ChichikovplacedthenotesinSobakevitch'shand；whereuponthehostmovednearertothetable，andaddedtothelistofserfsanotethathehadreceivedforthepeasants，therewithsold，thesumoftwenty-fiveroubles，asearnestmoney。Thisdone，hecountedthenotesoncemore。
　　“ThisisaveryOLDnote，“heremarked，holdingoneuptothelight。
　　“Also，itisatrifletorn。However，inafriendlytransactiononemustnotbetooparticular。“
　　“Whatakulak！”thoughtChichikovtohimself。“Andwhatabrutebeast！”
　　“ThenyoudonotwantanyWOMENsouls？”queriedSobakevitch。
　　“Ithankyou，no。“
　　“Icouldletyouhavesomecheap——say，asbetweenfriends，ataroubleahead？”
　　“No，Ishouldhavenouseforthem。“
　　“Then，thatbeingso，thereisnomoretobesaid。Thereisnoaccountingfortastes。'Onemanlovesthepriest，andanotherthepriest'swife，'saystheproverb。“
　　Chichikovrosetotakehisleave。“OncemoreIwouldrequestofyou，“
　　hesaid，“thatthebargainbeleftasitis。“
　　“Ofcourse，ofcourse。Whatisdonebetweenfriendsholdsgoodbecauseoftheirmutualfriendship。Good-bye，andthankyouforyourvisit。InadvanceIwouldbegthat，wheneveryoushouldhaveanhourortwotospare，youwillcomeandlunchwithusagain。Perhapswemightbeabletodooneanotherfurtherservice？”
　　“NotifIknowit！”reflectedChichikovashemountedhisbritchka。
　　“NotI，seeingthatIhavehadtwoandahalfroublespersoulsqueezedoutofmebyabruteofakulak！”
　　AltogetherhefeltdissatisfiedwithSobakevitch'sbehaviour。InspiteofthemanbeingafriendoftheGovernorandtheChiefofPolice，hehadactedlikeanoutsiderintakingmoneyforwhatwasworthlessrubbish。AsthebritchkaleftthecourtyardChichikovglancedbackandsawSobakevitchstillstandingontheverandah——apparentlyforthepurposeofwatchingtoseewhichwaytheguest'scarriagewouldturn。
　　“Theoldvillain，tobestillstandingthere！”mutteredChichikovthroughhisteeth；afterwhichheorderedSelifantoproceedsothatthevehicle'sprogressshouldbeinvisiblefromthemansion——thetruthbeingthathehadamindnexttovisitPlushkinwhoseserfs，toquoteSobakevitch，hadahabitofdyinglikeflies，butnottolethislatehostlearnofhisintention。Accordingly，onreachingthefurtherendofthevillage，hehailedthefirstpeasantwhomhesaw——amanwhowasintheactofhoistingaponderousbeamontohisshoulderbeforesettingoffwithit，ant-like，tohishut。
　　“Hi！”shoutedChichikov。“HowcanIreachlandownerPlushkin'splacewithoutfirstgoingpastthemansionhere？”
　　Thepeasantseemednonplussedbythequestion。
　　“Don'tyouknow？”queriedChichikov。
　　“No，barin，“repliedthepeasant。
　　“What？Youdon'tknowskinflintPlushkinwhofeedshispeoplesobadly？”
　　“OfcourseIdo！”exclaimedthefellow，andaddedtheretoanuncomplimentaryexpressionofaspeciesnotordinarilyemployedinpolitesociety。Wemayguessthatitwasaprettyaptexpression，sincelongafterthemanhadbecomelosttoviewChichikovwasstilllaughinginhisbritchka。And，indeed，thelanguageoftheRussianpopulaceisalwaysforcibleinitsphraseology。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　Chichikov'samusementatthepeasant'soutburstpreventedhimfromnoticingthathehadreachedthecentreofalargeandpopulousvillage；but，presently，aviolentjoltarousedhimtothefactthathewasdrivingoverwoodenpavementsofakindcomparedwithwhichthecobblestonesofthetownhadbeenasnothing。Likethekeysofapiano，theplankskeptrisingandfalling，andunguardedpassageoverthementailedeitherabumponthebackoftheneckorabruiseontheforeheadorabiteonthetipofone'stongue。AtthesametimeChichikovnoticedalookofdecayaboutthebuildingsofthevillage。
　　Thebeamsofthehutshadgrowndarkwithage，manyoftheirroofswereriddledwithholes，othershadbutatileoftheroofremaining，andyetotherswerereducedtotherib-likeframeworkofthesame。Itwouldseemasthoughtheinhabitantsthemselveshadremovedthelathsandtraverses，ontheverynaturalpleathatthehutswerenoprotectionagainsttherain，andtherefore，sincethelatterenteredinbucketfuls，therewasnoparticularobjecttobegainedbysittinginsuchhutswhenallthetimetherewasthetavernandthehighroadandotherplacestoresortto。
　　Suddenlyawomanappearedfromanoutbuilding——apparentlythehousekeeperofthemansion，butsoroughlyanddirtilydressedasalmosttoseemindistinguishablefromaman。Chichikovinquiredforthemasteroftheplace。
　　“Heisnotathome，“shereplied，almostbeforeherinterlocutorhadhadtimetofinish。Thensheadded：“Whatdoyouwantwithhim？”
　　“Ihavesomebusinesstodo，“saidChichikov。
　　“Thenpraywalkintothehouse，“thewomanadvised。Thensheturneduponhimabackthatwassmearedwithflourandhadalongslitinthelowerportionofitscovering。Enteringalarge，darkhallwhichreekedlikeatomb，hepassedintoanequallydarkparlourthatwaslightedonlybysuchraysascontrivedtofilterthroughacrackunderthedoor。WhenChichikovopenedthedoorinquestion，thespectacleoftheuntidinesswithinstruckhimalmostwithamazement。Itwouldseemthatthefloorwasneverwashed，andthattheroomwasusedasareceptacleforeveryconceivablekindoffurniture。Onatablestoodaraggedchair，with，besideit，aclockminusapendulumandcoveredalloverwithcobwebs。Againstawallleantacupboard，fullofoldsilver，glassware，andchina。Onawritingtable，inlaidwithmother-of-pearlwhich，inplaces，hadbrokenawayandleftbehinditanumberofyellowgroovesstuffedwithputty，layapileoffinelywrittenmanuscript，anoverturnedmarblepressturninggreen，anancientbookinaleathercoverwithrededges，alemondriedandshrunkentothedimensionsofahazelnut，thebrokenarmofachair，atumblercontainingthedregsofsomeliquidandthreefliesthewholecoveredoverwithasheetofnotepaper，apileofrags，twoink-encrustedpens，andayellowtoothpickwithwhichthemasterofthehousehadpickedhisteethapparentlyatleastbeforethecomingoftheFrenchtoMoscow。Asforthewalls，theywerehungwithamedleyofpictures。Amongthelatterwasalongengravingofabattlescene，whereinsoldiersinthree-corneredhatswerebrandishinghugedrumsandslenderlances。Itlackedaglass，andwassetinaframeornamentedwithbronzefretworkandbronzecornerrings。Besideithungahuge，grimyoilpaintingrepresentativeofsomeflowersandfruit，halfawatermelon，aboar'shead，andthependentformofadeadwildduck。Attachedtotheceilingtherewasachandelierinahollandcovering——thecoveringsodustyascloselytoresembleahugecocoonenclosingacaterpillar。Lastly，inonecorneroftheroomlayapileofarticleswhichhadevidentlybeenadjudgedunworthyofaplaceonthetable。Yetwhatthepileconsistedofitwouldhavebeendifficulttosay，seeingthatthedustonthesamewassothickthatanyhandwhichtoucheditwouldhaveatonceresembledaglove。
　　Prominentlyprotrudingfromthepilewastheshaftofawoodenspadeandtheantiquatedsoleofashoe。Neverwouldonehavesupposedthatalivingcreaturehadtenantedtheroom，wereitnotthatthepresenceofsuchacreaturewasbetrayedbythespectacleofanoldnightcaprestingonthetable。
　　WhilstChichikovwasgazingatthisextraordinarymess，asidedooropenedandthereenteredthehousekeeperwhohadmethimneartheoutbuildings。ButnowChichikovperceivedthispersontobeamanratherthanawoman，sinceafemalehousekeeperwouldhavehadnobeardtoshave，whereasthechinofthenewcomer，withthelowerportionofhischeeks，stronglyresembledthecurry-combwhichisusedforgroominghorses。Chichikovassumedaquestioningair，andwaitedtohearwhatthehousekeepermighthavetosay。Thehousekeeperdidthesame。Atlength，surprisedatthemisunderstanding，Chichikovdecidedtoaskthefirstquestion。
　　“Isthemasterathome？”heinquired。
　　“Yes，“repliedthepersonaddressed。
　　“Thenwereishe？”continuedChichikov。
　　“Areyoublind，mygoodsir？”retortedtheother。“_I_amthemaster。“
　　Involuntarilyourherostartedandstared。Duringhistravelsithadbefallenhimtomeetvarioustypesofmen——someofthem，itmaybe，typeswhichyouandIhaveneverencountered；buteventoChichikovthisparticularspecieswasnew。Intheoldman'sfacetherewasnothingveryspecial——itwasmuchlikethewizenedfaceofmanyanotherdotard，savethatthechinwassogreatlyprojectedthatwheneverhespokehewasforcedtowipeitwithahandkerchieftoavoiddribbling，andthathissmalleyeswerenotyetgrowndull，buttwinkledundertheiroverhangingbrowsliketheeyesofmicewhen，withattentiveearsandsensitivewhiskers，theysnufftheairandpeerforthfromtheirholestoseewhetheracatoraboymaynotbeinthevicinity。No，themostnoticeablefeatureaboutthemanwashisclothes。Innowaycouldithavebeenguessedofwhathiscoatwasmade，forbothitssleevesanditsskirtsweresoraggedandfilthyastodefydescription，whileinsteadoftwoposteriortails，theredangledfourofthoseappendages，with，projectingfromthem，atornnewspaper。Also，aroundhisnecktherewaswrappedsomethingwhichmighthavebeenastocking，agarter，orastomacher，butwascertainlynotatie。Inshort，hadChichikovchancedtoencounterhimatachurchdoor，hewouldhavebestoweduponhimacopperortwofor，todoourherojustice，hehadasympatheticheartandneverrefrainedfrompresentingabeggarwithalms，butinthepresentcasetherewasstandingbeforehim，notamendicant，butalandowner——andalandownerpossessedoffullyathousandserfs，thesuperiorofallhisneighboursinwealthofflourandgrain，andtheownerofstorehouses，andsoforth，thatwerecrammedwithhomespunclothandlinen，tannedandundressedsheepskins，driedfish，andeveryconceivablespeciesofproduce。Nevertheless，suchaphenomenonisrareinRussia，wherethetendencyisrathertoprodigalitythantoparsimony。
　　ForseveralminutesPlushkinstoodmute，whileChichikovremainedsodazedwiththeappearanceofthehostandeverythingelseintheroom，thathetoo，couldnotbeginaconversation，butstoodwonderinghowbesttofindwordsinwhichtoexplaintheobjectofhisvisit。Forawhilehethoughtofexpressinghimselftotheeffectthat，havingheardsomuchofhishost'sbenevolenceandotherrarequalitiesofspirit，hehadconsideredithisdutytocomeandpayatributeofrespect；butpresentlyevenHEcametotheconclusionthatthiswouldbeoverdoingthething，and，afteranotherglanceroundtheroom，decidedthatthephrase“benevolenceandotherrarequalitiesofspirit“mighttoadvantagegiveplaceto“economyandgeniusformethod。“Accordingly，thespeechmentallycomposed，hesaidaloudthat，havingheardofPlushkin'stalentsforthriftyandsystematicmanagement，hehadconsideredhimselfboundtomaketheacquaintanceofhishost，andtopresenthimwithhispersonalcomplimentsIneedhardlysaythatChichikovcouldeasilyhaveallegedabetterreason，hadanybetteronehappened，atthemoment，tohavecomeintohishead。
　　WithtoothlessgumsPlushkinmurmuredsomethinginreply，butnothingisknownastoitsprecisetermsbeyondthatitincludedastatementthatthedevilwasatlibertytoflyawaywithChichikov'ssentiments。
　　However，thelawsofRussianhospitalitydonotpermitevenofamiserinfringingtheirrules；whereforePlushkinaddedtotheforegoingamorecivilinvitationtobeseated。
　　“ItislongsinceIlastreceivedavisitor，“hewenton。“Also，I
　　feelboundtosaythatIcanseelittlegoodintheircoming。Onceintroducetheabominablecustomoffolkpayingcalls，andforthwiththerewillensuesuchruintothemanagementofestatesthatlandownerswillbeforcedtofeedtheirhorsesonhay。Notforalong，longtimehaveIeatenamealawayfromhome——althoughmyownkitchenisapoorone，andhasitschimneyinsuchastatethat，wereittobecomeoverheated，itwouldinstantlycatchfire。“
　　“Whatabrute！”thoughtChichikov。“IamluckytohavegotthroughsomuchpastryandstuffedshoulderofmuttonatSobakevitch's！”
　　“Also，“wentonPlushkin，“Iamashamedtosaythathardlyawispoffodderdoestheplacecontain。ButhowcanIgetfodder？Mylandsaresmall，andthepeasantrylazyfellowswhohateworkandthinkofnothingbutthetavern。Intheend，therefore，Ishallbeforcedtogoandspendmyoldageinroamingabouttheworld。“
　　“ButIhavebeentoldthatyoupossessoverathousandserfs？”saidChichikov。
　　“Whotoldyouthat？Nomatterwhoitwas，youwouldhavebeenjustifiedingivinghimthelie。Hemusthavebeenajesterwhowantedtomakeafoolofyou。Athousandsouls，indeed！Why，justreckonthetaxesonthem，andseewhattherewouldbeleft！Forthesethreeyearsthataccursedfeverhasbeenkillingoffmyserfswholesale。“
　　“Wholesale，yousay？”echoedChichikov，greatlyinterested。
　　“Yes，wholesale，“repliedtheoldman。
　　“ThenmightIaskyoutheexactnumber？”
　　“Fullyeighty。“
　　“Surelynot？”
　　“Butitisso。“
　　“ThenmightIalsoaskwhetheritisfromthedateofthelastcensusrevisionthatyouarereckoningthesesouls？”
　　“Yes，damnit！AndsincethatdateIhavebeenbledfortaxesuponahundredandtwentysoulsinall。“
　　“Indeed？Uponahundredandtwentysoulsinall！”AndChichikov'ssurpriseandelationweresuchthat，thissaid，heremainedsittingopen-mouthed。
　　“Yes，goodsir，“repliedPlushkin。“Iamtoooldtotellyoulies，forIhavepassedmyseventiethyear。“
　　SomehowheseemedtohavetakenoffenceatChichikov'salmostjoyousexclamation；whereforetheguesthastenedtoheaveaprofoundsigh，andtoobservethathesympathisedtothefullwithhishost'smisfortunes。
　　“Butsympathydoesnotputanythingintoone'spocket，“retortedPlushkin。“Forinstance，Ihaveakinsmanwhoisconstantlyplaguingme。Heisacaptaininthearmy，damnhim，andalldayhedoesnothingbutcallme'dearuncle，'andkissmyhand，andexpresssympathyuntilIamforcedtostopmyears。Yousee，hehassquanderedallhismoneyuponhisbrother-officers，aswellasmadeafoolofhimselfwithanactress；sonowhespendshistimeintellingmethathehasasympatheticheart！”
　　ChichikovhastenedtoexplainthatHISsympathyhadnothingincommonwiththecaptain's，sincehedealt，notinemptywordsalone，butinactualdeeds；inproofofwhichhewasreadythenandthereforthepurposeofcuttingthemattershort，andofdispensingwithcircumlocutiontotransfertohimselftheobligationofpayingthetaxesdueuponsuchserfsasPlushkin'sashad，intheunfortunatemannerjustdescribed，departedthisworld。TheproposalseemedtoastonishPlushkin，forhesatstaringopen-eyed。Atlengthheinquired：
　　“Mydearsir，haveyouseenmilitaryservice？”
　　“No，“repliedtheotherwarily，“butIhavebeenamemberoftheCIVILService。“
　　“Oh！OftheCIVILService？”AndPlushkinsatmovinghislipsasthoughhewerechewingsomething。“Well，whatofyourproposal？”headdedpresently。“Areyoupreparedtolosebyit？”
　　“Yes，certainly，iftherebyIcanpleaseyou。“
　　“Mydearsir！Mygoodbenefactor！”InhisdelightPlushkinlostsightofthefactthathisnosewascakedwithsnuffoftheconsistencyofthickcoffee，andthathiscoathadpartedinfrontandwasdisclosingsomeveryunseemlyunderclothing。“Whatcomfortyouhavebroughttoanoldman！Yes，asGodismywitness！”
　　Forthemomenthecouldsaynomore。Yetbarelyaminutehadelapsedbeforethisinstantaneouslyarousedemotionhad，asinstantaneously，disappearedfromhiswoodenfeatures。Oncemoretheyassumedacarewornexpression，andheevenwipedhisfacewithhishandkerchief，thenrolleditintoaball，andrubbedittoandfroagainsthisupperlip。
　　“Ifitwillnotannoyyouagaintostatetheproposal，“hewenton，“whatyouundertaketodoistopaytheannualtaxuponthesesouls，andtoremitthemoneyeithertomeortotheTreasury？”
　　“Yes，thatishowitshallbedone。Wewilldrawupadeedofpurchaseasthoughthesoulswerestillaliveandyouhadsoldthemtomyself。“
　　“Quiteso——adeedofpurchase，“echoedPlushkin，oncemorerelapsingintothoughtandthechewingmotionofthelips。“Butadeedofsuchakindwillentailcertainexpenses，andlawyersaresodevoidofconscience！Infact，soextortionateistheiravaricethattheywillchargeonehalfarouble，andthenasackofflour，andthenawholewaggon-loadofmeal。Iwonderthatnoonehasyetcalledattentiontothesystem。“
　　UponthatChichikovintimatedthat，outofrespectforhishost，hehimselfwouldbearthecostofthetransferofsouls。ThisledPlushkintoconcludethathisguestmustbethekindofunconscionablefoolwho，whilepretendingtohavebeenamemberoftheCivilService，hasinrealityservedinthearmyandrunafteractresses；whereforetheoldmannolongerdisguisedhisdelight，butcalleddownblessingsalikeuponChichikov'sheadanduponthoseofhischildrenhehadnevereveninquiredwhetherChichikovpossessedafamily。Next，heshuffledtothewindow，and，tappingoneofitspanes，shoutedthenameof“Proshka。“Immediatelysomeoneranquicklyintothehall，and，aftermuchstampingoffeet，burstintotheroom。ThiswasProshka——athirteen-year-oldyoungsterwhowasshodwithbootsofsuchdimensionsasalmosttoengulfhislegsashewalked。ThereasonwhyhehadenteredthusshodwasthatPlushkinonlykeptonepairofbootsforthewholeofhisdomesticstaff。Thisuniversalpairwasstationedinthehallofthemansion，sothatanyservantwhowassummonedtothehousemightdonthesaidbootsafterwadingbarefootedthroughthemudofthecourtyard，andentertheparlourdry-shod——subsequentlyleavingthebootswherehehadfoundthem，anddepartinginhisformerbarefootedcondition。Indeed，hadanyone，onaslushywinter'smorning，glancedfromawindowintothesaidcourtyard，hewouldhaveseenPlushkin'sservitorsperformingsaltatoryfeatsworthyofthemostvigorousofstage-dancers。
　　“Lookatthatboy'sface！”saidPlushkintoChichikovashepointedtoProshka。“Itisstupidenough，yet，layanythingaside，andinatricehewillhavestolenit。Well，mylad，whatdoyouwant？”
　　Hepausedamomentortwo，butProshkamadenoreply。
　　“Come，come！”wentontheoldman。“Setoutthesamovar，andthengiveMavrathekeyofthestore-room——hereitis——andtellhertogetoutsomeloafsugarfortea。Here！Waitanothermoment，fool！Isthedevilinyourlegsthattheyitchsotobeoff？ListentowhatmoreIhavetotellyou。TellMavrathatthesugarontheoutsideoftheloafhasgonebad，sothatshemustscrapeitoffwithaknife，andNOTthrowawaythescrapings，butgivethemtothepoultry。Also，seethatyouyourselfdon'tgointothestoreroom，orIwillgiveyouabirchingthatyouwon'tcarefor。Yourappetiteisgoodenoughalready，butabetteronewon'thurtyou。Don'tevenTRYtogointothestoreroom，forIshallbewatchingyoufromthiswindow。“
　　“Yousee，“theoldmanaddedtoChichikov，“onecannevertrustthesefellows。“Presently，whenProshkaandthebootshaddeparted，hefelltogazingathisguestwithanequallydistrustfulair，sincecertainfeaturesinChichikov'sbenevolencenowstruckhimasalittleopentoquestion，andhehadbegintothinktohimself：“Afterall，thedevilonlyknowswhoheis——whetherabraggart，likemostofthesespendthrifts，orafellowwhoislyingmerelyinordertogetsometeaoutofme。“Finally，hiscircumspection，combinedwithadesiretotesthisguest，ledhimtoremarkthatitmightbewelltocompletethetransactionIMMEDIATELY，sincehehadnotovermuchconfidenceinhumanity，seeingthatamanmightbealiveto-dayanddeadto-morrow。
　　TothisChichikovassentedreadilyenough——merelyaddingthatheshouldlikefirstofalltobefurnishedwithalistofthedeadsouls。ThisreassuredPlushkinastohisguest'sintentionofdoingbusiness，sohegotouthiskeys，approachedacupboard，and，havingpulledbackthedoor，rummagedamongthecupsandglasseswithwhichitwasfilled。Atlengthhesaid：
　　“Icannotfinditnow，butIusedtopossessasplendidbottleofliquor。Probablytheservantshavedrunkitall，fortheyaresuchthieves。Ohno：perhapsthisisit！”
　　Lookingup，ChichikovsawthatPlushkinhadextractedadecantercoatedwithdust。
　　“Mylatewifemadethestuff，“wentontheoldman，“butthatrascalofahousekeeperwentandthrewawayalotofit，andneverevenreplacedthestopper。Consequentlybugsandothernastycreaturesgotintothedecanter，butIcleaneditout，andnowbegtoofferyouaglassful。“
　　TheideaofadrinkfromsuchareceptaclewastoomuchforChichikov，soheexcusedhimselfonthegroundthathehadjusthadluncheon。
　　“Youhavejusthadluncheon？”re-echoedPlushkin。“Now，THATshowshowinvariablyonecantellamanofgoodsociety，wheresoeveronemaybe。Amanofthatkindnevereatsanything——healwayssaysthathehashadenough。Verydifferentthatfromthewaysofarogue，whomonecanneversatisfy，howevermuchonemaygivehim。Forinstance，thatcaptainofmineisconstantlybeggingmetolethimhaveameal——thoughheisaboutasmuchmynephewasIamhisgrandfather。Asithappens，thereisneverabiteofanythinginthehouse，sohehastogoawayempty。Butaboutthelistofthosegood-for-nothingsouls——Ihappentopossesssuchalist，sinceIhavedrawnoneupinreadinessforthenextrevision。“
　　WiththatPlushkindonnedhisspectacles，andoncemorestartedtorummageinthecupboard，andtosmotherhisguestwithdustasheuntiedsuccessivepackagesofpapers——somuchsothathisvictimburstoutsneezing。Finallyheextractedamuch-scribbleddocumentinwhichthenamesofthedeceasedpeasantslayasclose-packedasacloudofmidges，fortherewereahundredandtwentyoftheminall。Chichikovgrinnedwithjoyatthesightofthemultitude。Stuffingthelistintohispocket，heremarkedthat，tocompletethetransaction，itwouldbenecessarytoreturntothetown。
　　“Tothetown？”repeatedPlushkin。“Butwhy？Moreover，howcouldI
　　leavethehouse，seeingthateveryoneofmyservantsiseitherathieforarogue？Daybydaytheypilferthings，untilsoonIshallhavenotasinglecoattohangonmyback。“
　　“Thenyoupossessacquaintancesinthetown？”
　　“Acquaintances？No。EveryacquaintancewhomIeverpossessedhaseitherleftmeorisdead。Butstopamoment。IDOknowthePresidentoftheCouncil。Eveninmyoldagehehasonceortwicecometovisitme，forheandIusedtobeschoolfellows，andtogoclimbingwallstogether。Yes，himIdoknow。ShallIwritehimaletter？”
　　“Byallmeans。“
　　“Yes，himIknowwell，forwewerefriendstogetheratschool。“
　　OverPlushkin'swoodenfeaturestherehadgleamedarayofwarmth——araywhichexpressed，ifnotfeeling，atalleventsfeeling'spalereflection。Justsuchaphenomenonmaybewitnessedwhen，forabriefmoment，adrowningmanmakesalastre-appearanceonthesurfaceofariver，andthererisesfromthecrowdliningthebanksacryofhopethatevenyettheexhaustedhandsmayclutchtheropewhichhasbeenthrownhim——mayclutchitbeforethesurfaceoftheunstableelementshallhaveresumedforeveritscalm，dreadvacuity。Butthehopeisshort-lived，andthehandsdisappear。EvensodidPlushkin'sface，afteritsmomentarymanifestationoffeeling，becomemeanerandmoreinsensiblethanever。
　　“Thereusedtobeasheetofcleanwritingpaperlyingonthetable，“
　　hewenton。“ButwhereitisnowIcannotthink。Thatcomesofmyservantsbeingsuchrascals。“
　　Whitthathefelltolookingalsounderthetable，aswellastohurryingaboutwithcriesof“Mavra，Mavra！”Atlengththecallwasansweredbyawomanwithaplatefulofthesugarofwhichmentionhasbeenmade；whereuponthereensuedthefollowingconversation。
　　“Whathaveyoudonewithmypieceofwritingpaper，youpilferer？”
　　“IswearthatIhaveseennopaperexceptthebitwithwhichyoucoveredtheglass。“
　　“Yourveryfacetellsmethatyouhavemadeoffwithit。“
　　“WhyshouldImakeoffwithit？'Twouldbeofnousetome，forIcanneitherreadnorwrite。“
　　“Youlie！Youhavetakenitawayforthesextontoscribbleupon。“
　　“Well，ifthesextonwantedpaperhecouldgetsomeforhimself。
　　NeitherhenorIhaveseteyesuponyourpiece。“
　　“Ah！Waitabit，forontheJudgmentDayyouwillberoastedbydevilsonironspits。Justseeifyouarenot！”
　　“ButwhyshouldIberoastedwhenIhaveneverevenTOUCHEDthepaper？Youmightaccusemeofanyotherfaultthantheft。“
　　“Nay，devilsshallroastyou，sureenough。Theywillsaytoyou，'Badwoman，wearedoingthisbecauseyourobbedyourmaster，'andthenstokeupthefirestillhotter。“
　　“Nevertheless_I_shallcontinuetosay，'Youareroastingmefornothing，forIneverstoleanythingatall。'Why，THEREitis，lyingonthetable！Youhavebeenaccusingmefornoreasonwhatever！”
　　And，sureenough，thesheetofpaperwaslyingbeforePlushkin'sveryeyes。Foramomentortwohechewedsilently。Thenhewenton：
　　“Well，andwhatareyoumakingsuchanoiseabout？Ifonesaysasinglewordtoyou，youanswerbackwithten。Goandfetchmeacandletosealaletterwith。AndmindyoubringaTALLOWcandle，foritwillnotcostsomuchastheothersort。Andbringmeamatchtoo。“
　　Mavradeparted，andPlushkin，seatinghimself，andtakingupapen，satturningthesheetofpaperoverandover，asthoughindoubtwhethertotearfromityetanothermorsel。Atlengthhecametotheconclusionthatitwasimpossibletodoso，andtherefore，dippingthepenintothemixtureofmouldyfluidanddeadflieswhichtheinkbottlecontained，startedtoinditetheletterincharactersasboldasthenotesofamusicscore，whilemomentarilycheckingthespeedofhishand，lestitshouldmeandertoomuchoverthepaper，andcrawlingfromlinetolineasthoughheregrettedthattherewassolittlevacantspaceleftonthesheet。
　　“Anddoyouhappentoknowanyonetowhomafewrunawayserfswouldbeofuse？”heaskedassubsequentlyhefoldedtheletter。
　　“What？Youhavesomerunawaysaswell？”exclaimedChichikov，againgreatlyinterested。
　　“CertainlyIhave。Myson-in-lawhaslaidthenecessaryinformationagainstthem，butsaysthattheirtrackshavegrowncold。However，heisonlyamilitaryman——thatistosay，goodatclinkingapairofspurs，butofnouseforlayingapleabeforeacourt。“
　　“Andhowmanyrunawayshaveyou？”
　　“Aboutseventy。“
　　“Surelynot？”
　　“Alas，yes。Neverdoesayearpasswithoutacertainnumberofthemmakingoff。Yetsogluttonousandidlearemyserfsthattheyaresimplyburstingwithfood，whereasIscarcelygetenoughtoeat。I
　　willtakeanypriceforthemthatyoumaycaretooffer。Tellyourfriendsaboutit，and，shouldtheyfindevenascoreoftherunaways，itwillrepaythemhandsomely，seeingthatalivingserfonthecensuslistisatpresentworthfivehundredroubles。“
　　“Perhapsso，butIamnotgoingtoletanyonebutmyselfhaveafingerinthis，“thoughtChichikovtohimself；afterwhichheexplainedtoPlushkinthatafriendofthekindmentionedwouldbeimpossibletodiscover，sincethelegalexpensesoftheenterprisewouldleadtothesaidfriendhavingtocuttheverytailfromhiscoatbeforehewouldgetclearofthelawyers。
　　“Nevertheless，“addedChichikov，“seeingthatyouaresohardpressedformoney，andthatIamsointerestedinthematter，Ifeelmovedtoadvanceyou——well，toadvanceyousuchatrifleaswouldscarcelybeworthmentioning。“
　　“Buthowmuchisit？”askedPlushkineagerly，andwithhishandstremblinglikequicksilver。
　　“Twenty-fivekopeckspersoul。“
　　“What？Inreadymoney？”
　　“Yes——inmoneydown。“
　　“Nevertheless，considermypoverty，dearfriend，andmakeitFORTY
　　kopeckspersoul。“
　　“Venerablesir，wouldthatIcouldpayyounotmerelyfortykopecks，butfivehundredroubles。Ishouldbeonlytoodelightedifthatwerepossible，sinceIperceivethatyou，anagedandrespectedgentleman，aresufferingforyourowngoodnessofheart。“
　　“ByGod，thatistrue，thatistrue。“Plushkinhunghishead，andwaggeditfeeblyfromsidetoside。“Yes，allthatIhavedoneIhavedonepurelyoutofkindness。“
　　“SeehowinstantaneouslyIhavedivinedyournature！Bynowitwillhavebecomecleartoyouwhyitisimpossibleformetopayyoufivehundredroublesperrunawaysoul：forbynowyouwillhavegatheredthefactthatIamnotsufficientlyrich。Nevertheless，Iamreadytoaddanotherfivekopecks，andsotomakeitthateachrunawayserfshallcostme，inall，thirtykopecks。“
　　“Asyouplease，dearsir。Yetstretchanotherpoint，andthrowinanothertwokopecks。“
　　“Pardonme，butIcannot。Howmanyrunawayserfsdidyousaythatyoupossess？Seventy？”
　　“No；seventy-eight。“
　　“Seventy-eightsoulsatthirtykopeckseachwillamountto——to——“onlyforamomentdidourherohalt，sincehewasstronginhisarithmetic，“——willamounttotwenty-fourroubles，ninety-sixkopecks。“[1]
　　[1]NeverthelessChichikovwouldappeartohaveerred，sincemostpeoplewouldmakethesumamounttotwenty-threeroubles，fortykopecks。Ifso，Chichikovcheatedhimselfofonerouble，fifty-sixkopecks。
　　WiththatherequestedPlushkintomakeoutthereceipt，andthenhandedhimthemoney。Plushkintookitinbothhands，boreittoabureauwithasmuchcautionasthoughhewerecarryingaliquidwhichmightatanymomentsplashhimintheface，and，arrivedatthebureau，andglancingroundoncemore，carefullypackedthecashinoneofhismoneybags，where，doubtless，itwasdestinedtolieburieduntil，totheintensejoyofhisdaughtersandhisson-in-lawand，perhaps，ofthecaptainwhoclaimedkinshipwithhim，heshouldhimselfreceiveburialatthehandsofFathersCarpandPolycarp，thetwopriestsattachedtohisvillage。Lastly，themoneyconcealed，Plushkinre-seatedhimselfinthearmchair，andseemedatalossforfurthermaterialforconversation。
　　“Areyouthinkingofstarting？”atlengthheinquired，onseeingChichikovmakingatriflingmovement，thoughthemovementwasonlytoextractfromhispocketahandkerchief。NeverthelessthequestionremindedChichikovthattherewasnofurtherexcuseforlingering。
　　“Yes，Imustbegoing，“hesaidashetookhishat。
　　“Thenwhataboutthetea？”
　　“Thankyou，Iwillhavesomeonmynextvisit。“
　　“What？EventhoughIhavejustorderedthesamovartobegotready？
　　Well，well！Imyselfdonotgreatlycarefortea，forIthinkitanexpensivebeverage。Moreover，thepriceofsugarhasrisenterribly。“
　　“Proshka！”hethenshouted。“Thesamovarwillnotbeneeded。ReturnthesugartoMavra，andtellhertoputitbackagain。Butno。Bringthesugarhere，and_I_willputitback。“
　　“Good-bye，dearsir，“finallyheaddedtoChichikov。“MaytheLordblessyou！HandthatlettertothePresidentoftheCouncil，andlethimreadit。Yes，heisanoldfriendofmine。Weknewoneanotherasschoolfellows。“
　　Withthatthisstrangephenomenon，thiswitheredoldman，escortedhisguesttothegatesofthecourtyard，and，aftertheguesthaddeparted，orderedthegatestobeclosed，madetheroundoftheoutbuildingsforthepurposeofascertainingwhetherthenumerouswatchmenwereattheirposts，peeredintothekitchenwhere，underthepretenceofseeingwhetherhisservantswerebeingproperlyfed，hemadealightmealofcabbagesoupandgruel，ratedthesaidservantssoundlyfortheirthievishnessandgeneralbadbehaviour，andthenreturnedtohisroom。Meditatinginsolitude，hefelltothinkinghowbesthecouldcontrivetorecompensehisguestforthelatter'smeasurelessbenevolence。“Iwillpresenthim，“hethoughttohimself，“withawatch。Itisagoodsilverarticle——notoneofthosecheapmetalaffairs；andthoughithassufferedsomedamage，hecaneasilygetthatputright。Ayoungmanalwaysneedstogiveawatchtohisbetrothed。“
　　“No，“headdedafterfurtherthought。“Iwillleavehimthewatchinmywill，asakeepsake。“
　　Meanwhileourherowasbowlingalonginhighspirit。Suchanunexpectedacquisitionbothofdeadsoulsandofrunawayserfshadcomeasawindfall。EvenbeforereachingPlushkin'svillagehehadhadapresentimentthathewoulddosuccessfulbusinessthere，butnotbusinessofsuchpre-eminentprofitablenessashadactuallyresulted。
　　Asheproceededhewhistled，hummedwithhandplacedtrumpetwisetohismouth，andendedbyburstingintoaburstofmelodysostrikingthatSelifan，afterlisteningforawhile，noddedhisheadandexclaimed，“Myword，butthemasterCANsing！”
　　Bythetimetheyreachedthetowndarknesshadfallen，andchangedthecharacterofthescene。Thebritchkaboundedoverthecobblestones，andatlengthturnedintothehostelry'scourtyard，wherethetravellersweremetbyPetrushka。Withonehandholdingbackthetailsofhiscoatwhichheneverlikedtoseeflyapart，thevaletassistedhismastertoalight。Thewaiterranoutwithcandleinhandandnapkinonshoulder。WhetherornotPetrushkawasgladtoseethebarinreturnitisimpossibletosay，butatalleventsheexchangedawinkwithSelifan，andhisordinarilymoroseexteriorseemedmomentarilytobrighten。
　　“Thenyouhavebeentravellingfar，sir？”saidthewaiter，ashelitthewayupstarts。
　　“Yes，“saidChichikov。“Whathashappenedhereinthemeanwhile？”
　　“Nothing，sir，“repliedthewaiter，bowing，“exceptthatlastnighttherearrivedamilitarylieutenant。Hehasgotroomnumbersixteen。“
　　“Alieutenant？”
　　“Yes。HecamefromRiazan，drivingthreegreyhorses。“
　　Onenteringhisroom，Chichikovclappedhishandtohisnose，andaskedhisvaletwhyhehadneverhadthewindowsopened。
　　“ButIdidhavethemopened，“repliedPetrushka。Neverthelessthiswasalie，asChichikovwellknew，thoughhewastootiredtocontestthepoint。Afterorderingandconsumingalightsupperofsuckingpig，heundressed，plungedbeneaththebedclothes，andsankintotheprofoundslumberwhichcomesonlytosuchfortunatefolkasaretroubledneitherwithmosquitoesnorfleasnorexcessiveactivityofbrain。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　WhenChichikovawokehestretchedhimselfandrealisedthathehadsleptwell。Foramomentortwohelayonhisback，andthensuddenlyclappedhishandsattherecollectionthathewasnowownerofnearlyfourhundredsouls。Atonceheleaptoutofbedwithoutsomuchasglancingathisfaceinthemirror，though，asarule，hehadmuchsolicitudeforhisfeatures，andespeciallyforhischin，ofwhichhewouldmakethemostwhenincompanywithfriends，andmoreparticularlyshouldanyonehappentoenterwhilehewasengagedintheprocessofshaving。“Lookhowroundmychinis！”washisusualformula。Onthepresentoccasion，however，helookedneitheratchinnoratanyotherfeature，butatoncedonnedhisflower-embroideredslippersofmorrocoleatherthekindofslippersinwhich，thankstotheRussianloveforadressing-gownedexistence，thetownofTorzhokdoessuchahugetrade，and，cladonlyinameagreshirt，sofarforgothiselderlinessanddignityastocutacoupleofcapersafterthefashionofaScottishhighlander——alightingneatly，eachtime，ontheflatofhisheels。Onlywhenhehaddonethatdidheproceedtobusiness。Plantinghimselfbeforehisdispatch-box，herubbedhishandswithasatisfactionworthyofanincorruptibleruralmagistratewhenadjourningforluncheon；afterwhichheextractedfromthereceptacleabundleofpapers。Thesehehaddecidednottodepositwithalawyer，forthereasonthathewouldhastenmatters，aswellassaveexpense，byhimselfframingandfair-copyingthenecessarydeedsofindenture；andsincehewasthoroughlyacquaintedwiththenecessaryterminology，heproceededtoinscribeinlargecharactersthedate，andtheninsmallerones，hisnameandrank。Bytwoo'clockthewholewasfinished，andashelookedatthesheetsofnamesrepresentingbygonepeasantswhohadploughed，workedathandicrafts，cheatedtheirmasters，fetched，carried，andgotdrunkthoughSOME
　　ofthemmayhavebehavedwell，therecameoverhimastrange，unaccountablesensation。Tohiseyeeachlistofnamesseemedtopossessacharacterofitsown；andevenindividualpeasantsthereinseemedtohavetakenoncertainqualitiespeculiartothemselves。Forinstance，tothemajorityofMadameKorobotchka'sserfstherewereappendednicknamesandotheradditions；Plushkin'slistwasdistinguishedbyaconcisenessofexpositionwhichhadledtocertainoftheitemsbeingrepresentedmerelybyChristianname，patronymic，andacoupleofdots；andSobakevitch'slistwasremarkableforitsamplitudeandcircumstantiality，inthatnotasinglepeasanthadsuchofhispeculiarcharacteristicsomittedasthatthedeceasedhadbeen“excellentatjoinery，“or“soberandreadytopayattentiontohiswork。“Also，inSobakevitch'slisttherewasrecordedwhohadbeenthefatherandthemotherofeachofthedeceased，andhowthoseparentshadbehavedthemselves。OnlyagainstthenameofacertainThedotovwasthereinscribed：“Fatherunknown，MotherthemaidservantKapitolina，MoralsandHonestygood。“Thesedetailscommunicatedtothedocumentacertainairoffreshness，theyseemedtoconnotethatthepeasantsinquestionhadlivedbutyesterday。AsChichikovscannedthelisthefeltsoftenedinspirit，andsaidwithasigh：
　　“Myfriends，whataconcourseofyouishere！Howdidyouallpassyourlives，mybrethren？Andhowdidyouallcometodeparthence？”
　　Ashespokehiseyeshaltedatonenameinparticular——thatofthesamePeterSavelievNeuvazhaiKoritowhohadoncebeenthepropertyofthewindowKorobotchka。Oncemorehecouldnothelpexclaiming：
　　“Whataseriesoftitles！Theyoccupyawholeline！PeterSaveliev，I
　　wonderwhetheryouwereanartisanoraplainmuzhik。Also，Iwonderhowyoucametomeetyourend；whetherinatavern，orwhetherthroughgoingtosleepinthemiddleoftheroadandbeingrunoverbyatrainofwaggons。Again，Iseethename，'ProbkaStepan，carpenter，verysober。'ThatmustbetheheroofwhomtheGuardswouldhavebeensogladtogethold。HowwellIcanimaginehimtrampingthecountrywithanaxeinhisbeltandhisbootsonhisshoulder，andlivingonafewgroats'-worthofbreadanddriedfishperday，andtakinghomeacoupleofhalf-roublepiecesinhispurse，andsewingthenotesintohisbreeches，orstuffingthemintohisboots！Inwhatmannercameyoubyyourend，ProbkaStepan？Didyou，forgoodwages，mountascaffoldaroundthecupolaofthevillagechurch，and，climbingthencetothecrossabove，missyourfootingonabeam，andfallheadlongwithnoneathandbutUncleMichai——thegoodunclewho，scratchingthebackofhisneck，andmuttering，'Ah，Vania，foronceyouhavebeentooclever！'straightwaylashedhimselftoarope，andtookyourplace？
　　'MaksimTeliatnikov，shoemaker。'Ashoemaker，indeed？'Asdrunkasashoemaker，'saystheproverb。_I_knowwhatyouwerelike，myfriend。
　　Ifyouwish，Iwilltellyouyourwholehistory。YouwereapprenticedtoaGerman，whofedyouandyourfellowsatacommontable，thrashedyouwithastrap，keptyouindoorswheneveryouhadmadeamistake，andspokeofyouinuncomplimentarytermstohiswifeandfriends。Atlength，whenyourapprenticeshipwasover，yousaidtoyourself，'Iamgoingtosetuponmyownaccount，andnotjusttoscrapetogetherakopeckhereandakopeckthere，astheGermansdo，buttogrowrichquick。'Henceyoutookashopatahighrent，bespokeafeworders，andsettoworktobuyupsomerottenleatheroutofwhichyoucouldmake，oneachpairofboots，adoubleprofit。Butthosebootssplitwithinafortnight，andbroughtdownuponyourheaddireshowersofmaledictions；withtheresultthatgraduallyyourshopgrewemptyofcustomers，andyoufelltoroamingthestreetsandexclaiming，'Theworldisaverypoorplaceindeed！ARussiancannotmakealivingforGermancompetition。'Well，well！'ElizabetaVorobei！'ButthatisaWOMAN'Sname！HowcomesSHEtobeonthelist？ThatvillainSobakevitchmusthavesneakedherinwithoutmyknowingit。“
　　“'GrigoriGoiezhai-ne-Doiedesh，'“hewenton。“WhatsortofamanwereYOU，Iwonder？Wereyouacarrierwho，havingsetupateamofthreehorsesandatiltwaggon，leftyourhome，yournativehovel，forever，anddepartedtocartmerchandisetomarket？WasitonthehighwaythatyousurrenderedyoursoultoGod，ordidyourfriendsfirstmarryyoutosomefat，red-facedsoldier'sdaughter；afterwhichyourharnessandteamofrough，butsturdy，horsescaughtahighwayman'sfancy，andyou，lyingonyourpallet，thoughtthingsoveruntil，willy-nilly，youfeltthatyoumustgetupandmakeforthetavern，thereafterblunderingintoanicehole？Ah，ourpeasantofRussia！Neverdoyouwelcomedeathwhenitcomes！”
　　“Andyou，myfriends？”continuedChichikov，turningtothesheetwhereonwereinscribedthenamesofPlushkin'sabscondedserfs。
　　“Althoughyouarestillalive，whatisthegoodofyou？Youarepracticallydead。Whither，Iwonder，haveyourfugitivefeetcarriedyou？DidyoufarehardlyatPlushkin's，orwasitthatyournaturalinclinationsledyoutopreferroamingthewildsandplunderingtravellers？Areyou，bythistime，ingaol，orhaveyoutakenservicewithothermastersforthetillageoftheirlands？'EremeiKariakin，NikitaVolokitaandAntonVolokitasonoftheforegoing。'Tojudgefromyoursurnames，youwouldseemtohavebeenborngadabouts[1]。
　　'Popov，householdserf。'Probablyyouareaneducatedman，goodPopov，andgoinforpolitethieving，asdistinguishedfromthemorevulgarcut-throatsort。Inmymind'seyeIseemtoseeaCaptainofRuralPolicechallengingyouforbeingwithoutapassport；whereuponyoustakeyouralluponasinglethrow。'Towhomdoyoubelong？'askstheCaptain，probablyaddingtohisquestionaforcibleexpletive。'Tosuchandsuchalandowner，'stoutlyyoureply。'Andwhatareyoudoinghere？'continuestheCaptain。'Ihavejustreceivedpermissiontogoandearnmyobrok，'isyourfluentexplanation。'Thenwhereisyourpassport？''AtMiestchanin[2]Pimenov's。''Pimenov's？ThenareyouPimenovhimself？''Yes，IamPimenovhimself。''Hehasgivenyouhispassport？''No，hehasnotgivenmehispassport。''Come，come！'
　　shoutstheCaptainwithanotherforcibleexpletive。'Youarelying！'
　　'No，Iamnot，'isyourdoggedreply。'ItisonlythatlastnightI
　　couldnotreturnhimhispassport，becauseIcamehomelate；soI
　　handedittoAntipProchorov，thebell-ringer，forhimtotakecareof。''Bell-ringer，indeed！ThenHEgaveyouapassport？''No；Ididnotreceiveapassportfromhimeither。''What？'——andheretheCaptainshoutsanotherexpletive——'Howdareyoukeeponlying？WhereisYOUR
　　OWNpassport？''Ihadoneallright，'youreplycunningly，'butmusthavedroppeditsomewhereontheroadasIcamealong。''Andwhataboutthatsoldier'scoat？'askstheCaptainwithanimpoliteaddition。'Whencedidyougetit？Andwhatofthepriest'scashboxandcoppermoney？'''AboutthemIknownothing，'youreplydoggedly。
　　'NeveratanytimehaveIcommittedatheft。''Thenhowisitthatthecoatwasfoundatyourplace？''Idonotknow。Probablysomeoneelseputitthere。''Yourascal，yourascal！'shoutstheCaptain，shakinghishead，andclosinginuponyou。'Puttheleg-ironsuponhim，andoffwithhimtoprison！''Withpleasure，'youreplyas，takingasnuff-boxfromyourpocket，youofferapinchtoeachofthetwogendarmeswhoaremanaclingyou，whilealsoinquiringhowlongtheyhavebeendischargedfromthearmy，andinwhatwarstheymayhaveserved。Andinprisonyouremainuntilyourcasecomeson，whenthejusticeordersyoutoberemovedfromTsarev-Kokshaikatosuchandsuchanotherprison，andasecondjusticeordersyoutobetransferredthencetoVesiegonskorsomewhereelse，andyougoflittingfromgaoltogaol，andsayingeachtime，asyoueyeyournewhabitation，'Thelastplacewasagooddealcleanerthanthisoneis，andonecouldplaybabki[3]there，andstretchone'slegs，andseealittlesociety。'“
　　[1]ThenamesKariakinandVolokitamight，perhaps，betranslatedas“Gallant“and“Loafer。“
　　[2]Tradesmanorcitizen。
　　[3]Thegameofknucklebones。
　　“'AbakumThirov，'“Chichikovwentonafterapause。“WhatofYOU，brother？Where，andinwhatcapacity，areYOUdisportingyourself？
　　HaveyougonetotheVolgacountry，andbecomebittenwiththelifeoffreedom，andjoinedthefishermenoftheriver？”
　　Here，breakingoff，Chichikovrelapsedintosilentmeditation。Ofwhatwashethinkingashesatthere？WashethinkingofthefortunesofAbakumThirov，orwashemeditatingasmeditateseveryRussianwhenhisthoughtsonceturntothejoysofanemancipatedexistence？
　　“Ah，well！”hesighed，lookingathiswatch。“Ithasnowgonetwelveo'clock。WhyhaveIsoforgottenmyself？Thereisstillmuchtobedone，yetIgoshuttingmyselfupandlettingmythoughtswander！WhatafoolIam！”
　　Sosaying，heexchangedhisScottishcostumeofashirtandnothingelseforattireofamoreEuropeannature；afterwhichhepulledtightthewaistcoatoverhisamplestomach，sprinkledhimselfwitheau-de-Cologne，tuckedhispapersunderhisarm，tookhisfurcap，andsetoutforthemunicipaloffices，forthepurposeofcompletingthetransferofsouls。ThefactthathehurriedalongwasnotduetoafearofbeinglateseeingthatthePresidentoftheLocalCouncilwasanintimateacquaintanceofhis，aswellasafunctionarywhocouldshortenorprolonganinterviewatwill，evenasHomer'sZeuswasabletoshortenortoprolonganightoraday，wheneveritbecamenecessarytoputanendtothefightingofhisfavouriteheroes，ortoenablethemtojoinbattle，butrathertoafeelingthathewouldliketohavetheaffairconcludedasquicklyaspossible，seeingthat，throughout，ithadbeenananxiousanddifficultbusiness。Also，hecouldnotgetridoftheideathathissoulswereunsubstantialthings，andthattherefore，underthecircumstances，hisshouldershadbetterberelievedoftheirloadwiththeleastpossibledelay。
　　Pullingonhiscinnamon-coloured，bear-linedovercoatashewent，hehadjuststeppedthoughtfullyintothestreetwhenhecollidedwithagentlemandressedinasimilarcoatandanear-lappetedfurcap。Uponthatthegentlemanutteredanexclamation。Behold，itwasManilov！Atoncethefriendsbecamefoldedinastrenuousembrace，andremainedsolockedforfullyfiveminutes。Indeed，thekissesexchangedweresovigorousthatbothsufferedfromtoothacheforthegreaterportionoftheday。Also，Manilov'sdelightwassuchthatonlyhisnoseandlipsremainedvisible——theeyescompletelydisappeared。AfterwardshespentaboutaquarterofanhourinholdingChichikov'shandandchafingitvigorously。Lastly，he，inthemostpleasantandexquisitetermspossible，intimatedtohisfriendthathehadjustbeenonhiswaytoembracePaulIvanovitch；anduponthisfollowedacomplimentofthekindwhichwouldmorefittinglyhavebeenaddressedtoaladywhowasbeingaskedtoaccordapartnerthefavourofadance。Chichikovhadopenedhismouthtoreply——thoughevenHEfeltatalosshowtoacknowledgewhathadjustbeensaid——whenManilovcuthimshortbyproducingfromunderhiscoatarollofpapertiedwithredriband。
　　“Whathaveyouthere？”askedChichikov。
　　“Thelistofmysouls。“
　　“Ah！”AndasChichikovunrolledthedocumentandranhiseyeoverithecouldnotbutmarvelattheelegantneatnesswithwhichithadbeeninscribed。
　　“Itisabeautifulpieceofwriting，“hesaid。“Infact，therewillbenoneedtomakeacopyofit。Also，ithasaborderarounditsedge！
　　Whoworkedthatexquisiteborder？”
　　“Donotaskme，“saidManilov。
　　“DidYOUdoit？”
　　“No；mywife。“
　　“Dear，dear！”Chichikovcried。“TothinkthatIshouldhaveputhertosomuchtrouble！”
　　“NOTHINGcouldbetoomuchtroublewherePaulIvanovitchisconcerned。
　　Chichikovbowedhisacknowledgements。Next，onlearningthathewasonhiswaytothemunicipalofficesforthepurposeofcompletingthetransfer，Manilovexpressedhisreadinesstoaccompanyhim；whereforethepairlinkedarminarmandproceededtogether。Whenevertheyencounteredaslightriseintheground——eventhesmallestunevennessordifferenceoflevel——ManilovsupportedChichikovwithsuchenergyasalmosttolifthimoffhisfeet，whileaccompanyingtheservicewithasmilingimplicationthatnotifHEcouldhelpitshouldPaulIvanovitchsliporfall。NeverthelessthisconductappearedtoembarrassChichikov，eitherbecausehecouldnotfindanyfittingwordsofgratitudeorbecauseheconsideredtheproceedingtiresome；
　　anditwaswithasenseofreliefthathedeboucheduponthesquarewherethemunicipaloffices——alarge，three-storiedbuildingofachalkywhitenesswhichprobablysymbolisedthepurityofthesoulsengagedwithin——weresituated。Nootherbuildinginthesquarecouldviewiththeminsize，seeingthattheremainingedificesconsistedonlyofasentry-box，ashelterfortwoorthreecabmen，andalonghoarding——thelatteradornedwiththeusualbills，posters，andscrawlsinchalkandcharcoal。Atintervals，fromthewindowsofthesecondandthirdstoriesofthemunicipaloffices，theincorruptibleheadsofcertainoftheattendantpriestsofThemiswouldpeerquicklyforth，andasquicklydisappearagain——probablyforthereasonthatasuperiorofficialhadjustenteredtheroom。Meanwhilethetwofriendsascendedthestaircase——nay，almostflewupit，since，longingtogetridofManilov'sever-supportingarm，Chichikovhastenedhissteps，andManilovkeptdartingforwardtoanticipateanypossiblefailureonthepartofhiscompanion'slegs。Consequentlythepairwerebreathlesswhentheyreachedthefirstcorridor。Inpassingitmayberemarkedthatneithercorridorsnorroomsevincedanyofthatcleanlinessandpuritywhichmarkedtheexteriorofthebuilding，forsuchattributeswerenottroubledaboutwithin，andanythingthatwasdirtyremainedso，anddonnednomeritricious，purelyexternal，disguise。ItwasasthoughThemisreceivedhervisitorsinnegligeandadressing-gown。Theauthorwouldalsogiveadescriptionofthevariousofficesthroughwhichourheropassed，wereitnotthathetheauthorstandsinaweofsuchlegalhaunts。
　　Approachingthefirstdeskwhichhehappenedtoencounter，Chichikovinquiredofthetwoyoungofficialswhowereseatedatitwhethertheywouldkindlytellhimwherebusinessrelatingtoserf-indenturewastransacted。
　　“Ofwhatnature，precisely，ISyourbusiness？”counteredoneoftheyouthfulofficialsasheturnedhimselfround。
　　“Idesiretomakeanapplication。“
　　“Inconnectionwithapurchase？”
　　“Yes。But，asIsay，IshouldlikefirsttoknowwhereIcanfindthedeskdevotedtosuchbusiness。Isithereorelsewhere？”
　　“Youmuststatewhatitisyouhavebought，andforhowmuch。THEN
　　weshallbehappytogiveyoutheinformation。“
　　Chichikovperceivedthattheofficials'motivewasmerelyoneofcuriosity，asoftenhappenswhenyoungtchinovniksdesiretocutamoreimportantandimposingfigurethanisrightfullytheirs。
　　“Lookhere，youngsirs，“hesaid。“Iknowforafactthatallserfbusiness，nomattertowhatvalue，istransactedatonedeskalone。
　　ConsequentlyIagainrequestyoutodirectmetothatdesk。Ofcourse，ifyoudonotknowyourbusinessIcaneasilyasksomeoneelse。“
　　Tothisthetchinovniksmadenoreplybeyondpointingtowardsacorneroftheroomwhereanelderlymanappearedtobeengagedinsortingsomepapers。AccordinglyChichikovandManilovthreadedtheirwayinhisdirectionthroughthedesks；whereupontheelderlymanbecameviolentlybusy。
　　“Wouldyoumindtellingme，“saidChichikov，bowing，“whetherthisisthedeskforserfaffairs？”
　　Theelderlymanraisedhiseyes，andsaidstiffly：
　　“ThisisNOTthedeskforserfaffairs。“
　　“Whereisit，then？”
　　“IntheSerfDepartment。“
　　“AndwheremighttheSerfDepartmentbe？”
　　“InchargeofIvanAntonovitch。“
　　“AndwhereisIvanAntonovitch？”
　　Theelderlymanpointedtoanothercorneroftheroom；whitherChichikovandManilovnextdirectedtheirsteps。Astheyadvanced，IvanAntonovitchcastaneyebackwardsandviewedthemaskance。Then，withrenewedardour，heresumedhisworkofwriting。
　　“Wouldyoumindtellingme，“saidChichikov，bowing，“whetherthisisthedeskforserfaffairs？”
　　ItappearedasthoughIvanAntonovitchhadnotheard，socompletelydidheburyhimselfinhispapersandreturnnoreply。InstantlyitbecameplainthatHEatleastwasofanageofdiscretion，andnotoneofyourjejunechatterboxesandharum-scarums；for，althoughhishairwasstillthickandblack，hehadlongagopassedhisfortiethyear。Hiswholefacetendedtowardsthenose——itwaswhat，incommonparlance，isknownasa“pitcher-mug。“
　　“Wouldyoumindtellingme，“repeatedChichikov，“whetherthisisthedeskforserfaffairs？”
　　“Itisthat，“saidIvanAntonovitch，againloweringhisjug-shapedjowl，andresuminghiswriting。
　　“ThenIshouldliketotransactthefollowingbusiness。FromvariouslandownersinthiscantonIhavepurchasedanumberofpeasantsfortransfer。Hereisthepurchaselist，anditneedsbuttoberegistered。“
　　“Haveyoualsothevendorshere？”
　　“Someofthem，andfromtherestIhaveobtainedpowersofattorney。“
　　“Andhaveyouyourstatementofapplication？”
　　“Yes。Idesire——indeed，itisnecessaryformesotodo——tohastenmattersalittle。Couldtheaffair，therefore，becarriedthroughto-day？”
　　“To-day？Oh，dearno！”saidIvanAntonovitch。“Beforethatcanbedoneyoumustfurnishmewithfurtherproofsthatnoimpedimentsexist。“
　　“Then，toexpeditematters，letmesaythatIvanGrigorievitch，thePresidentoftheCouncil，isaveryintimatefriendofmine。“
　　“Possibly，“saidIvanAntonovitchwithoutenthusiasm。“ButIvanGrigorievitchalonewillnotdo——itiscustomarytohaveothersaswell。“
　　“Yes，buttheabsenceofotherswillnotaltogetherinvalidatethetransaction。Itoohavebeenintheservice，andknowhowthingscanbedone。“
　　“YouhadbettergoandseeIvanGrigorievitch，“saidIvanAntonovitchmoremildly。“Shouldhegiveyouanorderaddressedtowhomitmayconcern，weshallsoonbeabletosettlethematter。“
　　UponthatChichikovpulledfromhispocketapaper，andlaiditbeforeIvanAntonovitch。Atoncethelattercovereditwithabook。Chichikovagainattemptedtoshowittohim，but，withamovementofhishead，IvanAntonovitchsignifiedthatthatwasunnecessary。
　　“Aclerk，“headded，“willnowconductyoutoIvanGrigorievitch'sroom。“
　　UponthatoneofthetoilersintheserviceofThemis——azealotwhohadofferedhersuchheartfeltsacrificethathiscoathadburstattheelbowsandlackedalining——escortedourfriendsevenasVirgilhadonceescortedDantetotheapartmentofthePresence。Inthissanctumweresomemassivearmchairs，atableladenwithtwoorthreefatbooks，andalargelooking-glass。Lastly，inapparentlysunlikeisolation，therewasseatedatthetablethePresident。Onarrivingatthedooroftheapartment，ourmodernVirgilseemedtohavebecomesooverwhelmedwithawethat，withoutdaringeventointrudeafoot，heturnedback，and，insodoing，oncemoreexhibitedabackasshinyasamat，andhavingadheringtoit，inonespot，achicken'sfeather。AssoonasthetwofriendshadenteredthehallofthePresencetheyperceivedthatthePresidentwasNOTalone，but，onthecontrary，hadseatedbyhissideSobakevitch，whoseformhadhithertobeenconcealedbytheinterveningmirror。Thenewcomers'entryevokedsundryexclamationsandthepushingbackofapairofGovernmentchairsasthevoluminous-sleevedSobakevitchroseintoviewfrombehindthelooking-glass。ChichikovthePresidentreceivedwithanembrace，andforawhilethehallofthePresenceresoundedwithosculatorysalutationsasmutuallythepairinquiredafteroneanother'shealth。Itseemedthatbothhadlatelyhadatouchofthatpainunderthewaistbandwhichcomesofasedentarylife。Also，itseemedthatthePresidenthadjustbeenconversingwithSobakevitchonthesubjectofsalesofsouls，sincehenowproceededtocongratulateChichikovonthesame——aproceedingwhichratherembarrassedourhero，seeingthatManilovandSobakevitch，twoofthevendors，andpersonswithwhomhehadbargainedinthestrictestprivacy，werenowconfrontingoneanotherdirect。However，ChichikovdulythankedthePresident，andthen，turningtoSobakevitch，inquiredafterHIShealth。
　　“ThankGod，Ihavenothingtocomplainof，“repliedSobakevitch：whichwastrueenough，seeingthatapieceofironwouldhavecaughtcoldandtakentosneezingsoonerthanwouldthatuncouthlyfashionedlandowner。
　　“Ah，yes；youhavealwayshadgoodhealth，haveyounot？”putinthePresident。“Yourlatefatherwasequallystrong。“
　　“Yes，heevenwentoutbearhuntingalone，“repliedSobakevitch。
　　“Ishouldthinkthatyoutoocouldworstabearifyouweretotryatusslewithhim，“rejoinedthePresident。
　　“Ohno，“saidSobakevitch。“MyfatherwasastrongermanthanIam。“
　　Thenwithasighthespeakeradded：“Butnowadaystherearenosuchmenashe。Whatisevenalifelikemineworth？”
　　“Thenyoudonothaveacomfortabletimeofit？”exclaimedthePresident。
　　“No；farfromit，“rejoinedSobakevitch，shakinghishead。“Judgeforyourself，IvanGrigorievitch。Iamfiftyyearsold，yetneverinmylifehadbeenill，exceptforanoccasionalcarbuncleorboil。Thatisnotagoodsign。SoonerorlaterIshallhavetopayforit。“Andherelapsedintomelancholy。
　　“Justlistentothefellow！”wasChichikov'sandthePresident'sjointinwardcomment。“WhatonearthhasHEtocomplainof？”
　　“Ihavealetterforyou，IvanGrigorievitch，“wentonChichikovaloudasheproducedfromhispocketPlushkin'sepistle。
　　“Fromwhom？”inquiredthePresident。Havingbrokentheseal，heexclaimed：“Why，itisfromPlushkin！TothinkthatHEisstillalive！Whatastrangeworlditis！Heusedtobesuchanicefellow，andnow——“
　　“Andnowheisacur，“concludedSobakevitch，“aswellasamiserwhostarveshisserfstodeath。“
　　“Allowmeamoment，“saidthePresident。Thenhereadtheletterthrough。Whenhehadfinishedheadded：“Yes，IamquitereadytoactasPlushkin'sattorney。Whendoyouwishthepurchasedeedstoberegistered，MonsieurChichikov——noworlater？”
　　“Now，ifyouplease，“repliedChichikov。“Indeed，Ibegthat，ifpossible，theaffairmaybeconcludedto-day，sinceto-morrowIwishtoleavethetown。Ihavebroughtwithmeboththeformsofindentureandmystatementofapplication。“
　　“Verywell。Neverthelesswecannotletyoudepartsosoon。Theindenturesshallbecompletedto-day，butyoumustcontinueyoursojourninourmidst。Iwillissuethenecessaryordersatonce。“
　　Sosaying，heopenedthedoorintothegeneraloffice，wheretheclerkslookedlikeaswarmofbeesaroundahoneycombifImaylikenaffairsofGovernmenttosuchanarticle？。
　　“IsIvanAntonovitchhere？”askedthePresident。
　　“Yes，“repliedavoicefromwithin。
　　“Thensendhimhere。“
　　Uponthatthepitcher-facedIvanAntonovitchmadehisappearanceinthedoorway，andbowed。
　　“Taketheseindentures，IvanAntonovitch，“saidthePresident，“andseethatthey——“
　　“ButfirstIwouldaskyoutoremember，“putinSobakevitch，“thatwitnessesoughttobeinattendance——notlessthantwoonbehalfofeitherparty。Letus，therefore，sendforthePublicProsecutor，whohaslittletodo，andhaseventhatlittledoneforhimbyhischiefclerk，Zolotucha。TheInspectoroftheMedicalDepartmentisalsoamanofleisure，andlikelytobeathome——ifhehasnotgoneouttoacardparty。Othersalsothereare——allmenwhocumberthegroundfornothing。“
　　“Quiteso，quiteso，“agreedthePresident，andatoncedispatchedaclerktofetchthepersonsnamed。
　　“Also，“requestedChichikov，“IshouldbegladifyouwouldsendfortheaccreditedrepresentativeofacertainladylandownerwithwhomI
　　havedonebusiness。HeisthesonofaFatherCyril，andaclerkinyouroffices。“
　　“Certainlyweshallcallhimhere，“repliedthePresident。“Everythingshallbedonetomeetyourconvenience，andIforbidyoutopresentanyofourofficialswithagratuity。Thatisaspecialrequestonmypart。Nofriendofmineeverpaysacopper。“
　　WiththathegaveIvanAntonovitchthenecessaryinstructions；andthoughtheyscarcelyseemedtomeetwiththatfunctionary'sapproval，uponthePresidentthepurchasedeedshadevidentlyproducedanexcellentimpression，moreespeciallysincethemomentwhenhehadperceivedthesumtotaltoamounttonearlyahundredthousandroubles。ForamomentortwohegazedintoChichikov'seyeswithanexpressionofprofoundsatisfaction。Thenhesaid：
　　“Welldone，PaulIvanovitch！Youhaveindeedmadeanicehaul！”
　　“Thatisso，“repliedChichikov。
　　“Excellentbusiness！Yes，excellentbusiness！”
　　“I，too，conceivethatIcouldnotwellhavedonebetter。Thetruthisthatneveruntilamanhasdrivenhomethepilesofhislife'sstructureuponalastingbottom，insteadofuponthewaywardchimerasofyouth，willhisaimsinlifeassumeadefiniteend。“And，thatsaid，ChichikovwentontodeliverhimselfofaverytellingindictmentofLiberalismandourmodernyoungmen。Yetinhiswordsthereseemedtolurkacertainlackofconviction。Somehowheseemedsecretlytobesayingtohimself，“Mygoodsir，youaretalkingthemostabsoluterubbish，andnothingbutrubbish。“NordidheeventhrowaglanceatSobakevitchandManilov。Itwasasthoughhewereuncertainwhathemightnotencounterintheirexpression。Yetheneednothavebeenafraid。NeveroncedidSobakevitch'sfacemoveamuscle，and，asforManilov，hewastoomuchunderthespellofChichikov'seloquencetodoaughtbeyondnodhisapprovalatintervals，andstrikethekindofattitudewhichisassumedbyloversofmusicwhenaladysingerhas，inrivalryofanaccompanyingviolin，producedanotewhereoftheshrillnesswouldexceedeventhecapacityofabird'sthrostle。
　　“ButwhynottellIvanGrigorievitchpreciselywhatyouhavebought？”
　　inquiredSobakevitchofChichikov。“Andwhy，IvanGrigorievitch，doYOUnotaskMonsieurChichikovpreciselywhathispurchaseshaveconsistedof？Whatasplendidlotofserfs，tobesure！Imyselfhavesoldhimmywheelwright，Michiev。“
　　“What？YouhavesoldhimMichiev？”exclaimedthePresident。“Iknowthemanwell。Heisasplendidcraftsman，and，ononeoccasion，mademeadrozhki[4]。Only，only——well，latelydidn'tyoutellmethatheisdead？”
　　[4]Asortoflow，four-wheeledcarriage。
　　“ThatMichievisdead？”re-echoedSobakevitch，comingperilouslyneartolaughing。“Ohdearno！Thatwashisbrother。Michievhimselfisverymuchalive，andinevenbetterhealththanheusedtobe。AnydayhecouldknockyouupabritchkasuchasyoucouldnotprocureeveninMoscow。However，heisnowboundtoworkforonlyonemaster。“
　　“Indeedasplendidcraftsman！”repeatedthePresident。“Myonlywonderisthatyoucanhavebroughtyourselftopartwithhim。“
　　“ThenthinkyouthatMichievistheONLYserfwithwhomIhaveparted？Nay，forIhavepartedalsowithProbkaStepan，mycarpenter，withMilushkin，mybricklayer，andwithTeliatnikov，mybootmaker。
　　Yes，thewholelotIhavesold。“
　　AndtothePresident'sinquirywhyhehadsoacted，seeingthattheserfsnamedwereallskilledworkersandindispensabletoahousehold，Sobakevitchrepliedthatamerewhimhadledhimtodoso，andthusthesalehadoweditsorigintoapieceoffolly。Thenhehunghisheadasthoughalreadyrepentingofhisrashact，andadded：
　　“Althoughamanofgreyhairs，Ihavenotyetlearnedwisdom。“
　　“But，“inquiredthePresidentfurther，“howcomesitabout，PaulIvanovitch，thatyouhavepurchasedpeasantsapartfromland？Isitfortransfermentelsewherethatyouneedthem？”
　　“Yes。“
　　“Verywell，then。Thatisquiteanothermatter。Towhatprovinceofthecountry？”
　　“TotheprovinceofKherson。“
　　“Indeed？Thatregioncontainssomesplendidland，“saidthePresident；
　　whereuponheproceededtoexpatiateonthefertilityoftheKhersonpastures。
　　“AndhaveyouMUCHlandthere？”hecontinued。
　　“Yes；quitesufficienttoaccommodatetheserfswhomIhavepurchased。“
　　“Andisthereariverontheestateoralake？”
　　“Both。“