They did not remember their father, and their mother died when Alexey Alexandrovitch was ten years old.

The property was a small one.

Their uncle, Karenin, a government official of high standing, at one time a favorite of the late Tsar, had brought them up.

On completing his high school and university courses with medals, Alexey Alexandrovitch had, with his uncle's aid, immediately started in a prominent position in the service, and from that time forward he had devoted himself exclusively to political ambition.

In the high school and the university, and afterwards in the service, Alexey Alexandrovitch had never formed a close friendship with anyone.