"I've come to sit with you a bit, Masha," said the nurse, "and here I've brought the prince's wedding candles to light before his saint, my angel," she said with a sigh.

"Oh, nurse, I'm so glad!" "God is merciful, birdie.

" The nurse lit the gilt candles before the icons and sat down by the door with her knitting.

Princess Mary took a book and began reading.

Only when footsteps or voices were heard did they look at one another, the princess anxious and inquiring, the nurse encouraging.