The Brothers Karamazov

 The Brothers Karamazov

had been cropped short. All this was very becoming to him,
and he looked quite handsome. His charming face always
had a good-humoured expression; but there was a gentle-
ness and serenity in his good-humour. To Kolya’s surprise,
Alyosha came out to him just as he was, without an over-
coat. He had evidently come in haste. He held out his hand
to Kolya at once.
‘Here you are at last! How anxious we’ve been to see
you!’
‘There were reasons which you shall know directly. Any-
way, I am glad to make your acquaintance. I’ve long been
hoping for an opportunity, and have heard a great deal
about you,’ Kolya muttered, a little breathless.
‘We should have met anyway. I’ve heard a great deal about
you, too; but you’ve been a long time coming here.’
‘Tell me, how are things going?’
‘Ilusha is very ill. He is certainly dying.’
‘How awful! You must admit that medicine is a fraud,
Karamazov,’ cried Kolya warmly.
‘Ilusha has mentioned you often, very often, even in his
sleep, in delirium, you know. One can see that you used to
be very, very dear to him... before the incident... with the
knife.... Then there’s another reason.... Tell me, is that your
dog?’
‘Yes Perezvon.’
‘Not Zhutchka?’ Alyosha looked at Kolya with eyes full of
pity. ‘Is she lost for ever?’
‘I know you would all like it to be Zhutchka. I’ve heard
all about it.’ Kolya smiled mysteriously. ‘Listen, Karamazov,