Almost two months have passed and the hot summer is nearly half over, but Sergey Ivanovitch is just getting ready to leave Moscow. A year ago he finished his book about the principles and forms of government in Europe and Russia (a six-year project), and several sections of it were talked about and written about enough that the public became aware of his theories. After making conscientious revisions, he published the book, distributed it to booksellers, and expected that it would create a revolution in social science—or at least make a “great stir” in the scientific world.

Sergey Ivanovitch studiously avoided talking about it unless asked or asking the booksellers how the book was being received, but he was straining with alertness to see what impression his book was making in the world and in literature. Weeks pass, however, and he could not detect the slightest impression. In general, society was interested in other things and was indifferent to his theories.

For two months, no one was even writing about Sergey Ivanovitch’s book; then someone wrote a humorous article which mentioned the book as the general subject of ridicule. Finally, three months after the book was published, a young, invalid man (“very bold as a writer, but extremely deficient in breeding and shy in personal relations”) wrote a review. Though Sergey Ivanovitch had no respect for the man, whom he had met once, he was prepared to read the article with respect. The article was awful.

The critic’s distorted interpretation was supported by quotes taken out of context, but he did it so adroitly that anyone who had not read the book (which was obviously nearly everyone) would believe the author had absolutely no knowledge of the subject. He did it so well that even Sergey Ivanovitch would have found it hard to disagree with him. Though he had spent six years meticulously researching every detail, Sergey Ivanovitch did not consider for a moment the faults and mistakes the critic pointed out; instead he pondered his one meeting with the man. Sergey Ivanovitch concluded that he had offended the critic at that meeting, and of course that is the reason he wrote such an outrageous review.

After that review, the book was gone, leaving no trace in the world. Sergey Ivanovitch is a man with great energy, cultivation, and health, but he had nothing to do with his excess energy. He did enjoy discussion when he had the opportunity, but he still had too much free time. It is fortunate for him that society soon became obsessed with the condition of the Slavonic States which were at war. Studying the various positions and arguments gave him a chance to challenge his mind. Sergey Ivanovitch threw himself into the activities supporting this cause and spent most of the summer answering letters and appeals he received. He worked all spring and most of the summer.

Now, to keep his promise, he is going for two weeks to visit his brother in the country. He wants to spend time in the beautiful country, enjoying the uplifting spirits of the country people.