The fact that the children had not been at the sacrament for nearly a year worried her extremely, and with the full approval and sympathy of Marya Philimonovna she decided that this should take place now in the summer.

For several days before, Darya Alexandrovna was busily deliberating on how to dress all the children.

Frocks were made or altered and washed, seams and flounces were let out, buttons were sewn on, and ribbons got ready.