Also, it has a border around its edge! Who worked that exquisite border ?" "Do not ask me," said Manilov.
"Did YOU do it ?" "No; my wife." "Dear, dear!" Chichikov cried.

"To think that I should have put her to so much trouble!" "NOTHING could be too much trouble where Paul Ivanovitch is concerned." Chichikov bowed his acknowledgements.

Next, on learning that he was on his way to the municipal offices for the purpose of completing the transfer, Manilov expressed his readiness to accompany him; wherefore the pair linked arm in arm and proceeded together.

Whenever they encountered a slight rise in the ground--even the smallest unevenness or difference of level--Manilov supported Chichikov with such energy as almost to lift him off his feet, while accompanying the service with a smiling implication that not if HE could help it should Paul Ivanovitch slip or fall.

Nevertheless this conduct appeared to embarrass Chichikov, either because he could not find any fitting words of gratitude or because he considered the proceeding tiresome; and it was with a sense of relief that he debouched upon the square where the municipal offices--a large, three-storied building of a chalky whiteness which probably symbolised the purity of the souls engaged within--were situated.