Page:Dead Souls - A Poem by Nikolay Gogol - vol1.djvu/46

34 surprises. It is true that there are all sorts of improvements and changes of method, especially in these latter days: everything depends on the good sense and capacity of the lady-principals of these establishments. In some boarding-schools, for instance, it is usual to put the pianoforte first, then French, and then domestic training. While in others domestic training, that is, the knitting of 'surprises,' takes the foremost place, then comes French, and only then the pianoforte. There are all sorts of variations. It may not be out of place to observe also that Madame Manilov … but, I must own, I feel frightened of talking about ladies, besides it is time for me to get back to my heroes, whom we have left standing for some minutes before the drawing-room door, each begging the other to pass in first.

'Pray don't put yourself out on my account, I will follow you,' said Tchitchikov.

'No, Pavel Ivanovitch, no, you are the visitor,' said Manilov, motioning him to the door with his hand.

'Don't stand on ceremony, please; please go first,' said Tchitchikov.

'No, you must excuse me, I cannot allow such an agreeable, highly cultured guest to walk behind me.'

'Why highly cultured? … Please pass in.'

'No, you, pray walk in.'

'But why?'

'Why, because!' Manilov said with an agreeable smile.