“So be it.”

“Of course, I don’t tie your hands and shouldn’t venture to. You are bound to keep watch, only don’t flutter the nest too soon; I rely on your sense and experience for that. But I should think you’ve plenty of bloodhounds and trackers of your own in reserve, ha ha!” Pyotr Stepanovitch blurted out with the gaiety and irresponsibility of youth.

“Not quite so.” Lembke parried amiably. “Young people are apt to suppose that there is a great deal in the background.⁠ ⁠… But, by the way, allow me one little word: if this Kirillov was Stavrogin’s second, then Mr. Stavrogin too⁠ ⁠…”

“What about Stavrogin?”

“I mean, if they are such friends?”