On entering, he bows on all sides, generally stations himself in the choir, and sings a very good bass.

When the service is over, Ivan Ivanovitch cannot refrain from passing the poor people in review.

He probably would not have cared to undertake this tiresome work if his natural goodness had not urged him to it.
"Good-day, beggar!" he generally said, selecting the most crippled old woman, in the most patched and threadbare garments.

"Whence come you, my poor woman ?" "I come from the farm, sir.

'Tis two days since I have eaten or drunk: my own children drove me out." "Poor soul! why did you come hither ?" "To beg alms, sir, to see whether some one will not give me at least enough for bread." "Hm! so you want bread ?" Ivan Ivanovitch generally inquired.
"How should it be otherwise?
I am as hungry as a dog." "Hm!" replied Ivan Ivanovitch usually, "and perhaps you would like butter too ?" "Yes; everything which your kindness will give; I will be content with all." "Hm! Is butter better than bread ?" "How is a hungry person to choose?
Anything you please, all is good." Thereupon the old woman generally extended her hand.
"Well, go with God's blessing," said Ivan Ivanovitch.