believe that I really exist,” the gentleman laughed blandly.
“Yes, that was a moment of weakness … but I couldn’t believe in you. I don’t know whether I was asleep or awake last time. Perhaps I was only dreaming then and didn’t see you really at all—”
“And why were you so surly with Alyosha just now? He is a dear; I’ve treated him badly over Father Zossima.”
“Don’t talk of Alyosha! How dare you, you flunkey!” Ivan laughed again.
“You scold me, but you laugh—that’s a good sign. But you are ever so much more polite than you were last time and I know why: that great resolution of yours—”
“Don’t speak of my resolution,” cried Ivan, savagely.
“I understand, I understand, c’est noble, c’est charmant , you are going to defend your brother and to sacrifice yourself … C’est chevaleresque. ”
“Hold your tongue, I’ll kick you!”
“I shan’t