Page:Dead Souls - A Poem by Nikolay Gogol - vol2.djvu/249

Rh by treating me like this?' the gentleman asked quickly.

'Like what?' Platonov answered apathetically.

'Why, it's too bad really! For three days there has been no sight or sound of you! Pyetuh's groom brought your horse. "He has driven away with a gentleman," he said. But he didn't say a word as to where, with what object, or for how long. Upon my word, brother, how can you go on like this? Goodness knows what I have been imagining these days!'

'Well, I can't help it. I forgot,' said Platonov. 'We went to see Konstantin Fyodorovitch. He sends you his greetings and so does sister. Let me introduce Pavel Ivanovitch Tchitchikov. Pavel Ivanovitch, brother Vassily: I beg you to like him as you do me.'

'Brother Vassily' and Tchitchikov taking off their caps kissed each other.

'What sort of man is this Tchitchikov?' thought 'brother Vassily.' 'Brother Platon is not very discriminating in his acquaintances, and probably has not found out what sort of a man he is.' He scrutinised Tchitchikov so far as was consistent with good manners. Meanwhile Tchitchikov stood with his head a little on one side, and maintained an agreeable expression on his countenance.

Tchitchikov for his part scrutinised 'brother Vassily' so far as good manners would permit. He was shorter than Platonov, had darker hair, and was altogether far less handsome; but there