Khlestakov and the Postmaster.
POSTMASTER [in uniform, sword in hand. Drawing himself up]. I have the
honor to present myself--Postmaster, Court Councilor Shpekin.
KHLESTAKOV. I'm glad to meet you. I like pleasant company very much.
Take a seat. Do you live here all the time?
POSTMASTER. Yes, sir. Quite so.
KHLESTAKOV. I like this little town. Of course, there aren't many
people. It's not very lively. But what of it? It isn't the capital.
Isn't that so--it isn't the capital?
POSTMASTER. Quite so, quite so.
KHLESTAKOV. It's only in the capital that you find bon-ton and not a lot
of provincial lubbers. What is your opinion? Isn't that so?
POSTMASTER. Quite so. [Aside.] He isn't a bit proud. He inquires about
everything.
KHLESTAKOV. And yet you'll admit that one can live happily in a little
town.
POSTMASTER. Quite so.
KHLESTAKOV. In my opinion what you want is this--you want people to
respect you and to love you sincerely. Isn't that so?
POSTMASTER. Exactly.
KHLESTAKOV. I'm glad you agree with me. Of course, they call me queer.
But that's the kind of character I am. [Looking him in the face and
talking to himself.] I think I'll ask this postmaster for a loan.
[Aloud.] A strange accident happened to me and I ran out of cash on the
road. Can you lend me three hundred rubles?
POSTMASTER. Of course. I shall esteem it a piece of great good fortune.
I am ready to serve you with all my heart.
KHLESTAKOV. Thank you very much. I must say, I hate like the devil to
deny myself on the road. And why should I? Isn't that so?
POSTMASTER. Quite so. [Rises, draws himself up, with his sword in his
hand.] I'll not venture to disturb you any more. Would you care to make
any remarks about the post office administration?
KHLESTAKOV. No, nothing.
The Postmaster bows and goes out.
KHLESTAKOV [lighting a cigar]. It seems to me the Postmaster is a fine
fellow, too. He's certainly obliging. I like people like that.