Chapter XII Summary

Petrushka informs his master he is leaving employment. Golyadkin asks Petrushka for advice and Petrushka suggests he buy a fur cloak from the lady downstairs. Admitting that is the best thing he could do, Golyadkin gives his servant some money and sends him downstairs to buy the coat.

Golyadkin reflects on what could happen to him if he meets Klara and takes her away. He thinks it is probably illegal to take a young woman away from her parents and they are likely to insist on his arrest. Nevertheless, Golyadkin orders a cab and asks the driver to take him to Ismailovsky Bridge.

He knocks on the door to his Excellency's house. Inside, Golyadkin begins talking to His Excellency about his problems, but His Excellency claims he does not know who Golyadkin is. When Golyadkin becomes emotional, his double steps forward...