“What is the matter with me?”
“I mean, why are you still in bed?”
“I cannot tell you. Is it really necessary that I should get up?”
“Of course it is necessary, for they are waiting for us. Besides, you said that you would like to go.”
“To go where? I have no such desire.”
“Only this moment you said we would go and lunch at Ovchinin’s, and then proceed to the Ekatennhov!”
“No, I cannot. It would mean my going out into the damp. Besides, rain is coming on. The courtyard looks quite dark.”
“As a matter of fact, not a single cloud is in the sky, and the courtyard looks dark only because you never have your windows washed.”
“Well, well!” said Oblomov. “By the way, have I yet told you of my misfortunes—of the letter from my starosta, and of the notice given me to quit this flat?”
“No,” answered Alexiev. “What about the letter?”