"Why cruelly? How? But allow us to discuss the question of cruelty or gentleness later on. Now answer my first question; is it true all that I have said or not? If you consider it's false you are at liberty to give your own version at once." "I... you know yourself, Pyotr Stepanovitch," the captain muttered, but he could not go on and relapsed into silence. It must be observed that Pyotr Stepanovitch was sitting in an easy chair with one leg crossed over the other, while the captain stood before him in the most respectful attitude. Lebyadkin's hesitation seemed to annoy Pyotr Stepanovitch; a spasm of anger distorted his face. "Then you have a statement you want to make?" he said, looking subtly at the captain. "Kindly speak. We're waiting for you." "You know yourself Pyotr Stepanovitch, that I can't say anything." "No, I don't know it. It's the first time I've heard it. Why can't you speak?" The captain was silent, with his eyes on the ground. "Allow me to go, Pyotr Stepanovitch," he brought out resolutely. "No, not till you answer my question: is it all true that I've said?" "It is true," Lebyadkin brought out in a hollow voice, looking at his tormentor. Drops of perspiration stood out on his forehead. "Is it _all_ true?" "It's all true." "Have you nothing to add or to observe? If you think that we've been unjust, say so; protest, state your grievance aloud." "No, I think nothing." "Did you threaten Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch lately?" "It was... it was more drink than anything, Pyotr Stepanovitch." He suddenly raised his head. "If family honour and undeserved disgrace cry out among men then--then is a man to blame?" he roared suddenly, forgetting himself as before. "Are you sober now, Mr. Lebyadkin?" Pyotr Stepanovitch looked at him penetratingly. "I am... sober." "What do you mean by family honour and undeserved disgrace?" "I didn't mean anybody, anybody at all. I meant myself," the captain said, collapsing again. "You seem to be very much offended by what I've said about you and your conduct? You are very irritable, Mr. Lebyadkin. But let me tell you I've hardly begun yet what I've got to say about your conduct, in its real sense. I'll begin to discuss your conduct in its real sense. I shall begin, that may very well happen, but so far I've not begun, in a real sense." Lebyadkin started and stared wildly at Pyotr Stepanovitch. "Pyotr Stepanovitch, I am just beginning to wake up." "H'm! And it's I who have waked you up?" "Yes, it's you who have waked me, Pyotr Stepanovitch; and I've been asleep for the last four years with a storm-cloud hanging over me. May I withdraw at last, Pyotr Stepanovitch?" "Now you may, unless Varvara Petrovna thinks it necessary..." But the latter dismissed him with a wave of her hand.