It was known that the governor's wife was to make her appearance there for the first time since her arrival amongst us.

I must mention that there were already rumours that she was a free-thinker, and a follower of "the new principles." All the ladies were also aware that she would be dressed with magnificence and extraordinary elegance.

And so the costumes of our ladies were elaborate and gorgeous for the occasion.
Only Varvara Petrovna was modestly dressed in black as she always was, and had been for the last four years.

She had taken her usual place in church in the first row on the left, and a footman in livery had put down a velvet cushion for her to kneel on; everything in fact, had been as usual.

But it was noticed, too, that all through the service she prayed with extreme fervour.