28 July–3 August 1856

Wrote to Kolbasin first thing in the morning, and a report to Konstantinov and Mikhalski. Then went to the Arsine vs’ who had invited me. It is strange that I am beginning to like Valerya as a woman, when it was just as a woman that formerly she was distasteful to me. But this is not always, only when I attune myself to it. Vesterday for the first time I looked at her arms, which used to disgust me.

At home all day. Rain. In the morning wrote Youth , finished the chapter Confession . Mile. Vergani came, and N. N — a. I felt cheerful. Might have worked* more. Sent Nicholas for the machine. After supper started talking with Masha about literature, and chatted with great pleasure.

Woke late. Wrote the chapter The Examina- tion, did some two sheets. Dined. Rain. Gave up the idea of going to the Ars^nevs’, but Brant came. He drove me away by his chatter. Found Valerya and Mdlle. Vergani in tears : a letter from Olga, who asserts that she is going to ijiarry. Valerya quite in negligee. I disliked her very much and I made stupid remarks about David Copperjield who had much to put up with. Found M£sha in bed with some woman’s complaint. Aunt Paulina and I are angry with one another. We disputed about women’s weakness. One must admit that she is trash, but I will beg her pardon to-day.

Got up late. Aunt Tatiana Alexindrovna came. She is a wonder of goodness. Wrote the Examina- tion chapter. The Arsenevs sent a message that Olga had arrived. I was late for dinner. Found Olga in a Moscow- Sherbatov mood and attire. She is getting married and is on her way to ask Kireev for money. I left early. Valerya seems to be simply stupid. At home had a family chat.

Got up late. Digestion dreadfully upset. Woke early and on awaking tried to think out my char- acters. Imagination awfully vivid. Managed to imagine the father splendidly. Finished The Examination. The Arsenevs came. Valerya was in a confused state of mind, cruelly affected and stupid. Mean to write in the evening. Did not write.

9 Got up at nine. Saw Masha off. Wrote all day except for the time I gave to cards. Rode to Grumont and stayed for two hours in the little house.

Wrote much.