For example, in one corner of the apartment there stood a hazelwood bureau with a bulging body on four grotesque legs--the perfect image of a bear.

Also, the tables and the chairs were of the same ponderous, unrestful order, and every single article in the room appeared to be saying either, "I, too, am a Sobakevitch," or "I am exactly like Sobakevitch." "I heard speak of you one day when I was visiting the President of the Council," said Chichikov, on perceiving that no one else had a mind to begin a conversation.

"That was on Thursday last.

We had a very pleasant evening." "Yes, on that occasion I was not there," replied Sobakevitch.
"What a nice man he is!" "Who is ?" inquired Sobakevitch, gazing into the corner by the stove.
"The President of the Local Council." "Did he seem so to you?
True, he is a mason, but he is also the greatest fool that the world ever saw." Chichikov started a little at this mordant criticism, but soon pulled himself together again, and continued: "Of course, every man has his weakness.

Yet the President seems to be an excellent fellow." "And do you think the same of the Governor ?" "Yes.