hand]. "I am a simple person. God be with them."

GOVERNOR. Very good. You talk sense. I've given
you something for tea. Here's something for buns, too.

OSIP. You are too kind, your Excellency. [Puts the
money in his pocket.] I'll sure drink your health,
sir.

ANNA. Come to me, Osip, and I'll give you some,
too.

MARYA. Osip, darling, kiss your master for me.

Khlestakov is heard to give a short cough in the next
room.

GOVERNOR. Hush! [Rises on tip-toe. The rest of
the conversation in the scene is carried on in an undertone.]
Don't make a noise, for heaven's sake! Go,
it's enough.

ANNA. Come, Mashenka, I'll tell you something I
noticed about our guest that I can't tell you unless we
are alone together. [They go out.]

GOVERNOR. Let them talk away. If you went and
listened to them, you'd want to stop up your ears. [To
Osip.] Well, friend--