Never would one have supposed that a living creature had tenanted the room, were it not that the presence of such a creature was betrayed by the spectacle of an old nightcap resting on the table.
Whilst Chichikov was gazing at this extraordinary mess, a side door opened and there entered the housekeeper who had met him near the outbuildings.

But now Chichikov perceived this person to be a man rather than a woman, since a female housekeeper would have had no beard to shave, whereas the chin of the newcomer, with the lower portion of his cheeks, strongly resembled the curry-comb which is used for grooming horses.

Chichikov assumed a questioning air, and waited to hear what the housekeeper might have to say.

The housekeeper did the same.

At length, surprised at the misunderstanding, Chichikov decided to ask the first question.
"Is the master at home ?" he inquired.
"Yes," replied the person addressed.
"Then were is he ?" continued Chichikov.
"Are you blind, my good sir ?" retorted the other.