Part One: Chapter 5 (pages 89-110) Summary

While Nozdroyov is being arrested by the police-captain, Tchitchikov frantically hurries to his chaise, where Selifan is waiting. The two men make their way without any delay. After the strange encounter with Nozdroyov, Tchitchikov is nervous, scared and very shaken. Selifian also comments on how horrible Nozdroyov was.

Finally, Tchitchikov is on his way to see Sobakevitch. Selifan drives fast so to make up for lost time. Fast approaching the travelers is another carriage. All of a sudden, the two carriages' horses and reins become entwined. While Tchitchikov is at first annoyed with the predicament, he soon notices that a very beautiful sixteen-year-old girl is in the other chaise. As the struggle to untangle the chaises continues, Tchitchikov continues to stare at the beautiful young girl. Finally, after some time and the help of peasants...