knew what He was in for when He was creating woman, but I’m sure that she meddled in it herself and forced Him to create her such as she is⁠ ⁠… and with such attributes: for who would have incurred so much trouble for nothing? I know Nastasya may be angry with me for freethinking, but⁠ ⁠… enfin, tout est dit. ”

He wouldn’t have been himself if he could have dispensed with the cheap gibing free-thought which was in vogue in his day. Now, at any rate, he comforted himself with a gibe, but not for long.