Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/106

 "It all seems so odd to me," I ended, after a long eulogy on the music, the dresses, etc. "It is strange to think of one person's having a right to stand in a certain spot, while no one else must put the toe of his shoe on that spot. I could not help wondering what would happen if I, finding that I could not see what I wished from my position, should walk inside that rail, where there was plenty of room, and stand beside the grand-duchesses."

The young man looked rather startled. "Oh!" he cried, "no one ever goes there except the imperial family."

"I know," I answered, laughing at my companion's horror. "I had no idea of doing it. I only wondered what would happen if I did."

He looked relieved.

"I suppose everything is quite different in America?"

"Quite. No one takes precedence of any one else there."

This was somewhat puzzling to my young friend; but he was too polite to show that he disapproved of my country, so he refrained from criticism.

"It is a pity," he remarked, "that you will not see the Empress at any of these ceremonies. She is very delicate, and does not leave her own apartments."

"Are you discussing the Greek religion?" asked George, appearing just then at my other elbow.

"Nothing so important," I answered. "Only the difference between Russia and America."

"That is a prolific subject. Pardon me for