Pulcheria Alexandrovna was a little offended.

　　"You may see for yourself, Avdotya Romanovna," he said, "whetherit is possible for us to agree. I hope now that this question is at anend, once and for all. I will withdraw, that I may not hinder thepleasures of family intimacy, and the discussion of secrets." He gotup from his chair and took his hat. "But in withdrawing, I ventureto request that for the future I may be spared similar meetings,and, so to say, compromises. I appeal particularly to you, honouredPulcheria Alexandrovna, on this subject, the more as my letter wasaddressed to you and to no one else."

　　Pulcheria Alexandrovna was a little offended.

　　"You seem to think we are completely under your authority, PyotrPetrovitch. Dounia has told you the reason your desire wasdisregarded, she had the best intentions. And indeed you write asthough you were laying commands upon me. Are we to consider everydesire of yours as a command? Let me tell you on the contrary that youought to show particular delicacy and consideration for us now,because we have thrown up everything, and have come here relying onyou, and so we are in any case in a sense in your hands."

　　"That is not quite true, Pulcheria Alexandrovna, especially at thepresent moment, when the news has come of Marfa Petrovna's legacy,which seems indeed very apropos, judging from the new tone you take tome," he added sarcastically.

　　"Judging from that remark, we may certainly presume that you werereckoning on our helplessness," Dounia observed irritably.

　　"But now in any case I cannot reckon on it, and I particularlydesire not to hinder your discussion of the secret proposals of ArkadyIvanovitch Svidrigailov, which he has entrusted to your brother andwhich have, I perceive, a great and possibly a very agreeable interestfor you."

　　"Good heavens!" cried Pulcheria Alexandrovna.

　　Razumihin could not sit still on his chair.

　　"Aren't you ashamed now, sister?" asked Raskolnikov.

　　"I am ashamed, Rodya," said Dounia. "Pyotr Petrovitch, go away," sheturned to him, white with anger.

　　Pyotr Petrovitch had apparently not at all expected such aconclusion. He had too much confidence in himself, in his power and inthe helplessness of his victims. He could not believe it even now.He turned pale, and his lips quivered.

　　"Avdotyo Romanovna, if I go out of this door now, after such adismissal, then, you may reckon on it, I will never come back.Consider what you are doing. My word is not to be shaken."