GOVERNOR. As you please. Do you wish to ride in
your own carriage, or with me in the cab?

KHLESTAKOV. I'd rather take the cab with you.

GOVERNOR [to Dobchinsky]. Now there'll be no room
for you, Piotr Ivanovich.

DOBCHINSKY. It doesn't matter. I'll walk.

GOVERNOR [aside, to Dobchinsky]. Listen. Run as
fast as you can and take two notes, 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