The cradle creaked, in the air was the heavy smell, and suddenly, beyond the window, a cock crowed.

These things were real.
But also I seemed to be in some place much vaster than the stuffy kitchen of the night before.

Under the light that was with every minute growing stronger, I could fancy that many figures were moving in the shadows; it seemed to me as though I were in some place where great preparations were being made.

I fancied then that I could discern Marie Ivanovna's figure, then Nikitin, then Semyonov, then Molozov....

There was a great silence but I felt that every one was busily occupied in making ready for some affair.