Therefore, in order to avoid all unpleasantness, it will be better to describe the department in question only as a certain department.
So, in a certain department there was a certain official--not a very high one, it must be allowed--short of stature, somewhat pock-marked, red-haired, and short-sighted, with a bald forehead, wrinkled cheeks, and a complexion of the kind known as sanguine.

The St.Petersburg climate was responsible for this.

As for his official status, he was what is called a perpetual titular councillor, over which, as is well known, some writers make merry, and crack their jokes, obeying the praiseworthy custom of attacking those who cannot bite back.
His family name was Bashmatchkin.

This name is evidently derived from "bashmak" (shoe); but when, at what time, and in what manner, is not known.

His father and grandfather, and all the Bashmatchkins, always wore boots, which only had new heels two or three times a year.