From her sprightly and volatile disposition, she at an early period took delight in reading the novels that were at that time fashionable,—such as Parismus and Parismanus, Don Bellianis of Greece, Amadis de Gaul, and Cassandra and Cleopatra; and in a little time really believed what she wished, even that she was a princess.

On New Year's Day, the queen did not disdain to receive presents from her servants. A laundress bid the Queen's acceptance of three pocket handkerchiefs. Another sought favor with a cambric nightcap. Apothecaries presented packets of green ginger, orange candy, and the sergeant of the pastry a great quince pie with gilt ornaments.

In Germany, biscuits, often of animal or human shape, are conspicuous on Christmas Eve. In Berlin a great pile of biscuits heaped up on your plate is an important part of the Christmas Eve supper. These of course are nowadays mere luxuries, but they may well have had some sort of sacrificial origin.