“As for your face, Lizabetha Prokofievna, I not only think, but am perfectly sure , that you are an absolute child⁠—in all, in all, mind, both good and bad⁠—and in spite of your years. Don’t be angry with me for saying so; you know what my feelings for children are. And do not suppose that I am so candid out of pure simplicity of soul. Oh dear no, it is by no means the case! Perhaps I have my own very profound object in view.”