“I know his theory. I read that article of his about men to whom all is permitted. Razumihin brought it to me.”

“ Mr. Razumihin? Your brother’s article? In a magazine? Is there such an article? I didn’t know. It must be interesting. But where are you going, Avdotya Romanovna?”

“I want to see Sofya Semyonovna,” Dounia articulated faintly. “How do I go to her? She has come in, perhaps. I must see her at once. Perhaps she⁠ ⁠…”

Avdotya Romanovna could not finish. Her breath literally failed her.

“Sofya Semyonovna will not be back till night, at least I believe not. She was to have been back at once, but if not, then she will not be in till quite late.”

“Ah, then you are lying! I see⁠ ⁠… you were lying⁠ ⁠… lying all the time.⁠ ⁠… I don’t believe you! I don’t believe you!” cried Dounia, completely losing her head.