And, in fact, even in Petersburg Panshin was reckoned a capable official; he got through a great deal of work; he spoke of it lightly as befits a man of the world who does not attach any special importance to his labours, but he never hesitated in carrying out orders.

The authorities like such subordinates; he himself had no doubt, that if he chose, he could be a minister in time.
"You are pleased to say that I cleaned you out," replied Gedeonovsky; "but who was it won twelve roubles of me last week and more ?"...
"You're a malicious fellow," Panshin interrupted, with genial but somewhat contemptuous carelessness, and, paying him no further attention, he went up to Lisa.
"I cannot get the overture of Oberon here," he began.

"Madame Byelenitsin was boasting when she said she had all the classical music: in reality she has nothing but polkas and waltzes, but I have already written to Moscow, and within a week you will have the overture.

By the way," he went on, "I wrote a new song yesterday, the words too are mine, would you care for me to sing it?
I don't know how far it is successful.
Madame Byelenitsin thought it very pretty, but her words mean nothing.

I should like to know what you think of it.