LUKA LUKICH [aside].
But he faroed me out of a hundred rubles yesterday, the rascal.
GOVERNOR.
I'd rather employ my time for the benefit of the state.
KHLESTAKOV.
Oh, well, that's rather going too far.
It all depends upon the point of view.
If, for instance, you pass when you have to treble stakes, then of course—No, don't say that a game of cards isn't very tempting sometimes.
SCENE VI
The above, Anna Andreyevna and Marya Antonovna.
GOVERNOR.
Permit me to introduce my family, my wife and daughter.
KHLESTAKOV [bowing].
I am happy, madam, to have the pleasure of meeting you.
ANNA.
Our pleasure in meeting so distinguished a person is still greater.
KHLESTAKOV [showing off].
Excuse me, madam, on the contrary, my pleasure is the greater.
ANNA.
Impossible.
You condescend to say it to compliment me.
Won't you please sit down?
KHLESTAKOV.
Just to stand near you is bliss. But if you insist, I will sit down.
I am so, so happy to be at your side at last.
ANNA.
I beg your pardon, but I dare not take all the nice things you say to myself.
I suppose you must have found travelling very unpleasant after living in the capital.
KHLESTAKOV.
Extremely unpleasant.
I am accustomed, comprenez-vous, to life in the fashionable world, and suddenly to find myself on the road, in dirty inns with dark rooms and rude people—I confess that if it were not for this chance which—[giving Anna a look and showing off] compensated me for everything—
ANNA.
It must really have been extremely unpleasant for you.
KHLESTAKOV.
At this moment, however, I find it exceedingly pleasant, madam.
ANNA.
Oh, I cannot believe it.
You do me much honor.
I don't deserve it.
KHLESTAKOV.
Why don't you deserve it?
You do deserve it, madam.
ANNA.
I live in a village.
KHLESTAKOV.
Well, after all, a village too has something.
It has its hills and brooks. Of course it's not to be compared with St. Petersburg.
Ah, St. Petersburg! What a life, to be sure!
Maybe you think I am only a copying clerk. No, I am on a friendly footing with the chief of our department.
He slaps me on the back.