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RUDIN was just why I stood up for Rudin so warmly, because Pigasov was here. He dare to call Rudin a sponge indeed! Why, I consider the part he plays—Pigasov I mean—is a hundred times worse! He has an independent property, and he sneers at every one, and yet see how he fawns upon wealthy or distinguished people! Do you know that that fellow, who abuses everything and every one with such scorn, and attacks philosophy and women, do you know that when he was in the service, he took bribes and that sort of thing! Ugh! That’s what he is!’

‘Is it possible?’ cried Alexandra Pavlovna, ‘I should never have expected that! Misha,’ she added, after a short pause, ‘I want to ask you’

‘What?’

‘What do you think, will my brother be happy with Natalya?’

‘How can I tell you? there’s every likelihood of it. She will take the lead there’s no reason to hide the fact between us  she is cleverer than he is; but he’s a capital fellow, and loves her with all his soul. What more 225