Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/104

 resignation, if it had not been for my new slippers and their pointed toes.

The Russian ladies were dressed in the national court costume, which is very pretty. It consists of a white silk or satin skirt; a low waist, long train, and wide, open sleeves of colored velvet; a tiara of the same color,—red seems to be preferred,—and a veil attached to the tiara, which falls down behind over the dress. Of course these costumes were more or less elegant, according to the materials and the jewels worn. The jewels at this court surpass any others in Europe. I am sure it would be safe to add Asia, also, but I have no desire to exaggerate; and, as I have never frequented Asiatic courts, perhaps I am not competent to judge.

The Grand Duchess Constantine has the finest jewels in Russia. On this occasion she wore a train of pearl-gray satin, trimmed with bands of wide Russian sable. The fur round the top of the waist was headed with diamonds, and fastened on one shoulder with an immense emerald. Her petticoat was also of gray satin; and three rows of velvet, thickly sown with all kinds of precious stones, extended from her waist to her feet. On her neck were strings of diamonds and pearls. Her tiara was covered with little diamond points, and her veil of rich old lace fell far down over her dress.

There was a great deal of chanting by the metropolitan and priests, and then the water in the font was blessed. The child was separated in some mysterious way from all his clothes, and plunged into the font three