And from that day forth, poor Akakiy Akakievitch, who could not bear up under an official reprimand, recurred to his mind almost every day.

The thought troubled him to such an extent that a week later he even resolved to send an official to him, to learn whether he really could assist him; and when it was reported to him that Akakiy Akakievitch had died suddenly of fever, he was startled, hearkened to the reproaches of his conscience, and was out of sorts for the whole day.
Wishing to divert his mind in some way, and drive away the disagreeable impression, he set out that evening for one of his friends' houses, where he found quite a large party assembled.

What was better, nearly every one was of the same rank as himself, so that he need not feel in the least constrained.

This had a marvellous effect upon his mental state.

He grew expansive, made himself agreeable in conversation, in short, he passed a delightful evening.