Yulka both hates and admires the old woman who hires her as a housemaid. Marta acts like a real queen, reigning over Yulka and treating her worse than a servant. However, for the purposes of her plan, Yulka is ready to bear any hardship - Marta takes pleasure in watching Yulka and, from time to time, skillfully pulling on her heartstrings; the girl is not ready to take over her role yet.