This remarkable education consists in a smattering of the customary feminine accomplishments, especial value being attached to a knowledge of French, which is one mark of the gentry in Russia.
Like all merchants' daughters who have been educated above their sphere, Lipotchka aspires to marry a noble, preferably a military man.

The play opens with a soliloquy by Lipotchka, who meditates upon the pleasures of the dance.
"What an agreeable occupation these dances are! Just think how fine! What can be more entrancing?
You enter an assembly, or some one's wedding, you sit down; naturally, you are all decked with flowers, you are dressed up like a doll, or like a picture in a paper; suddenly a cavalier flies up, 'Will you grant me the happiness, madam ?' Well, you see if he is a man with understanding, or an army officer, you half-close your eyes, and reply, 'With pleasure!' Ah! Cha-a-arming! It is simply beyond comprehension! I no longer like to dance with students or shop-clerks.

'Tis quite another thing to distinguish yourself with military men! Ah, how delightful! How enchanting! And their mustaches, and their epaulets, and their uniforms, and some even have spurs with bells....

I am amazed that so many women should sit with their feet tucked up under them.
Really, it is not at all difficult to learn.

Here am I, who was ashamed to take a teacher.