“No，Idonotadmireyourwayofdoingthings，“wasChichikov'sunspokencommentwhentheinspectionhadbeenconcludedandthepartyhadre-enteredthehouse。Everywhereinthelatterthevisitorswerestruckwiththewayinwhichpovertywentwithglittering，fashionableprofusion。Onawriting-tablelayavolumeofShakespeare，and，onanoccasionaltable，acarvedivoryback-scratcher。Thehostess，too，waselegantlyandfashionablyattired，anddevotedherwholeconversationtothetownandthelocaltheatre。Lastly，thechildren——bright，merrylittlethings——werewell-dressedbothasregardsboysandgirls。Yetfarbetterwouldithavebeenforthemiftheyhadbeencladinplainstripedsmocks，andrunningaboutthecourtyardlikepeasantchildren。
　　Presentlyavisitorarrivedintheshapeofachattering，gossipingwoman；whereuponthehostesscarriedherofftoherownportionofthehouse，and，thechildrenfollowingthem，themenfoundthemselvesalone。
　　“Howmuchdoyouwantfortheproperty？”askedChichikovofKhlobuev。
　　“IamafraidImustrequestyoutonamethelowestpossiblesum，sinceIfindtheestateinafarworseconditionthanIhadexpectedtodo。“
　　“Yes，itISinaterriblestate，“agreedKhlobuev。“Noristhatthewholeofthestory。Thatistosay，Iwillnotconcealfromyouthefactthat，outofahundredsoulsregisteredatthelastrevision，onlyfiftysurvive，soterriblehavebeentheravagesofcholera。Andofthese，again，somehaveabsconded；whereforetheytoomustbereckonedasdead，seeingthat，wereonetoenterprocessagainstthem，thecostswouldendinthepropertyhavingtopassenbloctothelegalauthorities。ForthesereasonsIamaskingonlythirty-fivethousandroublesfortheestate。“
　　Chichikovitneedhardlybesaidstartedtohaggle。
　　“Thirty-fivethousand？”hecried。“Come，come！SurelyyouwillacceptTWENTY-fivethousand？”
　　ThiswastoomuchforPlaton'sconscience。
　　“Now，now，PaulIvanovitch！”heexclaimed。“Takethepropertyatthepricenamed，andhavedonewithit。Theestateisworthatleastthatamount——somuchsothat，shouldyounotbewillingtogiveit，mybrother-in-lawandIwillclubtogethertoeffectthepurchase。“
　　“Thatbeingso，“saidChichikov，takenaback，“Ibegtoagreetothepriceinquestion。Atthesametime，Imustaskyoutoallowmetodeferpaymentofone-halfofthepurchasemoneyuntilayearfromnow。“
　　“No，no，PaulIvanovitch。UndernocircumstancescouldIdothat。Paymehalfnow，andtherestin……[1]Yousee，Ineedthemoneyfortheredemptionofthemortgage。“
　　[1]Here，intheoriginal，awordismissing。
　　“Thatplacesmeinadifficulty，“remarkedChichikov。“TenthousandroublesisallthatatthemomentIhaveavailable。“Asamatteroffact，thiswasnottrue，seeingthat，countingalsothemoneywhichhehadborrowedofKostanzhoglo，hehadathisdisposalTWENTYthousand。
　　Hisrealreasonforhesitatingwasthathedislikedtheideaofmakingsolargeapaymentinalumpsum。
　　“Imustrepeatmyrequest，PaulIvanovitch，“saidKhlobuev，“——namely，thatyoupaymeatleastfifteenthousandimmediately。“
　　“Theoddfivethousand_I_willlendyou，“putinPlatontoChichikov。
　　“Indeed？”exclaimedChichikovashereflected：“Sohealsolendsmoney！”
　　IntheendChichikov'sdispatch-boxwasbroughtfromthekoliaska，andKhlobuevreceivedthencetenthousandroubles，togetherwithapromisethattheremainingfivethousandshouldbeforthcomingonthemorrow；
　　thoughthepromisewasgivenonlyafterChichikovhadfirstproposedthatTHREEthousandshouldbebroughtonthedaynamed，andtherestbeleftoverfortwoorthreedayslonger，ifnotforastillmoreprotractedperiod。ThetruthwasthatPaulIvanovitchhatedpartingwithmoney。Nomatterhowurgentasituationmighthavebeen，hewouldstillhavepreferredtopayasumto-morrowratherthanto-day。Inotherwords，heactedaswealldo，forwealllikekeepingapetitionerwaiting。“Lethimrubhisbackinthehallforawhile，“wesay。“Surelyhecanbidehistimealittle？”Yetofthefactthateveryhourmaybeprecioustothepoorwretch，andthathisbusinessmaysufferfromthedelay，wetakenoaccount。“Goodsir，“wesay，“praycomeagainto-morrow。To-dayIhavenotimetospareyou。“
　　“Wheredoyouintendhenceforthtolive？”inquiredPlaton。“Haveyouanyotherpropertytowhichyoucanretire？”
　　“No，“repliedKhlobuev。“Ishallremovetothetown，whereIpossessasmallvilla。Thatwouldhavebeennecessary，inanycase，forthechildren'ssake。Yousee，theymusthaveinstructioninGod'sword，andalsolessonsinmusicanddancing；andnotforloveormoneycanthesethingsbeprocuredinthecountry。
　　“Nothingtoeat，yetdancinglessonsforhischildren！”reflectedChichikov。
　　“Anextraordinaryman！”wasPlaton'sunspokencomment。
　　“However，wemustcontrivetowetourbargainsomehow，“continuedKhlobuev。“Hi，Kirushka！Bringthatbottleofchampagne。“
　　“Nothingtoeat，yetchampagnetodrink！”reflectedChichikov。AsforPlaton，hedidnotknowWHATtothink。
　　InKhlobuev'seyesitwasderigueurthatheshouldprovideaguestwithchampagne；but，thoughhehadsenttothetownforsome，hehadbeenmetwithablankrefusaltoforwardevenabottleofkvassoncredit。OnlythediscoveryofaFrenchdealerwhohadrecentlytransferredhisbusinessfromSt。Petersburg，andopenedaconnectiononasystemofgeneralcredit，savedthesituationbyplacingKhlobuevundertheobligationofpatronisinghim。
　　Thecompanydrankthreeglassfulsapiece，andsogrewmorecheerful。
　　InparticulardidKhlobuevexpand，andwaxfullofcivilityandfriendliness，andscatterwitticismsandanecdotestorightandleft。
　　Whatknowledgeofmenandtheworlddidhisutterancesdisplay！Howwellandaccuratelycouldhedivinethings！Withwhatappositenessdidhesketchtheneighbouringlandowners！Howclearlyheexposedtheirfaultsandfailings！Howthoroughlyheknewthestoryofcertainruinedgentry——thestoryofhow，why，andthroughwhatcausetheyhadfallenuponevildays！Withwhatcomicoriginalitycouldhedescribetheirlittlehabitsandcustoms！
　　Inshort，hisguestsfoundthemselvescharmedwithhisdiscourse，andfeltinclinedtovotehimamanoffirst-rateintellect。
　　“Whatmostsurprisesme，“saidChichikov，“ishow，inviewofyourability，youcometobesodestituteofmeansorresources。“
　　“ButIhaveplentyofboth，“saidKhlobuev，andwiththatwentontodeliverhimselfofaperfectavalancheofprojects。Yetthoseprojectsprovedtobesouncouth，soclumsy，solittletheoutcomeofaknowledgeofmenandthings，thathishearerscouldonlyshrugtheirshouldersandmentallyexclaim：“GoodLord！Whatadifferencebetweenworldlywisdomandthecapacitytouseit！”Ineverycasetheprojectsinquestionwerebasedupontheimperativenecessityofatonceprocuringfromsomewheretwohundred——oratleastonehundred——thousandroubles。ThatdonesoKhlobuevaverred，everythingwouldfallintoitsproperplace，theholesinhispocketswouldbecomestopped，hisincomewouldbequadrupled，andhewouldfindhimselfinapositiontoliquidatehisdebtsinfull。Neverthelessheendedbysaying：“Whatwouldyouadvisemetodo？Ifearthatthephilanthropistwhowouldlendmetwohundredthousandroublesorevenahundredthousand，doesnotexist。ItisnotGod'swillthatheshould。“
　　“Goodgracious！”inwardlyejaculatedChichikov。“TosupposethatGodwouldsendsuchafooltwohundredthousandroubles！”
　　“However，“wentonKhlobuev，“Ipossessanauntworththreemillions——apiousoldwomanwhogivesfreelytochurchesandmonasteries，butfindsadifficultyinhelpingherneighbour。Atthesametime，sheisaladyoftheoldschool，andworthhavingapeepat。Hercanariesalonenumberfourhundred，and，inaddition，thereisanarmyofpug-dogs，hangers-on，andservants。Eventheyoungestoftheservantsissixty，butshecallsthemall'youngfellows，'andifaguesthappenstooffendherduringdinner，sheordersthemtoleavehimoutwhenhandingoutthedishes。THERE'Sawomanforyou！”
　　Platonlaughed。
　　“Andwhatmayherfamilynamebe？”askedChichikov。“Andwheredoesshelive？”
　　“Shelivesinthecountytown，andhernameisAlexandraIvanovnaKhanasarov。“
　　“Thenwhydoyounotapplytoher？”askedPlatonearnestly。“Itseemstomethat，oncesherealisedthepositionofyourfamily，shecouldnotpossiblyrefuseyou。“
　　“Alas！nothingistobelookedforfromthatquarter，“repliedKhlobuev。“Myauntisofaverystubborndisposition——aperfectstoneofawoman。Moreover，shehasaroundherasufficientbandoffavouritesalready。InparticularisthereafellowwhoisaimingforaGovernorship，andtothatendhasmanagedtoinsinuatehimselfintothecircleofherkinsfolk。Bytheway，“thespeakeradded，turningtoPlaton，“wouldyoudomeafavour？NextweekIamgivingadinnertotheassociatedguildsofthetown。“
　　Platonstared。Hehadbeenunawarethatbothinourcapitalsandinourprovincialtownsthereexistsaclassofmenwhoselivesareanenigma——menwho，thoughtheywillseemtohaveexhaustedtheirsubstance，andtohavebecomeenmeshedindebt，willsuddenlybereportedasinfunds，andonthepointofgivingadinner！Andthough，atthisdinner，theguestswilldeclarethatthefestivalisboundtobetheirhost'slastfling，andthatforacertaintyhewillbehaledtoprisononthemorrow，tenyearsormorewillelapse，andtherascalwillstillbeatliberty，eventhough，inthemeanwhile，hisdebtswillhaveincreased！
　　InthesamewaydidtheconductofKhlobuev'smenageaffordacuriousphenomenon，foronedaythehousewouldbethesceneofasolemnTeDeum，performedbyapriestinvestments，andthenextofastageplayperformedbyatroupeofFrenchactorsintheatricalcostume。Again，onedaywouldseenotamorselofbreadinthehouse，andthenextdayabanquetandgenerouslargessegiventoapartyofartistsandsculptors。DuringtheseseasonsofscarcitysufficientlyseveretohaveledanyonebutKhlobuevtoseeksuicidebyhangingorshooting，themasterofthehousewouldbepreservedfromrashactionbyhisstronglyreligiousdisposition，which，contrivinginsomecuriouswaytoconformwithhisirregularmodeoflife，enabledhimtofallbackuponreadingthelivesofsaints，ascetics，andothersofthetypewhichhasrisensuperiortoitsmisfortunes。Andatsuchtimeshisspiritwouldbecomesoftened，histhoughtsfullofgentleness，andhiseyeswetwithtears；hewouldfalltosayinghisprayers，andinvariablysomestrangecoincidencewouldbringananswertheretointheshapeofanunexpectedmeasureofassistance。Thatistosay，someformerfriendofhiswouldrememberhim，andsendhimatrifleinthewayofmoney；orelsesomefemalevisitorwouldbemovedbyhisstorytoletherimpulsive，generousheartprofferhimahandsomegift；orelseasuitwhereoftidingshadneverevenreachedhisearswouldendbybeingdecidedinhisfavour。AndwhenthathappenedhewouldreverentlyacknowledgetheimmensityofthemercyofProvidence，gratefullytenderthanksgivingforthesame，andbetakehimselfagaintohisirregularmodeofexistence。
　　“SomehowIfeelsorryfortheman，“saidPlatonwhenheandChichikovhadtakenleaveoftheirhost，andleftthehouse。
　　“Perhapsso，butheisahopelessprodigal，“repliedtheother。
　　“PersonallyIfinditimpossibletocompassionatesuchfellows。“
　　AndwiththatthepairceasedtodevoteanotherthoughttoKhlobuev。
　　InthecaseofPlaton，thiswasbecausehecontemplatedthefortunesofhisfellowswiththelethargic，half-somnolenteyewhichheturneduponalltherestoftheworld；forthoughthesightofdistressofotherswouldcausehishearttocontractandfeelfullofsympathy，theimpressionthusproducedneversankintothedepthsofhisbeing。
　　Accordingly，beforemanyminuteswereoverhehadceasedtobestowasinglethoughtuponhislatehost。WithChichikov，however，thingsweredifferent。WhereasPlatonhadceasedtothinkofKhlobuevnomorethanhehadceasedtothinkofhimself，Chichikov'smindhadstrayedelsewhere，forthereasonthatithadbecometakenupwithgravemeditationonthesubjectofthepurchasejustmade。Suddenlyfindinghimselfnolongerafictitiousproprietor，buttheownerofareal，anactuallyexisting，estate，hebecamecontemplative，andhisplansandideasassumedsuchaseriousveinasimpartedtohisfeaturesanunconsciouslyimportantair。
　　“Patienceandhardwork！”hemutteredtohimself。“Thethingwillnotbedifficult，forwiththosetworequisitesIhavebeenfamiliarfromthedaysofmyswaddlingclothes。Yes，nonoveltywilltheybetome。
　　Yet，inmiddleage，shallIbeabletocompassthepatiencewhereofI
　　wascapableinmyyouth？”
　　However，nomatterhowheregardedthefuture，andnomatterfromwhatpointofviewheconsideredhisrecentacquisition，hecouldseenothingbutadvantagelikelytoaccruefromthebargain。Foronething，hemightbeabletoproceedsothat，firstthewholeoftheestateshouldbemortgaged，andthenthebetterportionsoflandsoldoutright。OrhemightsocontrivemattersastomanagethepropertyforawhileandthusbecomealandownerlikeKostanzhoglo，whoseadvice，ashisneighbourandhisbenefactor，heintendedalwaystofollow，andthentodisposeofthepropertybyprivatetreatyprovidedhedidnotwishtocontinuehisownership，andstilltoretaininhishandsthedeadandabandonedsouls。Andanotherpossiblecoupoccurredtohismind。Thatistosay，hemightcontrivetowithdrawfromthedistrictwithouthavingrepaidKostanzhogloatall！
　　Trulyasplendididea！YetitisonlyfairtosaythattheideawasnotoneofChichikov'sownconception。Rather，ithadpresenteditself——mocking，laughing，andwinking——unbidden。Yettheimpudent，thewantonthing！Whoistheprocreatorofsuddenlybornideasofthekind？Thethoughtthathewasnowareal，anactual，proprietorinsteadofafictitious——thathewasnowaproprietorofrealland，realrightsoftimberandpasture，andrealserfswhoexistednotonlyintheimagination，butalsoinveritableactuality——greatlyelatedourhero。Sohetooktodancingupanddowninhisseat，torubbinghishandstogether，towinkingathimself，toholdinghisfist，trumpet-wise，tohismouthwhilemakingbelievetoexecuteamarch，andeventoutteringaloudsuchencouragingnicknamesandphrasesas“bulldog“and“littlefatcapon。“Thensuddenlyrecollectingthathewasnotalone，hehastenedtomoderatehisbehaviourandendeavouredtostifletheendlessflowofhisgoodspirits；withtheresultthatwhenPlaton，mistakingcertainsoundsforutterancesaddressedtohimself，inquiredwhathiscompanionhadsaid，thelatterretainedthepresenceofmindtoreply“Nothing。“
　　Presently，asChichikovgazedabouthim，hesawthatforsometimepastthekoliaskahadbeenskirtingabeautifulwood，andthatoneithersidetheroadwasborderedwithanedgingofbirchtrees，thetenderly-green，recently-openedleavesofwhichcausedtheirtall，slendertrunkstoshowupwiththewhitenessofasnowdrift。Likewisenightingaleswerewarblingfromtherecessesofthefoliage，andsomewoodtulipswereglowingyellowinthegrass。NextandalmostbeforeChichikovhadrealisedhowhecametobeinsuchabeautifulspotwhen，butamomentbefore，therehadbeenvisibleonlyopenfields
　　thereglimmeredamongthetreesthestonywhitenessofachurch，with，onthefurthersideofit，theintermittent，foliage-buriedlineofafence；whilefromtheupperendofavillagestreettherewasadvancingtomeetthevehicleagentlemanwithacaponhishead，aknottedcudgelinhishands，andaslender-limbedEnglishdogbyhisside。
　　“Thisismybrother，“saidPlaton。“Stop，coachman。“Andhedescendedfromthekoliaska，whileChichikovfollowedhisexample。Yarbandthestrangedogsalutedoneanother，andthentheactive，thin-legged，slender-tonguedAzorrelinquishedhislickingofYarb'sbluntjowl，lickedPlaton'shandsinstead，and，leapinguponChichikov，slobberedrightintohisear。
　　Thetwobrothersembraced。
　　“Really，Platon，“saidthegentlemanwhosenamewasVassili，“whatdoyoumeanbytreatingmelikethis？”
　　“Howso？”saidPlatonindifferently。
　　“What？ForthreedayspastIhaveseenandheardnothingofyou！A
　　groomfromPietukh'sbroughtyourcobhome，andtoldmeyouhaddepartedonanexpeditionwithsomebarin。Atleastyoumighthavesentmewordastoyourdestinationandtheprobablelengthofyourabsence。Whatmadeyouactso？GodknowswhatIhavenotbeenwondering！”
　　“Doesitmatter？”rejoinedPlaton。“Iforgottosendyouword，andwehavebeennofurtherthanConstantine'swho，withoursister，sendsyouhisgreeting。Bytheway，mayIintroducePaulIvanovitchChichikov？”
　　Thepairshookhandswithoneanother。Then，doffingtheircaps，theyembraced。
　　“WhatsortofmanisthisChichikov？”thoughtVassili。“AsarulemybrotherPlatonisnotover-niceinhischoiceofacquaintances。“And，eyeingourheroasnarrowlyascivilitypermitted，hesawthathisappearancewasthatofaperfectlyrespectableindividual。
　　ChichikovreturnedVassili'sscrutinywithasimilarobservanceofthedictatesofcivility，andperceivedthathewasshorterthanPlaton，thathishairwasofadarkershade，andthathisfeatures，thoughlesshandsome，containedfarmorelife，animation，andkindlinessthandidhisbrother's。Clearlyheindulgedinlessdreaming，thoughthatwasanaspectwhichChichikovlittleregarded。
　　“IhavemadeupmymindtogotouringourHolyRussiawithPaulIvanovitch，“saidPlaton。“Perhapsitwillridmeofmymelancholy。“
　　“Whathasmadeyoucometosuchasuddendecision？”askedtheperplexedVassiliverynearlyheadded：“Fancygoingtravellingwithamanwhoseacquaintanceyouhavejustmade，andwhomayturnouttobearascalorthedevilknowswhat！”But，inspiteofhisdistrust，hecontentedhimselfwithanothercovertscrutinyofChichikov，andthistimecametotheconclusionthattherewasnofaulttobefoundwithhisexterior。
　　Thepartyturnedtotheright，andenteredthegatesofanancientcourtyardattachedtoanold-fashionedhouseofatypenolongerbuilt——thetypewhichhashugegablessupportingahigh-pitchedroof。
　　Inthecentreofthecourtyardtwogreatlimetreescoveredhalfthesurroundingspacewithshade，whilebeneaththemwererangedanumberofwoodenbenches，andthewholewasencircledwitharingofblossominglilacsandcherrytreeswhich，likeabeadednecklace，reinforcedthewoodenfence，andalmostburieditbeneaththeirclustersofleavesandflowers。Thehouse，too，stoodalmostconcealedbythisgreenery，exceptthatthefrontdoorandthewindowspeeredpleasantlythroughthefoliage，andthathereandtherebetweenthestemsofthetreestherecouldbecaughtglimpsesofthekitchenregions，thestorehouses，andthecellar。Lastly，aroundthewholestoodagrove，fromtherecessesofwhichcametheechoingsongsofnightingales。
　　Involuntarilytheplacecommunicatedtothesoulasortofquiet，restfulfeeling，soeloquentlydiditspeakofthatcare-freeperiodwheneveryonelivedongoodtermswithhisneighbour，andallwassimpleandunsophisticated。VassiliinvitedChichikovtoseathimself，andthepartyapproached，forthatpurpose，thebenchesunderthelimetrees；afterwhichayouthofaboutseventeen，andcladinaredshirt，broughtdecanterscontainingvariouskindsofkvasssomeofthemasthickassyrup，andothershissinglikeaeratedlemonade，depositedthesameuponthetable，and，takingupaspadewhichhehadleftleaningagainstatree，movedawaytowardsthegarden。Thereasonofthiswasthatinthebrothers'household，asinthatofKostanzhoglo，noservantswerekept，sincethewholestaffwereratedasgardeners，andperformedthatdutyinrotation——Vassiliholdingthatdomesticservicewasnotaspecialisedcalling，butonetowhichanyonemightcontributeahand，andthereforeonewhichdidnotrequirespecialmenialstobekeptforthepurpose。Moreover，heheldthattheaverageRussianpeasantremainsactiveandwillingratherthanlazyonlysolongashewearsashirtandapeasant'ssmock；butthatassoonaseverhefindshimselfputintoaGermantailcoat，hebecomesawkward，sluggish，indolent，disinclinedtochangehisvestortakeabath，fondofsleepinginhisclothes，andcertaintobreedfleasandbugsundertheGermanapparel。AnditmaybethatVassiliwasright。Atallevents，thebrothers'peasantrywereexceedinglywellclad——thewomen，inparticular，havingtheirhead-dressesspangledwithgold，andthesleevesoftheirblousesembroideredafterthefashionofaTurkishshawl。
　　“Youseeherethespeciesofkvassforwhichourhousehaslongbeenfamous，“saidVassilitoChichikov。Thelatterpouredhimselfoutaglassfulfromthefirstdecanterwhichhelightedupon，andfoundthecontentstobelindenhoneyofakindnevertastedbyhimeveninPoland，seeingthatithadasparklelikethatofchampagne，andalsoaneffervescencewhichsentapleasantsprayfromthemouthintothenose。
　　“Nectar！”heproclaimed。Thenhetooksomefromaseconddecanter。Itprovedtobeevenbetterthanthefirst。“Abeverageofbeverages！”heexclaimed。“Atyourrespectedbrother-in-law'sItastedthefinestsyrupwhichhasevercomemyway，buthereIhavetastedtheveryfinestkvass。“
　　“Yettherecipeforthesyrupalsocamefromhere，“saidVassili，“seeingthatmysistertookitwithher。Bytheway，towhatpartofthecountry，andtowhatplaces，areyouthinkingoftravelling？”
　　“Totellthetruth，“repliedChichikov，rockinghimselftoandfroonthebench，andsmoothinghiskneewithhishand，andgentlyinclininghishead，“Iamtravellinglessonmyownaffairsthanontheaffairsofothers。Thatistosay，GeneralBetristchev，anintimatefriend，and，Imightadd，agenerousbenefactorofmine，haschargedmewithcommissionstosomeofhisrelatives。Nevertheless，thoughrelativesarerelatives，ImaysaythatIamtravellingonmyownaccountaswell，inthat，inadditiontopossiblebenefittomyhealth，Idesiretoseetheworldandthewhirligigofhumanity，whichconstitute，tosospeak，alivingbook，asecondcourseofeducation。“
　　Vassilitookthought。“Themanspeaksfloridly，“hereflected，“yethiswordscontainacertainelementoftruth。“Afteramoment'ssilenceheaddedtoPlaton：“Iambeginningtothinkthatthetourmighthelpyoutobestiryourself。Atpresentyouareinaconditionofmentalslumber。Youhavefallenasleep，notsomuchfromwearinessorsatiety，asthroughalackofvividperceptionsandimpressions。
　　Formyself，Iamyourcompleteantithesis。IshouldbeonlytoogladifIcouldfeellessacutely，ifIcouldtakethingslesstoheart。“
　　“Emotionhasbecomeadiseasewithyou，“saidPlaton。“Youseekyourowntroubles，andmakeyourownanxieties。“
　　“Howcanyousaythatwhenready-madeanxietiesgreetoneateverystep？”exclaimedVassili。“Forexample，haveyouheardofthetrickwhichLienitsinhasjustplayedus——ofhisseizingthepieceofvacantlandwhitherourpeasantsresortfortheirsports？ThatpieceIwouldnotsellforallthemoneyintheworld。Ithaslongbeenourpeasants'play-ground，andallthetraditionsofourvillageareboundupwithit。Moreover，forme，oldcustomisasacredthingforwhichI
　　wouldgladlysacrificeeverythingelse。“
　　“Lienitsincannothaveknownofthis，orhewouldnothaveseizedtheland，“saidPlaton。“Heisanewcomer，justarrivedfromSt。
　　Petersburg。Afewwordsofexplanationoughttomeetthecase。“
　　“ButheDOESknowofwhatIhavestated；heDOESknowofit。
　　PurposelyIsenthimwordtothataffect，yethehasreturnedmetherudestofanswers。“
　　“Thengoyourselfandexplainmatterstohim。“
　　“No，Iwillnotdothat；hehastriedtocarryoffthingswithtoohighahand。ButYOUcangoifyoulike。“
　　“IwouldcertainlygowereitnotthatIscarcelyliketointerfere。
　　Also，Iamamanwhomhecouldeasilyhoodwinkandoutwit。“
　　“Wouldithelpyouif_I_weretogo？”putinChichikov。“Prayenlightenmeastothematter。“
　　Vassiliglancedatthespeaker，andthoughttohimself：“Whatapassionthemanhasfortravelling！”
　　“Yes，praygivemeanideaofthekindoffellow，“repeatedChichikov，“andalsooutlinetometheaffair。“
　　“Ishouldbeashamedtotroubleyouwithsuchanunpleasantcommission，“repliedVassili。“HeisamanwhomItaketobeanutterrascal。Originallyamemberofafamilyofplaindvorianeinthisprovince，heenteredtheCivilServiceinSt。Petersburg，thenmarriedsomeone'snaturaldaughterinthatcity，andhasreturnedtolorditwithahighhand。Icannotbearthetoneheadopts。Ourfolkarebynomeansfools。TheydonotlookuponthecurrentfashionastheTsar'sukazanymorethantheylookuponSt。PetersburgastheChurch。“
　　“Naturally，“saidChichikov。“Buttellmemoreoftheparticularsofthequarrel。“
　　“Theyarethese。Heneedsadditionallandand，hadhenotactedashehasdone，Iwouldhavegivenhimsomelandelsewherefornothing；but，asitis，thepestilentfellowhastakenitintohisheadto——“
　　“IthinkIhadbettergoandhaveatalkwithhim。Thatmightsettletheaffair。Severaltimeshavepeoplechargedmewithsimilarcommissions，andneverhavetheyrepentedofit。GeneralBetristchevisanexample。“
　　“NeverthelessIamashamedthatyoushouldbeputtotheannoyanceofhavingtoconversewithsuchafellow。“
　　“Andaboveallthings，suchatransactionwouldneedtobecarriedthroughinsecret，“saidChichikov。“True，thelawdoesnotforbidsuchthings，butthereisalwaystheriskofascandal。“
　　“Quiteso，quiteso，“saidLienitsinwithheadbentdown。
　　“Thenweagree！”exclaimedChichikov。“Howcharming！AsIsay，mybusinessisbothlegalandillegal。Thoughneedingtoeffectamortgage，Idesiretoputnoonetotheriskofhavingtopaythetworoublesoneachlivingsoul；whereforeIhaveconceivedtheideaofrelievinglandownersofthatdistastefulobligationbyacquiringdeadandabscondedsoulswhohavefailedtodisappearfromtherevisionlist。ThisenablesmeatoncetoperformanactofChristiancharityandtoremovefromtheshouldersofourmoreimpoverishedproprietorstheburdenoftax-paymentuponsoulsofthekindspecified。Shouldyouyourselfcaretodobusinesswithme，wewilldrawupaformalpurchaseagreementasthoughthesoulsinquestionwerestillalive。“
　　“Butitwouldbesuchacuriousarrangement，“mutteredLienitsin，movinghischairandhimselfalittlefurtheraway。“Itwouldbeanarrangementwhich，er——er——“
　　“Wouldinvolveyouinnoscandalwhatever，seeingthattheaffairwouldbecarriedthroughinsecret。Moreover，betweenfriendswhoarewell-disposedtowardsoneanother——“
　　“Nevertheless——“
　　Chichikovadoptedafirmerandmoredecidedtone。“Irepeatthattherewouldbenoscandal，“hesaid。“Thetransactionwouldtakeplaceasbetweengoodfriends，andasbetweenfriendsofmatureage，andasbetweenfriendsofgoodstatus，andasbetweenfriendswhoknowhowtokeeptheirowncounsel。“And，sosaying，helookedhisinterlocutorfranklyandgenerouslyintheeyes。
　　NeverthelessLienitsin'sresourcefulnessandacumeninbusinessmattersfailedtorelievehismindofacertainperplexity——andthelesssosincehehadcontrivedtobecomecaughtinhisownnet。Yet，ingeneral，hepossessedneitheralovefornoratalentforunderhanddealings，and，hadnotfateandcircumstancesfavouredChichikovbycausingLienitsin'swifetoentertheroomatthatmoment，thingsmighthaveturnedoutverydifferentlyfromwhattheydid。Madamewasapale，thin，insignificant-lookingyounglady，butnonethelessaladywhoworeherclothesalaSt。Petersburg，andcultivatedthesocietyofpersonswhowereunimpeachablycommeilfaut。Behindher，borneinanurse'sarms，camethefirstfruitsoftheloveofhusbandandwife。Adoptinghismosttellingmethodofapproachthemethodaccompaniedwithasidelonginclinationoftheheadandasortofhop，Chichikovhastenedtogreettheladyfromthemetropolis，andthenthebaby。Atfirstthelatterstartedtobellowdisapproval，butthewords“Agoo，agoo，mypet！”addedtoalittlecrackingofthefingersandasightofabeautifulsealonawatchchain，enabledChichikovtoweedletheinfantintohisarms；afterwhichhefelltoswingingitupanddownuntilhehadcontrivedtoraiseasmileonitsface——acircumstancewhichgreatlydelightedtheparents，andfinallyinclinedthefatherinhisvisitor'sfavour。Suddenly，however——whetherfrompleasureorfromsomeothercause——theinfantmisbehaveditself！”
　　“MyGod！”criedMadame。“Hehasgoneandspoiltyourfrockcoat！”
　　Trueenough，onglancingdownwards，Chichikovsawthatthesleeveofhisbrand-newgarmenthadindeedsufferedahurt。“IfIcouldcatchyoualone，youlittledevil，“hemutteredtohimself，“I'dshootyou！”
　　Host，hostessandnurseallranforeau-de-Cologne，andfromthreesidessetthemselvestorubthespotaffected。
　　“Nevermind，nevermind；itisnothing，“saidChichikovashestrovetocommunicatetohisfeaturesascheerfulanexpressionaspossible。
　　“Whatdoesitmatterwhatachildmayspoilduringthegoldenageofitsinfancy？”
　　Tohimselfheremarked：“Thelittlebrute！Woulditcouldbedevouredbywolves。Ithasmadeonlytoogoodashot，thecussedyoungragamuffin！”
　　How，afterthis——aftertheguesthadshownsuchinnocentaffectionforthelittleone，andmagnanimouslypaidforhissodoingwithabrand-newsuit——couldthefatherremainobdurate？Nevertheless，toavoidsettingabadexampletothecountryside，heandChichikovagreedtocarrythroughthetransactionPRIVATELY，lest，otherwise，ascandalshouldarise。
　　“Inreturn，“saidChichikov，“wouldyouminddoingmethefollowingfavour？IdesiretomediateinthematterofyourdifferencewiththeBrothersPlatonov。Ibelievethatyouwishtoacquiresomeadditionalland？Isnotthatso？”
　　Everythinginlifefulfilsitsfunction，andChichikov'stourinsearchofafortunewascarriedoutsosuccessfullythatnotalittlemoneypassedintohispockets。Thesystememployedwasagoodone：hedidnotsteal，hemerelyused。Andeveryoneofusattimesdoesthesame：onemanwithregardtoGovernmenttimber，andanotherwithregardtoasumbelongingtohisemployer，whileathirddefraudshischildrenforthesakeofanactress，andafourthrobshispeasantryforthesakeofsmartfurnitureoracarriage。Whatcanonedowhenoneissurroundedoneverysidewithroguery，andeverywherethereareinsanelyexpensiverestaurants，maskedballs，anddancestothemusicofgipsybands？Toabstainwheneveryoneelseisindulginginthesethings，andfashioncommands，isdifficultindeed！
　　Chichikovwasforsettingforthagain，buttheroadshadnowgotintoabadstate，and，inaddition，therewasinpreparationasecondfair——oneforthedvorianeonly。Theformerfairhadbeenheldforthesaleofhorses，cattle，cheese，andotherpeasantproduce，andthebuyershadbeenmerelycattle-jobbersandkulaks；butthistimethefunctionwastobeoneforthesaleofmanorialproducewhichhadbeenboughtupbywholesaledealersatNizhniNovgorod，andthentransferredhither。Tothefair，ofcourse，camethoseravishersoftheRussianpursewho，intheshapeofFrenchmenwithpomadesandFrenchwomenwithhats，makeawaywithmoneyearnedbybloodandhardwork，and，likethelocustsofEgypttouseKostanzhoglo'stermnotonlydevourtheirprey，butalsodigholesinthegroundandleavebehindtheireggs。
　　Although，unfortunately，theoccurrenceofabadharvestretainedmanylandownersattheircountryhouses，thelocaltchinovnikswhomthefailureoftheharvestdidNOTtouchproceededtoletthemselvesgo——asalso，totheirundoing，didtheirwives。Thereadingofbooksofthetypediffused，inthesemoderndays，fortheinoculationofhumanitywithacravingfornewandsuperioramenitiesoflifehadcausedeveryonetoconceiveapassionforexperimentingwiththelatestluxury；andtomeetthiswanttheFrenchwinemerchantopenedanewestablishmentintheshapeofarestaurantashadneverbeforebeenheardofintheprovince——arestaurantwheresuppercouldbeprocuredoncreditasregardedone-half，andforanunprecedentedlylowsumasregardedtheother。Thisexactlysuitedbothheadsofboardsandclerkswhowerelivinginhopeofbeingablesomedaytoresumetheirbribes-takingfromsuitors。Therealsodevelopedatendencytocompeteinthematterofhorsesandliveriedflunkeys；
　　withtheresultthatdespitethedampandsnowyweatherexceedinglyelegantturnoutstooktoparadingbackwardsandforwards。WhencetheseequipageshadcomeGodonlyknows，butatleasttheywouldnothavedisgracedSt。Petersburg。Fromwithinthemmerchantsandattorneysdoffedtheircapstoladies，andinquiredaftertheirhealth，andlikewiseitbecameararesighttoseeabeardedmaninaroughfurcap，sinceeveryonenowwentaboutclean-shavenandwithdirtyteeth，aftertheEuropeanfashion。
　　“Sir，Ibegofyoutoinspectmygoods，“saidatradesmanasChichikovwaspassinghisestablishment。“Withinmydoorsyouwillfindalargevarietyofclothing。“
　　“Haveyouaclothofbilberry-colouredcheck？”inquiredthepersonaddressed。
　　“Ihaveclothsofthefinestkind，“repliedthetradesman，raisinghiscapwithonehand，andpointingtohisshopwiththeother。Chichikoventered，andinatricetheproprietorhaddivedbeneaththecounter，andappearedontheothersideofit，withhisbacktohiswaresandhisfacetowardsthecustomer。Leaningforwardonthetipsofhisfingers，andindicatinghismerchandisewithjustthesuspicionofanod，herequestedthegentlemantospecifyexactlythespeciesofclothwhichherequired。
　　“Aclothwithanolive-colouredorabottle-tintedspotinitspattern——anythinginthenatureofbilberry，“explainedChichikov。
　　“Thatbeingso，sir，ImaysaythatIamabouttoshowyouclothesofaqualitywhichevenourillustriouscapitalscouldnotsurpass。Hi，boy！Reachdownthatrollupthere——number34。No，NOTthatone，fool！Suchfellowsasyouarealwaystoogoodforyourjob。
　　There——handittome。Thisisindeedanicepattern！”
　　Unfoldingthegarment，thetradesmanthrustitclosetoChichikov'snoseinorderthathemightnotonlyhandle，butalsosmellit。
　　“Excellent，butnotwhatIwant，“pronouncedChichikov。“FormerlyI
　　wasintheCustom'sDepartment，andthereforewearnonebutclothofthelatestmake。WhatIwantisofaruddierpatternthanthis——notexactlyabottle-tintedpattern，butsomethingapproachingbilberry。“
　　“Iunderstand，sir。Ofcourseyourequireonlytheverynewestthing。
　　AclothofthatkindIDOpossess，sir，andthoughexcessiveinprice，itisofaqualitytomatch。“
　　Carryingtherollofstufftothelight——evensteppingintothestreetforthepurpose——theshopmanunfoldedhisprizewiththewords，“A
　　trulybeautifulshade！Aclothofsmokedgrey，shotwithflamecolour！”
　　Thematerialmetwiththecustomer'sapproval，apricewasagreedupon，andwithincredibleceleritythevendormadeupthepurchaseintoabrown-paperparcel，andstoweditawayinChichikov'skoliaska。
　　Atthismomentavoiceaskedtobeshownablackfrockcoat。
　　“Thedeviltakemeifitisn'tKhlobuev！”mutteredourhero，turninghisbackuponthenewcomer。Unfortunatelytheotherhadseenhim。
　　“Come，come，PaulIvanovitch！”heexpostulated。“Surelyyoudonotintendtooverlookme？Ihavebeensearchingforyoueverywhere，forI
　　havesomethingimportanttosaytoyou。“
　　“Mydearsir，myverydearsir，“saidChichikovashepressedKhlobuev'shand，“Icanassureyouthat，hadIthenecessaryleisure，Ishouldatalltimesbecharmedtoconversewithyou。“Andmentallyheadded：“WouldthattheEvilOnewouldflyawaywithyou！”
　　AlmostatthesametimeMurazov，thegreatlandowner，enteredtheshop。Ashedidsoourherohastenedtoexclaim：“Why，itisAthanasiVassilievitch！HowAREyou，myverydearsir？”
　　“Wellenough，“repliedMurazov，removinghiscapKhlobuevandtheshopmanhadalreadydonethesame。“How，mayIask，areYOU？”
　　“Butpoorly，“repliedChichikov，“foroflateIhavebeentroubledwithindigestion，andmysleepisbad。Idonotgetsufficientexercise。“
　　However，insteadofprobingdeeperintothesubjectofChichikov'sailments，MurazovturnedtoKhlobuev。
　　“Isawyouentertheshop，“hesaid，“andthereforefollowedyou，forIhavesomethingimportantforyourear。Couldyousparemeaminuteortwo？”
　　“Certainly，certainly，“saidKhlobuev，andthepairlefttheshoptogether。
　　“Iwonderwhatisafootbetweenthem，“saidChichikovtohimself。
　　“Awiseandnoblegentleman，AthanasiVassilievitch！”remarkedthetradesman。Chichikovmadenoreplysaveagesture。
　　“PaulIvanovitch，Ihavebeenlookingforyoueverywhere，“Lienitsin'svoicesaidfrombehindhim，whileagainthetradesmanhastenedtoremovehiscap。“Praycomehomewithme，forIhavesomethingtosaytoyou。“
　　Chichikovscannedthespeaker'sface，butcouldmakenothingofit。
　　Payingthetradesmanforthecloth，helefttheshop。
　　MeanwhileMurazovhadconveyedKhlobuevtohisrooms。
　　“Tellme，“hesaidtohisguest，“exactlyhowyouraffairsstand。I
　　takeitthat，afterall，yourauntleftyousomething？”
　　“Itwouldbedifficulttosaywhetherornotmyaffairsareimproved，“
　　repliedKhlobuev。“True，fiftysoulsandthirtythousandroublescametomefromMadameKhanasarova，butIhadtopaythemawaytosatisfymydebts。ConsequentlyIamoncemoredestitute。Buttheimportantpointisthattherewastrickeryconnectedwiththelegacy，andshamefultrickeryatthat。Yes，thoughitmaysurpriseyou，itisafactthatthatfellowChichikov——“
　　“Yes，SemenSemenovitch，but，beforeyougoontospeakofChichikov，praytellmesomethingaboutyourself，andhowmuch，inyouropinion，wouldbesufficienttoclearyouofyourdifficulties？”
　　“Mydifficultiesaregrievous，“repliedKhlobuev。“Toridmyselfofthem，andalsotohaveenoughtogoonwith，Ishouldneedtoacquireatleastahundredthousandroubles，ifnotmore。Inshort，thingsarebecomingimpossibleforme。“
　　“And，hadyouthemoney，whatshouldyoudowithit？”
　　“Ishouldrentatenement，anddevotemyselftotheeducationofmychildren。NotathoughtshouldIgivetomyself，formycareerisover，seeingthatitisimpossibleformetore-entertheCivilServiceandIamgoodfornothingelse。“
　　“Nevertheless，whenamanisleadinganidlelifeheisapttoincurtemptationswhichshunhisbetter-employedbrother。“
　　“Yes，butbeyondquestionIamgoodfornothing，sobrokenismyhealth，andsuchamartyrIamtodyspepsia。“
　　“Buthowtoyouproposetolivewithoutworking？Howcanamanlikeyouexistwithoutapostorapositionofanykind？LookaroundyouattheworksofGod。Everythinghasitsproperfunction，andpursuesitspropercourse。Evenastonecanbeusedforonepurposeoranother。
　　How，then，canitberightforamanwhoisathinkingbeingtoremainadrone？”
　　“ButIshouldnotbeadrone，forIshouldemploymyselfwiththeeducationofmychildren。“
　　“No，SemenSemenovitch——no：THATyouwouldfindthehardesttaskofall。Forhowcanamaneducatehischildrenwhohasnevereveneducatedhimself？Instructioncanbeimpartedtochildrenonlythroughthemediumofexample；andwouldalifelikeyoursfurnishthemwithaprofitableexample——alifewhichhasbeenspentinidlenessandtheplayingofcards？No，SemenSemenovitch。Youhadfarbetterhandyourchildrenovertome。Otherwisetheywillberuined。DonotthinkthatIamjesting。Idlenesshaswreckedyourlife，andyoumustfleefromit。Canamanlivewithnothingtokeephiminplace？Evenajourneymanlabourerwhoearnsthebarestpittancemaytakeaninterestinhisoccupation。“
　　“AthanasiVassilievitch，Ihavetriedtoovercomemyself，butwhatfurtherresourceliesopentome？CanIwhoamoldandincapablere-entertheCivilServiceandspendyearafteryearatadeskwithyouthswhoarejuststartingtheircareers？Moreover，Ihavelostthetrickoftakingbribes；Ishouldonlyhinderbothmyselfandothers；
　　while，asyouknow，itisadepartmentwhichhasanestablishedcasteofitsown。Therefore，thoughIhaveconsidered，andevenattemptedtoobtain，everyconceivablepost，Ifindmyselfincompetentforthemall。OnlyinamonasteryshouldI——“
　　“Nay，nay。Monasteries，again，areonlyforthosewhohaveworked。Tothosewhohavespenttheiryouthindissipationsuchhavenssaywhattheantsaidtothedragonfly——namely，'Goyouaway，andreturntoyourdancing。'Yes，eveninamonasterydofolktoilandtoil——theydonotsitplayingwhist。“MurazovlookedatKhlobuev，andadded：“SemenSemenovitch，youaredeceivingbothyourselfandme。“
　　PoorKhlobuevcouldnotutterawordinreply，andMurazovbegantofeelsorryforhim。
　　“Listen，SemenSemenovitch，“hewenton。“Iknowthatyousayyourprayers，andthatyougotochurch，andthatyouobservebothMatinsandVespers，andthat，thoughaversetoearlyrising，youleaveyourbedatfouro'clockinthemorningbeforethehouseholdfireshavebeenlit。“
　　“Ah，AthanasiVassilievitch，“saidKhlobuev，“thatisanothermatteraltogether。ThatIdo，notforman'ssake，butforthesakeofHimwhohasorderedallthingshereonearth。Yes，IbelievethatHeatleastcanfeelcompassionforme，thatHeatleast，thoughIbefoulandlowly，willpardonmeandreceivemewhenallmenhavecastmeout，andmybestfriendhasbetrayedmeandboastedthathehasdoneitforagoodend。“
　　Khlobuev'sfacewasglowingwithemotion，andfromtheolderman'seyesalsoatearhadstarted。
　　“YouwilldowelltohearkenuntoHimwhoismerciful，“hesaid。“Butrememberalsothat，intheeyesoftheAll-Merciful，honesttoilisofequalmeritwithaprayer。Thereforetakeuntoyourselfwhatsoevertaskyoumay，anddoitasthoughyouweredoingit，notuntoman，butuntoGod。Eventhoughtoyourlotthereshouldfallbutthecleaningofafloor，cleanthatfloorasthoughitwerebeingcleanedforHimalone。Andthenceatleastthisgoodyouwillreap：thattherewillremaintoyounotimeforwhatisevil——forcardplaying，forfeasting，forallthelifeofthisgayworld。AreyouacquaintedwithIvanPotapitch？”
　　“Yes，notonlyamIacquaintedwithhim，butIalsogreatlyrespecthim。“
　　“TimewaswhenIvanPotapitchwasamerchantworthhalfamillionroubles。Ineverythingdidhelookbutforgain，andhisaffairsprosperedexceedingly，somuchsothathewasabletosendhissontobeeducatedinFrance，andtomarryhisdaughtertoaGeneral。AndwhetherinhisofficeorattheExchange，hewouldstopanyfriendwhomheencounteredandcarryhimofftoataverntodrink，andspendwholedaysthusemployed。Butatlasthebecamebankrupt，andGodsenthimothermisfortunesalso。Hisson！Ah，well！IvanPotapitchisnowmysteward，forhehadtobeginlifeoveragain。Yetoncemorehisaffairsareinorder，and，haditbeenhiswish，hecouldhaverestartedinbusinesswithacapitalofhalfamillionroubles。'Butno，'hesaid。'AstewardamI，andastewardwillIremaintotheend；
　　for，frombeingfull-stomachedandheavywithdropsy，Ihavebecomestrongandwell。'Notadropofliquorpasseshislips，butonlycabbagesoupandgruel。Andhepraysasnoneoftherestofuspray，andhehelpsthepoorasnoneoftherestofushelpthem；andtothishewouldaddyetfurthercharityifhismeanspermittedhimtodoso。“
　　PoorKhlobuevremainedsilent，asbefore。
　　Theeldermantookhistwohandsinhis。
　　“SemenSemenovitch，“hesaid，“youcannotthinkhowmuchIpityyou，orhowmuchIhavehadyouinmythoughts。Listentome。Inthemonasterythereisareclusewhoneverlooksuponahumanface。OfallmenwhomIknowhehasthebroadestmind，andhebreaksnothissilencesavetogiveadvice。TohimIwentandsaidthatIhadafriendthoughIdidnotactuallymentionyournamewhowasingreattroubleofsoul。Suddenlytherecluseinterruptedmewiththewords：
　　'God'sworkfirst，andourownlast。Thereisneedforachurchtobebuilt，butnomoneywherewithtobuildit。Moneymustbecollectedtothatend。'Thenheshuttothewicket。Iwonderedtomyselfwhatthiscouldmean，andconcludedthatthereclusehadbeenunwillingtoaccordmehiscounsel。NextIrepairedtotheArchimandrite，andhadscarcereachedhisdoorwhenheinquiredofmewhetherIcouldcommendtohimamanmeettobeentrustedwiththecollectionofalmsforachurch——amanwhoshouldbelongtothedvorianeortothemoreletteredmerchants，butwhowouldguardthetrustashewouldguardthesalvationofhissoul。OntheinstantthoughtItomyself：'WhyshouldnottheHolyFatherappointmyfriendSemenSemenovitch？Forthewayofsufferingwouldbenefithimgreatly；andashepassedwithhisledgerfromlandownertopeasant，andfrompeasanttotownsman，hewouldlearnwherefolkdwell，andwhostandsinneedofaught，andthuswouldbecomebetteracquaintedwiththecountrysidethanfolkwhodwellincities。And，thusbecome，hewouldfindthathisserviceswerealwaysindemand。'OnlyoflatedidtheGovernor-Generalsaytomethat，couldhebutbefurnishedwiththenameofasecretarywhoshouldknowhisworknotonlybythebookbutalsobyexperience，hewouldgivehimagreatsum，sincenothingistobelearnedbytheformermeans，and，throughit，muchconfusionarises。“
　　“Youconfoundme，youoverwhelmme！”saidKhlobuev，staringathiscompanioninopen-eyedastonishment。“Icanscarcelybelievethatyourwordsaretrue，seeingthatforsuchatrustanactive，indefatigablemanwouldbenecessary。Moreover，howcouldIleavemywifeandchildrenunprovidedfor？”
　　“Havenofear，“saidMurazov，“Imyselfwilltakethemundermycare，aswellasprocureforthechildrenatutor。Farbetterandnoblerwereitforyoutobetravellingwithawallet，andaskingalmsonbehalfofGod，thentoberemaininghereandaskingalmsforyourselfalone。Likewise，Iwillfurnishyouwithatilt-waggon，sothatyoumaybesavedsomeofthehardshipsofthejourney，andthusbepreservedingoodhealth。Also，Iwillgiveyousomemoneyforthejourney，inorderthat，asyoupassonyourway，youmaygivetothosewhostandingreaterneedthantheirfellows。Thus，if，beforegiving，youassureyourselfthattherecipientofthealmsisworthyofthesame，youwilldomuchgood；andasyoutravelyouwillbecomeacquaintedwithallmenandsundry，andtheywilltreatyou，notasatchinovniktobefeared，butasonetowhom，asapetitioneronbehalfoftheChurch，theymayunloosetheirtongueswithoutperil。“
　　“Ifeelthattheschemeisasplendidone，andwouldgladlybearmypartinitwereitnotlikelytoexceedmystrength。“
　　“WhatistherethatdoesNOTexceedyourstrength？”saidMurazov。
　　“Nothingiswhollyproportionatetoit——everythingsurpassesit。Helpfromaboveisnecessary：otherwiseweareallpowerless。Strengthcomesofprayer，andofprayeralone。Whenamancrosseshimself，andcries，'Lord，havemercyuponme！'hesoonstemsthecurrentandwinstotheshore。Norneedyoutakeanyprolongedthoughtconcerningthismatter。AllthatyouneeddoistoacceptitasacommissionsentofGod。Thetilt-waggoncanbepreparedforyouimmediately；andthen，assoonasyouhavebeentotheArchimandriteforyourbookofaccountsandhisblessing，youwillbefreetostartonyourjourney。“
　　“Isubmitmyselftoyou，andacceptthecommissionasadivinetrust。“