No More Learning

While he is writing a letter Osip interrupts him with earnest
assurances that it will be prudent to depart speedily from the town;
for people have been mistaking him for somebody else, and awkward
complications may ensue. It is really time to go. There are splendid
horses here, and these can be secured for the journey. Khlestakov
consents, tells Osip to take the letter to the post, and to obtain
good posthorses. Suddenly some merchants present themselves with
petitions, bringing with them gifts of sugar-loaves and wine. They
pour forth bitter complaints against the governor. They accuse him
of constant and outrageous extortion. They beg Khlestakov to secure
his deposition from office. When they offer the sugar-loaves and the
wine, Khlestakov protests that he cannot accept bribes, but if they
would offer him a loan of three hundred roubles that would be another
matter. They do so and go out.

[_Enter_ MARYA _nervously_.

MARYA: Ach!

KHELSTAKOV: Why are you so frightened?

MARYA: No; I am not frightened. I thought mamma might be here.
I am
disturbing you in your important business.

KHELSTAKOV: But your eyes are more attractive than important
business.

MARYA: You are talking in St. Petersburg style.

KHELSTAKOV: May I venture to be so happy as to offer you a chair?
But no; you should be offered a throne, not a chair! I offer you my
love, which ever since your first glance----

MARYA: Love! I do not understand love!

He kisses her on the shoulder, and, when she rises angrily to go,
falls on his knees. At that moment her mother enters. With a show of
indignation she orders Marya away.

KHELSTAKOV (_kneeling at her feet_): Madame, you see I burn with
love.

ANNA ANDREYEVNA: But permit me, I do not quite comprehend you. If I
am not mistaken, you were making a proposal to my daughter?

KHELSTAKOV: No; I am in love with you.

ANNA ANDREYEVNA: But I am married!