Leo Tolstoy

“ She was charmed with all her new comrades. But above all, with Maria Pablovna—­nay, she even came to love her with a respectful and exulting love. She was struck by the fact that a beautiful girl of a rich and noble family, and speaking three languages, should conduct herself like a common workingwoman, distribute everything sent her by her rich brother, dress herself not only simply, but poorly, and pay no attention to her appearance. ”

“ She also said that from childhood she had felt an aversion for the life of the gentry, but loved the common folks, and was often chidden for staying in the servants’ quarters, the kitchen and the stable, instead of the parlor. ”