"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?"
