Pagina 307 van 1294

Well, then she gave the I O U by way of payment to this

Tchebarov, and without hesitation he made a formal demand for

payment. When I heard of all this I wanted to blow him up, too,

to clear my conscience, but by that time harmony reigned between

me and Pashenka, and I insisted on stopping the whole affair,

engaging that you would pay. I went security for you, brother. Do

you understand? We called Tchebarov, flung him ten roubles and

got the I O U back from him, and here I have the honour of

presenting it to you. She trusts your word now. Here, take it,

you see I have torn it."

Razumihin put the note on the table. Raskolnikov looked at him

and turned to the wall without uttering a word. Even Razumihin

felt a twinge.

"I see, brother," he said a moment later, "that I have been

playing the fool again. I thought I should amuse you with my

chatter, and I believe I have only made you cross."