Good heavens, no. I should have been given the order of the Crown this year. I thought Id receive an order for distinguished services but now that Ive been given my new post you cant be promoted twice in two years.
Come and have dinner with me; well drink to your promotion, said Oblomov.
Im sorry, but Im dining with the vice-director to-day. I have to get my report ready for Thursday hellish work! You cant rely on the provincial reports. You have to check the lists yourself. Our vice-director is so particular, he insists on doing everything himself. So we shall sit down to it together after dinner.
Not after dinner, surely? asked Oblomov, incredulously.
Why, what do you think? Ill be lucky to get off early Ill have time to drive to Yekaterinhof. As a matter of fact, I came to ask if you wouldnt go with me. Id call for you.
Im afraid Im not feeling very well, said Oblomov, frowning. Besides, Ive a lot to do No, sorry, I cant!
A pity, said Sudbinsky. Its a lovely day. To-day is my only chance of getting some fresh air.
Well, any news at the office? asked Oblomov.
Yes, all sorts of things. We dont sign letters now, Your humble servant, but: Accept our assurance of. Were no longer required to send in service lists in duplicate. Our department is to get three more sections and two more officials for special duties. Our committee has been closed. Lots of things!
Well, and what about our former colleagues?
Nothing special so far. Svinkin has lost a file of official documents.
No? What did the director do? Oblomov asked in a trembling voice. In spite of himself, he felt frightened from force of habit.
He ordered to withhold his promotion till the file turns up. Its an important case, concerning penalties. The director believes, Sudbinsky added almost in a whisper, that he has lost it on purpose.
I dont believe it!
Youre quite right, Sudbinsky affirmed importantly, with an air of condescension. Svinkin is such a feather-brained fellow. He sometimes makes a mess of his figures and gets all his references muddled up. Ive had such awful trouble with him, but I havent noticed anything of that kind I mean, he wouldnt do such a thing. He just wouldnt. He must have mislaid the documents. Theyll turn up one day.
So thats how you spend your time, said Oblomov. Always busy working.
Oh, its dreadful, dreadful! But of course with a man like the vice-director of our department its a pleasure. He never fails to reward a good and conscientious official for faithful service, and he doesnt forget those who dont do any work, either. Those who have done their term of service he recommends for promotion; and for those who arent due for promotion or the conferment of an order hell try to get a bonus.
What salary do you get?
Oh, nothing much. One thousand two hundred salary, seven hundred and fifty for board, six hundred for lodgings, five hundred for travelling expenses, and up to a thousand in bonuses.
Good God! Oblomov exclaimed, jumping off the bed. It isnt singing youre doing, is it? Why, you earn as much as an Italian opera singer!
Oh, thats nothing! Peresvetov receives additional remuneration, and he does less work than I and he cant make head or tail of anything. But then of course he hasnt the same reputation. They think very highly of me, he added modestly, lowering his eyes. The minister said the other day that I was a credit to the ministry.
Stout fellow! said Oblomov. But working from eight to twelve, from twelve to five, and at home, too well! He shook his head.
But what should I do if I were not in the service? asked Sudbinsky.
Lots of things! You could read, write... said Oblomov.
But I do nothing but read and write now.
I dont mean that. You could publish your writings.
Not everyone can be a writer. Look at you. You dont write, do you? replied Sudbinsky.
Ah, but I have an estate on my hands, said Oblomov with a sigh. Im devising a new scheme, introducing all sorts of improvements. Worrying myself to death. But youre doing other peoples work not your own.
Well, that cant be helped. One has to work, if one is paid. Ill have a rest in the summer. My chief has promised to get me some special work which will take me out into the country. Ill get travelling expenses to hire five horses, three roubles a day for my other expenses, and then promotion
They have money to burn! Oblomov said enviously; then he sighed and fell into thought.
I need money, added Sudbinsky. Im getting married in the autumn.
Good Lord! Really? To whom? Oblomov cried sympathetically.
Yes, indeed, to Miss Murashin.You remember they were staying next to me in the country during my summer holidays and had tea at my place? I believe you met her.
No, I dont remember. Is she pretty? asked Oblomov.
Yes, shes a charming girl. If you like, we can go and have dinner with them.
Oblomov looked embarrassed. All right only -
Next week, said Sudbinsky.
Yes, yes, next week, Oblomov agreed, feeling relieved. My new suit isnt ready yet. Tell me, is it a good match?
Oh yes, her father is a high-grade civil servant. Hes giving her ten thousand, and he has free Government quarters. Hes letting us have twelve rooms; furniture, heating, and lighting provided free. Not so bad.
Not so bad, indeed! Youre a lucky chap, Sudbinsky, Oblomov added, not without envy.
You must be my best man, Oblomov! Dont forget.
Why, of course, said Oblomov. Well, and what about Kuznetzov, Vassilyev, Makhov?
Kuznetzov has been married for years, Makhov is now in my place, and Vassilyev has been transferred to Poland. Ivan Petrovich has received the Order of St Vladimir, and Oleshkin is His Excellency now.
Hes a nice fellow, said Oblomov.
Yes, yes. He deserves it.
A very nice fellow indeed. Good-natured and even-tempered.
So obliging, Sudbinsky added. And, you know, never tries to curry favour, to make mischief, trip one up, get ahead of anyone he does all he can for people.
An excellent fellow! I remember if I made a mess of some official report, left something out, expressed a wrong opinion, or quoted the wrong law in a memorandum, he didnt mind; hed merely tell someone else to put it right. An excellent fellow! Oblomov concluded.
But our Semyon Semyonovich is incorrigible, said Sudbinsky. All hes good for is to throw dust in peoples eyes. What do you think he did the other day? We received a demand from the provinces for putting up dog kennels near the buildings of our ministry, to guard against the depredation of Government property; our architect, a capable, experienced, and honest man, drew up a very moderate estimate; but Semyon Semyonovich thought it was too high and began making inquiries to find out how much the kennels would cost to build. He discovered someone who agreed to do it at thirty copecks less and at once sent in a memorandum about it
There was another ring at the front door.
Good-bye, said the civil servant. Im afraid Ive been chatting too long to you. I may be wanted at the office
Do stay a little longer, Oblomov said, trying to detain him. Besides, Id like to ask your advice two awful things have happened to me.