Now he will not trust even me." "How could I help it, Lisaveta Mihalovna?
Ever since I was a little boy I could never see a German without wanting to teaze him." "How can you say that, Vladimir Nikolaitch?
This German is poor, lonely, and broken-down--have you no pity for him?
Can you wish to teaze him ?" Panshin was a little taken aback.
"You are right, Lisaveta Mihalovna," he declared.

"It's my everlasting thoughtlessness that's to blame.

No, don't contradict me; I know myself.
So much harm has come to me from my want of thought.

It's owing to that failing that I am thought to be an egoist." Panshin paused.

With whatever subject he began a conversation, he generally ended by talking of himself, and the subject was changed by him so easily, so smoothly and genially, that it seemed unconscious.
"In your own household, for instance," he went on, "your mother certainly wishes me well, she is so kind; you--well, I don't know your opinion of me; but on the other hand your aunt simply can't bear me.