be treasured! And, believe me, there could be no greater bliss than to live for ever, if not in the same house, at least in the near neighbourhood.'
'And you know, Pavel Ivanovitch,' said Manilov, who was highly delighted by this idea, 'how nice it would be really, if we could live like this together, under one roof, or in the shade of some elm-tree, discuss philosophy, go deeply into things! …'
'Oh, that would be paradise!' said Tchitchikov with a sigh. 'Farewell, madam,' he went on, kissing Madame Manilov's hand. 'Farewell, my honoured friend. Do not forget my request.'
'Oh, trust me!' answered Manilov, 'I am parting with you for no more than two days!'
They all went into the dining-room.
'Good-bye, sweet children!' said Tchitchikov, seeing Alkides and Themistoclus, who were busy over a wooden soldier which had neither arms nor nose. 'Good-bye, my darlings, you must forgive me for not having brought you any presents, for I must own that I did not even know of your existence; but now I will certainly bring you some when I come again. I will bring you a sword; would you like a sword?'
'Yes,' answered Themistoclus.
'And you a drum. You would like a drum, wouldn't you?' Tchitchikov went on, bending down to Alkides.
'Yes,' Alkides answered in a whisper, hanging his head.
'Very well, I'll bring you a drum, such a lovely drum; it will go: Toorrrr … roo … tra-ta--
