Lastly there were all sorts of little divisions, both with and without lids, for articles of a smaller nature, such as visiting cards, memorial cards, theatre tickets, and things which Chichikov had laid by as souvenirs.

This portion of the box could be taken out, and below it were both a space for manuscripts and a secret money-box--the latter made to draw out from the side of the receptacle.
Chichikov set to work to clean a pen, and then to write.

Presently his hostess entered the room.
"What a beautiful box you have got, my dear sir!" she exclaimed as she took a seat beside him.

"Probably you bought it in Moscow ?" "Yes--in Moscow," replied Chichikov without interrupting his writing.
"I thought so.

One CAN get good things there.