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Razumihin opened the note which was dated the previous evening

and read as follows:

"Dear Madam, Pulcheria Alexandrovna, I have the honour to inform

you that owing to unforeseen obstacles I was rendered unable to

meet you at the railway station; I sent a very competent person

with the same object in view. I likewise shall be deprived of the

honour of an interview with you to-morrow morning by business in

the Senate that does not admit of delay, and also that I may not

intrude on your family circle while you are meeting your son, and

Avdotya Romanovna her brother.