"What does your grace desire?" asked Nadeska, in a tone of voice which betrayed, through all its deep respectfulness, a certain familiarity.
"Have the candles lit in the rooms, Nadeska; and, you hear, let all the servants be called together to receive the ladies in the great hall. Whom will you give them for their personal attendants?"
"I thought Katinka, Mademoiselle Virginie; and, among the German girls, Mary and Louisa."
"Very well. You will receive the ladies yourself at the door, and show them to their rooms."
"Has your grace any other orders?"
"No, Nadeska."
The woman courtesied and went to the door. When she was quite near it, the princess called her back. She came again to her chair.
"Did you notice the count this morning, Nadeska?"
"Yes, your grace."
"Did you observe anything particular?"