He is already of the rank of a counsellor, Pyotr Petrovitch Luzhin, and is distantly related to Marfa Petrovna, who has been very active in bringing the match about.

It began with his expressing through her his desire to make our acquaintance.

He was properly received, drank coffee with us and the very next day he sent us a letter in which he very courteously made an offer and begged for a speedy and decided answer.

He is a very busy man and is in a great hurry to get to Petersburg, so that every moment is precious to him.

At first, of course, we were greatly surprised, as it had all happened so quickly and unexpectedly.