21–27 December 1857

Got up at twelve, wanted to work, when Ostrovski came and afterwards Sergey with the gipsies : “ pcpansive-natured ”,1 nonsense ! Then to the Aksd- kovs’. Talked about the dinner. I dined at home ; Auntie was trying to prove the usefulness of tortuf^-r- because the children had been frightened. K. Aksakov. Nikdlenka was not nice to him. At the Stfshkovs* ; it tfas very pleasant.

In the morning visit to Gud6$ich, V61kov, etc. Dined at home. Serezha suddenly attacked me viciously. Unpleasant, but I am cairn. Evening at the Peikers’. Terribly provincial. A Christmas holiday change of expression on faces. Masquerade — unlimited boredom. Had a pleasant chat with Nikdlenka.