Page:Dead Souls - A Poem by Nikolay Gogol - vol1.djvu/52

40 when he heard this somewhat Greek name, which for some unknown reason Manilov ended with the syllable us; but he tried at once to bring his countenance back to its usual expression.

'Themistoclus! tell me which is the finest town in France?'

At this point the tutor concentrated his whole attention on Themistoclus and looked as though he were going to spring into his face, but was completely reassured at last and nodded his head when Themistoclus said: 'Paris.'

'And which is our finest town?' Manilov asked again.

The tutor pricked up his ears again.

'Petersburg,' answered Themistoclus.

'And any other?'

'Moscow,' answered Themistoclus.

'The clever boy, the darling!' Tchitchikov said upon this. 'Upon my soul,' he went on, addressing the Manilovs with an air of some astonishment, 'at his age, and already so much knowledge. I can assure you that that child will show marked abilities!'

'Oh, you don't know him yet,' answered Manilov, 'he has a very keen wit. The younger now, Alkides, is not so quick, but this fellow if he comes upon anything such as a beetle or a lady-bird, his eyes are racing after it at once; he runs after it and notices it directly. I intend him for the diplomatic service. Themistoclus,' he went on, addressing the boy again, 'would you like to be an ambassador?'