11–17 August 1856

Went shooting in the Zasqka with the Afrosfmovs. He is kind, but a dull chatterer. Returned early. A storm hindered my going to the Arsenevs’ where I much wanted to go. At home wrote out the sixth chapter from the second copy. Have finished.

Went to the Arsenevs’ at ten to take leave. She was unusually simple and nice. I should like to know, am I in love or not ? Came home and wrote a bit.

Wrote till two. Visitors from the Zaseka came and bored me till eight. Wrote a letter to Kolbasin with correction of Childhood and Boyhood.

Got up early. Have a headache. Went riding. Am starting on the seventh chapter. Wrote about two sheets, but it is too little for a day on which I have been quite free. At two o’clock M. A. came with the news that N. B. was waiting for me at Chap^zha. I said I was not at home, but she waited for about two hours. I want to have an explanation with Gfmbut. About twenty peasants have agreed to leave and pay quit-rent. Had a discussion with Auntie about religion. Useless. Must remember this with my future wife. Received a letter from Serezha.

At home all day. Wrote rather much. Rode out in the evening, stumbled upon a pretty peasant woman and became confused. Have received the dogs and *an unpleasant letter from Valerian.

Went out early with the dogs. Did not see a single har£. Returned at four with a headache. Had a letter from Kolbasin and Nikolenka. Wrote nothing. Have been thinking more and more of little Val^rya these days.

At home in the morning. Wrote little. Have stuck over the Father’s marriage. Rode out with the dogs after dinner. Again nothing. Wrote and played in the evening. Wrote a letter to Valerian which I will send, and one to Serezha.