28–31 December 1857

Kryukov and Bakhmetyev. Paying visits. Sukhotina is very sweet. The Alsdfyevs had spoken much about me. Vexatious. At the end of the dinner trivial speeches, all but Pdvlovski's. Constantine Aksakov very nice and kind. At the Sushkovs’ V. was very sweet, but placid. Ra^vski was disgusting. c

Ball at the Bdbrinskis’. Tyucheva is beginning quietly to attract me. Wrote Nikolenka’s Dream. No one agrees but I know it is good.