Dead Souls - Gogol Nikolai Vasilievich.pdf - Cove Systems

even the weather was in keeping with the
surroundings, since the day was neither clear
nor dull, but of the grey tint which may be
noted in uniforms of garrison soldiers which
have seen long service. To complete the
picture, a cock, the recognised harbinger of
atmospheric mutations, was present; and, in
spite of the fact that a certain connection with
affairs of gallantry had led to his having had
his head pecked bare by other cocks, he
flapped a pair of wings--appendages as bare
as two pieces of bast--and crowed loudly.
As Chichikov approached the courtyard of
the mansion he caught sight of his host (clad in
a green frock coat) standing on the verandah
and pressing one hand to his eyes to shield
them from the sun and so get a better view of
the approaching carriage. In proportion as the
britchka drew nearer and nearer to the
verandah, the host's eyes assumed a more and
more delighted expression, and his smile a
broader and broader sweep.