1/14 March 1917

Where is Papa? We’re frantic. He should be here by now. We know only that he couldn’t get through Petrograd to reach us because the revolutionaries control the railroad station. The water and electricity have been cut off, and the telephone lines as well.

Baroness Buxhoeveden arrived in a hysterical state, saying that a sentry has been killed not five hundred meters from the palace. Mama and Mashka (the only one of us who is not dreadfully sick) put on heavy coats and went out to plead with the palace guards to remain calm. I was terrified that something would happen to them, but they returned safely, and I thank God for that. The rebellious soldiers have agreed to establish a neutral zone. Everything seems calm again. But I’m not.