stare at each other a few moments wide-eyed and frightened.

GOVERNOR [recovering himself a little and saluting
military fashion]. I have come to present my compliments,
sir.

KHLESTAKOV [bows]. How do you do, sir?

GOVERNOR. Excuse my intruding.

KHLESTAKOV. Pray don't mention it.

GOVERNOR. It's my duty as chief magistrate of this
town to see that visitors and persons of rank should suffer
no inconveniences.

KHLESTAKOV [a little halting at first, but toward the
end in a loud, firm voice]. Well--what was--to be--
done? It's not--my fault. I'm--really going to pay.
They will send me money from home. [Bobchinsky
peeps in at the door.] He's most to blame. He gives
me beef as hard as a board and the soup--the devil
knows what he put into it. I ought to have pitched it
out of the window. He starves me the whole day. His
tea is so peculiar--it smells of fish, not tea. So why
should I-- The idea!

GOVERNOR [scared]. Excuse me! I assure you, it's
not my fault. I always have good beef in the market
here. The Kholmogory merchants bring it, and they are