You have put me up on the rack, you have set me on edge.

And then you tell me--'I am as a mother to you'-- which means--begone!" "Understand me, I feel sorry for you!" the woman exclaimed softly.
Foma's irritation against her was growing stronger and stronger, and as he went on speaking to her, his words became absurd.

While he spoke, he kept on moving his shoulders as though tearing something that entangled him.
"Sorry?
What for?
I do not need it.

Eh, I cannot speak well! It is bad to be dumb.

But--I would have told you! You did not treat me properly--indeed, why have you so enticed a man?
Am I a plaything for you ?" "I only wanted to see you by my side," said the woman simply, in a guilty voice.
He did not hear these words.
"And when it came to the point, you were frightened and you shut yourself off from me.