To begin with, connections with the higher spheres were not established, or only on a microscopic scale, and by humiliating exertions.

In her mortification Varvara Petrovna threw herself heart and soul into the "new ideas," and began giving evening receptions.

She invited literary people, and they were brought to her at once in multitudes.

Afterwards they came of themselves without invitation, one brought another.

Never had she seen such literary men.