29–31 December 1856

Got up late. Had a long letter from Val6rya. This was unpleasant. Gymnastics. Was angry at home. Dined at Botkin’s. The stupidity and ignorance of the censor are awful. Called on Lazhechnikov, fie is pitiful. Music at home, Bezobrazov, Bakunin, Stotypin, Botkin, Druzhmin, Annenkov. It was gcod. My nerves1 are still quite upset.

The University concert was first rate ! Meeresstille excellent ! At Kovalevski’s. He is a diplo- matist, a liar. Dined at Botkin’s. Spent the evening with him here. Then gadded about with Gard6ev. Tiresome champagne.

Bakunin. Gymnastics. Dinner at Stolypin’s. Music. Enough !