All was as it should be.

Consequently, in spite of Manilov's cogitations, he could think of nothing better to do than to sit letting a stream of tobacco smoke escape from his mouth.
"So," continued Chichikov, "what I desire to know is whether you are willing to hand over to me--to resign--these actually non-living, but legally living, peasants; or whether you have any better proposal to make ?" Manilov felt too confused and confounded to do aught but continue staring at his interlocutor.
"I think that you are disturbing yourself unnecessarily," was Chichikov's next remark.
"I?
Oh no! Not at all!" stammered Manilov.

"Only--pardon me--I do not quite comprehend you.

You see, never has it fallen to my lot to acquire the brilliant polish which is, so to speak, manifest in your every movement.

Nor have I ever been able to attain the art of expressing myself well.