what I say! Indeed it will be better if she does begin pulling it, that’s not what I am afraid of... it’s her eyes I am afraid of... yes, her eyes... the red on her cheeks, too, frightens me... and her breathing too... Have you noticed how people in that disease breathe... when they are excited? I am frightened of the children’s crying, too... For if Sonia has not taken them food... I don’t know what’s happened! I don’t know! But blows I am not afraid of... Know, sir, that such blows are not a pain to me, but even an enjoyment. In fact I can’t get on without it... It’s better so. Let her strike me, it relieves her heart... it’s better so... There is the house. The house of Kozel, the cabinet-maker... a German, well-to-do. Lead the way!”

They went in from the yard