“I beg you to treat me with respect, I insist on it!” shouted Shatov, “not my personality⁠—I don’t care a hang for that, but something else, just for this once. While I am talking⁠ ⁠… we are two beings, and have come together in infinity⁠ ⁠… for the last time in the world. Drop your tone, and speak like a human being! Speak, if only for once in your life with the voice of a man. I say it not for my sake but for yours. Do you understand that you ought to forgive me that blow in the face if only because I gave you the opportunity of realising your immense power.⁠ ⁠… Again you smile your disdainful, worldly smile! Oh, when will you understand me! Have done with being a snob! Understand that I insist on that. I insist on it, else I won’t speak, I’m not going to for anything!”

His excitement was approaching frenzy. Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch frowned and seemed to become more on his guard.

“Since I have remained another half-hour with you when time is so precious,” he pronounced earnestly and impressively, “you may rest assured that I mean to listen to you at least with interest⁠ ⁠… and I am convinced that I shall hear from you much that is new.”