looks in at the door and listens.

GOVERNOR [aside]. I must be bolder. He wants us
to pretend he is incognito. Very well, we will talk nonsense,
too. We'll pretend we haven't the least idea who
he is. [Aloud.] I was going about in the performance
of my duty with Piotr Ivanovich Dobchinsky here--
he's a landed proprietor here--and we came to the inn
to see whether the guests are properly accommodated--
because I'm not like other governors, who don't care
about anything. No, apart from my duty, out of pure
Christian philanthropy, I wish every mortal to be decently
treated. And as if to reward me for my pains,
chance has afforded me this pleasant acquaintance.

KHLESTAKOV. I, too, am delighted. Without your
aid, I confess, I should have had to stay here a long time.
I didn't know how in the world to pay my bill.

GOVERNOR [aside]. Oh, yes, fib on.-- Didn't know
how to pay his bill! May I ask where your Honor is
going?

KHLESTAKOV. I'm going to my own village in the
Government of Saratov.

GOVERNOR [aside, with an ironical expression on his
face]. The Government of Saratov! H'm, h'm! And
doesn't even blush! One must be on the qui vive with
this fellow. [Aloud.] You have undertaken a great