Another sum is worked out in equally absurd style, with equally intelligent comments from the mother.

Kuteikin then takes his turn, and using a pointer, makes Mitrofan repeat after him a ridiculously appropriate sentence from the Psalms, in the "Tchasosloff," the "Book of Hours," or first reader.

Vralman enters, meddles with everybody, in a strong foreign accent, and puts an end to the lessons, as quite unnecessary for the precious boy; for which, and his arrogance (when Mrs.Simpleton and the Hobbledehoy have retired), the other teachers attack him with slate and book.
Meanwhile, Uncle Starodum has arrived, and talks in long paragraphs and stilted language to Pravdin and Sophia, expressing the ideal view of life, conduct, service to the state, and so forth.

He, as well as Sophia, Pravdin Milon, are quite colorless.

The Simpletons overwhelm Starodum with stupid courtesies, and Mrs.S.gets Pravdin to examine Mitrofan, in order to prove to Starodum that her darling child is fit to be Sophia's husband.