Marfa Yuryevna

Twelve mirrors, one hundred eighty candles, twenty maids. I counted three times, and all three matched, which is exactly why I can't sleep.

• Grand Duchess Isolda VsevolodovnaIf it matches, that's all that matters.
  Marfa YuryevnaYes, my lady. If it's strange even when it matches, that's an old woman's fault, I suppose.
• LiliyaHousekeeper, it wasn't one hundred eighty candles, it was one hundred seventy-nine. One keeps going missing.
  Marfa YuryevnaCarry the candlestick steady instead of shaking it. Then not one goes missing.

One candle, thirteen ridges of dripped wax. But tonight there are only twelve dances.

• Prokhor the BellringerThe thirteenth, the bell swallowed. My arm aches one extra time too.
  Marfa YuryevnaOld man, say things like that where the maids can't hear.
• Kapellmeister Gennady LokhvinCounting a measure not in the score is the kapellmeister's business, not the housekeeper's.
  Marfa YuryevnaThen you count it, Kapellmeister. I'll stick to candles.