She had never been pretty but had always felt that she ought to be; she was stupid but comforted herself by the certain assurance that every one else was stupid too.

She had come to the war because a large family of brothers and sisters refused to have her at home.

I disliked her very much, and she hated myself and Marie Ivanovna more than any one else in the world.

I don't know why she grouped us together--she always did.
Marie Ivanovna was sitting with us now in the carriage, white-faced and silent.

Sofia Antonovna was very patronising....