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Updated: June 18, 2025
Again the tutor's attitude became wholly one of concentration. "St. Petersburg," replied Themistocleus. "And what other city?" "Moscow," responded the boy. "Clever little dear!" burst out Chichikov, turning with an air of surprise to the father. "Indeed, I feel bound to say that the child evinces the greatest possible potentialities." "You do not know him fully," replied the delighted Manilov.
Presently he went on: "Surely you cannot suppose me capable of taking money for souls which, in one sense at least, have completed their existence? I should be greatly to blame if I were to omit that, as soon as Manilov had pronounced these words, the face of his guest became replete with satisfaction.
The intimation that matters had reached the point of the occasion being destined to constitute a "true birthday of the heart" caused Chichikov to become a little confused; wherefore he made modest reply that, as a matter of fact, he was neither of distinguished origin nor distinguished rank. "Ah, you ARE so," interrupted Manilov with his fixed and engaging smile. "You are all that, and more."
And to that class we had better assign also Manilov. Outwardly he was presentable enough, for his features were not wanting in amiability, but that amiability was a quality into which there entered too much of the sugary element, so that his every gesture, his every attitude, seemed to connote an excess of eagerness to curry favour and cultivate a closer acquaintance.
"No, I never smoke," answered Chichikov civilly, and with an assumed air of regret. "And why?" inquired Manilov equally civilly, but with a regret that was wholly genuine. "Because I fear that I have never quite formed the habit, owing to my having heard that a pipe exercises a desiccating effect upon the system." "Then allow me to tell you that that is mere prejudice.
No, he always employed some such phrase as, "You permitted yourself to make a slip, and thus afforded me the honour of covering your deuce." In particular did the newcomer pay attention to landowners Manilov and Sobakevitch; so much so that his haste to arrive on good terms with them led to his leaving the President and the Postmaster rather in the shade.
"No, I do not, and should be glad if you would direct me." "If you like I will tell your coachman." And in very civil fashion Manilov did so, even going so far as to address the man in the second person plural.
Next, on learning that he was on his way to the municipal offices for the purpose of completing the transfer, Manilov expressed his readiness to accompany him; wherefore the pair linked arm in arm and proceeded together.
"But allow me to put to you a question," he went on in a tone in which there was a strange or, at all events, RATHER a strange note. For some unknown reason, also, he glanced over his shoulder. For some equally unknown reason, Manilov glanced over HIS. "How long is it," inquired the guest, "since you last rendered a census return?" "Oh, a long, long time. In fact, I cannot remember when it was."
"I mean what I say and no more. My reference to such of your pleasant souls as are dead was intended to be taken literally." Manilov still felt at a loss though he was conscious that he MUST do something, he MUST propound some question. But what question? The devil alone knew! In the end he merely expelled some more tobacco smoke this time from his nostrils as well as from his mouth.
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