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arrange it; he’s found out about everything. But of that lat-
er. He’s simply set on it. It’s all a matter of money: he’ll pay
ten thousand for escape and give me twenty thousand for
America. And he says we can arrange a magnificent escape
for ten thousand.’
‘And he told you on no account to tell me?’ Alyosha asked
again.
‘To tell no one, and especially not you; on no account to
tell you. He is afraid, no doubt, that you’ll stand before me
as my conscience. Don’t tell him I told you. Don’t tell him,
for anything.’
‘You are right,’ Alyosha pronounced; ‘it’s impossible to
decide anything before the trial is over. After the trial you’ll
decide of yourself. Then you’ll find that new man in your-
self and he will decide.’
‘A new man, or a Bernard who’ll decide a la Bernard, for
I believe I’m a contemptible Bernard myself,’ said Mitya,
with a bitter grin.
‘But, brother, have you no hope then of being acquitted?’
Mitya shrugged his shoulders nervously and shook his
head.
‘Alyosha, darling, it’s time you were going,’ he said, with
a sudden haste. ‘There’s the superintendent shouting in the
yard. He’ll be here directly. We are late; it’s irregular. Em-
brace me quickly. Kiss me! Sign me with the cross, darling,
for the cross I have to bear to-morrow.’
They embraced and kissed.
‘Ivan,’ said Mitya suddenly, ‘suggests my escaping; but, of
course, he believes I did it.’

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