltd, and may not be reproduced in any form without our written permission. See our FAQ for more details. | ||||||||