Therefore, the simple business of preparing the tea was now
as difficult for her as it is difficult for all of us in childhood
to distinguish the left hand from the right, or to tie a rope in a
small noose. The bustling Lichonin only hindered her and threw her
into confusion.
"My dear, the art of brewing tea is a great art. It ought to be
studied at Moscow. At first a dry teapot is slightly warmed up.
Then the tea is put into it and is quickly scalded with boiling
water. The first liquid must at once be poured off into the slop-
bowl--the tea thus becomes purer and more aromatic; and by the
way, it's also known that Chinamen are pagans and prepare their
herb very filthily. After that the tea-pot must be filled anew, up
to a quarter of its volume; left on the tray, covered over with a
towel and kept so for three and a half minutes. Afterwards pour in
more boiling water almost up to the top, cover it again, let it
stay just a bit, and you have ready, my dear, a divine beverage;
fragrant, refreshing, and strengthening."
The homely, but pleasant-looking face of Liubka, all spotted from
freckles, like a cuckoo's egg, lengthened and paled a little.
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