In the outlying serfs' quarters torches and candles were burning and no one slept.

The old prince, stepping on his heels, paced up and down his study and sent Tikhon to ask Mary Bogdanovna what news.

--"Say only that 'the prince told me to ask,' and come and tell me her answer.

" "Inform the prince that labor has begun," said Mary Bogdanovna, giving the messenger a significant look.

Tikhon went and told the prince.