22–28 August 1853

Did nothing, but all the same I want to go on with Youth. Looked straight at the moon. 2 Gave Zakhar a ruble and 10 kopeks for a roll, 5 kopeks for a water-melon, and have 20*35 left. I owe 50 kop6ks for the shooting.

Gave Zakhar 1*50, 20 kopeks for oats, 50 for wine, total 2*20 rubles, leaving 18*15 rubles. Did nothing but play patience. . . . Abominable. I hope from to-morrow to begin a new life.

Three rubles to cabman, 50 kopeks for wine, 20 kopeks for vodka, 15 kopeks for hay, 1*50 rubles to Nikita, total 5*45, leaving 12-70. Began a Cossack story in the morning ; afterwards because of Nikolenka’s arrival and Teodorlna’s departure, and because it is my birthday, went to the shooting, rode to the colony, and accompanied Masha to the Boulevard. It was not amusing. Only work can afford me pleasure and profit. I am going to bed and will read.