19–25 June 1854

During the march from Silistria to Moi, I rode to Bucharest, gambled, and was obliged to borrow money — a humiliating position for anyone, and particularly for me. I wrote letters to my aunt, to Dmitri, to Nekrasov, and to Oska. I still do not know what to set to work at, and therefore am doing nothing. I fancy that best of ail would be to work at A Landlord's Morning.

In the morning sat down to work but did nothing, and was glad when Gorchakov came and interrupted me. After dinner at the General’s I read the Koran. Visited the Doctor, who told me that I* must undergo an operation and a cure for a month and a half. I chatted till nightfall with Shubin about Russian serfdom. It is true that slavery is an evil thing, but ours is a very benevolent evil.

I put off my operation from day to day awaiting the move to Bucharest ; and here I put it off till I could find a lodging and a Doctor. At Guirgevo there has been an action in which I might have taken part had I been well. Have not a farthing and am in debt. Valerian writes in a letter I received yesterday that there are no horses and no money. Intend to undergo a serious cure. Should like to live carelessly and merrily. Do not know what will come of that wish.