Ivan Petrovitch spent the great part of the year in Lavriky (that was the name of the principal estate inherited from his ancestors).

But in the winter he used to go to Moscow alone; there he stayed at a tavern, diligently visited the club, made speeches and developed his plans in drawing-rooms, and in his behaviour was more than ever Anglomaniac, grumbling and political.

But the year 1825 came and brought much sorrow.

Intimate friends and acquaintances of Ivan Petrovitch underwent painful experiences.

Ivan Petrovitch made haste to withdraw into the country and shut himself up in his house.