On such occasions Ivan Ivanovitch usually rises from his seat, and says, "Enough, enough, Ivan Nikiforovitch! It's better to go out at once than to utter such godless words." Ivan Ivanovitch gets into a terrible rage if a fly falls into his beet-soup.

Then he is fairly beside himself; he flings away his plate and the housekeeper catches it.

Ivan Nikiforovitch is very fond of bathing; and when he gets up to the neck in water, orders a table and a samovar, or tea urn, to be placed on the water, for he is very fond of drinking tea in that cool position.

Ivan Ivanovitch shaves twice a week; Ivan Nikiforovitch once.

Ivan Ivanovitch is extremely curious.