"How they'll enjoy this at tea-time!" she thought of her children, remembering how she herself as a child had wondered how it was the grown-up people did not eat what was best of all--the scum of the jam.

"Stiva says it's much better to give money.

" Dolly took up meanwhile the weighty subject under discussion, what presents should be made to servants.

" But..." "Money's out of the question!" the princess and Kitty exclaimed with one voice.

" They appreciate a present..." "Well, last year, for instance, I bought our Matrona Semyenovna, not a poplin, but something of that sort," said the princess.