tation with some uneasiness. But the
latter had already regained his composure and looked as usual.

"These people still refuse to believe in you. You are not vexed at my
bringing Liputin?"

"To-day I am not vexed; to-morrow I want to be alone."

"But not before I come, and therefore in my presence."

"I should prefer not in your presence."

"You remember you promised to write and to sign all I dictated."

"I don't care. And now will you be here long?"

"I have to see one man and to remain half an hour, so whatever you say I
shall stay that half-hour."

Kirillov did not speak. Liputin meanwhile sat down on one side under the
portrait of the bishop. That last desperate idea gained more and more
possession of him. Kirillov scarcely noticed him. Liputin had heard
of Kirillov's theory before and always laughed at him; but now he was
silent and looked gloomily round him.

"I've no objection to some tea," said Pyotr Stepanovitch, moving up.
"I've just had some steak and was reckoning on getting tea with you."

"Drink it. You can have some if you like."

"You used to offer it to me," observed Pyotr Stepanovitch sourly.

"That's no matter. Let Liputin have some too."

"No, I... can't."

"Don't want to or can't?" said Pyotr Stepanovitch, turning quickly to
him.

"I am not going to here," Liputin said expressively.

Pyotr Stepanovitch frowned.

"There's a flavour of mysticism about that; goodness knows what to make
of you people!"

No one answered; there was a full minute of silence.

"But I know one thing," he added abruptly, "that no superstition will
prevent any one of us from doing his duty."

"Has Stavrogin gone?" asked Kirillov.

"Yes."

"He's done well."

Pyotr Stepanovitch's eyes gleamed, but he restrained himself.

"I don't care what you think as long as every one keeps his word."

"I'll keep my word."

"I always knew that you would do your duty like an independent and
progressive man."

"You are an absurd fellow."

"That may be; I am very glad to amuse you. I am always glad if I can
give people pleasure."

"You are very anxious I should shoot myself and are afraid I might
suddenly not?"

"Well, you see, it was your own doing--connecting your plan with our
work. Reckoning on your plan we have already done something, so that you
couldn't refuse now because you've let us in for it."

"You've no claim at all."

"I understand, I understand; you are perfectly free, and we don't come