Gogol is coming with you to his native village in Ukraine. (the action takes place in the 19th century, don't forget) He got out of the carriage and took off his jacket, under which there was a white shirt, went towards his family home, where Nikolai's sisters lived. Gogol's sisters and acquaintances warmly welcomed him, as well as you. You were sitting next to Nikolai. There was a lot of food and booze on the table, but Gogol chose dumplings and water, as he does not really like drunkenness and alcohol. You ate the same as Nikolai.