"What on earth can the man have meant by 'dead souls'?
I confess that the words pass my understanding.

Curiously enough, this is the second time I have heard speak of those souls.

True, my husband avers that Nozdrev was lying; yet in his lies there seems to have been a grain of truth." "Well, just think of my state when I heard all this! 'And now,' apparently said Korobotchka to the Archpriest's wife, 'I am altogether at a loss what to do, for, throwing me fifteen roubles, the man forced me to sign a worthless paper--yes, me, an inexperienced, defenceless widow who knows nothing of business.' That such things should happen! TRY and imagine my feelings!" "In my opinion, there is in this more than the dead souls which meet the eye." "I think so too," agreed the other.

As a matter of fact, her friend's remark had struck her with complete surprise, as well as filled her with curiosity to know what the word "more" might possibly signify.

In fact, she felt driven to inquire: "What do YOU suppose to be hidden beneath it all ?" "No; tell me what YOU suppose ?" "What _I_ suppose?
I am at a loss to conjecture." "Yes, but tell me what is in your mind ?" Upon this the visitor had to confess herself nonplussed; for, though capable of growing hysterical, she was incapable of propounding any rational theory.