The Little Russian Servant

'The Little Russian Servant' is a novella by Henry Gréville, first published in 1899, that examines class disparity and unrequited love in 19th-century Russia. The story follows Mavra, a young peasant girl who becomes a servant in a noble household, where she develops feelings for Count Serge. As Mavra navigates her duties and her admiration for the family, her life takes a turn when Serge marries, prompting her return to her village. Ultimately, she finds fulfillment in her role as a nurse for Serge's child, highlighting the complexities of social class and personal longing.