And I’ve told the courier to come straight here if I should be asked for. I haven’t a moment to myself.’

‘You’re going to your office at this hour? Why so late?’ asked Oblomov. ‘You used to be there at ten o’clock.’

‘I used to-yes. But now it’s different: I drive there at twelve.’ He emphasized the word ‘drive’.

‘Oh, I see,’ said Oblomov. ‘You’re head of a department! Since when?’

Sudbinsky nodded significantly.

‘Since Easter,’ he said. ‘But the amount of work – it’s dreadful! From eight to twelve at home, from twelve to five at the office, and more work in the evening. Never see anyone!’

‘Well, well! Head of a department – so that’s it!’ said Oblomov. ‘Congratulations! What a fellow! And we used to be office clerks together. I shouldn’t be surprised if you were made a State Counsellor next year.’

‘Good heavens, no. I should have been given the order of the Crown this year. I thought I’d receive an order for distinguished services – but now that I’ve been given my new post – you can’t be promoted twice in two years.’

‘Come and have dinner with me; we’ll drink to your promotion,’ said Oblomov.

‘I’m sorry, but I’m dining with the vice-director to-day. I have to get my report ready for Thursday – hellish work! You can’t 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? I’ll be lucky to get off early – I’ll have time to drive to Yekaterinhof. As a matter of fact, I came to ask if you wouldn’t go with me. I’d call for you.’

‘I’m afraid I’m not feeling very well,’ said Oblomov, frowning. ‘Besides, I’ve a lot to do – No, sorry, I can’t!’

‘A pity,’ said Sudbinsky. ‘It’s 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 don’t sign letters now, “Your humble servant”, but: “Accept our assurance of”. We’re 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. It’s an important case, concerning penalties. The director believes,’ Sudbinsky added almost in a whisper, ‘that he has lost it on purpose.’

‘I don’t believe it!’

‘You’re quite right,’ Sudbinsky affirmed importantly, with an air of condescension. ‘Svinkin is such a feather-brained fellow.