6–12 February 1854

Got up early, gave some orders, took with me 600 rubles for the Council, and went to Ttila. Saw Gieke and settled the business with him not altogether well, but on the whole satisfactorily. Received news of my promotion. Went to see Masha. Am still not well, and here more than anywhere else feel how old I am. Conducted myself well all day. In Tdla I spent 3 rubles. Took another 10 from the office, and have 33 rubles in hand. Sent 100 to Alexeev. My debt is 140. Occurrences from the 17th to the 6th : Left Stary-Urt on the 19th and heard of my ill-success about the cross. Had a bad journey, and lost my way for one memorable night. Reached Yasnaya Polyana on February tired and ill. Found affairs in good order and myself out of date, amended, and aged. My brothers have gone to Moscow, Arsdnev is dead, Cherkasski and Neratov have cut their throats. On the 6th I was in Tula, settled the business with Gieke, and heard of my promotion. Occupations : Finished Youth. Decided to give up the writing down and classification of rules. Have devised three rules necessary for success in life. Gave many instructions, wrote some letters, but in general have grown rather unaccustomed to order and activity. Have spent rubles in twenty days, not counting purchases.

Woke late. Wrote letters. Attended church service. Drew a plan. Went to see Vlas, to Osip, and to Ars^neva, brought Vergani back with me. Gave my final orders.

We left at noon and arrived at 9. Did not behave very well on the journey. Masha and Auntie are very dear, and I did not notice how the day passed.

Woke up late, went to the detached wing of the house, and again did not notice how' I passed the whole day at the piano with her, with Auntie, and with the children. (1) I am too kind. (2) Disorderliness.

Rose about nine, went to the detached wing of the house. There wrote a letter to Alexeev, went to see the Baroness, and though awkward with her was not shy. After dinner I wrote my will and chatted.