Thanks to the efforts of upwards of ten human beings⁠—counting laundresses, gardeners, cooks, kitchen-maids, butlers and footmen⁠—the table was sumptuously laid for eight, with silver waterjugs, decanters, kvass, wine, mineral waters, cut glass, and fine table linen, while two menservants were continually hurrying to and fro, bringing in and serving, and then clearing away the hors d’oeuvre and the various hot and cold courses.