26 January–1 February 1857

Grigordvich has arrived. A wonderful evening at Oboldnski’s. I feel awkward with Mengden by herself. Not quite. Opus 70 wonderful ! Dinner at Cherkisski’s ; he is a good fellow and useful. Evening at Mengden’s — awfully pleasant.

Gymnastics. Dinner at Masha’s ; Valerian is angry. I did not go. Almost fell asleep at Sukhotm’s.

Morning at home. Called on the Aksakovs and on Auntie. Dinner at Chevalier’s. Started on the journey : got a back seat, fellow-passengers Frencumen and a Pole. I have thought much, though not independently enough, about The Lost One .

Travelling.

The same.