Nevertheless the question reminded Chichikov that there was no further excuse for lingering.
"Yes, I must be going," he said as he took his hat.
"Then what about the tea ?" "Thank you, I will have some on my next visit." "What?
Even though I have just ordered the samovar to be got ready?
Well, well! I myself do not greatly care for tea, for I think it an expensive beverage.

Moreover, the price of sugar has risen terribly." "Proshka!" he then shouted.

"The samovar will not be needed.

Return the sugar to Mavra, and tell her to put it back again.

But no.