In reply to this, Tchichikoff rolled up three pancakes at once, and after dipping them in the melted butter, he dispatched them into his mouth, and wiped his greasy lips and hands upon the clean napkin. After repeating this operation twice or three times, he begged his hostess to order his horses to be put to his britchka. Anastasia Petrovna immediately called her servant Fetinia, gave her the necessary instructions, and ordered her at the same time to bring a fresh supply of hot pancakes.
"Your pancakes are delicious, indeed," said Tchichikoff, whilst helping himself freely to some more of the hot ones that were put before him.
"Yes, they bake them well at my house," replied his hostess; "it is only a pity that we have such bad harvests, which makes the flour so very dear. But why do you hurry yourself so much, my dear Sir?" she said to Tchichikoff, when she saw him take up his travelling-cap, "your carriage cannot yet be ready and waiting?"
"That will soon be done, my good lady. I keep my coachman always alive to his duty."
"Well, then, pray do not forget me in your contracts for the imperial supplies."
"I shall not forget you, my excellent lady, I shall not forget you," repeated Tchichikoff, whilst walking out of the house.
"Do you by chance buy pig's grease?" inquired the widow, whilst following him from behind.
"Why should I not buy some? of course I do, but that will be at some other time."
"I shall have some pig's grease to offer to you at Christmas."
"I will buy some of you, I will, indeed, I am ready to buy anything of you later, even pig's grease."