Love Letters and Life Navigation — The Brothers Karamazov

Madame Hohlakov meets Alyosha in crisis: Katerina Ivanovna lies feverish after hysterics, and there is no time to hear his errand. She sends him to Lise, whispering that the girl was genuinely sorry for mocking him and calls him the greatest friend of her childhood.

With Lise, Alyosha tells how Captain Snegiryov trampled Katerina's two hundred roubles. Lise cries that he should have chased him, but Alyosha explains the captain's pride: he had to reject the gift first so tomorrow he can accept it without feeling bought. Lise wonders whether analyzing his soul from above is contempt; Alyosha says we are all alike and must care for people as for children or the sick.

Lise confesses her love letter was earnest, kisses his hand, they kiss on the lips, and she says they must put off more kissing until they are ready. They speak of marriage, velvet coats, the letter he kept, and her vow not to spy on him. Alyosha admits he may not believe in God and that the Karamazov force is destroying his family while Zossima is dying.

Lise sends him back to the elder. Madame Hohlakov ambushes him on the stairs, calls the engagement foolishness, and demands the letter. Alyosha refuses and runs out to report on Katerina and the failed gift.