25–31 July 1853

Except some three hours spent on the boulevard, I worked all day ; but only re-wrote a chapter and a half. The New View is forced, but The Storm is excellent. I chatted with Teodorfna. My smile sometimes is not firm, which often disconcerts me. To-morrow morning write, take the notebook with me, dine at Masha’s, and again write.

In the morning re-wrote little, went to Masha, who was not at home. Dined at the Naytakis, where they allow me credit. Returned home and finished the chapter, The Storm ; might have written better.

Did nothing. The pretty women on the boulevard have too great an effect on me. The Naytakis’ attract and cause idleness. Yesterday Teodorfna with wonderful charm told us of her life in the Institute. No one buys my telescope, and I am beginning to get into debt. Heaven knows when they will send me money, and it is no use reckoning on Valeryan. I must take measures. Read Turgenev’s Sportsman' s Sketches , and it seems difficult to write after reading him. I wrote all day.

Twenty-five years old all but one month. Wrote nothing. In the morning read a stupid novel. After dinner chatted without any pleasure. To-morrow visit the gallery. Make Madame Glovayski’s acquaint- ance, return home and write till it is time for the boulevard.

I do nothing but read a stupid novel. Went this morning to the gallery. Bathed twice at Mermet’s.

This morning Valeryan brought me 200 rubles. I sent 50 to Alexeev, lent 50 to Valeryan, paid 8 for my lodging, for food 1-50, 2-50 to the Naytakis, 3 to Nikolenka, 40 kopeks for the sending. 85 rubles remain. Masha has left. Did nothing all day. To-morrow morning — write, buy a cheap horse, and ride to Zhelezno- vodsk.

Did nothing. Went to the fair, bought a fc galled horse for 24 rubles, slept, went back to the fair by the boulevard. ... I feel as if I shall be ill. To-morrow change the horse and ride to Zheleznovddsk. 25 rubles for the horse. . . . for a cab, 70 kopdks for trifles. . . . 58 rubles remain.