If he really is a connection of yours, please tell him not to annoy me, and save me from this unpleasantness." There was a note of desperate challenge in these words--every one realised it.

The accusation was unmistakable, though perhaps it was a surprise to herself.

She was like a man who shuts his eyes and throws himself from the roof.
But Nikolay Stavrogin's answer was even more astounding.
To begin with, it was strange that he was not in the least surprised and listened to Liza with unruffled attention.

There was no trace of either confusion or anger in his face.

Simply, firmly, even with an air of perfect readiness, he answered the fatal question: "Yes, I have the misfortune to be connected with that man.