Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/114

 CHAPTER IX.

EPIPHANY.

January 18.

E have just returned from the palace, where we went to see the blessing of the Neva, which always takes place on this date. It is the Russian Epiphany. It was quite an interesting ceremony, or would have been so if I could have seen more of it.

A pavilion was erected on the border of the river opposite the main entrance to the palace, and a carpet spread across the road. There was such a crowd in the hall where we were that I feared we should not be able to get near a window; but Prince Tucheff procured a retired corner, from which we had a view of the street below. He stationed himself behind me and beside Judith, who never turned her head towards the window, and who, consequently, knows as much about the blessing of the Neva as she does about Greek. I could not avoid overhearing some of their conversation, as I was so near. I hailed the appearance of Mr. Cheremenieff with relief, for my position was growing embarrassing.

"Why don't they begin?" I asked.

"The service is now going on in the chapel below. At its close, the priests will go out upon the river. But