And forasmuch as I was exceeding weary of these tragic stories⁠—and let me tell you, I talk seriously though I do use Biblical language⁠—as it was all upsetting my plans in fact, I made up my mind at any cost, and without your knowledge, to pack the Lebyadkins off to Petersburg, especially as he was set on going himself. I made one mistake: I gave the money in your name;⁠—was it a mistake or not? Perhaps it wasn’t a mistake, eh? Listen now, listen how it has all turned out.⁠ ⁠…”

In the heat of his talk he went close up to Stavrogin and took hold of the revers of his coat (really, it may have been on purpose). With a violent movement Stavrogin struck him on the arm.