Agàfia. Oh! I’m ashamed! You’ve been listening.
Koch. Never mind; never mind; I’m like one of your own family, you know; you needn’t be bashful with me. Come now, let me see your pretty face.
Agàfia (half uncovering her face). Indeed I’m ashamed!
Koch. There now! Take Ivàn Kouzmìch.
Agàfia. Oh! (Screams, and hides face again.)
Koch. Really, he’s a splendid fellow; he manages that Department wonderfully.... In fact he’s a marvellous fellow!
Agàfia (gradually uncovering her face). Well, but what about the other one, Nikanòr Ivànovich? He’s very nice, too.
Koch. Oh! he’s not fit to be mentioned in the same breath with Ivàn Kouzmìch.
Agàfia. Why not?
Koch. The reason’s plain. Ivàn Kouzmìch is a man.... Well, what you may call a man ... such as you won’t find again.