But, unfortunately, my betrothed's father and mother are very ambitious people, and do not want me to marry her, since they desire the bridegroom to own not less than three hundred souls, whereas I own but a hundred and fifty, and that number is not sufficient." "Again you are lying," said Nozdrev.
"Then look here; I have been lying only to this extent." And Chichikov marked off upon his little finger a minute portion.
"Nevertheless I will bet my head that you have been lying throughout." "Come, come! That is not very civil of you.

Why should I have been lying ?" "Because I know you, and know that you are a regular skinflint.

I say that in all friendship.

If I possessed any power over you I should hang you to the nearest tree." This remark hurt Chichikov, for at any time he disliked expressions gross or offensive to decency, and never allowed any one--no, not even persons of the highest rank--to behave towards him with an undue measure of familiarity.

Consequently his sense of umbrage on the present occasion was unbounded.
"By God, I WOULD hang you!" repeated Nozdrev.