e, and then ringed them about with glasses and platefuls
of every conceivable kind of appetiser. That done, the servants applied
themselves to bringing in various comestibles under covers, through
which could be heard the hissing of hot roast viands. In particular
did the "gawk" and the "thief" work hard at their tasks. As a matter
of fact, their appellations had been given them merely to spur them to
greater activity, for, in general, the barin was no lover of abuse, but,
rather, a kind-hearted man who, like most Russians, could not get on
without a sharp word or two. That is to say, he needed them for his
tongue as he need a glass of vodka for his digestion. What else could
you expect? It was his nature to care for nothing mild.

To the zakuski succeeded the meal itself, and the host became a perfect
glutton on his guests' behalf. Should he notice that a guest had taken
but a single piece of a comestible, he added thereto another one,
saying: "Without a mate, neither man nor bird can live in this world."
Should any one take two pieces, he added thereto a third, saying: "What
is the good of the number 2? God loves a trinity." Should any one
take three pieces, he would say: "Where do you see a waggon with three
wheels? Who builds a three-cornered hut?" Lastly, should any one take
four pieces, he would cap them with a fifth, and add thereto the punning
quip, "Na piat opiat [45]". After devouring at least twelve steaks
of sturgeon, Chichikov ventured to think to himself, "My host cannot
possibly add to THEM," but found that he was mistaken, for, without a
word, Pietukh heaped upon his plate an enormous portion of spit-roasted
veal, and also some kidneys. And what veal it was!

"That calf was fed two years on milk," he explained. "I cared for it
like my own son."

"Nevertheless I can eat no more," said Chichikov.

"Do you try the veal before you say that you can eat no more."

"But I could not get it down my throat. There is no room left."

"If there be no room in a church for a newcomer, the beadle is sent for,
and room is very soon made--yes, even though before there was such a
crush that an apple couldn't have been dropped between the people. Do
you try the veal, I say. That piece is the titbit of all."

So Chichikov made the attempt; and in very truth the veal was beyond all
praise, and room was found for it, even though one would have supposed
the feat impossible.

"Fancy this good fellow removing to St. Peter