He is dark, with little side-whiskers, dressed like a dandy, dark eyes, a warm brunet. He exterminates bugs, talks about earthquakes and China. His fiancee has a dowry of 8,000 roubles; she is very handsome, as her aunt says. He is an agent for a fire-insurance company, etc.

"You're awfully pretty, my darling, awfully. And 8,000 into the bargain! You are a beauty; when I looked at you to-day, a s.h.i.+ver ran down my back."

_He_: Earthquakes are caused by the evaporation of water.

Names: Goose, Pan, Oyster.

"Were I abroad, they would give me a medal for such a surname."

I can't be said to be handsome, but I am rather pretty.