Dunya's fiancé arrives at Raskolnikov's room dressed to the hilt ("starchy and pompous") and introduces himself as though everyone already knows who he is. As Luzhin makes feeble and awkward attempts to explain who he is, Raskolnikov remains sullen and silent. When Luzhin tells of the living accommodations he has made for Dunya and Pulcheria Alexandrovna, everyone immediately recognizes the apartment as "a disgusting place — filthy, stinking, and what's more, of doubtful character." Luzhin excuses this because he is also new in town and does not know his way around. Then, when Luzhin tells that he is living with Lebezyatnikov, a name that Raskolnikov had heard from Marmeladov in an unfavorable light, the trend of the conversation returns to the murder.
Razumihkin announces that the police are "examining all who have left pledges with her [Alyona]." As soon as the conversation can be turned to Luzhin's engagement, Raskolnikov accuses him of trying only to make Dunya feel indebted to him. Luzhin protests that Raskolnikov's mother has misrepresented him. At this point, Raskolnikov threatens to "send him flying downstairs" if he ever mentions his mother again and orders him to "go to hell." As Zossimov and Razumihkin notice this sudden outburst, they also notice that Raskolnikov takes an immense interest in the murder.
