"A man had far better go to hell than to Plushkin's." "Quite so," responded Chichikov.

"My only reason for asking you is that it interests me to become acquainted with any and every sort of locality." To the shoulder of mutton there succeeded, in turn, cutlets (each one larger than a plate), a turkey of about the size of a calf, eggs, rice, pastry, and every conceivable thing which could possibly be put into a stomach.

There the meal ended.

When he rose from table Chichikov felt as though a pood's weight were inside him.

In the drawing-room the company found dessert awaiting them in the shape of pears, plums, and apples; but since neither host nor guest could tackle these particular dainties the hostess removed them to another room.