25 April–1 May 1853

Have spent nearly the whole day (except playing at Bar ) writing, but got hardly anything written, and what I did was badly done. ... It is the last day of the holidays.

Got up early, wrote little and badly, and went to sleep after dinner. The kundks prevented my writing after dinner. In the evening wrote a little. The story will be poor.

Got up early, could write nothing, and was unwell all day. The kundks and my company bothered me to play with them. I have received the magazine containing my story, which has been reduced to a most wretched condition. This upset me. My brother, Zhukevich, and Yanushkdvich are leaving. I have been granted leave, of which I do not intend to avail myself.

Wrote very little, but was in good spirits. I lack the habit of work. Nikolenka is leaving to-morrow and was particularly amiable.

Went shooting but was unsuccessful. Wrote nothing. Sulimovski, in my presence, told Oksana that I was in love with her. I ran out quite confused. Must pay attention to my debts. Write to K. Will write (to-morrow. I am much disturbed by the idea that Buemski recognises himself in The Raid.

Rose early and wrote a little. Am writing merely to finish what is begun. Passed the day idly. Groman is a fool. Slept after dinner, wrote in the evening. . . .