11–17 February 1856

Finished The Snow-Storm and am very pleased with it.

Did nothing. Went out and enjoyed the sight of the crowds round the booths, and studied the character qf a Russian crowd listening to a speaker. Dined with Turgenev. We have made it up. In the evening a demi-monde gathering at Gordeev’s. My girl Pefker is extremely talented, but though she laughs well it seems insincere. Volkdnski wants to be in love, but thinks she wants somebody to fall in love with her. To-morrow I will work six hours, and promise myself not to go to sleep till I have done it. Will first write Epfshka from The Deserter .l ? Then the comedy, and then Youth.