Oblomov / Обломов. Книга для чтения на английском языке

В«What a trial he is! I wish I was dead!

„What is it now, sir?“ he asked, holding on to the door of the study with one hand, and, to show his extreme disapproval, looking at Oblomov at such an angle that he could see his master only out of the corner of his eye, while his master could only see one of his vast side-whiskers, out of which, it would seem, two or three birds might fly at any moment.

„My handkerchief, and be quick about it! You might have thought of it yourself – you never see anything!“ Oblomov observed sternly.

Zakhar showed no sign of any particular displeasure or surprise at his master’s command and reproach, no doubt finding both quite natural.

„How should I know where your handkerchief is?“ he grumbled, walking round the room and feeling every chair with his hand, though one could see there was nothing lying there.

„You’re always losing things“, he observed, opening the drawing-room door to see if the handkerchief was there.

„Where are you going? Look for it here! I haven’t been there since the day before yesterday. And hurry up, will you?“ Oblomov said.

„Where is that handkerchief? Can’t see it anywhere!“ said Zakhar, throwing up his hands and looking round the room. „Why, there it is“, he suddenly hissed angrily. „It’s under you, sir! There’s one end of it sticking out! You lie on your handkerchief and then you ask for it!“

And, without waiting for a reply, Zakhar was about to leave the room.

„Is this the way you keep the place clean and tidy? Look at the dust, the dirt – good Lord! There – have a look in the corners – you don’t do anything!“

Don’t I, sir?» Zakhar said in a hurt voice. «As if I wasn’t trying. Working my fingers to the bone, I am. Dusting and sweeping nearly every day».

He pointed to the middle of the floor and the table at which Oblomov had dinner.

«Look there, sir, there», he said; «everything’s swept up and tidy as for a wedding. What more do you want?»

«And what’s this?» Oblomov interrupted him, pointing to the walls and the ceiling. «And this! And this!»

He pointed to the towel left on the sofa since the day before and to a plate with a piece of bread on it, forgotten on the table.