It was instantly apparent that Marie Ivanovna was a success.

On the second day after our arrival at the school-house there were continual exclamations: "But how charming the new Sister! How sympathetic!...
Have you talked to the new Sister ?" Even Sister K----, so serious and religious, approved.

It was evident at once that Marie Ivanovna was, on her side, delighted with every one.

I could see that at present she was assured that what she wanted from life would be granted to her.

She gave herself, with complete confidence, to any one and every one, and, with that triumphing vitality that one felt in her from the first moment of meeting her, she carried all before her.