Oblomov / Обломов. Книга для чтения на английском языке

In perfect health, and having a jolly good timeВ», the young man added with feeling.

В«Where do you come from so early?В» asked Oblomov.

«From my tailor’s. How do you like my frock-coat? Splendid, isn’t it?» he said, turning round before Oblomov.

В«Splendid! In excellent tasteВ», said Oblomov. В«But why is it so wide at the back?В»

«It’s a riding-coat; for riding on horseback».

В«Oh, I see! But do you ride?В»

«Of course I do! I had the coat specially made for to-day. It’s the first of May to-day: Goryunov and I are going to Yekaterinhof.

Oh, you don’t know, do you? Misha Goryunov has received his commission – so we’re celebrating to-day», Volkov added with enthusiasm.

В«Oh, indeedВ», said Oblomov.

«He has a chestnut horse», Volkov went on. «All the horses in his regiment are chestnut; and mine is a black one. How will you go – will you walk or drive?»

«Oh, I don’t think I’ll go at all», said Oblomov.

В«Not go to Yekaterinhof on the first of May? Good Lord, Oblomov!В» Volkov cried in surprise.

В«Why, everyone will be there!В»

В«Not everyone, surelyВ», Oblomov observed lazily.

В«Do come, my dear fellow! Sofya Nikolayevna and Lydia will be alone in the carriage, and the seat opposite is entirely at your disposalВ».

В«No, that seat is too small for me. And, besides, what on earth am I going to do there?В»

В«Very well, in that case Misha could hire another horse for youВ».

В«The things he thinks of!В» Oblomov said, almost to himself.

В«Why are you so interested in the Goryunovs?В»

В«Oh!В» Volkov said, flushing crimson. В«Shall I tell you?В»

В«DoВ».

«You won’t tell anyone – on your word of honour?» Volkov went on, sitting down on the sofa beside him.

В«I won'tВ».

«I–I’m in love with Lydia», he whispered.

«Bravo! How long? – She’s very charming, I believe».

В«For three weeksВ», Volkov said with a deep sigh. В«And Misha is in love with DashenkaВ».

В«Which Dashenka?В»

«Where have you been, Oblomov? You don’t know Dashenka? Why, the whole town is crazy about her dancing.

To-night I’m going to the ballet with him: he wants to throw a bouquet on to the stage. I must introduce him into society. He’s so shy – a novice. Oh, good Lord, I have got to go and buy some camelias».

«Whatever for? You’d better come and dine with me. We’d have a talk. I’m afraid two awful things have happened to me…»

«Sorry, I can’t.