Page:Dead Souls - A Poem by Nikolay Gogol - vol2.djvu/268

258 hold of the other end and displayed a really silky-looking material, and held it up to Tchitchikov, so that the latter could not only see but also sniff at it, merely saying:

'Here is a bit of cloth! the colour of the smoke and flame of Navarino!!

They came to terms over the price. The arshin rod like an enchanter's wand promptly cut off enough for a coat and breeches for Tchitchikov. Making a nick with the scissors the shopkeeper with both hands neatly tore the cloth right across the whole width of the stuff, at the conclusion of which operation he bowed to Tchitchikov with the most ingratiating affability. The cloth was promptly rolled up and neatly wrapped in paper; the parcel was tied up with fine twine. Tchitchikov was about to put his hand in his pocket, but he was aware of a very refined arm agreeably encircling his waist, while his ears were greeted with the words: 'What are you buying there, my good friend?'

'Oh, a most agreeable and unexpected meeting!' cried Tchitchikov.

'An agreeable encounter,' said the voice of the person whose arm was round his waist. It was Vishnepokromov.

'I was just going to pass the shop without noticing, when suddenly I saw a familiar face—I couldn't deny myself the pleasure! There is no doubt that the cloth is ever so much better this year. It used to be a shame, a disgrace! I never could find anything decent. … I am ready