yourself has been to me.

I agree with what you say about the end of my story which you have cut out;
thank you for the helpful advice. I have been writing for the last six
years, but you are the first person who has taken the trouble to advise and
explain.

... I do not write very much--not more than two or three short stories
weekly.





TO D. V. GRIGOROVITCH.

MOSCOW,
March 28, 1886.


Your letter, my kind, fervently beloved bringer of good tidings, struck me
like a flash of lightning. I almost burst into tears, I was overwhelmed,
and now I feel it has left a deep trace in my soul! May God show the same
tender kindness to you in your age as you have shown me in my youth! I can
find neither words nor deeds to thank you. You know with what eyes ordinary
people look at the elect such as you, and so you can judge what your letter
means for my self-esteem. It is better than any diploma, and for a writer
who is just beginning it is payment both for the present and the future. I
am almost dazed. I have no power to judge whether I deserve this high
reward. I only repeat that it has overwhelmed me.