21–27 September 1857

Expectations. Did nothing. Got up early. Maksim fussed about.

Wrote enough, but decidedly badly.

Went hunting in Sudakdvo. They all consider me arrogant.

Got up late. Irritable. Scolded Yakov. Abominable ! Wonderfully fine weather. Wrote a little. Have let myself go dreadfully in all respects. So many unsettled questions. To increase or not to increase the charge for use of land, and so on. Rode to Gfmbut’s. Flirted with M. N. ; Khmelnftski is a talented and clever chatterbox. Talked about the country and agriculture in the V61ga district. It suggested Kdltsov’s poetry. . . .

Did not conduct farm-affairs very carefully ; wrote a little a day, also badly. Went to Pirogdvo. My relations with Mashenka are still cool. The children are wonderful, except Nicholas. Horrid mug ! The GImbuts came while I was there. M. N. is appetising.