, one to Zemlianika at the hospital, the other to my wife. [To
Khlestakov.] May I take the liberty of asking you to permit me to write
a line to my wife to tell her to make ready to receive our honored
guest?

KHLESTAKOV. Why go to so much trouble? However, there is the ink. I
don't know whether there is any paper. Would the bill do?

GOVERNOR. Yes, that'll do. [Writes, talking to himself at the
same time.] We'll see how things will go after lunch and several
stout-bellied bottles. We have some Russian Madeira, not much to look
at, but it will knock an elephant off its legs. If I only knew what he
is and how much I have to be [on] my guard.

He finishes writing and gives the notes to Dobchinsky. As the latter
walks across the stage, the door suddenly falls in, and Bobchinsky
tumbles in with it to the floor. All exclaim in surprise. Bobchinsky
rises.

KHLESTAKOV. Have you hurt yourself?

BOBCHINSKY. Oh, it's nothing--nothing at all--only a little bruise on my
nose. I'll run in to Dr. Huebner's. He has a sort of plaster. It'll
soon pass away.

GOVERNOR [making an angry gesture at Bobchinsky. To Khlestakov]. Oh,
it's nothing. Now, if you please, sir, we'll go. I'll tell your servant
to carry your luggage over. [Calls Osip.] Here, my good fellow, take all
your master's things to my house, the Governor's. Anyone will tell you
where it is. By your leave, sir. [Makes way for Khlestakov and follows
him; then turns and says reprovingly to Bobchinsky.] Couldn't you find
some other place to fall in? Sprawling out here like a lobster!

Goes out. After him Bobchinsky. Curtain falls.

ACT III

SCENE: The same as in Act I.

SCENE I

Anna Andreyevna and Marya Antonovna standing at the window in the same
positions as at the end of Act I.

ANNA. There now! We've been waiting a whole hour. All on account of your
silly prinking. You were completely dressed, but no, you have to keep
on dawdling.--Provoking! Not a soul to be seen, as though on purpose, as
though the whole world were dead.

MARYA. Now really, mamma, we shall know all about it in a minute or two.
Avdotya must come back soon. [Looks out of the window and exclaims.] Oh,
mamma, someone is coming--there down the street!

ANNA. Where? Just your imagination again!--Why, yes, someone is coming.
I wonder who it is. A short man in a frock coat. Who can it be? Eh? The
suspense is awful! Who can it be, I wonder.

MARYA. Dobchinsky, mamma.

ANNA. Dobchi