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"What charming children!" said Chichikov as he gazed at the pair. "And how old are they?" "The eldest is eight," replied Manilov, "and the younger one attained the age of six yesterday." "Themistocleus," went on the father, turning to his first-born, who was engaged in striving to free his chin from the bib with which the footman had encircled it.
Do not forget what I have requested you to do." "Rest assured that I will not," responded Manilov. "Only for a couple of days will you and I be parted from one another." With that the party moved into the drawing-room. "Farewell, dearest children," Chichikov went on as he caught sight of Alkid and Themistocleus, who were playing with a wooden hussar which lacked both a nose and one arm.
This happened at a juncture when Themistocleus had bitten Alkid on the ear, and the said Alkid, with frowning eyes and open mouth, was preparing himself to sob in piteous fashion; until, recognising that for such a proceeding he might possibly be deprived of his plate, he hastened to restore his mouth to its original expression, and fell tearfully to gnawing a mutton bone the grease from which had soon covered his cheeks.
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.
"Farewell, dearest pets. Pardon me for having brought you no presents, but, to tell you the truth, I was not, until my visit, aware of your existence. However, now that I shall be coming again, I will not fail to bring you gifts. Themistocleus, to you I will bring a sword. You would like that, would you not?" "I should," replied Themistocleus. "And to you, Alkid, I will bring a drum.
"Themistocleus," repeated the father, "tell me which is the finest city in France." Upon this the tutor concentrated his attention upon Themistocleus, and appeared to be trying hard to catch his eye. Only when Themistocleus had muttered "Paris" did the preceptor grow calmer, and nod his head. "And which is the finest city in Russia?" continued Manilov.
"The amount of sharpness which he possesses is extraordinary. For HIM I am reserving a diplomatic post. Themistocleus," added the father, again turning to his son, "do you wish to become an ambassador?" "Yes, I do," replied Themistocleus, chewing a piece of bread and wagging his head from side to side.
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