Really this wretched rabble has driven me to extremities. It all began with my hearing a strange rumour from Thedora⁠—namely, that an unworthy suitor had been to visit you, and had insulted you with an improper proposal. That he had insulted you deeply I knew from my own feelings, for I felt insulted in an equal degree. Upon that, my angel, I went to pieces, and, losing all self-control, plunged headlong. Bursting into an unspeakable frenzy, I was at once going to call upon this villain of a seducer⁠—though what to do next I knew not, seeing that I was fearful of giving you offence. Ah, what a night of sorrow it was, and what a time of gloom, rain, and sleet! Next, I was returning home, but found myself unable to stand upon my feet. Then Emelia Ilyitch happened to come by. He also is a chinovnik⁠—or rather, was a chinovnik, since he was turned out of the service some time ago. What he was doing there at that moment I do not know; I only know that I went with him.⁠ ⁠… Surely it cannot give you pleasure to read of the misfortunes of your friend⁠—of his sorrows, and of the temptations which he experienced?⁠ ⁠… On the evening of the third day Emelia urged me to go and see the officer of whom I have spoken, and whose address I had learned from our dvornik.