Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/154

 I—that is—we—all of us would make you so fond of it that you would not wish to go away," stammering, and growing a little confused.

"I dare say you would," I answered. "That is the reason I don't care to stay longer; for think what a terrible catastrophe it would be if I grew to like Russia so much that I did not wish to leave it."

"Then we might be able to induce you to stay always," said the young man, looking as if he would say more if he dared. He had said all I wished, and I was glad that we reached the throne-room just at this moment, and he was obliged to leave me.

The members of the diplomatic corps dropped in and chatted together, the ladies criticising each other's dresses.

We went into the chapel at last, and spread out our trains for the first, last, and only time that morning, to be ready for the entrance of the wedding party.

First came a long procession of all the gentlemen of the chamber, two by two, then the chamberlains, the masters of ceremonies, and the grand master of ceremonies, preceding the Emperor, who led the mother of the bridegroom.

She wore a cream-colored satin petticoat, and a red velvet train covered with gold embroidery; her jewels were rubies and diamonds. The Tsarevna came in with her husband, followed by her eldest sons.

The bride and groom were the last to enter the chapel. She is tall and slender, with dark eyes and smooth, dark hair. She was dressed in cloth of silver, and her train