of you to come! Just let me rub my eyes. I really thought no one would ever come and see me again. Every one avoids me like the plague: they think I am going to ask them to lend me money. Oh, it's hard, it's hard, Konstantin Fyodorovitch! I see that I am to blame for everything. There's no help for it … I am living like a pig. Excuse me, gentlemen, for receiving you in such an attire; my boots as you see are in holes. But what will you take? Tell me.'
'Please let us come straight to the point. We have come to you on business,' said Skudronzhoglo. 'Here is a purchaser for you, Pavel Ivanovitch Tchitchikov.'
'Sincerely glad to make your acquaintance. Let me shake hands with you.'
Tchitchikov gave him both hands.
'I should be delighted, honoured Pavel Ivanovitch, to show you my estate, which is deserving of attention. … But, gentlemen, allow me to ask you, have you dined?'
'We have, we have,' said Skudronzhoglo, anxious to get off at once.
'In that case, let us start.'
Hlobuev picked up his cap. The visitors put on their caps too, and they all set off to look at the estate.
'Come and look at my disorder and neglect,' said Hlobuev. 'Of course you did well to have your dinner. Would you believe it, Konstantin Fyodorovitch, I haven't a hen in the place-
