"You would just read and write on your own account."

"But it is not given to every one to be a littérateur. For example, you yourself write nothing."

"No, for I have some property on my hands," said Oblomov with a sigh. "But I am working out a new system for it; I am going to introduce reforms of various kinds. The affair worries me terribly."

"Well, for my part, I must work, in order to make a little money. Besides, I am to be married this coming autumn."

"Indeed! And to whom?"

"To Mademoiselle Murashina. Do you remember their country villa, next to mine ? I think you came to tea with me and met her there?"

"No, I have no recollection of it. Is she pretty? "

"Yes, charming. Suppose, one day, we go to lunch with her?"

Oblomov hesitated. "Very well," he said after a pause; "only——"

"What about next week?"

"Certainly. Next week let it be. But at the moment I have no suitable clothes. . . . Is your fiancée a financial catch?"