rather original method, though
it's only theoretical, of course. As for their intentions here, the
movements of our Russian organisation are something so obscure and
almost always unexpected that really they might try anything among us.
Note that Verhovensky is an obstinate man."

"He's a bug, an ignoramus, a buffoon, who understands nothing in
Russia!" cried Shatov spitefully.

"You know him very little. It's quite true that none of them understand
much about Russia, but not much less than you and I do. Besides,
Verhovensky is an enthusiast."

"Verhovensky an enthusiast?"

"Oh, yes. There is a point when he ceases to be a buffoon and becomes
a madman. I beg you to remember your own expression: 'Do you know how
powerful a single man may be?' Please don't laugh about it, he's quite
capable of pulling a trigger. They are convinced that I am a spy too.
As they don't know how to do things themselves, they're awfully fond of
accusing people of being spies."

"But you're not afraid, are you?"

"N--no. I'm not very much afraid.... But your case is quite different. I
warned you that you might anyway keep it in mind. To my thinking there's
no reason to be offended in being threatened with danger by fools; their
brains don't affect the question. They've raised their hand against
better men than you or me. It's a quarter past eleven, though." He
looked at his watch and got up from his chair. "I wanted to ask you one
quite irrelevant question."

"For God's sake!" cried Shatov, rising impulsively from his seat.

"I beg your pardon?" Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch looked at him inquiringly.

"Ask it, ask your question for God's sake," Shatov repeated in
indescribable excitement, "but on condition that I ask you a question
too. I beseech you to allow me... I can't... ask your question!"

Stavrogin waited a moment and then began. "I've heard that you have some
influence on Marya Timofyevna, and that she was fond of seeing you and
hearing you talk. Is that so?"

"Yes... she used to listen..." said Shatov, confused.

"Within a day or two I intend to make a public announcement of our
marriage here in the town."

"Is that possible?" Shatov whispered, almost with horror.

"I don't quite understand you. There's no sort of difficulty about it,
witnesses to the marriage are here. Everything took place in Petersburg,
perfectly legally and smoothly, and if it has not been made known till
now, it is simply because the witnesses, Kirillo