Pagina 295 di 1294

"Don't want the money! Come, brother, that's nonsense, I bear

witness. Don't trouble, please, it's only that he is on his

travels again. But that's pretty common with him at all times

though.... You are a man of judgment and we will take him in

hand, that is, more simply, take his hand and he will sign it.

Here."

"But I can come another time."

"No, no. Why should we trouble you? You are a man of judgment....

Now, Rodya, don't keep your visitor, you see he is waiting," and

he made ready to hold Raskolnikov's hand in earnest.

"Stop, I'll do it alone," said the latter, taking the pen and

signing his name.

The messenger took out the money and went away.

"Bravo! And now, brother, are you hungry?"

"Yes," answered Raskolnikov.

"Is there any soup?"

"Some of yesterday's," answered Nastasya, who was still standing

there.

"With potatoes and rice in it?"

"Yes."

"I know it by heart. Bring soup and give us some tea."

"Very well."