The Marriage of Balzaminov

In a small, shabby room sleeps Misha Balzaminov – a man of no great appearance, no rank, and no fortune. Yet he dreams of marriage above all else. He often strolls past the house of the Pezhenov sisters, hoping someone might notice him and exclaim, “Mr. Balzaminov, I adore you!” A new acquaintance appears – the retired captain Chebakov. Perhaps he can help. He proposes a secret elopement and a quick marriage. Meanwhile, a matchmaker arrives with another option: a wealthy widow who is bored with life and looking for a husband…