_Tuesday, February 26th._--His Majesty asked me to help him to do his accounts and draw up a family budget. He has saved a little from his “toilet allowance.” _Wednesday, February 27th._--The Czar said jokingly that, since everyone is appointing committees, he is going to appoint one to look after the welfare of his own community. It is to consist of General Tatichtchef, Prince Dolgorouky, and myself. We held a “sitting” this afternoon and came to the conclusion that the _personnel_ must be reduced. This is a wrench; we shall have to dismiss ten servants, several of whom have their families with them in Tobolsk. When we informed Their Majesties we could see the grief it caused them. They must part with servants whose very devotion will reduce them to beggary. _Friday, March 1st._--The new régime comes into force. From to-day butter and coffee are excluded from the table as luxuries. _Monday, March 4th._--The soldiers’ committee has decided to abolish the snow mountain we have built (it was such a source of amusement to the children!) because the Czar and Czarina mounted it to watch the departure of the men of the 4th Regiment. Every day now brings fresh vexations to the Czar’s family and their suite. For a long time we have only been allowed to go out when accompanied by a soldier; it is probable that even this last privilege will soon be taken from us. _Tuesday, March 5th._--Yesterday the soldiers, with a hang-dog look (for they felt it was a mean task), began to destroy the snow mountain with picks. The children are disconsolate. _Friday, March 15th._--The townspeople, hearing of our situation, find various ways of sending us eggs, sweetmeats, and delicacies. _Sunday, March 17th._--To-day is Carnival Sunday. Everyone is merry. The sledges pass to and fro under our windows; sound of bells, mouth-organs, and singing.... The children wistfully watch the fun. They have begun to grow bored and find their captivity irksome. They walk round the courtyard, fenced in by its high paling through which they can see nothing. Since the destruction of their snow mountain their only distraction is sawing and cutting wood. The arrogance of the soldiers is inconceivable; those who have left have been replaced by a pack of blackguardly-looking young men.