Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/157

 The crowns seemed to be very heavy, and had to be held up at arm's length. Rings were exchanged; then the metropolitan joined the hands of the couple under a cloth-of-gold scarf, and led them three times slowly round the altar, still holding the candles, and being crowned by the groomsmen. This tour must have been rather troublesome for the bride, with her five train-bearers, her crown-holder, her candle in one hand, and her other hand in her husband's.

"Now they are married," said my neighbor. "They cannot change their minds after this."

I sighed.

"Do you feel ill again?" quickly.

"No. I was only thinking what a dreadful thing it must be to feel that you cannot change your mind."

The choir burst into a joyful song, and we were politely requested to walk out, which we did with much clatter and noise. The outer halls through which we passed were filled with officers of the guard, in full uniform, who made way for us to go into the hall of St. Alexander, where the Lutheran service was to be held. George kept close to my side, and suggested that I should go home at once; but I only laughed at him.

"I never fainted in my life," I cried. "It was nothing but the heat, and the fact that I have had no breakfast."

He stopped short and looked at me. "Are you wild?"

"No; but I slept so late that I had only time to take a cup of coffee."