The family, Razumikhin and Luzhin all gather in the hotel at 8pm. The self-important Luzhin wears an air of hurt dignity and waits for an explanation for Raskolnikov's presence. Small talk fails in the awkward atmosphere. Mrs. Raskolnikov mentions the Svidrigaylov family, and Luzhin adds that Svidrigaylov has come to Petersburg. He repeats some of the awful gossip about Svidrigaylov: rumor has it that the man is linked to many deaths, both accidental ones and deliberately caused ones. When the women press him to back up his gossip with facts, he takes offence, claiming the Svidrigaylov family confided in him as their legal counselor.
Raskolnikov interrupts with the news that Svidrigaylov has come with a proposition for Dunya, but stubbornly refuses to go into any details with Luzhin present. He also mentions.....
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