Chichikov grinned with joy at the sight of the multitude.

Stuffing the list into his pocket, he remarked that, to complete the transaction, it would be necessary to return to the town.
"To the town ?" repeated Plushkin.

"But why?
Moreover, how could I leave the house, seeing that every one of my servants is either a thief or a rogue?
Day by day they pilfer things, until soon I shall have not a single coat to hang on my back." "Then you possess acquaintances in the town ?" "Acquaintances?
No.

Every acquaintance whom I ever possessed has either left me or is dead.

But stop a moment.