IV
Zakhar, after closing the door successively behind Tarantiev and Alexiev, stood expecting to receive a summons from his master, inasmuch as he had overheard the fact that the latter had undertaken to write a letter. But in Oblomov's study all remained silent as the tomb. Zakhar peeped through the chink of the door, and perceived that his master was lying prone on the sofa, with his head resting on the palm of his hand. The valet entered the room.
"Why have you lain down again?" he asked.
"Do not disturb me: cannot you see that I am reading?" was Oblomov's abrupt reply.
"Nay, but you ought to wash, and then to write that letter," urged Zakhar, determined not to be shaken off.
"Yes, I suppose I ought. I will do so presently. Just now I am engaged in thought."
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