: The executor in the theater sneezes at the state general, begins to pursue him with an apology, and even comes to his house, from where the general expels him. Returning home, the executor dies of chagrin.

Executive Ivan Dmitrievich Chervyakov is watching the performance "The Bells of Corneville" in the theater. During the performance, Chervyakov sneezes and sprinkles an old man in whom he recognizes the state general Brizzhalov, an employee of the Ministry of Railways. The embarrassed executor begins to whisper to the general an apology. Brizzhalov says: “Nothing, nothing ...” and asks not to interfere with listening. At intermission, the embarrassed Chervyakov approaches the general and again apologizes. The general tells him that he had already forgotten about this misunderstanding, but that thoughts about what had happened did not come from the head of Ivan Dmitrievich. Arriving home, he tells his wife how he sneezed at the general. The wife is frightened at first, but when she finds out that the general is a “stranger,” she calms down and advises her to go and apologize.

The next day, Chervyakov puts on a new uniform, cuts his hair and goes to Brizzhalov. At the reception, the executor again apologizes to the general, who says: “What nonsense ...God knows what! ” and takes up business with petitioners. Ivan Dmitrievich thinks that Brizzhalov does not even want to talk to him, and decides that this should not be left this way. When the general finishes with the visitors, Chervyakov again tries to apologize. Brizzhalov already really does not want to listen to him, believing that this is a mockery.

Chervyakov decides that he will not walk and apologize anymore, but will write a letter. However, he does not write a letter, and the next day he goes to the general himself. Brizzhalov, in a rage, expels Chervyakova. The executor returns home, without taking off his uniform, lies on the sofa and dies.