23–29 November 1857

Wrote in the morning. Pleasant talk with Auntie at my jodgings. In the evening wrote and went to the Aksakovs’. I think the old man liked it.

Wrote The Lost One. Was at Tyuchev’s. Felt dreadfully awkward I don’t know why. Capital dinner at home. Finished writing The Dream , not badfy. At the Panins’ Ukhtomski directed a ball ; few there. All pleasant people. Feel dull. V. N. is not pretty. L^ven is not bad -looking. Kireeva joyfully disbelieves in Christ. She is seventeen !

Got up early. Looked over The Lost One. Gymnastics improving a bit. After dinner agaie revised and finished. The whole second half is weafc.

Read M. O., trash ! Fet called. Gym- nastics— cheerful. Dined with Fet and had a heated dispute with Mashenka about a matter we should not have discussed. To Fet’s and to Sukhotfn’s. I was in a calm serene frame of mind. A. Obolenskaya danced the lancers, she bent her little head on one side and passed by. . What beauty ! Again brought Sukhotfn back with me? he is already bored. I am now much dissatisfied with The Lost One ; however I will not go to Petersburg but will await the proofs.

Don’t remember the morning. At Kireeva’s. Dined at home. Evening in the study at SiSshkov’s — pleasant. Raevski is interesting. Tydcftev’s verses are poor. News of the circular yesterday.* Dis- puted foolishly in the Club in the “ cleve. room ” !

Gymnastics. Masha is better. Eve\- ing at the Sukhotfns’. Awfully pleasant. I have gr^wn bigger and she is delightfully shy. Sukhotina is truthful, sweet, and simple. A. is a wonder ! Dined at home with Sukhotin.