Before quoting Drouzhínin's criticism of _Youth_, it will be in place to mention other works by Tolstoy, not yet enumerated, which appeared at this period. _Memoirs of a Billiard Marker_, giving a glimpse of temptations Tolstoy had experienced, was published in January 1855, while he was in Sevastopol. In January 1856 came _Sevastopol in August_. In March 1856 appeared _The Snow Storm_. In May 1856 came a rollicking tale, with flashes of humour like that of Charles Lever, entitled _Two Hussars_. It is the only story Tolstoy ever wrote in that vein; and in it are introduced gipsy singers such as those of whom repeated mention occurs in his letters. In December, before he went abroad, two more tales were published: one of these, entitled _Meeting a Moscow Acquaintance in the Detachment_, containing a scathing portrayal of the cowardice a man, who had passed muster in 'good society,' displayed when circumstances put him to the test. The other story, _A Squire's Morning_, is closely drawn from Tolstoy's own experience when on first leaving the University he settled on his estate and attempted to better the condition of his serfs. Their stolidity, their distrust, and the immense difficulty of introducing any changes, are all brought out. In a letter to Drouzhínin, Tourgénef wrote: I have read his _Squire's Morning_, which pleased me exceedingly by its sincerity and almost complete freedom of outlook. I say 'almost' because in the way he set himself the task, there still is hidden (without his perhaps being aware of it) a certain amount of prejudice. The chief moral impression produced by the story (leaving the artistic impression aside) is that so long as the state of serfdom exists, there is no possibility of the two sides drawing together, despite the most disinterested and honourable desire to do so; and this impression is good and true. But beside it, like a horse cantering beside a trotter, there is another: namely, that in general to try to enlighten or improve the condition of the peasants leads to nothing; and this impression is unpleasant. But the mastery of language, the way it is told, and his character-drawing, are grand. 1857 In January 1857 appeared _Youth_, the continuation of _Childhood_ and _Boyhood_. How great Drouzhínin's influence was with Tolstoy at this time, may be judged by the tone of his letter to him, giving an opinion on _Youth_. He writes: